ORIGINS - HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER By:  Betty Reed, Ashmore, Illinois U.S.A. The American Staffordshire Terrier originated in the Staffordshire, England area in the early nineteenth century, through the crossing of a popular Terrier of the era and the Bulldog of that day.  The desire was to combine the strength of the Bulldog and the tenacity and agility of the Terrier.  They were, unfortunately, created by man for his (barbaric) enjoyment of the blood-sports of the time, which were outlawed in England in the later part of the century. When these dogs (the ancestors of the present-day Am Staf) were first introduced into the United States in the 1870's, they accompanied pioneer families and served as their pets and as guardians of the family and their property.  At that time, they were referred to as the American Terrier, and also as the Yankee Terrier.  The Am Staff later became the symbol of RCA, known as the RCA Victor dog.  And it was an Am Staf who was not only the canine companion to the "Little Rascals", but also represented the "Buster Brown" shoe trademark. In appearance, the Am Staf should have a well-muscled, athletic body that is sound and agile.  The dog should be well-put-together, balanced and properly proportioned; giving the appearance of great strength unusual for its size.  The body should be stocky and NOT racy, and have a graceful, springy gait. A proper Am Staff personality and temperament is one of a loving and loyal family pet.  They make an excellent guardian of property and family, and possess the ability to discriminate between strangers who mean them harm and those who do not.  Their courage is proverbial.  They do, indeed, have the terrier personality of tenacity and a wonderful sense of humour.  The breed is also quite intelligent and, as with many such breeds, needs an owner who is knowledgeable about animal behaviour, has a basic background in obedience training and a understanding of terrier traits and personality.  They make a wonderful companion and friend, and do well in obedience.  They are not, however, a breed for everyone, and are generally not a good choice for the first-time dog owner. Although the "bull breeds" have one basic origin, they are now very much separate breeds.  In 1935, the AKC recognized the Staffordshire Terrier, who name was changed in 1972 to American Staffordshire Terrier, as a separate breed.  The AKC to this day do NOT, however, recognize the Pit Bull Terrier,  The two dogs are separate breeds. As in any breed of dog, or race of people, there are good and bad individuals.  It is unreasonable to make a generalization that ALL within a breed, or race, are bad, based only on those few "bad individuals".  Unfortunately, some irresponsible Pit Bull breeders have chosen to breed aggressive animals (for various reasons) and will cross any aggressive dog of any breed to achieve their end, thereby causing a black mark on both the nice Pit Bull Terriers and the American Staffordshire Terrier. For the past 50 years, Am Staf breeders have worked very hard to breed the aggressiveness out and have striven to create a gentle, loving companion.  To do so, they have bred to a written show standard, which was established in 1935.  Today, the American Staffordshire Terrier club has a strict code of ethics that members must adhere to in order to remain in good standing. Different breeds in the past, present and future have been and will continue to be subjected to the whims and fads of mankind, such as his pursuit of the "macho image".  Because of man's desire for a tough, mean, aggressive dog, breeds have been threatened with extinction.  People have created a problem which is not due to the mere existence of the dog.  Unfortunately, whenever a breed gains popularity, for whatever reason, some people decide they will make money from it, and begin to breed litters with no thought as to the pedigree or physical and mental soundness of the parents.  This often results in less than physically and mentally sound puppies.  Nor do these breeders take into consideration the prospective puppy buyer; their sole interest lies in the money to be made.  Most of us feel fortunate to break even with a litter.  Such an attitude results in disregard for the long-range welfare of a breed, for which the breed suffers greatly.  A conscientious breeder carefully selects the parents, and also screens and selects puppy buyers, trying to match the puppy to the needs of the buyer, whether it be for pet, show or obedience.  Many breeders, like myself, have very few litters and feel that our responsibilities continue, not end, when the puppy goes to its new home.  Those of us, who love this very special breed, which has been ill-used by man, hope to protect it, and other breeds, from destruction by using public education and participation in various activities to show what a truly wonderful companion the American Staffordshire Terrier is.