Size of the American Staffordshire Terrier 

“Height and with should be in proportion.  A height of about 18 to 19 inches at the shoulders for the male and 17 to 18 inches for the female is to be considered preferable.”

      The historical dog the standard was written to describe averaged approximately 18 to 19 inches and 48 to 60 lbs., with bitches 17 to 18 inches, and 42-55 lbs.  This is approximately the proportions that should be considered preferable.  There will always be some variation in sizes and weights, but many of today’s dogs are indeed larger than intended by the original standard.  Unfortunately, the weigh and bone size has increased even faster than height, resulting in specimens that have a completely skewed weight to height ratio.  This increase in size is encouraged by judges who wrongly reward dogs based on larger size/greater weight equation better specimen.  This is not the proper way to judge this breed.  All other considerations being equal, the moderate sized dog should be preferred, and the sizes given above should be considered preferable as stated in the standard.  The dog of moderate size is a balance between power and agility.  To increase the weight decreases agility to the detriment of this balance.