In England, during the nineteenth century, a fighting dog was created
by crossing the Bulldog (for courage and tenacity) and a terrier (for spirit
and agility). The new breed became known as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
During the 1870s, the breed was introduced to the United States. During
the next century, American breeders developed a type of dog that was heavier
than their English counterpart. By 1972, it was determined that there were
now two separate breeds and the American version became known as the American
Staffordshire Terrier.
This breed, although bred to be aggressive to other dogs, are very affectionate
to people. They are highly intelligent, excellent guardians and protectors
of their master's property. With a little training, they can also learn
to get along well with other dogs.
The AmStaff should be stockily built with a muscular body, while at the
same time, being agile and graceful. The chest should be broad and deep.
The legs should be straight. The head should have a broad wedge-shaped skull,
erect ears set high on the head, dark round eyes set low on the skull and
a medium length jaw with strong underjaw for biting power. The coat should
be short, glossy and stiff, requiring little grooming. It may be any color,
but preferably not black and tan or liver or more than 80 percent white.
Typically, the AmStaff may have a white throat with possibly some white
on the toes and a blaze on the face. Height ranges from eighteen to nineteen
inches for males and seventeen to eighteen inches for females.
Name withheld by request of North Carolina writes:
Great dogs!
These are the most wonderful dogs. They love people and are excellent
with children. Mine is so gentle and plays with them all the time. They
are very easy to train and are real sweethearts. Go to a good breeder and
train them well and you will not be disappointed!
Name withheld by request of North Carolina writes:
A great family companion.
These beautiful dogs are wonderful for families. It is a must to find
a responsible breeder. One who breeds for good temperament and health. It
is the owner's responsibility to make sure their new addition is properly
socialized and trained. A well-bred, well-trained Am Staf is a pleasure
to own. They are loving, stable, and loyal. Mine have always been the perfect
companion for my children and a joy to own.
Name withheld by request of the U.S. writes:
AmStafs are what the owner makes them.
Only reason I did not rate the breed is because they are unratable.
Every dog's personality is made by the way they are treated by humans. Some
Am Stafs I've met are five-star material, others zero. The five-star dogs
are dogs who are cared for, loved, NEUTERED (hint hint) and obedience trained
(another hint-hint). No-star dogs are owned by people who do none of the
above. No training, tie 'em up out back and let him guard the house. Then
this seemingly devoted animal who would give his life to save the house
and people inside suddenly attacks a stranger, the owner, or a child.
If you get one of these dogs, it is your job to improve the currently horrible
breed generalization that these dogs are unpredictable, untrainable killers.
Think wisely. If you buy this breed to be a protector for a normal family,
or expect them to come already trained, well ... it's an accident waiting
to happen. If you are knowledgable, dedicated and know the breed you would
be a great asset to the world of Am Stafs.
poppieshane@msn.com of Baltimore, MD writes:
Most rewarding dog you can have.
The myths of the dog are so cruel and so untrue. The breed itself is
incredible. They are like super dogs p; they don't know the meaning
of quit. Most loyal dog to your family. They are friends, workers, hunters,
guard dogs p; they do their job better than any breed. The misfortune
of the breed is that criminals who own the breed give the dog its bad name.
Because of that good people don't know what a wonderful dog it truly is.
So don't ban the dog until you find out what you are missing p; the
super dog named American Staffordshire Terrier.
killaBee36@aol.com of California writes:
Don't get one.
These dogs are the worst. Everyone says they are good around children
p; no way. This dog had a smile when I bought it. I thought it was a
perfect dog from the reviews I read. No! This dog was fine until he was
one and a half years old, then he bit my six-year-old son's hand and wouldn't
let go. I didn't know what to do, so I hit it with a broom and he went toward
the end of the fence. I called the ambulance to take care of my son's severed
hand. The dog was put to sleep. I don't know why he did it, we were so good
to him.
