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The American Staffordshire Terrier may have its roots in the British Isles, but it is truly an American breed. The early ancestors of this breed came from Ireland and England. They were the result of breeding small terriers to the bulldogs of the 1700-1800's. These bulldogs were mastiff-like rather than the bulldogs we know today. The resulting bull and terrier crosses were bred to be all-around working farm dogs and family companions.

1880 Police Force with Their Dogs

When these "bulldogs" made the jump to America, they were bred slightly larger to serve as guardians for the settlers as they moved across the continent. The dogs were used for general farm work; herding; hunting anything from water fowl to wild pigs, bears and large game; pulling logs and heavy objects; guarding the homestead from predators; and general family companionship. The dog created to fulfill all these needs was versatile, flexible and
athletic, and had a rock solid temperament.

      
Pictures from 1800's 

 Some of the early ancestors of the Am Staff were used for the "sport" of dog fighting, in addition to their other duties. Their prowess in this now illegal "sport" has, unfortunately, led people to cite dog fighting as the early purpose of the breed. The actual purpose for developing the breed was over-shadowed by this one aspect, which colors people's understanding
of the breed to this day.

   
  Postcard from 1909

Today's American Staffordshire Terrier is most often thought of as a companion and show
dog. Although not seen as often on farms, the talents that made him a good all-purpose dog are still found in the breed. We tap into this canine athlete today by participating in various performance events and athletic endeavors. These include obedience, agility, fly-ball,
herding, Schutzhund, French Ring Sport, tracking, swimming, Frisbee, carting and
many other activities.

The American Staffordshire Terrier remains the
all-around, all-American dog.