To correctly give the origin and history of the American Staffordshire Terrier, it is necessary to comment briefly on two other dogs, namely the 
Bulldog and the terrier.

Until the early part of the 19th century; the Bulldog was bred with great care in England for the purpose of baiting bulls. The Bulldog of that 
day was vastly different from our present-day "sourmug." Pictures from as late as 1870 represent the Bulldog as agile and as standing straight 
on his legs-his front legs in particular. In some cases he was even possessed of a muzzle, and long rat tails were not uncommon. The Bulldog 
of that day, with the exception of the head, looked more like the present-day American Staffordshire Terrier than like the present-day 
Bulldog.

Some writers contend it was the white English Terrier, or the Black-and-Tan Terrier, that was used as a cross with the Bulldog to perfect the 
Staffordshire Terrier. It seems easier to believe that any game terrier, such as the Fox Terrier of the early 1800s, was used in this cross, since 
some of the foremost authorities on dogs of that time state that the Black-and-Tan and the white English Terrier were none too game, but 
these same authorities go on to stress the gameness of the Fox Terrier. It is reasonable to believe that breeders who were attempting to 
perfect a dog that would combine the spirit and agility of the terrier with the courage and tenacity of the Bulldog, would not use a terrier that 
was not game. In analyzing the three above-mentioned terriers at that time, we find that there was not a great deal of difference in body 
conformation, the greatest differences being in color, aggressiveness, and spirit.

In any event, it was the cross between the Bulldog and the terrier that resulted in the Staffordshire Terrier, which was originally called the 
Bull-and-Terrier Dog, Half and Half, and at times Pit Dog or Pit Builterrier. Later, it assumed the name in England of Staffordshire Bull 
Terrier.

These dogs began to find their way into America as early as 1870, where they became known as Pit Dog, Pit Bull Terrier, later American Bull 
Terrier, and still later as Yankee Terrier.

In 1936, they were accepted for registration in the AKC Stud Book as Staffordshire Terriers. The name of the breed was revised effective 
January 1, 1972 to American Staffordshire Terrier. Breeders in this country had developed a type which is heavier in weight than the 
Staffordshire Bull Terrier of England and the name change was to distinguish them as separate breeds.

The American Staffordshire Terrier's standard allows a variance in weight, but it should be in proportion to size. The dog's chief requisites 
should be strength unusual for his size, soundness, balance, a strong powerful head, a well-muscled body, and courage that is proverbial.

To clarify the confusion that may exist, even in the minds of dog fanciers, as to the difference between the American Staffordshire Terrier and 
the Bull Terrier, a comment on the latter may be helpful. The Bull Terrier was introduced by James Hinks of Birmingham, who had been 
experimenting for several years with the old bull-and-terrier dog, now known as Staffordshire. It is generally conceded that he used the 
Staffordshire, crossed with the white English Terrier, and some writers contend that a dash of Pointer and Dalmatian blood was also used to 
help perfect the all-white Bull Terrier.

In mentioning the gameness of the Staffordshire, it is not the intention to tag him as a fighting machine, or to praise this characteristic. These 
points are discussed because they are necessary in giving the correct origin and history of the breed. The good qualities of the dogs are many, 
and it would be difficult for anyone to overstress them.

Fun Facts

-An American Staffordshire Terrier named Stubby earned the rank of Sergeant and was the most decorated dog of World War I.

-As the breed moved to America the names Pitdog and Pitbull Terrier stuck. However, American breeders wanted an animal heavier than the 
British breed, hence the name American Staffordshire Terrier.

-The roots of the American Staffordshire Terrier can be traced through early Mastiff warriors, to the original Bulldogs in England, which were 
used in the bloody sport of bull baiting.

-The American Staffordshire Terrier was accepted in 1936 for registration in the American Kennel Club stud book as Staffordshire Terriers.

-American Staffordshire Terriers are intelligent and excellent guardians.

-It is widely accepted that this breed evolved in part from the old "Bulldogue" brought over from the Staffordshire region of England.