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EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT: WE ARE OFFICIALLY "ATAXIA CLEAR" BREEDERS!! Our AmStaffs are family first, then training, then having fun showing and lastly, breeding to further the quality. We are dedicated to producing structure, temperament, health and breed type to make sure the Amstaff is around for years to come. We only breed champion, fully health tested, good representatives of the American Staffordshire Terrier, exclusively AKC.
About the American Staffordshire TerrierOver the past 75 years, careful breeding has produced today's American Staffordshire Terrier. It is not a new breed even though it gained its American Kennel Club registration and recognition in 1936. It has been developed since the early 1800's as a result of crosses between the original bulldog and a number of terrier breeds. Although the ancestors came from England, the development is the story of a truly American breed. This type of dog was instrumental in the success of farmers and settlers who developed this country. They were used for general farm work, hunting wild pigs, bears, and other large game, guarding the homestead, and general companionship, making a wonderful family pet. One of the early and very famous AKC registered Staffs was Pete the Pup, (registered name Lucenay's Peter), dog star of the original Our Gang comedies of the 1930's. The original breed name was Staffordshire Terrier but then was changed to American Staffordshire Terrier in the 1970's to distinguish it from its British relative, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Although legends say otherwise, only a small percentage of the ancestors of the Amstaffs were also developed for the "sport" of dog fighting, but the selective breeding since the 1930's has been away from the fighting heritage. Today, it is a companion and a show dog, rather than a gladiator. This now illegal activity is, unfortunately, more often cited as the early purpose of the dogs rather than the general farm work. Rarely used on the farm nowadays, the talents that made him a good all purpose dog are still to be found in the breed. Compact and powerfully built, the Amstaff should give the impression of great strength for his size, a well put-together dog, muscular, but agile and graceful, keenly alive to his surroundings. Height and weight should be in proportion. He should be stocky, not long-legged or racy in outline. A height of about 18 to 19 inches at shoulders for the male and 17 to 18 inches for the female is to be considered preferable. He has a short, smooth, coat that comes in any color, solid, parti, or patched is permissible, but all white, more than 80 per cent white, black and tan, and liver not to be encouraged. Grooming needs are minimal. He cannot be exposed to extreme temperatures for extended periods of time. Nose must be black. Ears can be cropped or uncropped, the latter preferred. Uncropped ears should be short and held rose or half prick. The American Staffordshire Terrier is a fearless and courageous dog. It is also patient, reliable, loving, and extremely devoted to his family. Known for being good with children, it is gentle and good natured enough to accept their sometimes rough play. A loyal companion, it can tolerate other household pets well, especially when raised with them. The Amstaff is a very versatile breed with an eager to please personality. Wherever they are, they tend to spread joy and suck up affection from anyone like a sponge. It is not just good in conformation but also excels at weight pulling, tracking, agility, fly ball, and as therapy dogs to children, the elderly and the infirm. Intelligent, alert, and strong-willed, he benefits from early obedience training and socialization. They are highly devoted to their owners and are usually quite easy to train but some inexperienced owners might find it a welcomed challenge. His nature requires an owner who is strong and confident without being overbearing. The Amstaff has a good activity level and needs daily exercise. He is adaptable to country or city living, the only thing that will break his spirit and his heart is lack of his owner's fond attention.
Contact Information
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renee@divinityamstaffs.com with
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