The American Staffordshire Terrier, or Amstaff, can trace its origins to the first part of the 19th century in England. It was there that this breed originated by crossing a bulldog with a terrier. Which kind of terrier is a topic of debate, but the leading contenders are the White English Terrier, the Black and Tan Terrier or the Fox Terrier. This new breed was originally known as the Bull-and-Terrier Dog, Half and Half, Pit Dog or Pit Bullterrier. It eventually became known in England as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Around 1870, these dogs made their way to the United States, where they became known as the Pit Dog, Pit Bull Terrier, American Bull Terrier and the Yankee Terrier. Eventually they became known as the American Staffordshire Terrier. They were used for farm work, guarding the home and companionship, becoming crucial to the success of settlers who developed the United States. His accomplishments included located wounded soldiers during firefights, warning fellow soldiers of gas attacks and being responsible for the capture of a German spy.
In the first part of the 20th century, this breed surged in popularity. Buoyed by the appearance of Pete the Pup in the Our Gang films, American Staffordshires spread throughout the United States. Another famous American Staffordshire named Sergeant Stubby also made a name for himself in the armed forces. He was the most decorated dog in military history and the only dog to have been promoted in battle.
It is an unfortunate circumstance that some early Amstaffs were bred as fighting dogs, but their amazing vitality can be directly attributed to this fact. Since the 1930s, selective breeding has steered them away from this heritage. The modern-day American Staffordshire Terrier is more lover than fighter.
