History of the American Staffordshire Terrier

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.
 (Source - Staffordshire Terrier Club of America)

The American Staffordshire Terrier should not be confused with the American Pit Bull Terrier. 

Although both originated from the same bloodline they are NOT one and same dog today. 

The Amstaff has been bred along a different line than its predecessor as is bred more as a 'Show' dog,

Amstaffs are intelligent, excellent guardians, great family dogs and will protect their masters property. They are today's "Nanny Dog" to our children.

Sadly, the amstaff has been portrayed as vicious, aggressive fighting dogs, due to their history. Firstly, they were never HUMAN aggressive and any dog that showed this towards any human was immediately destroyed.
After careful breeding and making dog fighting illegal the Amstaff was able to shine and show their true temperament by retaining their incredible courage, loyalty and stamina.