American Staffordshire
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Bulldog's were bred with great precision and care in England, they were bred to bait bears. In stature the bulldog of the day looked more like the present day American Staffordshire bull terrier, than it does itīs modern counterpart.
The bull dog was then crossed with a non game terrier to perfect what was known as the Staffordshire bull, or as the English call them the "staffie", it was also known as the half and half.
In the states when they were introduced they were known as a Pit Dog, Pit Bull Terrier, later the American Bull Terrier, and later still the Yankee Terrier.
It finally was named the American Staffordshire Terrier in 1972 and then the name change was used to denote the fact that the Americanīs had bred a larger dog than the English staffie.
There is a confusion in some as to the difference between the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Bull Terrier.
The Bull Terrier was introduced by James Hinks of Birmingham, who had been experimenting for several years with the old bull-and-terrier dog, now known as the English Staffordshire.
It is generally accepted that he crossed the Staffordshire, with the white English Terrier, it has been suggested that the dog was made larger by adding the Spanish Pointerto the breed.
In fact this can be obvious today, others feel that the Dalmation was also bred into the bull dog.
The American Staffordshire bull is loyal, courageous dog. Sadly due to a small number of breeders who have acted irresponsibly, these dogs have been banned.
American pioneers enjoyed the versatility of the Staffordshire Terrier to kill varmints, protector of the home, they even herded the cattle.
These dogs are loving faithful family dogs they are excellent with children, however as young puppies they need to be taught who is boss in the pack.
They also need to be taught respect towards other dogs, and if neither of these take place you can and do have an aggressive dog.
They are not for everyone but there are many recorded cases of these dogs dying to protect their owners. Because illegal dog fighting is probably still going on in an underground fashion unscrupulous breeders have developed a vicious type of staffie, and it is therefore important that you know the history and pedigree of your dog.
The American Staffordshire Terrier's muscled build and protective instinct should make strangersbeware, yet with their own family they are devoted, gentle and loving. Comments of www.bulldogbreeds.com
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