American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a strong, stocky, good-natured dog who is intensely loyal to its master or mistress. Referring to them as "Pit Bulls" is not quite correct, although the history of these two breeds makes mix-ups understandable. Both supposedly are descended from English "Staffordshire Terriers". While the American Pit Bull Terrier was bred as a fighting breed in the early 19th century and was registered as a breed with the UKC in 1898, the American Staffordshire Terrier was not bred to fight, but instead to help early settlers on the farm and homestead. The American Staffordshire Terrier gradually became larger than its English ancestors, and was recognized as a breed by the AKC in 1936. In any case, these are arguably the most maligned dogs of our time. Persistent myths about American Staffordshire Terriers being inherently vicious, or able to suddenly turn on their owners are incredibly difficult to stamp out. It is sad that legislators sometimes insist on ignoring facts and create laws based on ignorance. One example can be found in Banned In Cincinnati. Firstly, American Staffordshire Terriers are wonderful dogs who will put up with a lot from humans, including children. They have a high tolerance for pain, which they inherited from their "pit" ancestors. Secondly, most people are incapable of correctly identifying a dog breed, hence any dog who bites (whether a poorly bred Labby or a Jack Russell Terrier) gets reported as a "Pit Bull." About the only mistake these dogs have made is to choose idiot owners who think that having a "tough fearsome dog" will make them tough and fearsome. Unfortunately these owners are usually the type to treat their pets as miserably as they treat other human beings, and a mistreated dog can indeed turn into an aggressive dog. Caring for the short coat of an American Staffordshire is easy, an occasional brushing will do. American Staffordshire Terriers are medium to large size dogs with a sturdy build. If left naturally (as for Gypsy, Milo and Coco) the ears are floppy. Staffies come in just about all colors as patterns with the exception of predominantly white or cream.
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| "Gypsy" (female) courtesy of loribl i-dog message board Status: verified Age: 1-3 years Size: medium Weight: 43 lbs
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"Gypsy" (female) courtesy of loribl i-dog message board Status: verified Age: 1-3 years Size: medium Weight: 43 lbs
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"Milo" (male) courtesy of Pet Rescue of Mercer Status: verified Age: 2 yrs Size: medium Weight: 55 lbs
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"Gypsy" (female) courtesy of loribl i-dog message board Status: verified Age: 1-3 years Size: medium Weight: 43 lbs
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"Coco" (female) courtesy of Happy Hills Animal Foundation Status: verified Age: 2 yrs Size: large Weight: 55 lbs
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"Gypsy" (female) courtesy of loribl i-dog message board Status: verified Age: 1-3 years Size: medium Weight: 43 lbs
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