American Staffordshire Terrier

Moderately Easy Training: The American Staffordshire Terrier must be taught at an early age not to pull on the leash, as it becomes very strong when fully grown. It can learn a great deal if consistently trained. Intense socialization at an early age is important. American Staffordshire Terriers are obedient and have a very strong desire to please their owner. Training should be patient, respectful, and firm.

This stocky dog should be muscular, giving the impression not only of great strength for its size but also of grace and agility. Its gait is springy. Its low center of gravity helped it stay on its feet in a fight, and its nimbleness helped it avoid its opponent's teeth. Its own jaws are strong with great power. Its coat is short, close and glossy.

Typically docile and playful with its family, the American Staffordshire terrier is also generally friendly toward strangers as long as its owners are present. It is generally very good with children. It is a protective breed and can be aggressive toward other dogs — especially those that challenge it. It is stubborn, tenacious and fearless. For all of its tough persona, the most important thing in life to this breed is its owner's fond attention.

The American Staffordshire Terrier derived from crossing Bulldogs with an older Terrier line. They are closely related to the American Pit Bull Terrier, from whom they were bred apart in the 1960’s. The American breed was reared largely for illegal dog fighting (the ‘Pit’ in Pit Bull likely derives from fighting pits) in the United States and was recognized as a distinct breed in 1936. American Staffordshire Terriers became popular with ranchers and farmers for protection, companionship, and catching hogs and cattle. Despite its media reputation for ferociousness, the American Staffordshire Terrier is an affectionate dog which has risen to popularity as a pet. The American Staffordshire Terrier’s natural aggression is directed toward other dogs, not humans, and even this can be overcome with training. They often serve as search dogs or police dogs. Popsicle, a drug sniffing American Staffordshire Terrier, became famous for sniffing out and locating one of the largest cocaine busts in the history of the FDA.