Name withheld by request of Utah writes:
Lovable, wonderful family dog.
Our American Staffordshire Terrier is just a great dog. He is a little
under a year old. He is very lovable, he knows when to act gentle and when
he can act rough. All the children love him. We have a three-month-old baby,
and he has been perfect with her. The only problem we ever have with him
is that we CANNOT leave him alone, or he will eat everything he can and
can't eat. He has eaten our walls, our blinds, our seat belts, our cup holders,
our cups, even if he has great toys around. If he is with us though, he
is perfect. He guards us, plays with us, loves us, and I truly believe he
would die for us if he needed to. He never wants to be mean though other
dogs will want to be mean, but he just wags his tail and wants to play with
any dog and every dog. I would reccommend an Am Staf to anyone who wants
a nice loving animal that they can spend a lot of time with, and don't mind
a lot of chewed up items and a living room full of fuzz or shredded paper
once in awhile!
FlattopNM1@yahoo.com of Texas writes:
Bookends and bedbugs.
My wife and daughter saw a brindle Am Staf that had a look of sunshine
and love in his eyes with this clown's grin from ear to ear. I met him and
I fell in love with him too. Four months later, we got another one. They
are master popcorn consumers, and the most loyal of dogs. I had bred Dobermans
and German Shepherds for years and for some reason I love these guys more.
These guys have such intelligence and offer such selfless companionship
it is uncanny. They have yet to act out of turn or be aggressive. Sure they
play rough and have a penchant for laying on the back of my couch, but I
wish that my human friends had their loyalty and understanding.
showdogast@yahoo.com of Rhode Island writes:
A breed like no other.
I have owned, showed and trained this amazing breed for almost six years
now and cannot see myself without them. There are no words to describe their
loyalty, devotion, intelligence and beauty. Truly a breed apart!
theathearae@aol.com of Milwaukee, WI writes:
One of the most misunderstood breeds.
I came upon my Am Staf accidentally. A friend of my son's, acquired
him as a little pup. Looking for a good home for him, he came to me. I was
very apprehensive about taking him, like many other people, because of all
the hype in the media. He was just the cutest little thing, although not
that little!
I told him I needed a day to do as much research on the breed as I could,
and that I would let him know. Well, I couldn't get him out of my mind,
and after researching the breed, within a matter of hours I was calling
him to bring him over. And so he became a part of our family. I told him,
"Give me two days to see if he will work out with the family"
(I have three children, a thirteen-year-old Shepherd, cat and guinea pigs).
The first comment from my husband, as I hadn't told him what I intended
to do, was, "IS THAT ONE OF THOSE DOGS?!" But soon he became one
of us. He is nine months old now, and I couldn't picture my life without
him. He goes to work with me, and is on my heels everywhere I go.
My dog is loyal, so concerned with everyone, social, but yet intimidating
to strangers (which was exactly what I wanted). Absolutely human-like. I
thank God (and my son's friend) everyday that he was brought to me. I love
him like one of my children. I will never own another breed again. I hope
that people will research, and get to know these dogs instead of making
judgments as to only the BAD things they hear in the media. They are by
far the most misunderstood breed.
pennyjog@aol.com of Portage, IN writes:
Not for the faint of heart.
When my daughter rescued an Am Staf from the humane society, I asked
her, "Are you crazy? Those dogs are mean." Well ... two years
have passed and needless to say that dog won my heart over. I am now "owned"
by my own Am Staf, and my daughter also has his littersister. When we picked
up her puppy I wasn't looking for another dog but a blue fawn male was placed
into my arms and it was love at first sight. He has been the most wonderful
thing that has happened to me. If you're not ready for absolute devotion,
this is not the dog for you. My Am Stafs are a joy to be around. I am a
dog groomer and I see all kinds of breeds. I take my dog to work with me
and he is always happy to see people and to greet other dogs. He is getting
to be well socialized and loves to go for walks so he can meet other people.
