American Staffordshire Terrier

You are walking down the street one day and you pass your neighborhood pet store. In the window is a sign that reads, "American Staffordshire Terrier puppies For Sale." You think to yourself, "Hmmm...I'd like to get a dog. But isn't the American Staffordshire Terrier a close cousin to the Pit Bull? And aren't Pit Bulls dangerous and unpredictable?" The answers to these questions are "Yes" and "No." Yes,the American Staffordshire Terrier is a close cousin to the Pit Bull. And "No," Pit Bulls are not dangerous and unpredictable. But the media and other ill-informed demographics would like you to think so. So, with all of this scrutiny surrounding the breed (whether deserved or not), why should you choose to take one home? Easy...they don't deserve their reputation.

AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER HISTORY

To understand why this breed of dog has such a bad reputation, prospective owners should know their history. The first Staffordshire Terriers arrived in the good old U.S. of A in the 1870s. The terrier eventually became two breeds: the American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull. The Pit Bull was used in regulating dog fighting while the Staffordshire Terrier was bred as a guard dog. But the United Kennel Club eventually began breeding that "fighting spirit" out of both breeds years ago. Most reported attacks by either breed can be traced directly to bad owners and unlicensed breeders, not any inherent violent tendencies in the dogs themselves. So if you see a sign that reads, "American Staffordshire Terrier puppies for sale," make sure that's what they are.

TRAINING FOR THE AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER

Ignore what you have heard about how hard it is to train this close cousin to the American Bulldog. That being said...THE AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER HAS TO BE WELL TRAINED! An untrained terrier can be independent and stubborn. They need to know who is boss from the time they are puppies. But a well-trained terrier is one of the best friends you will ever have. Sit, stay and come are commands that should be taught from the very first time you bring your new buddy home. And unlike other breeds, tug-of-war games should be avoided. This teaches the dog to use his mouth to get his way. Down that path leads a very bad dog. With this breed, you've already got your work cut out for you. Why add to the problem.

HEALTH CONCERNS

One huge benefit to the American Staffordshire Terrier is the lack of health problems. They are not especially susceptible to hip dysplasia like other large breeds. They need plenty of exercise but not so much that apartment dwellers should cross them off their list of potential best friends.

MYTH VERSUS REALITY

As you can see, the rumors are true...if you have a completely untrained dog. That's not the case with most responsible American Staffordshire Terrier owners and breeders. Untrained dogs or dogs that are trained for fighting only can be a problem. And since the motto of journalism is "If it bleeds it leads," those "rare" occurrences of attacks are what gets the publicity...not the fun-loving, loyal and generally good-humored stories from the responsible terrier owner. After all, would the Little Rascals from Our Gang have named an American Staffordshire Terrier as their mascot if he were dangerous? Pete the Pup was a cute little prankster, not a death-dealing menace.