*Breed History*

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.

*PURPOSE OF THE BREED*

Although ancestors of the American Staffordshire were fighting dogs, the selective breeding done since the 1930's has always been away from the fighting heritage.Such were the efforts of amstaff fanciers to move away from dog fighting that by the 1950’s the Staffordshire Terrier Club of America expelled any member that was breeding fighting dogs.

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.

The American Staffordshire Terrier, also known as the "Amstaff", is an agile, graceful and powerful dog all in one. The Amstaff represents beauty at its finest and is an extremely elegant dog but still manages to retain its impression of great strength and courage... Today's Amstaff is a companion and show dog, rather than a gladiator. They are highly desired for their love, devotion and reliability, especially with children.