Everyone who meets him compliments him by saying how beautiful he is or
how well behaved; then they ask what kind of dog he is and are shocked when
I tell them. He is a great ambassador for the breed. I have eight grandchildren
and he loves them. Of course when any of the kids are here he thinks they
have way too much dirt on them and procedes to give them a licking bath.
I would trust him around them at any time. This breed needs a lot of your
time and training. If you don't have the time to spend with the dog don't
get one. I have four other dogs and a cat and he gets along fine with them.
He has been taught to "leave it" and what "no" means.
He is a very active dog, always willing to go out for a play, but willing
to cuddle on the sofa if that's where you are. Would I have another Am Staf?
You bet your life I would! I have found the dog of my dreams.
Name withheld by request of Alaska writes:
Loving family pet.
My American Staf is the most gentle dog I ever owned. I have had him
since he was eight weeks old, he will be four years old this year. I suggest
that anyone wanting an American Staf do a lot of research on the breed.
They are a loving and loyal breed, but also very active and require a lot
of attention. If you are looking for a great dog to be a family pet, this
could possibly be the dog for you.
vrosa@provctr.org of Rhode Island writes:
Warm, cuddly, affectionate, kind, sensitive, quiet companion.
I absolutely love this breed. They are warm and friendly, full of love
and an amazing companion. They love to be with people and other dogs, especially
if they are well socialized. Their temperament is amazing and their antics
are fantastic. Very intelligent as well. This and "Pitbull" type
breeds were known as the original family dog and I can absolutely attest
to that!
Name withheld by request of Nashville, TN writes:
A dog with a Superman attitude requiring a kryptonite owner.
This "do-it-all" dog has heart throughout. Extremely intelligent,
inquisitive and assertive. Loyal, courageous, and sensitive. Stubborn, determined,
and tenacious. The list goes on and on. This breed can do everything: search
and rescue, obedience, conformation, Schutzhund, therapy, agility, anything
and everything. Disadvantage to owning this dog? This dog wants "in"
all the time. In your home, in your bed, in your lap, and in your heart.
It is all or nothing. This dog WILL NOT do well for the owner who does not
have time for 24/7 devotion both from the dog and given to the dog. If the
thought of spending several hours A DAY on training, socialization, and
play with your pet makes you wilt; then keep on walking. If your idea of
owning an Am Staf is to provide adequate shelter, food and water in the
backyard, then keep on walking. If the thought of always defending your
dog's honor at every turn makes you cringe, then keep on walking. I am a
small part-time breeder, trainer, and show circuit addict of American Staffordshire
Terriers. Why this breed? Why sacrifice all that time, energy, and attention?
My dog loves me. I am not being trite. My male was stolen from my house
and from inside his crate twice. His own well-being is of little concern
to him. Strangers in the house? Well, I had better be a good host and show
them where the DVD player is. Finally, I succumbed and took him to a Schutzhund
trainer in the hopes of dispelling future invaders into my house. I told
the trainer that my dog had never even looked menacingly at anyone let alone
growl. I told him that my dog was probably an outcast of his gene pool.
The trainer laughed at me and said,"I will bet you five dollars I can
make your dog want to come at me in two minutes." Next thing I know
the trainer grabs me so fast, I let out a small yelp of surprise. My fifi
transformed into cujo! At the end of his leash all I can see are more teeth
than I knew resided in my dog's head. The sight almost had me scooping up
my dog and running for the hills! I just did not know if I wanted my dog
to go through that again.(Okay, so maybe I wasn't so sure I wanted to see
it again either.) As soon as the trainer let me go, my fifi was back again.
All smiles and waggily tail. Moral of the story? All is well in an Am Staf's
world if all is well with their human ... and, of course, they have half
the bed.
maristevens@hotmail.com of Seattle, WA writes:
Wonderful.
