The American Staffordshire Terrier's roots date back to the early 19th century, when dog fighting was popular. They originated in Staffordshire, England, 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 of the Terrier.

 It is from the fighting Bulldog and Terrier that dedicated breeders produced a peaceable dog.

 When these dogs (the ancestors of the present day Amstaff) were first taken to USA, in the 1870's, they accompanied pioneer families and served as their pets and as guardians of the family and property. They were known as the American Terrier and as the Yankee Terrier.

 The breed was recognised by the AKC in 1935 as the Staffordshire Terrier. The name, however, was changed to American Staffordshire Terrier in 1972 to avoid confusion with the smaller cousin, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

 Although the Amstaff resembles the Pitbull, it is very much a separate, distinct breed. The Pitbull was specifically bred for fighting, and its only common link with the Amstaff is its ancestry. The AKC to this day do NOT recognise the Pitbull Terrier.

 Solid and athletic, the breed combines power, grace and agility. Bright, alert and courageous, the Amstaff is very good with children, and makes a fine housedog. But, because of his terrier nature, early obedience training is advised.

 A proper Amstaff 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. They have a wonderful sense of humour.

The Amstaff is highly intelligent, and as such, needs an owner who is knowledgeable about animal behaviour, a basic background in obedience training and an understanding of Terrier traits and personality. They do very well in obedience and make a wonderful companion and friend. They are not a breed for everyone and generally not a good choice for the first-time dog owner.

 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". For the last 50 years, Amstaff breeders have worked to breed the aggressiveness out and have strived to create a gentle, loving companion. To do so they have bred to a written show standard, which was established in 1935.

 The Amstaff appreciates exercise and require a short jog every day. He is a muscular dog that needs space to run in order to stay fit. A quick daily brush is all the grooming that is required to keep the lovely short coat looking good.

GOOD POINTS Affectionate Loyal Excellent guard Good with kids

BAD POINTS Needs discipline Stubborn

THE AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIERS ARRIVAL IN AUSTRALIA

The American Staffordshire Terrier was officially recognised in Australia on 1st January 1987.

The first Amstaff was imported from Hawaii in November 1986 by Mr & Mrs Murdoch of Red Cliffs Victoria. They were to become the first breeders/exhibitors of the breed, their kennel prefix being "Amstaff". The basis of their future breeding programme was to start with this import, "Rockislands O’Omua O Hawaii".  Bob & Ruth's next import was the lovely brindle dog Ka Hanahou’s Lei O Makana. He was to become the first Australian Champion, and with the earlier imported bitch was to produce the first Australian bred litter.

In 1989, in Queensland, Dr Glucina of the "Araganu" prefix began to import Amstaffs into Australia. Over a period of time he imported the American Champion dog "Steeltowns Diamond Boy", another dog "Ka Hanahou’s Seamist", a bitch "Cock N Bulls Poppycock" and another bitch Haw N Blue Knight Mist. All having cropped ears, so unfortunately were unable to be shown in Australia.  From these imports Dr Glucina was to start his breeding programme and produced his first litter in 1990.

The Murdochs next import was another male "Ka Hanahou’s Rojo’s Sam", a red dog. He was 8 ½ months old when released from quarantine on February 14th 1991.

In October 1990 Mark & Wendy Evans, of Evastaff Kennels in Tasmania, were to purchase a brindle bitch from Hawaii. This was "Kalokos Lea", just 13 months old at time of purchase.  She arrived in quarantine December 1990 and was released 12th April 1991. This bitch started her show career in August the same year and went through to her Australian title. Kalokos Lea was the first bitch to produce a litter with both parents being Australian Champions.   Evastaff imported their second Amstaff in December 1992, released from quarantine May 1993. This was the striking black brindle dog "Hot Lava Indian at Evastaff". Jasper, as he is known to his friends, was to quickly gain his Australian title also.

In the following years imported semen produced some worthy Amstaff litters.
Lee Jenkins, of Bluesteel Kennel in Victoria, imported semen from two dogs. International Ch Willynwood Redneck and American Ch Rowdytowns Hardrock Café.
In Queensland Greg Gordon imported frozen semen from Am Ch  Pacific Distant Thunder. And later, in partnership with Lynda Craw (Lyntiki), the lovely blue dog "Am Ch Pacific Hot Pursuit", who was co-owned by Greg and Lynda.

Lynda Craw also imported two Amstaffs from New Zealand in 1998, (originally imported from Hawaii into NZ). The dog, "Aust/NZ Ch Kupa’a Tama of Triskara" and the bitch "Triskara Mea Kau Ake (AI USA)". The bitch arrived in whelp.

Other breeders are investigating importing worthy dogs and bitches as well as further importation of frozen semen from good American bred dogs.

Interest in the Amstaff within Australia is steadily on the increase.  This versatile breed can be utilised as a family companion, a show dog and as an obedience dog. The breed is continually creating interest in and out of the show ring, and this, combined with a responsible breeding programme will enure a steady development of the America Staffordshire Terrier in Australia. 
 
" A truly unique breed. Trustworthy and honest with a character so loveable they are hard to resist."

( I thank Wendy Evans {Evastaff} for allowing me the use of her input on the early history of the importation of the American Staffordshire Terrier to Australia)

 

  
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