American Staffordshire Terrier
History
Early bulldog–terrier crosses were brought to the US by British and Irish settlers, especially after the American Civil War, where they were mainly used as hunting dogs, farm dogs, and guard dogs.
"Until the early 19th century, the Bulldog used for bullbaiting in England was more active and longer-legged than the breed as we know it today. It is thought that the cross of this older Bulldog and a game terrier breed created the Staffordshire Terrier. Originally called the Bull-and-Terrier Dog, Half and Half staffy, it became known as the Staffordshire Terrier in England. When accepted for AKC registration in 1936, the name changed to American Staffordshire Terrier to reflect the heavier American type and to distinguish them as separate breeds" - AKC (American Kennel Club
In the early 1830s, after the Human Ethics Act passed, animal fights, especially the formerly extremely-popular and bear-baiting, became illegal in Britain and Ireland. From then on, the people began to organize rat-fights and dog-fights, because they were much easier to hide from law enforcement officials than fights involving larger animals like bulls. At first, smallish terriers were used in the rat- and dog-fights, such as the old English white terrier and its black-and-tan cousin, today known as the Manchester terrier, which were known for their extreme prey drive and gameness. Some of these dogs were crossed with bulldogs to create a breed that retained the abilities of the terriers and added the strength and jaw-grip of the bulldogs.
American Staffordshire terriers were first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1936[1]. They belong to the terrier and molosser groups.
Characteristics
Appearance
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a medium-sized dog that ranges from a height of about 18 to 19 inches (45.7 cm-48.3 cm) at shoulders for the male and 17 to 18 inches (43.2 cm- 45.7 cm) for the female, and weighs from 44- 77 lbs (22 to 40 kg). (http://www.akc.org/breeds/american_staffordshire_terrier/.)
The dog is of muscular, square build, solid black nose, and gives the impression of great strength, agility, and grace for their size.
The chest is deep and broad.
The neck is strong, and well arched.
The coat is short and glossy.
These dogs are generally courageous, tenacious, friendly, extremely attentive, and extraordinarily devoted.
Amstaffs learn quickly from the subtlest of our behaviors. They are thus not only highly responsive during training but also pick up good habits, such as house training. This can become a problem when an owner unknowingly allows the dog to pick up bad behaviors. A typical training regimen should begin at 8 to 10 weeks of age. It has been proven that Positive Reinforcement Training works very well with this breed.
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a companion dog. They require a very large amount of time for rough, or hard working play. They enjoy weight pulling and agility training.They are an incredibly alert breed, which respond to any sound they hear. That along with their aggressive appearance makes them a keen home theft deterrent.
Famous American Staffordshire Terriers on Film
- Pete the Pup in several Our Gang films. Also known as Petey
- Buzzin' Around (1933) Directed by Alfred J. Goulding
- Bubble Boy (2001) Directed by Blair Hayes
- 'Jake', a dog, featured in an "easter egg"; hidden in DVD format for the horror film Cabin Fever.
Books
- American Staffordshire Terrier by Joseph Janish, 2003, 155 pages; ISBN 1593782489
- American Staffordshire Terrier Champions, 1988-1995 by Jan Linzy, 1998, 84 pages; ISBN 155893054X
- American Staffordshire Terrier Champions, 1996-2001 by Jan Linzy, 2002, 84 pages; ISBN 1558931023
- Staffordshire Terriers: American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier by Anna Katherine Nicholas, 1991, 256 pages; ISBN 0866226370
- The American Staffordshire Terrier: Gamester and Guardian by Sarah Foster, 1998, 139 pages; ISBN 0876050038