I have owned an Am Staf for two years now. I got her and did not understand
the stigma. Everyone could not believe that I had a "pitbull"
and most of my friends were appalled. I have since become a stronger person,
having to learn not to care what other people think. My dog is an absolute
joy. She is sweet with adults and children and LOVES other dogs. I have
trained her well and worked hard and I could not be happier. I still have
occasional problems with the societal objections but overall she is my sweetie
and I would not give her up.
kjhogan9@yahoo.com of the U.S. writes on 12/7/00:
The best all-around breed.
I like many other people were deathly afraid of the vicious Pitbull. For
my birthday I was given a puppy, a AmStaff puppy. Falling for the adorable
thing I just had to take a risk with this breed. Soon after I began to research
and study all that I could concerning the breed. I met with many people
concerning AmStaff and found that everyone that I talked to that had owned
a AmStaff loved the breed. The ones that have never had a pitbull seem to
fear the breed and say they attack people. Some of these people claim to
be dog lovers. Well my dog is now 18 months old and is certified Search
and Rescue Dog and currently working towards his CD and then hopefully his
CDX. Every where I go people are intimidated by his powerful look but when
they get to know him they just love him. My dog is extemely energetic and
very athletic. He simply loves people. In fact he makes for a horrible watch
dog. I live in an apartment right next to the office and have had people
barge right into my home thinking its the apartment and my "vicious"
dog just welcomes them in with lots of licks. I would strongly advise anyone
who has kids and are looking for a dog for them should get a AmStaff. No
other dog is as good for kids. I have 12 nieces and nephews and once I convinced
there parents that my dog was not vicious they let there kids play and wrestle
with him. Everytime we go visit them the kids want to go hide to my dog
can go find them. I have always loved dogs and have worked with many different
breeds and none of them impress me like this breed. Since there are still
a lot of irresponsible breeders that are training there pits to be attack
dogs or fighting stock there are a lot of dogs that are bad. But blame the
deed not the breed.
tabmaur@aol.com of Fredericksburg, VA writes on 11/4/00:
The Amstaff will steal your heart.
I was privileged to have my first Amstaff some 6 years ago. Although I had
heard some wonderful things about this breed, I was not prepared for the
majesty, warmth, and intelligence of the Amstaff. I picked up my bitch down
South, she was 7 weeks old, I had driven 1100 miles round trip to get her.
She sat in my lap the whole time home and slept with me when I arrived at
my home ... that bed is where she sleeps now some 6 years later. I placed
her in an obedience class at 12 weeks and she was so quick to learn, by
6 months she had her CGC and had already begun an illustrious show career
... there was nothing I could ask this dog to do that she would not do with
enthusiasm. The Amstaff, I have found is a true people pleaser, they love
hard and in my opinion,love totally unconditionally. The Amstaff is hardy,
and mine are extremely mischevious...they love to put one over on me and
I find that that is one of their most loveable traits...almost like a child.
They are a happy breed, always wanting to do something to make their owner
happy. Children are one of their special loves I have seen Amstaffs, including
my own, drag their owners clear across a room to see a child. Therapy work
is also one of their specialities, my bitch, goes to nursing homes and is
a loving gentle pet, yet the next day she is in the show ring being one
of the "beautiful dogs." Versatility, a love of life, and giving
all they have to their owner is my description of an Amstaff. I loved my
bitch so much, as anyone who knows me will attest to, that I made that drive
again and came back with her nephew. He is another story!
Name withheld by request of Owings Mills, MD writes on 3/15/00:
A bundle of energy with a big heart.
I like to think of my Amstaff as a child with an attention deficit. He has
more energy than he knows what to do with. However he will always devote
all of his energy to please me. He excels in obedience and playing games.
He is great with children and other dogs. I would suggest this breed of
dog to anyone who has the time to give the love and structure that an Amstaff
needs.
tory@cyberhighway.net of Twin Falls, ID writes on 1/18/00:
The ULTIMATE companion dog.
