The American Staffordshire Terrier is not a new breed. Although it gained American Kennel Club registration and recognition in 1936, it has been developed since the early 1800s as a result of crosses between the bulldogs of that time and game terriers.

Although the early ancestors of this breed came from England, the development of the American Staffordshire Terrier is the story of a truly American breed. This dog was instrumental in the success of farmers and settlers who developed that country. They were used for general farm work, hunting wild pigs, bears, and other large game, guarding the homestead and for general companionship.

A number of the early ancestors were also developed for the "sport" of dog fighting. The extraordinary vitality of this breed is a direct result of breeding for successful fighting dogs. This now illegal activity is, unfortunately, more often cited as the early purpose of the dogs rather than the general farm work, and although ancestors of the American Staffordshire were fighting dogs, the selective breeding since the 1930s has been away from the fighting heritage. The American Staffordshire Terrier today is a companion and show dog.

AVERAGE LIFESPAN

The American Staffordshire Terrier usually lives up to nine years of age but can easily last 11 years if given plenty of loving attention and a good diet.

AVERAGE SIZE & WEIGHT

44cm - 49cm
19kg - 23kg

BREED PERSONALITY, CHARACTERISTICS & TEMPERAMENT

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a stoic and powerful breed. It's nature tends to be courageous and training is recommended.

COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER PETS

The American Staffordshire Terrier can, under some circumstances, show aggressive tendencies towards cats, rabbits and other household pets. With other dogs, it needs to be socialised correctly over a period of time to establish a lasting relationship.

The owner of an American Staffordshire Terrier should be ever aware that it will respond to a challenge offered by another dog, and for this reason great care should be taken in the surrounds of an unfamiliar dog, especially if both are male.

CARE REQUIREMENTS

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a relatively low maintenance dog, requiring minimal grooming of its coat, dry shampooing or bathing only when necessary and rubbing its coat will bring out a good shine. It requires daily exercise.

It will also seek and demand attention from its human family, but it will require training to become a good member of the family. A home with a fenced yard or kennel is essential.

IN CONCLUSION

If you have decided that the American Staffordshire Terrier is the dog for you and you are prepared to keep this animal under close supervision, contact one of the groups listed below:

DECISION TIME

Before making a decision on getting a puppy, here are some articles you might find helpful:

• What do we need to consider if we are thinking of buying a puppy?
• How do I determine which breeder to use?
• What should you ask the breeder?
• How do you check if the breeder is reputable?
• What to ask your vet prior to buying a puppy

RECOMMENDED BREEDERS

Breeder Name	Kennel	State
Dion Humbler	Hotpaws	SA	Contact
Brett and Kerry Baxter	Macsmagic	SA	Contact
Brett Baxter	Macsmajic	SA	Contact
Aram Vartanian	Persistent Kennels	VIC	Contact
Angie Kay	Amstaffs	QLD	Contact
karyn and robert graham	mystaffsblue	VIC	Contact
Billie-Joe Smith	Nevabeta	QLD	Contact
Daneillia Davies	tredanky	QLD	Contact
Steve Eadie	Koroneos	QLD	Contact
Terri Clark	Superstorm	SA	Contact
John & Jana Zammit	Dddawgs	SA	Contact
Deb Hughes	Amstafomine	SA	Contact

* We have vetted and approved these independent breeders as meeting, at the time, our criteria for the reliable breeding, feeding, care and sale of suitable quality puppies of this breed. This does not mean that other breeders do not meet these criteria or are not otherwise suitable suppliers. Nor can our vetting and approval guarantee the quality of a breeder or puppy or that you will be happy with them. We disclaim any liability for the quality, acts or omissions of these breeders or their puppies and our approval of breeders is not a substitute for you making all appropriate enquiries and checks (including veterinary checks) before choosing a specific breeder or puppy.

CANINE CLUBS

Australian Capital Territory ACT Canine Association Inc PO Box 815 Dickson, ACT 2602 Tel: 02 6241 4404 Fax: 02 6241 1129 Email: CONTACT Website: www.actca.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		New South Wales Royal New South Wales Canine Council Ltd PO Box 632 St Marys, NSW 1790 Tel: 02 9834 3022 or 1300 728 022 (NSW only) Fax: 02 9834 3872 Email: CONTACT Website: www.rnswcc.org.au (Details current as of 1/08/04)
Northern Territory The North Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 37521 Winnellie, NT 0821 Tel: 08 8984 3570 Fax: 08 8984 3409 Email: CONTACT Website: www.users.bigpond.com/naca1/ (Details correct as of 6/08/04)		Queensland Canine Control Council (Queensland) PO Box 495 Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006 Tel: 07 3252 2661 Fax: 07 3252 3864 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cccq.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
South Australia South Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 844 Prospect East, SA 5082 Tel: 08 8349 4797 Fax: 08 8262 5751 Email: CONTACT Website: www.saca.caninenet.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Tasmania Tasmanian Canine Association Inc The Rothman Building PO Box 116 Glenorchy, Tas 7010 Tel: 03 6272 9443 Fax: 03 6273 0844 Email: CONTACT Website: www.tca.freeservers.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
Victoria Victorian Canine Association Locked Bag K9 Cranbourne, Vic 3977 Tel: 03 9788 2500 Fax: 03 9788 2599 Email: CONTACT Website: www.vca.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Western Australia Canine Association of Western Australia Inc PO Box 1404 Canning Vale, WA 6970 Tel: 08 9455 1188 Fax: 08 9455 1190 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cawa.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)