American Staffordshire Terrier Breeders

American Staffordshire Terrier Breeders have treaded along a rocky path toward the official acceptance of the breed. In the late 1800s, when breeders and enthusiasts pushed actively for the breed’s recognition, the AKC refused several times to register the dog for fear that it might be used in illegal dog-fighting shows. In several states, there are restrictions on the ownership of the American Pit Bull Terrier, its close relative.

The American Staffordshire Terrier, like many other formidable-looking use-to-be-fighter-dogs, descended from the Old English Bulldog, a ferocious dog that was bred specially for bull-baiting and dog-fighting competitions. When these activities were outlawed in 1835, the English Bulldog fell into disuse and became extinct. Breeders and enthusiasts, in an effort to save the best of those early dogs, developed many new breeds and they strove to breed out the ferocity of a fighter dog. The American Staffordshire Terrier resulted from crossing the Old English Bulldog with smaller terrier dogs. This resulted in a unique combination of physical strength and superb hunting capability. American Staffordshire Terrier Breeders continued to face difficulties in promoting the breed toward official recognition until the 1930s.

American Staffordshire Terriers are no longer vicious, and they make wonderful companion dogs. Although they are quite protective around their loved ones, they do not usually exhibit uncontrolled aggression, and it is possible for a stranger to gain a dog’s trust and respect after a while. They are medium-sized (standing 16-19 inches tall at the shoulder), and very muscular and powerful dogs, with a smooth and short coat. These dogs are great with children and can be okay with non-canine pets. However, males can be very aggressive toward other males in defending their territories. There is just one reason why many good American Staffordshire Breeders talk young dog lovers out of acquiring these dogs, and that is their obstinate and willful temperament.

If you thing you have all it takes to be a good Amstaff owner, the first thing you must do is find a reputable and conscientious breeder. Responsible American Staffordshire Terrier Breeders know all there is to know, and they will dispel any myth about these dogs being vicious tree-climbing killers. Good breeders never cultivate aggression in their dogs. If you hear a report about an Amstaff perpetrating an evil deed, this is most likely to be about a dog once purchased from an unethical breeder or it was deliberately trained to attack people or animals. What you must be ready for first and foremost, is to spend a long time training your puppy. If you lack experience in training such dogs but cannot help loving them, you can have your puppy trained at a puppy kindergarten class. Conscientious American Staffordshire Breeders are always eager to share with potential buyers all sorts of useful information on the breed they deal in, and they never breed for business.