History of AST

Preceded American staffordshire terrier was bred in the Midlands (Staffordshire) for matches with bulls (bullbaiting). Was called bull-and-terrier (a cross between bulldogs and terriers). In 1835 the animal matches in England banned. Still passionate fans of the fighting, they crossed these dogs for the purpose of illegal dog fights.

The dogs later found their way to America. Here in particular, farmers have used to protect property, livestock and exterminating vermin (farmer's guard dog). They were tagged names bull terrier, staffordshire terrier, pit dog, and finally yankee terrier. In 1898 the U.S. (UKC) recognized renaming-and-bull terrier on the American Pit Bull Terrier (American pit bul terriers or to APBT).

Breeders refusing breeding dogs for matches, began to pay attention to the exterior and especially character (today's Amstaff or AST). They searched the new name to differentiate them from illegal dog fights - when in 1936 recognized the American Kennel Club (AKC) the name Staffordshire Terrier. In 1974 the name of Staffordshire Terrier was finally changed to American Staffordshire Terrier (AST). It happened at the instigation of the AKC, so clearly distinct from the english breed - Staffordshire Bull Terrier (SBT).

Conclusion: His ancestors are the bulldogs and terriers. Both of these breeds amstaff combines the best - the strength and courage of bulldog and sharpness of terrier. Today's American Staffordshire Terrier, thanks to people who wish to appreciate his amazing abilities and characteristics, became an excellent companion and working dog.