| The American Staffordshire Terrier, also sometimes | | | | Staffordshire Terrier breed was first recognized by |
| called Amstaff, is a medium-sized dog breed with | | | | the American Kennel Club in 1936. They are a |
| good family values. It fits nicely as a pet, and works | | | | member of the Terrier and Molosser groups. |
| well together with older more considerate children as | | | | American Staffordshire Terriers are confident, laid |
| well as other animals. It is a relative of the American | | | | back, and easygoing. They are also in general good |
| Pit Bull Terrier, and was brought to the US with the | | | | natured, although best for those with some |
| British and Irish settlers, more specifically after the | | | | experience of dog ownership. Despite their calm style |
| Civil war. Animal fights, with larger animals such as | | | | of life it is important to remember that they were |
| Bulls, were popular in the 1830's, but became illegal in | | | | bred to be aggressive towards other dogs, and they |
| old Britain and Ireland because of the Human Ethics | | | | may still sometimes act based upon those ancient |
| Act. | | | | instincts. Their attitude and reaction when it comes |
| People then began to organize rat fights and dog | | | | to strangers varies, sometimes they can be friendly, |
| fights instead, since they were much easier to hide | | | | at other times they can be very aggressive. The |
| from the officials. The American Staffordshire Terrier | | | | lifespan of the American Staffordshire Terrier is |
| has a very large bone structure, head size and it | | | | around 10-12 years. There are some health problems |
| weighs a lot, therefore fitting perfectly in this sport. | | | | associated with this breed, including eye problems, |
| Their body is very athletic, robust and compact. Still | | | | ligament problems, thyroid disorders, cancer, |
| today these fights are arranged, but they are not as | | | | temperament problems, and cataracts. |
| common as they were before. The American | | | | |