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American Staffordshire Terrier
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The American Staffordshire terrier is a breed of dog. The breed is a second cousin of the American pit bull terrier. 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 fighting dogs, but also as hunting dogs, farm dogs, and guard dogs.
In the early 1830s, after the Human Ethics Act passed, animal fights, especially the formerly extremely-popular bull-baiting and bear-baiting, became illegal in Britain and Ireland.
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Encyclopedia
The American Staffordshire terrier is a breed of dog. The breed is a second cousin of the American pit bull terrier. 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 fighting dogs, but also as hunting dogs, farm dogs, and guard dogs.
In the early 1830s, after the Human Ethics Act passed, animal fights, especially the formerly extremely-popular bull-baiting 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. They belong to the terrier and molosser groups.
Characteristics
Appearance
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a medium-sized dog that ranges from 48 to 53 cm (19 to 21 inches) at the withers, and weighs from 28 to 40 kg (61 to 88 pounds).
The dog is of square build, 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.
Temperament
These dogs are generally courageous, tenacious, friendly, extremely attentive, and extraordinarily devoted.
These dogs 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.
Similarities to the American Pit Bull Terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier are cousins, who derived from the same stock in Britain. Frequent questions arise regarding the two breeds, "Are they the same?" "How are they different?" In the eyes of the UKC, they are the same breed, but many disagree. Some AKC-registered Amstaff are dual-registered as APBT with the UKC; however, this draws criticism from many, who point out that the bloodlines have been separate for too long for these two breeds to be considered the same. The AKC does not allow a UKC-registered APBT to be registered as an Amstaff. To be dual-registered, the dog must first be an AKC-registered American Staffordshire Terrier and then it can be registered with the UKC as an APBT but not vice versa.
Despite their similarities there are some distinct differences between the two breeds, they have different builds. The Amstaff has a different bone structure particularly in regards to the shape of its robust head and more prominent fore legs. The Amstaff also has a more solid build and is slightly lower to the ground. The APBT generally speaking is lighter, leaner, and has more emphasis on the hind legs. Sometimes distinguishing the difference between the two breeds can be confusing, especially with crosses and hybrids that are advertised as Pit Bulls.
Breed-specific legislation
Areas that have passed breed specific legislation banning or restricting the ownership of Pit Bulls and "pit bull type" dogs most often also ban the Amstaff, as the Amstaff is without a doubt similar to the American Bulldog. Most often, dogs are judged solely on their looks. Current practice for Pet Rescue facilities dictates that these most maligned animals go to very stable homes with solid family values. A very deep application process is normally involved with adoption to ensure that the AmStaff or typical breed dog goes where it will be properly trained and cared for in a permanent family environment.
Famous American Staffordshire Terriers on Film
- Pete the Pup in several Our Gang films. Also known as Petey who was also registered as an American Pit Bull Terrier under the UKC and an American Staffordshire Terrier in the AKC.
- 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.
Law
It is illegal in Miami-Dade County, Florida to own or keep Pit Bull Dogs, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, or any other dog that substantially conforms to any of these breeds’ characteristics.
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
External links
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