The American Staffordshire Terrier is not a new breed. Although it gained American
Kennel Club registration and recognition in 1936, it has been developed since
the early 1800's as a result of crosses between the bulldogs of that time and
game terriers. One of the early and very famous AKC registered Staffs was Pete
the Pup, (real name Lucenay's Peter), dog star of the original Our Gang comedies
of the 1930's.
Although the early ancestors of this breed came from England, the development
of the American Staffordshire Terrier is the story of a truly American breed.
This type of dog was instrumental in the success of farmers and settlers who
developed this country. They were used for general farm work, hunting wild pigs,
bears, and other large game, guarding the homestead, and general
companionship.
A number of the early ancestors were also developed for the "sport" of dog
fighting. The extraordinary vitality of this breed is a direct result of
breeding for successful fighting dogs. This now illegal activity is,
unfortunately, more often cited as the early purpose of the dogs rather than the
general farm work.
Although ancestors of the American Staffordshire were fighting dogs, the selective
breeding since the 1930's has been away from the fighting heritage. The American Staffordshire
Terrier of today is a companion and show dog, rather than a gladiator. Although more
rarely used on the farm now, the talents that made him a good all purpose dog are
still to be found in the breed.
Source :
Amstaff.org
Kennel Club registration and recognition in 1936, it has been developed since
the early 1800's as a result of crosses between the bulldogs of that time and
game terriers. One of the early and very famous AKC registered Staffs was Pete
the Pup, (real name Lucenay's Peter), dog star of the original Our Gang comedies
of the 1930's.
Although the early ancestors of this breed came from England, the development
of the American Staffordshire Terrier is the story of a truly American breed.
This type of dog was instrumental in the success of farmers and settlers who
developed this country. They were used for general farm work, hunting wild pigs,
bears, and other large game, guarding the homestead, and general
companionship.
A number of the early ancestors were also developed for the "sport" of dog
fighting. The extraordinary vitality of this breed is a direct result of
breeding for successful fighting dogs. This now illegal activity is,
unfortunately, more often cited as the early purpose of the dogs rather than the
general farm work.
Although ancestors of the American Staffordshire were fighting dogs, the selective
breeding since the 1930's has been away from the fighting heritage. The American Staffordshire
Terrier of today is a companion and show dog, rather than a gladiator. Although more
rarely used on the farm now, the talents that made him a good all purpose dog are
still to be found in the breed.
Source :
Amstaff.org