American Staffordshire Terrier

Country: USA
Weight: 40-50 pounds
Height: 17-19 inches
Coat: Smooth
Color: Any color--solid, parti or patched, but black/tan, liver or more than 80 percent white not to be encouraged.
Registry: FCI, AKC, CKC, UKC
Group: Mastiff

The American Staffordshire Terrier's ancestor, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, was developed in England and brought to the United States in the mid-19th century to compete in the fighting pits. "Cockney" Charlie Lloyd is credited with bringing over "Pilot," "Paddy" and other dogs who figured in the formation of the American strain. Breeders increased the size and height of the British version. Their ears were cropped to accentuate the more massive head and to prevent them from being ripped in a fight. Over the years, this dog has been labeled with a variety of names: Bull-and-Terrier, Half-and-Half, Pit Dog, Pit Bull Terrier, American Bull Terrier and even Yankee Terrier. Even though most were destined for the pits, some were more fortunate and we're set to guard the frontier families and homesteads.

By the 1900s, dog-fighting was generally outlawed in America, and a group of fanciers, who were opposed to any association with the crime, wanted to promote other characteristics of the breed. "Stubby," an American Staffordshire, became the most decorated war dog by earning the rank of sergeant during WWI. It was important to the new breed image to avoid breed names associated with the pits. Breeder Joe Dunn headed the movement to bring together a club, which resulted in the name (and the breed) Staffordshire Terrier. The breed became recognized by AKC in 1936. The word American was added in 1972 in order to differentiate from AKC's newly recognized Staffordshire Bull Terrier. A modest demand from AmStaffs exists in America, but they are rarely seen in Canada.

During the breed's early years of AKC competition, an engaging group of kids entertained American children. These "Little Rascals," (or "Our Gang") had a constant pal in "Pete," their black-eyed Staff, also claimed as a Pit Bull.

Even at the nadir of dog-fighting, the hostilitywas toward other dogs, not to people. This dog was specifically chosed for his acceptance of being grasped or restrained by his handler, even during the frenzy of a fight.

The modern version of the breed is affecionate and reliable with people, and in fact, the high tolerance which served them well in the blood sport gives them unusual patience with children. They barely notice an infant chewing on their ear or a toddler playing "horsie." An occasional bump with a crutch or wheelchair is taken with good humor, making them good companions for the handicapped. Despite this amiability with humans, some Staffs retain their terrier-like pugnacity toward other animals, and owners must be capable of maintaining control.

Their coat requires only a couple swipes with the brush to stay neat. The breed has an uncanny ability to discern between friend and foe. All these qualities, plus their robust good health, make them a good choice whether on farms or in apartments.

All the information here was acquired/adapted from "The Atlas of Dog Breeds of the World" - written by Bonnie Wilcox, DVM and Chris Walkowicz.