When it comes to tracing the origin and history of the American Staffordshire terrier, you will find that a handful of other canines have played an important role in the evolution of the breed.
The starting point of the American Staffordshire terrier begins during the early part of the 19th century, as England focused their attention on the breeding of the Bulldog. Photographs hailing from 1870 have revealed that the Bulldog of the past displayed a physical appearance that is very similar to the American Staffordshire terrier of today.
The cousins of the American Staffordshire terrier were bred in England and Ireland, where during the 19th century, the English region of Staffordshire became known as the location where the Bulldog was crossed with various terriers to construct a bloodline that produced a well-built, vigorous, and combative breed. This dog would later become known as the Staffordshire Bullterrier.
It is believed that America first set their eyes on the Staffordshire breed of dog as early as 1870. In the United States, the dog quickly became a favorite with breeders, as they bred the canine to wear many different hats. Soon, the public embraced the Staffordshire breed as a vermin dog, hunting companion, herder, and protector of homesteads.
Amstaff Recognition
The potential that the Staffordshire terriers possessed did not go unnoticed with American breeders, as they concentrated on increasing their weight, which in turn, helped the dog develop a more powerful head. This is why the American Staffordshire terrier is much larger and weighs more than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
During the Civil War era, dogs became an intriguing English import, as they were groomed to fight other dogs. The American Staffordshire terrier would later come from a long line of imported English terriers, bull terriers, and bulldogs.
After dog fighting in America was banned in 1900, two separate breeds were created – one for fighting (American Pit Bull Terrier) and one for show (American Staffordshire). More and more breeders began to concentrate on the intense courage, loyalty, and staying power of the dog.
The breed would later become a symbol of courage and bravery, as World War II posters began to display the loyal canine in advertisements.
Amstaff Recognition
Although the Bull Terrier gained recognition in 1885, the AKC delayed the acknowledgment of the American Staffordshire dog breed. At first, the American Pit Bull Terrier became the first breed to gain registration by the United Kennel Club in 1898.
The United States then waited until 1936 when they accepted the breed name of "Staffordshire Terrier" and placed it within the terrier group. It is thought that the confusion of dog breeds and names was the cause to such a late reaction from the American Kennel Club – the dog was often referred to as a pit dog, pit bull terrier, American bull terrier, and even a Yankee terrier.
In 1972, the dog breed received a name change, as it would officially become known as the American Staffordshire terrier. In 1974, England followed suit and the Staffordshire Terrier became a separate breed in their books.
Over the years, there have been many notable American Staffordshire terriers to make their way into the hearts of owners and the public. One of the most famous of the bunch is "Pete," (with his signature ring around the eye), who played the role of canine companion throughout the "Our Gang Comedies" showcasing the Little Rascals.
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