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American Staffordshire Terrier - Terrier


American Staffordshire Terrier

Family:

terrier, mastiff (bull)


Area of origin:

United States


Original function:

bullbaiting, dog fighting


Average size of male:

Ht: 18-19, Wt: 57-67


Average size of female:

Ht: 17-18, Wt: 57-67


Other names:

none


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    Energy

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    Exercise

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    Playfulness

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    Affection

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    Friendliness towards dogs

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    Friendliness towards other pets

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    Friendliness towards strangers

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    Ease of training

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    Watchdog ability

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    Protection ability

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    Grooming

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    Cold tolerance

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    Heat tolerance

Picture: Kent and Donna Dannen |

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Temperament

Typically docile and playful with his family, the American Staffordshire terrier is also generally friendly toward strangers as long as his people are present. He is generally very good with children. He is stubborn, tenacious and fearless. For all of his tough persona, the most important thing in life to this breed is his family's fond attention.

Care

The Staff needs a daily outlet for his energy, preferably in the form of a long walk on leash or a vigorous game in the yard. This breed is best suited temperamentally to sharing his family's home. Coat care is minimal.

Health

Major concerns: CHD
Minor concerns: none
Occasionally seen: PDA
Suggested tests: OFA, (cardiac)
Life span: 12-14 years
Note: The high pain threshold may mask problems

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Interested in the history of the American Staffordshire Terrier breed?

Expand

The American Staffordshire terrier and the Staffordshire bull terrier descended from the same lines. The prototype originally sprang from crossing the old type of bulldog with some old terrier types, probably the English sooth terrier. The result was aptly called the "bull and terrier," later to be dubbed the Staffordshire bull terrier. The dogs gained fame among fanciers of dog fighting, a popular sport despite its having been declared illegal. Their fighting ability gained them passage to America in the late 1800s, where they dominated the fighting "pits." Here they became known as the pit bull terrier, American bull terrier and even Yankee terrier. Americans favored a slightly bigger dog than the English preferred, and with time the two strains diverged. In 1936, the AKC recognized the breed as the Staffordshire terrier (the name was changed in 1972 to American Staffordshire terrier). Docility and tractability have always been vital traits in a powerful dog that must be handled even in the midst of a dog fight; therefore, the Am Staff evolved to have a sweet and trustworthy disposition around people. Unfortunately, this game dog has too often appealed to people seeking him for his fighting rather than his loving abilities. Often in the midst of controversy, beginning in the 1980s, he sometimes found himself the target of breed-specific laws aimed at banning or controlling certain types of dogs. Despite this, the Am Staff is currently enjoying one of his most popular periods among people wanting a people- and fun-loving dog.


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Some animal welfare organizations with American Staffordshire Terriers ready for adoption:

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