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The American Staffordshire Terrier is not a new breed. Although it gained American Kennel Club registration and recognition in 1936, it has been developed since the early 1800’s as a result of crosses between the bulldogs of that time and game terriers. One of the early and very famous AKC registered staffs was Pete the Pup, (real name Lucenay’s Peter), dog star of the original Our Gang comedies of the 1930”s.
Although the early ancestors of this breed came from England, the development of the American Staffordshire Terrier is the story of a truly American breed. This type of dog was instrumental in the success of farmers and sellers who developed this country. They were used for general farm work, hunting wild pigs, bears and other large game, guarding the homestead and general companionship.
A number of the early ancestors were also develped for the “sport” of dog fighting. The extraordinary vitality of this breed is a direct result of breeding for successful fighting dogs. This now illegal activity is unfortunately more often cited as the early purpose of the dogs rather than the general farm work.
Although ancestors of the American Staffordshire were fighting dogs, the selective breeding since the 1930”s has been away from the fighting heritage. The American Staffordshire terrier of today is a companion and show dog rather than a gladiator. Although more rarely used in the farm now, the talents that made a good all purpose dog are still to be found in the breed. The American Staffordshire Terrier is a fearless and courageous dog. Despite his roots, today the Am Staff is patient, reliable, loving, and extremely devoted to his family. Known for being good with children, the Am Staff is gentle and good natured enough to accept their sometimes rough play. A loyal companion, the Am Staff tolerates other household pets well. The Am Staff is a very versatile breed with an eager to please personality. Am Staffs excel at weight pulling, tracking, agility, flyball, and as therapy dogs to children, the elderly and the infirm.
Intelligent, alert, and strong-willed, he benefits from early obedience training and socialization. Training can be a challenge for the inexperienced dog owner. His terrier nature requires an owner who is strong and confident without being overbearing. The Am Staff has a high activity level and needs daily exercise. He can live well in either the city or country but must have a fenced backyard.
Although the early ancestors of this breed came from England, the development of the American Staffordshire Terrier is the story of a truly American breed. This type of dog was instrumental in the success of farmers and sellers who developed this country. They were used for general farm work, hunting wild pigs, bears and other large game, guarding the homestead and general companionship.
A number of the early ancestors were also develped for the “sport” of dog fighting. The extraordinary vitality of this breed is a direct result of breeding for successful fighting dogs. This now illegal activity is unfortunately more often cited as the early purpose of the dogs rather than the general farm work.
Although ancestors of the American Staffordshire were fighting dogs, the selective breeding since the 1930”s has been away from the fighting heritage. The American Staffordshire terrier of today is a companion and show dog rather than a gladiator. Although more rarely used in the farm now, the talents that made a good all purpose dog are still to be found in the breed. The American Staffordshire Terrier is a fearless and courageous dog. Despite his roots, today the Am Staff is patient, reliable, loving, and extremely devoted to his family. Known for being good with children, the Am Staff is gentle and good natured enough to accept their sometimes rough play. A loyal companion, the Am Staff tolerates other household pets well. The Am Staff is a very versatile breed with an eager to please personality. Am Staffs excel at weight pulling, tracking, agility, flyball, and as therapy dogs to children, the elderly and the infirm.
Intelligent, alert, and strong-willed, he benefits from early obedience training and socialization. Training can be a challenge for the inexperienced dog owner. His terrier nature requires an owner who is strong and confident without being overbearing. The Am Staff has a high activity level and needs daily exercise. He can live well in either the city or country but must have a fenced backyard.