I have owned my AmStaff for 5 years now and have been around others for
even longer. I will never be without one, ever. I also have a Cavalier King
Charles Spaniel and a Quaker parrot and they all adore each other- no problems
ever. My AmStaff also loves children to distraction. Halloween is her favorite
holiday. She greets all of the trick-or-treaters at the door and they adore
her too. Actually a couple of the kids tried to take her with them as their
"treat." The hype that surrounds this breed is mostly media driven.
But let me also say that this dog NEEDS to be with you and your family.
This is not the dog to tie in the backyard and feed occassionally. They
do become frustrated if they can't be involved in your life. Also obedience
training is a must. They are very smart and very stubborn and not for the
meek at heart because they can try the patience of a saint with those looks
of "Who me? I have no idea what you are talking about!" They MUST
have training and always know what you expect from them. They will always
give you their best and love you whole-heartedly and never let you be alone.
Their loyalty is legendary and when you see that in their eyes you know
you can only hope to work the rest of your life to deserve it.
NAA7@BELLSOUTH.net of Louisiana writes on 1/16/00:
The total dog!
I've owned American Staffordshire Terriers since 1996. I've owned other
breeds before and have competed in dog shows for 8 years. Owning an Am Staff
is wonderful. They are extremly intelligent, loyal, loving, enjoy people,
and athelic. We have 3 childern and our dogs are great with them. I never
worry about the kids playing in the yard because where the child is the
Am Staff is right behind. My son uses the dog to pull him around in a wagon,
my little girls dress the dogs up in clothes. We show our dogs, they travel
with us meet new people and we never have a problem. If you ever meet an
Am Staff that is truly loved by its owner and has been socilazed you will
be impressed by its beauty,brains,loyalty,and apperance. I want no other
dog since we've owned this breed I found the total dog. It's a comfort to
know you have a friend as loving and loyal as the American Staffordshire
Terrier.
name withheld by request of Seattle, WA writes on 1/5/00:
The biggest heart, the biggest faith.
Never, ever, ever scream and lose your temper at an AmStaff. If you have
a short temper, or like to insist on instantaneous obedience in an untrained
puppy, you can completely damage this dog. You can break its heart, and
once damaged in this way an Amstaff might not recover its confidence, ever.
Burly and bouncy and funny and confident and sassy, the American Staffordshire
Terrier dog needs to be respected for what it is: a strong, intelligent
terrier, with the most obedient and faithful heart of any terrier. If you
cannot look at a "pit bull" - looking dog without fear in your
heart, stay away from this breed, because you will betray the faith of the
most faithful of dogs. Please, please do NOT make the mistake that because
the dog is tough-looking on the outside, and acts hardy like a terrier,
that they can handle harsh treatment. AmStaffs are actually VERY soft hearted,
and if you make them think you do not trust them they may never forgive
themselves. I cannot emphasize this enough. They NEED to know that they
did it right for you (whatever "it" is) and that you are impressed
by them. Dont be decieved by the apparent devil-may-care, independent-teenager
attitude! It is a front. An American Staffordshire Terrier can be softer
in this respect than a Golden Retriever, if you can imagine. This does not
mean they cannot handle corrections, in training. It means they cannot be
trained by "dominating" them; they must be trained by appealing
to their substantial reason and intelligence. They cannot handle rage or
emotional overloading from their handler. If you cannot manage your temper,
you cannot train this dog.
Here's a tip for puppies: AmStaffs are terriers, though they look
like bulldogs. They will naturally be mouthy, especially with other dogs,
and will naturally want to play-fight with other dogs by play-biting at
the throat. DO NOT PANIC, this does NOT mean your puppy is a scary pitbull
killer! It means it is a terrier puppy. If the behaviour bothers you, teach
the puppy to soft mouth and to "leave it" when you say so.
