By whatever breed name he is called, the AmStaff is a powerful, trustworthy and talented working dog.
The AmStaff’s smile is unmistakable and continues to open doors around the world to welcome new admirers.
Confused? You should be. Why all the fuss over a friendly little dog? Essentially, this controversy is the result of two factions of dog breeders: those who breed for purpose and those who breed for appearance. Most people involved in the UKC believe that dogs should be bred so that they retain their original purpose, be it in sport (dog fighting, hunting) or in work (farming, herding). The AKC followers prefer to breed their “beasts” for beauty, shaping their dogs to conform to the specific physical characteristics set forth in the breed standard.
PURE-BRED PURPOSE
Given the vast range of the world’s 400 or so pure breeds of dog, it’s fair to say that domestic dogs are the most versatile animal in the kingdom. From the tiny 1-pound lap dog to the 200-pound guard dog, dogs have adapted to every need and whim of their human masters. Humans have selectively bred dogs to alter physical attributes like size, color, leg length, mass and skull diameter in order to suit our own needs and fancies. Dogs serve humans not only as companions and guardians but also as hunters, exterminators, shepherds, rescuers, messengers, warriors, babysitters and much more!
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is recognized by both the AKC and the UKC. It is a shorter-legged dog than the AmStaff, though much of its conformation is similar.
Luckily, within both organizations the dog has retained many of its most positive characteristics. It matters not whether it is a Yankee Terrier, an American Pit Bull Terrier or an American Staffordshire Terrier—the lineage is basically the same.
Willynwood High Tech is an excellent example of the American Staffordshire Terrier.
Pride. Strength. Loyalty. Tenacity. These are the first descriptive terms that come to mind when looking at or thinking about the American Staffordshire Terrier.
The four words listed above only begin to describe the American Staffordshire Terrier (or AmStaff), a mighty and complex breed. What the AmStaff has to offer depends entirely on the dog’s owner. His capabilities are boundless: strength insurmountable, desire to please unending, an ideal animal for activity and labor. Yet, at the same time, this breed makes a truly wonderful companion, an affable animal to family and friends, with the added capability of a guardian. Such a dog sounds so perfect, you might call him a “super dog.” If any breed is worthy of this hero status, the American Staffordshire Terrier certainly qualifies.
Carrie, Mandy and Willynwood High Tech are part of a happy family. When properly introduced to children, AmStaffs become very loyal, trusted and gentle family pets.
Originally bred for the purpose of fighting other dogs, the AmStaff is an easy-going, trustworthy and extremely affectionate dog toward human beings. Despite its inherent ability to maul and mangle beasts more than three times its size, the AmStaff is generally unaggressive and will not seek a confrontation. In short, an AmStaff will not start trouble but, boy, will he end it!
Instead of aggression, the AmStaff channels his extensive energies toward pleasing his master. The breed’s willingness to please, in fact, stems from its history as a fighter—the dog wanted so badly to win for his master that he would fight to the death. Such commitment and dedication is certainly prized no matter what task is given.
And tasks this breed can handle! Aside from his fighting duties, the AmStaff also found work in various jobs, mostly in farms and in butcher shops. Today the AmStaff retains his skills as a working and sporting dog and is used both as a laborer and in competition. On farms, AmStaffs are prized for cattle driving, herding, guarding and pulling. In society, the breed is used by the police and other organizations to assist in apprehension, narcotics detection, search and rescue, riot control and many other things. In competition, the AmStaff excels in various sports, including (but not limited to) tracking, herding, obedience, weight-pulling, agility trials, Schutzhund work and, of course, conformation. In short, the AmStaff is perhaps the world’s most versatile dog!
PERSONALITY AND ATTRIBUTES
American Staffordshire Terriers are happy, outgoing, stable dogs who make wonderful pets. They are extremely intelligent and are excellent guardians. Careful breeding has produced today’s American Staffordshire Terriers, who are affectionate, reliable and exceedingly loyal dogs with fearless personalities. An extremely family-oriented dog who does not scare easily, the AmStaff does well with children and elderly people who use canes, walkers or wheelchairs. In fact, the breed is used extensively as a therapy dog, brought into hospitals, geriatric homes and care centers to assist in rehabilitation and to bring cheer and joy to the patients.
This AmStaff pup gets a lift from his American Bulldog chum. The bulldog breeds are among the most versatile of all dogs.
This does not rule out the rest of the age groups, as the AmStaff can play fetch for hours and always enjoys a good run. Great fun for both dog and owner are games of retrieving a flying disc. Though not a retriever by trade, the AmStaff is nonetheless a tireless participant in chasing after and returning objects thrown by his master. The outstanding agility and speed of the breed become apparent as the dog takes off after, and jumps up to snatch, the plastic flying disc. It is a real treat to watch the dog show off his athleticism in this game.
The American Staffordshire Terrier, due to his great strength and trainability, can make a perfect home guardian. By nature, an AmStaff is friendly to all humans and will not view man as an opponent. However, through responsible training, an AmStaff can learn to distinguish between friend and foe and attack unwanted intruders to his home. A true champion and defender of his family, the AmStaff will put himself in harm’s way, sometimes suffering serious injury to keep family members safe.
Though the AmStaff will rarely be moved to instigate aggression, he will have a natural instinct to respond to the challenge of other dogs—it’s in the terrier blood. This can become a problem if the animal is not properly trained out of this behavior, which is known as gameness. For the most part, even larger dogs like Mastiffs and Rottweilers do not stand a chance against a determined AmStaff. Their low center of gravity, incredible neck and jaw power and tenacity to fight on—even when exhausted or badly injured—give AmStaffs the edge over the larger breeds.
Adaptable to country and city living, the AmStaff finds comfort in whatever situation his master can provide. An open field to roam is certainly a benefit and well appreciated by the athletic AmStaff, but it is not a necessity. The dog will find as much happiness indoors, so long as his master is
