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American Staffordshire Terrier
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The American Staffordshire terrier is a breed of medium-sized,
short-coated dog whose early ancestors came from England. In
the early part of the twentieth century, the breed gained
respectability, and it was accepted by the American Kennel Club
as Staffordshire Terrier.
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Origins
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, 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.
Until the early part of the 19th century the Bulldog was bred with
great care in England for the purpose of baiting bulls. Pictures
from as late as 1870 represent the Bulldog of that day more like
the present-day American Staffordshire Terrier than like the
present-day Bulldog. Some writers contend it was the White
English Terrier, or the Black and Tan Terrier, that was used as a
cross with the Bulldog to perfect the Staffordshire Terrier. It seems
easier to believe that any game terrier, such as the Fox Terrier of
the early 1800s, was used in this cross, since some of the foremost
authorities on dogs of that time state that the Black-and-Tan and
the white English Terrier were none too game, but these same
authorities go on to stress the gameness of the Fox Terrier.
In analyzing the three above-mentioned terriers at that time, we
find that there was not a great deal of difference in body
conformation, the greatest differences being in color,
aggressiveness, and spirit. 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. These dogs
began to find their way into America as early as 1870 where they
became known as Pit Dog, Pit Bull Terrier, later American Bull
Terrier, and still later as Yankee Terrier.
While the American Kennel Club began recognizing the American
Staffordshire Terrier in 1935, it is considered to be a separate
breed from the Pit Bull.
Temperament
The American Temperament Test Society conducts tests every
year on thousands of dogs to determine the soundness of their
temperament. The American Staffordshire Terrier routinely ranks
well above many "popular" breeds such as the Beagle, Collie,
Doberman Pinscher and the Cocker Spaniel. This is a very
intelligent, human-oriented, active dog and an affectionate family
pet. Over the past 50 years, careful breeding has produced this
friendly, trustworthy dog. One of the characteristics that most
owners and breeders talked and look for particular in this breed is
gameness. Gameness refers to perseverance, spirited, readiness
of a dog to accomplish a given task.
Health and Well-Being
Amstaff pups should not be brought home before they are 8–10
weeks old. Their life expectancy is generally 12 to 16 years with
good care. It is a healthy breed with relatively few major problems.
Notable issues related to health and wellbeing include:
Inherited disorders
- Amstaffs may suffer from Congenital Heart Disease (OFA
rank:11, Percent Abnormal 1.6%, Percent Normal 95.1% ),
- Amstaffs are somewhat prone to Canine hip dysplasia,
though not as much as some other breeds. Hip scores are
recommended before breeding. (OFA rank:21, Percent
Abnormal 26.0%, Percent Normal 71.7% )
- Elbow dysplasia (OFA rank:12, Percent Abnormal 17.8%,
Percent Normal 81.4%)
- There are some risk of knee problems. A luxating patella is a
common occurrence in the knee where the leg is often bow
shaped. (OFA rank:72, Percent Abnormal 1.3%, Percent
Normal 98.7%)
- Thyroid Dysfunction (OFA rank:19, Percent Abnormal 8.0%,
Percent Normal 80.0%)
- There is a small incidence of other conditions, such as
senior ataxia and hereditary cataracts.
Other disorders
Amstaffs are sometimes prone to skin allergies, UTI, and
autoimmune diseases. Spondylosis and Osteoarthritis are common
place in older dogs.
Breed-specific Legislation
The American Staffordshire Terrier is often subject to breed bans
worldwide that target the Bull and Terrier family in response to a
number of well-publicized incidents involving pit bull-type dogs or
other dog breeds. This legislation ranges from outright bans on the
possession of these dogs to restrictions and conditions on
ownership. However, the appropriateness and effectiveness of
breed-specific legislation in preventing dog bite fatalities and
injuries is disputed. Most animal-related organizations also oppose
breed-specific legislation:
- The American Veterinary Medical Association supports
dangerous animal legislation by state, county, or municipal
governments provided that legislation does not refer to
specific breeds or classes of animals.
- Canadian Veterinary Medical Association supports
dangerous dog legislation provided that it does not refer to
specific breeds.
- The Centers for Disease Control said that breed-specific
approaches to the control of dog bites do not address the
issue that many breeds are involved in the problem and that
most of the factors contributing to dog bites are related to
the level of responsibility exercised by dog owners.
Furthermore, tethered dogs are more likely to bite than
untethered dogs.
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
states that because of difficulties inherent in determining a
dog’s breed with certainty, enforcement of breed-specific
ordinances raises constitutional and practical issues.
- SPCA recognizes that dog bites are a serious public safety
problem. Their interest in this issue relates directly to the
goal of creating humane communities where people and
animals enrich each other’s lives. However, the BC SPCA
opposes breed banning as a strategy for achieving this goal.
Breed banning is a simplistic and ineffective solution to a
multi-faceted problem.
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American Staffordshire Terrier
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Country of origin
England
Weight
55 - 70 lb.
Height
Male: 17 - 19 in.
Female: 16 - 18 in.
Coat
Thick, stiff, shiny
Color
All colors, solid or
patched
Life span
12 - 16 years
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