American Staffordshire Terrier is a beautiful, powerfull dog full of energy. It's originated at begining of 19th century in England combinating Bull and Terrier to make a smaller, strong and agile dog. Unfortunatelly, these dogs has been used for dog fight, which was very popular at that time. They were known as "Bull and Terrier" or "Half and half". Dog fighting were forbitten in 1835, but it was still existed at secrecy. Even then, in that early phase people has recognized their main characteristics: trustworthy, reliability, intelligence, courage, and in the same time he is gentle and loving towards childrens and family.
“Bull and Terrier” combinations have been in America since early 1800s and that kind of dog was spread fast throug a new continent. Around 1870s “Bull and Terrier” was known as “Pit Bull Terrier”.
A group of hunters in USA was establish a register for dogs in 1898 at the name United Kennel Club (UKC). First dog breed in that register was Pit Bull Terrier. Because of his origin they added "American" in his name.
At the beginning of 19th century people discovered that these dogs are bigger then their relatives in England, so he become trustworthy, reliable guardians of children, livestock and one's home. Thus the biggest specimens were bred to one another, increasing the shoulder height and overal size of the dogs, equipping them to do an even better job as guardians.
During World War I, a dog named Stubby brought fame to his kind becoming a sergeant of the United State Army for his distinguished service in holding a German spy captive and awaiting the arrival of the US troops. He also saved lives by sounding the warning of a gas attack. Another dog that become fameos was "Lucenay Pete" canine star of "Our gang" comedies. Pete was a dog hero and he spend almost nine years at the movie and another two at the teather. Only few people know that funny ring arround his eye was real.
Those who loved this breed and wanted to see it gain American Kennel Club recognition became increasingly numerous through the 1920s into the 1930s. Finally, in 1936, Staffordshire Terriers were recognized and permitted entry into the AKC Stud Book. The later was quickly successful in making the world of breeders Staffordshire-conscious, coming forth with entries (generally numbering more than 50) at its Specialty Shows.
The first Staffordshire Terrier to have been registered with the AKC was bitch, Wheeler's Black Dinah in 1936. In 1937 Maher's Captain D became the first officially recorded champion for Staffordshire Terriers.
As time progressed, it became obvious that the differences between the American and British Staffordshires were becoming increasingly pronounced. American breeders had developed dogs heavier in weight and differing somewhat in type than those from Great Britain. Thus no longer seemed practical to group them all together as a single breed. In 1972, the American Staffordshire Terrier received separate recognition as did the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
NAME EVOLUSION
PIT BULL TERRIER
-second part of 19th century
AMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIER
-1898
STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER
-1936
AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER
-1972
IRON AMSTAFF KENNEL
AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER
Diana & Danijel Marić
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