To correctly give the origin and history of the American Staffordshire terrier, it is necessary to comment briefly on two other dogs, namely the Bulldog and the terrier. Until the early part of the 19th century; the Bulldog was bred with great care in England for the purpose of baiting bulls. The Bulldog of that day, with the exception of the head, looked more like the present-day American Staffordshire terrier than like the present-day Bulldog. A terrier is a dog of any one of many breeds or landraces of terrier type, which are typically small, wiry, very active and fearless dogs. In any event, it was the cross between the Bulldog and the terrier that resulted in the Staffordshire terrier, which was originally called the Bull-and-Terrier Dog, Half and half, and at times Pit Dog or Pit Bullterrier. Later, it assumed the name in England of Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
The American Staffordshire terrier, also called Amstaff, is a medium-sized, short-coated dog breed whose early ancestors came from England. In the early part of the twentieth century, the breed gained social stature and was accepted by the American Kennel Club as the American Staffordshire terrier. They are not to be confused with the Staffordshire bull terrier. American Staffordshire terrier fits nicely as a pet, and works well together with older more considerate children as well as other animals. American Staffordshire terriers gained in popularity in the 1920s with “Pete the Pup’s” appearances in the Our Gang (The Little Rascals) comedies, contributing to the spread of the breed. In 1936, they were accepted for registration in the AKC Stud Book as Staffordshire Terriers, belonging to the terrier and molosser groups. The name of the breed was revised January 1, 1972 to American Staffordshire terrier; breeders in the United States had developed a variety which was heavier in weight than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier of England – the name change was to distinguish them as separate breeds.
A common question regarding the American Staffordshire Terrier is, “How is this breed different from the American Pit Bull Terrier?”. In the eyes of the United Kennel Club, they are the same breed, but many disagree. Some AKC-registered American Staffordshire Terriers are dual-registered as American Pit Bull Terriers with the UKC; however, this draws criticism from many who point out that the bloodlines have been separate for too long for these to be considered the same breed. The AKC, on the other hand, does not allow a UKC-registered American Pit Bull Terrier to be registered as an American Staffordshire terrier. 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.
American Staffordshire Terriers are confident, laid back, and easygoing. They are also in general good natured, although best for those with some experience of dog ownership. Despite their calm style of life it is important to remember that they were bred to be aggressive towards other dogs, and they may still sometimes act based upon those ancient instincts. Their attitude and reaction when it comes to strangers varies, sometimes they can be friendly, and at other times they can be very aggressive. The lifespan of the American Staffordshire terrier is around 10-12 years. There are some health problems associated with this breed, including eye problems, ligament problems, thyroid disorders, cancer, temperament problems, and cataracts.
The American Staffordshire terrier has a broad, powerful head, short muzzle, very strong jaws. Their ears are generally cropped. Their eyes are round and black. All colors are accepted, as long as they are not more than 80% white. The American Staffordshire terrier is a general happy, stable and confident breed, as well as loyal companion dog. As quoted from unknown source “He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion”.