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A Brief History of the American Staffordshire Terrier
The Staffordshire Terrier was created when a number of UKC American Pit Bull Terriers were admitted to the AKC in 1936. The name was changed as a condition for gaining AKC recognition. In 1972, the breed was renamed the American Staffordshire Terrier to avoid confusion when the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was recognized by the AKC. A number of Stafs or AmStafs, as they are affectionately known, continue to maintain UKC registration as well as AKC registration.
The ancient bulldog was responsible for helping the farmer manage his cattle in the days when the average farmer could not afford a horse. The dog was responsible for catching the animal and holding it by its sensitive nose until the men were able to take over. One can easily see a group of men arguing over whose dog was the best at its job and see that escalate to the sport of bull baiting. Bull baiting was considered a national sport in England from the 13th to the 18th century. These sports thrived until the Humane Acts of 1835 were passed in Britain, making them illegal. Unfortunately, the impact of these laws was to increase the interest in dog fighting. At this time, the bulldogs and terriers were crossed to create a better dog for the pits. It is uncertain whether the terriers were the White English Terrier, now extinct, or the Black-and-Tan Terrier, or a combination of the two. The Staffordshire name was given to these dogs because of their origin in Staffordshire in the English midlands. Offspring of these dogs came to the United States where they were bred larger for the demands of the new frontier. Jack, the bulldog that accompanied Laura Ingalls Wilder's family across the prairies, was one such dog.
In the 1800's and early 1900's, the breed was extremely popular in this country. Stubby was the most decorated dog in WWI. He earned the rank of sergeant and was awarded two medals, one for warning of a gas attack and the other for holding a German spy at Chemin des Dames until American Troops arrived. He was invited to the White House on three separate occasions by Presidents Wilson, Harding and Coolidge. Wallace Robinson's war posters portrayed the pit bull as the symbol of the US. Pete the Pup of The Little Rascals was every childs' friend. In addition, he was one of the first APBT's to be registered with the AKC. Tige, Buster Brown's companion, represented the Buster Brown Shoe Co. as well as a number of other companies. Helen Keller's Phiz appears with her on a US Postal Service Poster from the 19XX's.
The breed has been known by a variety of names, including the Yankee Terrier, Half and Half, Bull and Terrier, Pit Bull, Pit Bull Terrier, Pit Bulldog, Pit Dog, American Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Terrier and Bull Dog.
Today, while being adored by its affecianados as a wonderful companion and excellent family dog, the breed is being threatened by Breed Specific Legislation throughout the world. They have been banned in England and Germany. Legislation is continually being introduced in many cities. If this wonderful breed is to survive, it is essential that every one of us who loves them becomes a political activist and work to educate lawmakers that Dangerous Dog Legislation is far more effective and puts the responsibility where it belongs, on the owner.
To quote Anna Katherine Nicholas, "No matter how many good and courageous acts these dogs perform, no matter how frequently their loyalty and intelligence is demonstrated, no matter how many lives they help to save and children they tend and adore, there are still those people who will continue to feel that they are dangerous and unreliable. A Bull and Terrier dog wants nothing more than to please his master. Thus, the conduct of the dog is largely dependent on the beliefs, conduct, and proper upbringing with which they are -- or are not -- raised. When ferocity is demanded, wanted, and expected by the human, the dog trains easily to comply. If, on the other hand, the dog's good qualities are encouraged, the Bull and Terrier stands right high on the list of thoroughly desirable, reliable, loving, amusing, intelligent, and friendly canines."
For more information on the American Staffordshire Terrier, read: