American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier, at one time called the Bull-and-Terrier Dog, Half-and-Half, Pit Dog or Pit Bullterrier and now commonly known as the ”Am Staff,” is a well-balanced dog whose tremendous strength is unusual for its moderate size. This is the modern version of the so-called “Pit Bull.” Am Staffs are stocky, powerful yet agile, well-muscled and highly intelligent members of the American Kennel Club’s Terrier Group. Although descended from dogs bred for bull baiting and pit fighting, and unfortunately still used by unscrupulous owners in illegal dog fighting circles, American Staffordshire Terriers have many remarkable qualities, including their gameness, trainability, loyalty and affection. The Staffordshire Terrier was accepted for registration in the American Kennel Club Stud Book in 1936. The name of the breed was revised in 1972 to the American Staffordshire Terrier, to distinguish it from the Staffordshire Bull Terrier of England, which is much lighter in weight. The American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier are virtually the same animal, with just different club registrations.
Most Am Staffs are between 17 and 19 inches at the withers and weigh on average between 60 and 80 pounds. Their short, stiff, glossy coat can be of any color or color combination, although white, black-and-tan and liver are not preferred in the show ring. Am Staffs require minimal grooming; brushing with a firm-bristled brush and an occasional bath should suffice.
The American Staffordshire Terrier was developed in England from a cross between old-style English Bulldogs and assorted terriers. The exact terrier breeds used to create this cross are the subject of debate, but current opinion suggests the White English Terrier, the Black-and-Tan Terrier and/or the Fox Terrier. The combination became known as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, which originally were used by butchers to manage bulls and by hunters to help hold wild boar and other
Loyal, fun-loving, fearless and affectionate, American Staffordshire Terriers (sometimes called Amstaffs) bring great joy to their families. Often confused with Pit Bull Terriers, the two breeds share an ancestral bloodline and were originally bred to fight, but the American Staffordshire line has become much more gentle in the last 100 years. Despite their reputation as an aggressive breed, the Amstaff is a true family dog. Loving and playful, this breed will play with children in
American Staffordshire Terriers are strong, stocky dogs with large heads, strong jaws and medium length, straight tails. The AKC describes them as, “well put-together, muscular, but agile and graceful.” They have black noses, large, round, low-set eyes and wide, round muzzles. Their chests are well-sprung, giving them an air of confidence as they move about. Amstaff's legs are short, and long, lean legs are not acceptable. They come in a rainbow of colors and patterns
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