American Staffordshire Terrier. Joseph Janish

       The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is recognized by both the AKC and the UKC. It is a shorter-legged dog than the AmStaff, though much of its conformation is similar.

      Luckily, within both organizations the dog has retained many of its most positive characteristics. It matters not whether it is a Yankee Terrier, an American Pit Bull Terrier or an American Staffordshire Terrier—the lineage is basically the same.

       Willynwood High Tech is an excellent example of the American Staffordshire Terrier.

      Pride. Strength. Loyalty. Tenacity. These are the first descriptive terms that come to mind when looking at or thinking about the American Staffordshire Terrier.

      The four words listed above only begin to describe the American Staffordshire Terrier (or AmStaff), a mighty and complex breed. What the AmStaff has to offer depends entirely on the dog’s owner. His capabilities are boundless: strength insurmountable, desire to please unending, an ideal animal for activity and labor. Yet, at the same time, this breed makes a truly wonderful companion, an affable animal to family and friends, with the added capability of a guardian. Such a dog sounds so perfect, you might call him a “super dog.” If any breed is worthy of this hero status, the American Staffordshire Terrier certainly qualifies.

       Carrie, Mandy and Willynwood High Tech are part of a happy family. When properly introduced to children, AmStaffs become very loyal, trusted and gentle family pets.

      Originally bred for the purpose of fighting other dogs, the AmStaff is an easy-going, trustworthy and extremely affectionate dog toward human beings. Despite its inherent ability to maul and mangle beasts more than three times its size, the AmStaff is generally unaggressive and will not seek a confrontation. In short, an AmStaff will not start trouble but, boy, will he end it!

      Instead of aggression, the AmStaff channels his extensive energies toward pleasing his master. The breed’s willingness to please, in fact, stems from its history as a fighter—the dog wanted so badly to win for his master that he would fight to the death. Such commitment and dedication is certainly prized no matter what task is given.

      And tasks this breed can handle! Aside from his fighting duties, the AmStaff also found work in various jobs, mostly in farms and in butcher shops. Today the AmStaff retains his skills as a working and sporting dog and is used both as a laborer and in competition. On farms, AmStaffs are prized for cattle driving, herding, guarding and pulling. In society, the breed is used by the police and other organizations to assist in apprehension, narcotics detection, search and rescue, riot control and many other things. In competition, the AmStaff excels in various sports, including (but not limited to) tracking, herding, obedience, weight-pulling, agility trials, Schutzhund work and, of course, conformation. In short, the AmStaff is perhaps the world’s most versatile dog!

       PERSONALITY AND ATTRIBUTES

      American Staffordshire Terriers are happy, outgoing, stable dogs who make wonderful pets. They are extremely intelligent and are excellent guardians. Careful breeding has produced today’s American Staffordshire Terriers, who are affectionate, reliable and exceedingly loyal dogs with fearless personalities. An extremely family-oriented dog who does not scare easily, the AmStaff does well with children and elderly people who use canes, walkers or wheelchairs. In fact, the breed is used extensively as a therapy dog, brought into hospitals, geriatric homes and care centers to assist in rehabilitation and to bring cheer and joy to the patients.

       This AmStaff pup gets a lift from his American Bulldog chum. The bulldog breeds are among the most versatile of all dogs.

      This does not rule out the rest of the age groups, as the AmStaff can play fetch for hours and always enjoys a good run. Great fun for both dog and owner are games of retrieving a flying disc. Though not a retriever by trade, the AmStaff is nonetheless a tireless participant in chasing after and returning objects thrown by his master. The outstanding agility and speed of the breed become apparent as the dog takes off after, and jumps up to snatch, the plastic flying disc. It is a real treat to watch the dog show off his athleticism in this game.

      The American Staffordshire Terrier, due to his great strength and trainability, can make a perfect home guardian. By nature, an AmStaff is friendly to all humans and will not view man as an opponent. However, through responsible training, an AmStaff can learn to distinguish between friend and foe and attack unwanted intruders to his home. A true champion and defender of his family, the AmStaff will put himself in harm’s way, sometimes suffering serious injury to keep family members safe.

      Though the AmStaff will rarely be moved to instigate aggression, he will have a natural instinct to respond to the challenge of other dogs—it’s in the terrier blood. This can become a problem if the animal is not properly trained out of this behavior, which is known as gameness. For the most part, even larger dogs like Mastiffs and Rottweilers do not stand a chance against a determined AmStaff. Their low center of gravity, incredible neck and jaw power and tenacity to fight on—even when exhausted or badly injured—give AmStaffs the edge over the larger breeds.

      Adaptable to country and city living, the AmStaff finds comfort in whatever situation his master can provide. An open field to roam is certainly a benefit and well appreciated by the athletic AmStaff, but it is not a necessity. The dog will find as much happiness indoors, so long as his master is near. The only thing that will break the spirit and heart of this dog is the lack of his owner’s fond attention.

      Personality is one of the most important traits in a dog. A sound personality and temperament is key to determining how a specific dog, not dog breed, will react to everyday situations. Before you get your dog, or as soon as possible after getting him, be sure to have a temperament test done. Ask your veterinarian where to get a test administered. If your dog scores poorly enough on the temperament test to cause you concern, seriously consider returning him/her to the breeder. Poor temperament can be an indicator of a problem waiting to happen. Also, if your dog scores poorly on this test, do not breed him/her. Poor temperament is a trait that can be, and usually is, passed on to offspring.

      The typical American Staffordshire Terrier has a fairly easy-going personality, with great intelligence and an overwhelming desire to please. AmStaffs love people, and love to be with people; perhaps the worst punishment you can administer to your AmStaff is to separate him from you. Bonding immediately, the AmStaff is eternally devoted and will not only love but also protect his family. He is very happy to extend his affable personality to anyone whom he recognizes as a friend of yours, so there is no need to worry when introducing new people to your AmStaff pet.

       Athletic, determined and boundless describe the American Staffordshire Terrier, as he will engage in almost any activity. Many AmStaffs have an affinity for water.

      The AmStaff’s tenacity may be his strongest attribute, a characteristic greatly prized by the dog-fighting crowd that developed this breed. Interestingly, many of the positive traits garnered from its dog-fighting heritage have stayed with the breed. The model AmStaff is extremely courageous, never backing down from a challenge or a task presented to him. Once given a job, he is also a tireless worker, never stopping until the required assignment is complete.

      The dog’s extreme determination is balanced by an equal amount of calmness, a quality