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History: 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 settlers 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 developed 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 on the farm now, the talents that made him a good all purpose dog are still to be found in the breed.
Appearance: The American Staffordshire Terrier is a large dog that ranges from 17 to 18 (bitches) and 18 to 19 inches (dogs) at the withers.
He is muscular and strong, and gives the impression of great strength and agility for his size. His chest is deep and broad, and his neck is heavy. He has a broad skull, pronounced cheek muscles, and strong jaws. His ears may be half prick, rose, or cropped.
The coat is short and glossy and can be of any colour although all white, mostly white, liver, and black and tan are not encouraged. His nose must be black.
Temperament: Gentle and loving towards its owners and family, the American Staffordshire Terrier does have an agressive tendency towards other animals. Should be socialized early. Quite an intelligent and obidient breed, training should start early due to naturally high energy levels of the breed.
Similarities with other Bull Terriers: The American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pitbull Terrier are physically very similar.
The main physical difference between the breeds is that the American Staffordshire Terrier is not permitted to have red ("Dudley") nose leather, whereas American Pitbull Terriers may have either red or black nose leather. American Staffordshire Terriers are also often stockier than American Pitbull Terriers.
However, a pedigree is the only reliable way to distinguish between dogs from these two breeds. Even experienced AKC judges can find it hard to distinguish between dogs from these two breeds merely on the basis of the small physical differences.
In terms of temperament, the American Staffordshire Terrier is generally accepted to be less tenacious and less dog aggressive (less "game") than the American Pitbull Terrier. However, this distinction is merely a matter of degree, and both breeds exhibit dogs at either end of the temperament spectrum.
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a much larger dog than the english Staffordshire Bull Terrier, to which it is closely related. |
