In our society.

When English immigrants settled in the United States after the American Civil War (1861-1865), they brought with them their own dogs. Among the many different breeds there were several breeds of Bulls and Terriers. These lively and intelligent dogs were used as farm dogs, watchdogs, cattle dogs, but also to hunt wild boars and bears. To equip their dogs even better to carry out these tasks, big specimens of Bull and Terrier dogs were crossbred.

 

Over the years, this special American breed became bigger, heavier and stronger than its English cousin, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. To supplement the often-meagre income of the owners, the dogs were also used in dogfights. In a ring, the Pit, the dogs fought each other and bets were taken on the outcome.

Perhaps all this sounds a bit nastier than it really was. The dogs were trained to force their opponent to surrender, not to kill him. Besides, they normally lived amongst the family and were playmates for the children. This is why they developed into a sociable, strong dog breed that is not aggressive by nature and extremely friendly to humans.

In 1936 the American Staffordshire Terrier was recognised by the AKC (American Kennel Club) as a separate breed and now it is mainly a dog for shows and for the family. Its possibilities as a working dog, its athletic build and stamina are generally praised. The American Staffordshire Terrier’s friendliness towards people is used for instance by training this dog as a rescue dog, a guide-dog for the blind, a therapy dog, a tracker dog and of course as an ordinary pet dog.

Although the ancestors of the American Staffordshire Terrier and Pit bull-like dogs are the same, they have evolved in a totally different way. Unfortunately, it happens frequently that a Pit bull-like dog is wrongfully presented as an American Staffordshire Terrier.