The American Staffordshire Terrier is an intelligent dog that make excellent guardians. It was a cross between the Bulldog and the terrier that resulted in the Staffordshire Terrier. As they began to find their way into America they became known by several different names that include:

" Pit Dog
" Pit Bull Terrier
" American Bull Terrier
" Yankee Terrier

The AKC accepted them for registration in 1936, and the name was revised January, 1972 to American Staffordshire Terrier. Breeders in the United States developed a type that is heavier in weight than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier of England. The name change was to distinguish them as separate breeds.

The following information is offered to help you decide if the American Staffordshire Terrier breed is right for you, your family and lifestyle. The descriptions are also meant to fit a dog true to the breed standard.

Origin:

" The roots of this dog can be traced through early Mastiff warriors, to the original Bulldogs in England that were used in the bloody sport of bull baiting.
" It is widely accepted that this breed evolved in part from the "Bulldogue" brought over from the Staffordshire region of England.

Interesting tidbits:

" An American Staffordshire Terrier named Stubby earned the rank of Sergeant and was the most decorated dog of World War I.

AKC classification: Terrier Group

Appearance Description:

" Head medium length
" Ears are set high, cropped or uncropped
" Eyes are dark and round
" Under jaw to be strong and have biting power
" Nose is black
" Shoulders are strong and muscular
" Chest is deep and broad
" Tail is short in comparison to size, low set, tapering to a fine point, not curled or held over back, not docked
" Hindquarters are well-muscled
" Coat is short, close, stiff to the touch and glossy
" Any color, solid, parti or patched
" Height and weight should be in proportion, a height of about 18 to 19 inches at shoulders for the male and 17 to 18 inches for the female

Personality Description:

" courageous
" tenacious
" friendly
" extremely attentive
" extraordinarily devoted
" should be protective toward its family
" If raised properly, they are generally good with children, owners and other dogs or animals.