History

The origin of the American Staffordshire Terrier began in the 19th century in the region of Staffordshire. Here they crossbred a variety of terriers to develop a more muscular, energetic, and aggressive Staffordshire Bull Terrier. This breed was brought to America and breeders immediately took to the dog and began to work on increasing their weight and a stronger more powerful head.

Prior to the dog-fighting group taking a fancy to the American Staffordshire Terrier, it was mainly used for farm work, hunting wild game, guarding, and companionship by the American farmer. However, it fell prey to the dog fighters because of the easy training ability and strength of the breed. In addition to the fact, it would fight to the death in order to please its master. Dog fighting was banned in the United States in 1990, which brought about two strains of the American Staffordshire Terrier, the show dog and the fighting dog. The American Staffordshire Terrier was the show strain while the fighting strain was known as the American Pit Bull Terrier. Today, both strains are recognized as different breeds.

In 1936, the American Kennel Club recognized the American Staffordshire Terrier and put them in the classification of the Terrier and Molosser groups. The American Pit Bull Terrier is now being bred with the American Staffordshire Terrier to develop a more gentle nature for the pit bull terrier.

Behavior

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a happy, outgoing, stable, and confident dog. Gentle and loving towards people. Good-natured, amusing, extremely loyal and affectionate family pet. It is good with children and adults. Almost always obedient, this dog wants nothing more then to please its master. It is an extremely courageous and intelligent guard dog that is very full of life. Over the past 50 years, careful breeding has produced this friendly, trustworthy, dog who is an especially good dog for children. Courageous and a persistent fighter if provoked. Highly protective of his owners and the owner's property, it will fight an enemy to the death if the enemy traps the dog in a corner and threatens its loved ones. This breed has a very high tolerance for pain. Some un-socialized Staffs may be dog aggressive. Socialize very thoroughly when young to curve any dog aggressive tendencies. This breed can be difficult to housebreak. It has given outstanding results as a guardian of property, but is at the same time esteemed as a companion dog. When properly trained and socialized, the American Staffordshire Terrier makes a great family companion.

The American Staffordshire Terrier is great as an indoor dog as long as he receives the exercise he needs. He loves warmer climates and does not need a large yard, but does need regular exercise. Grooming is not a major problem with the American Staffordshire because of the short stiff coat. It should be brushed on regularly about once per week. You should use a firm bristle brush. He will shed but nothing out of the ordinary. As for bathing, this can be done on an as needed basis using either wet or dry shampoo. If you towel dry with chamois or regular towel, his coat will shine.

Function

Guarding, Watchdog, Weight Pulling, Police Work, Rescue Work, Pet.

Health

Some are prone to heart murmurs, thyroid problems, skin allergies, tumors, hip dysplasia, hereditary cataracts and congenital heart disease.