American Staffordshire Terrier

For a long time, fights were organized opposing various animals, particularly bulls, to fighting dogs. The dogs used were primarily Bulldogs. However, those of the time were different from today's Bulldogs; they were larger and more powerful. In parallel, Terriers, which were finer and more agile, were used in "dog versus rats" type fights. Starting in the eighteenth century, in order to obtain fighting dogs combining strength, speed, and agility, crosses between Bulldogs and Terriers were made, giving rise to Bull-and-Terriers. In parallel, certain similar breeds were also used to assist nursemaids in their daily work. These dogs, reputed for their gentleness with children, are believed to have developed this trait through contact with young children. Their powerful jaw was also useful for protecting the smallest against kidnappings, which helped avoid certain conflicts between influential families. Shortly before 1850, James Hinks, a Bull-and-Terrier breeder, crossed these dogs notably with Old English White Terriers. These crosses produced a homogeneous line. A new breed was officially recognized by the English Kennel Club under the name, still used today, of Bull Terrier. The American Staffordshire Terrier descends from the Staffordshire Bull Terriers (originating from the English county of Staffordshire, imported into the New World by English colonists). Other dog breeds were imported to America. Among these imports were the Blue Paul Terriers, generally of a gray-blue color. Their name possibly comes from the pirate Paul Jones, who appreciated this color and used these dogs for fighting. These dogs were larger and more massive than Staffordshire Bull Terriers. It would be from these distant ancestors, the Blue Pauls, that many American Staffordshire Terriers inherit their blue-gray coat. In America, the dogs imported from England and used for fighting were commonly called "Pit Bulls" or "Pit Bull Terriers" (the word pit means "arena," the place where dog fights took place). Breeders did not care about creating a precise breed; they sought only fighting performance, crossing dogs of various origins. At this time, American Pit Bull Terriers also served in hunting large game, herding livestock, and protecting properties.

The American Staffordshire Terrier combines the strength of the Bulldog with the agility of the Terrier. Resistant, tenacious, it is independent and self-assured; it needs to expend energy to channel its exuberant energy. Very receptive, its proverbial courage, agility, and intelligence predispose it to many activities. Athletic, it demonstrates its speed and flexibility, its endurance in canicross, and its precision in tracking. It is extremely dynamic and full of vitality. A remarkable property guardian, it is also a good companion dog. However, individuals trained to develop their aggression can pose a danger, even to members of their own family.