American Staffordshire

The American Staffordshire Terrier (often abbreviated to Am Staff) originated in The United States. This dog has been known by several names over the years; being called the Bull and Terrier Dog, Yankee Terrier, Half and Half, Pit-bull Terrier and American Bull Terrier. The Amstaff was accepted by the American Kennel Club in 1936 under the name Staffordshire Terrier. Although the American Staffordshire Terrier resembles the American Pit-bull Terrier, it is a completely separate and distinct breed.

American Staffordshire Terrier

The name was later changed to American Staffordshire Terrier to avoid confusion between this dog and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, which is a different breed altogether. Males are about 18 to 19 inches at the shoulder and weigh 50 to 75 pounds (the height and weight should be in proportion). The bitch (female) is slightly smaller than the male.

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a very Powerful Breed

Sometime in the late 1800`s, dog fighting was a popular sport in The United States because animal fighting (larger animals like bulls and bears) had become illegal and dog fights were easier to hide from the law. This is when the American Staffordshire Terrier was bred and is indeed a very powerful breed. This dog was also used for hunting larger animals like wild pigs and bears. It was also used as a guard and a companion dog.

The American Staffordshire Terrier has a square, muscular build with a black nose and he is agile and graceful even though he is bulky. The chest is deep and broad with a well arched neck and a short, glossy coat.

One famous American Staffordshire Terrier that shows the friendly, intelligent side of this breed is Petey the Pup from the Our Gang movies. American Staffordshire learn quickly from the subtlest of behaviours and quickly pick up good as well as bad habits and the best way to train them is with positive reinforcement. They enjoy rough and hard working play and are courageous, tenacious, incredibly devoted companion dogs. These dogs are not naturally aggressive toward people but they will protect their family from any threat. If trained to become aggressive, they are a deadly adversary for animal and human alike.