Besides its easy-to-care-for coat, the American Staffordshire Terrier has other grooming needs as well.

Teeth: These dogs are highly prone to halitosis (bad breath), so Amstaff teeth will need brushing at least once per week to kill harmful and odor-causing bacteria. Be sure to use canine toothpaste (available at any pet store), as the kind made for humans can make the dog sick if swallowed. It's a good idea to first give your Amstaff a taste of the toothpaste so the dog can get used to it; lift the dog's lips and brush the outside of all the teeth, including the rear molars.

Nails: If your Amstaff's nails "click" when the dog walks/runs on hard surfaces, it's time for them to be trimmed. Use standard nail clippers to trim each nail--but be sure not to clip them too short, as doing so can cut into the "quick" (the vein running through the nail), making it bleed and be painful.

Ears: If your Amstaff plays outdoors a lot, the dog's ears can trap dirt and debris, which can lead to infections. Check the dog's ears once per week, and if needed clean the area with a cotton ball or rag and a gentle cleansing solution (like equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water).