AmStaffs can be trained to do absolutely any single thing imaginable - if
the trainer can bring a faith to the dog that matches the boundless faith
this dog is born with. This dog believes in God, if any dog does, and once
taught to believe anything or in any one will hold that faith in its big
jaws like a bronze statue, you will never shake it.
A final note: These are the descendents of american fighting dogs. Some
of them, by no means all, like to scrap with other dogs. You need to know
for CERTAIN the degree of willingness-to-fight of the parents of your puppy.
As a rule, don't kennel AmStaffs together alone (in your absence) unless
you absolutely know that the individual dogs arent inclined to fight. Keep
an eye on your AmStaff puppy (males especially) until it is at least four
years old. If you find that it likes to fight with other dogs, take the
appropriate precautions and dont complain. A liking for fights does NOT
signal meanness, or unsafeness with people, it is not related. It does mean
however that you had better achieve reliable off-leash obedience with your
AmStaff, or else take the responsibility to keep it leashed when other dogs
are around.
rwkimble@worldnet.att.net of Atlanta, GA writes on 11/18/99:
Great dogs, but not a breed for everyone.
AmStaffs are wonderful dogs. They are loyal, loving companions. They have
amazing personalities, almost human-like. They will do anything for you,
without question. This breed is not for people who have never owned a dog,
or don't know how to properly train a dog. They are physically and mentally
strong, and, in my opinion, impervious to pain. They need to be in a home
that will train them consistently. They should not be left alone with children
or other small animals. They have a very intense prey drive, and will chase
anything that runs from them. AmStaffs also have a tendency to be dog aggressive
and will not back down from a scuffle with another dog. They don't generally
start a fight, but they will finish it. It is important that they are taught
at a very young age that it is not acceptable to growl at people - they
need to be taught that the human is the alpha wolf, not them. I love these
dogs, and as long as my husband allows it, I will always have one in my
home.
pjm062@aol.com of Louisiana wrotes on 11/6/99:
Smartest, most loving breed I have ever owned!
I got my first AmStaff 3 yrs ago. My husband was a little apprehensive about
this breed, but I did my research on this breed and was determined to have
one. My girl is so special. She is very smart and loving. She knows when
to play and when to snuggle, she is constantly on my heels (even as I write
this). She has earned her CGC title and is the best companion I could ask
for. She has also won the love of my husband and children. I do not believe
the rumors that these dogs are born vicious - they are what they are trained
to be. If they are raised with a firm hand and lots of love, affection and
socialization, they will be the best pet anyone could ask for! I have truly
found the right breed for me.
DalHarMil@aol.com of Beaverton, OR writes on 10/29/99:
The sweetest bunch of pure muscle in the world!
I have owned Amstafs for 10 years now. I have trained and owned quite a
few other breeds as well. I have found that out of all the breeds I have
known the Amstaf is the most loving, dedicated and intuitive of dogs. These
dogs need training for they are extremely strong-willed. If you do not give
them this training and love the Amstaf is bound to be an unhappy animal
with an unhappy frustrated owner. The purpose for which these dogs were
bred is horrid, however the traits it bred into the dogs are loyalty, courage,
strength, endurance, intelligence and the ability to gage any situation
quickly and efficiently. I do think that it takes a specific type of person
to be owned correctly by this magnificent dog. To many times the type of
people who get an Amstaf just want a "tough" dog. The dogs are
than untrained or even mistreated in an attempt to make him/her..."tough".
We have endless patience and pity with people who are mistreated as yet
we assume that a dog that is vicious is so because of its breed. This dog
needs attention and loving care and it will give you it's whole life in
endless devotion and love.
Roemea@aol.com of Joliet, IL writes on 10/25/99:
The best, most loyal friends ever!
Not only are the dogs great (I have owned since I was 6) but they can sum
up a situation faster than most and are extremely intelligent. And, not
only are the dogs themselves fantastic, but the other breeders/owners I
know are just the tops! I spent a week with them recently at the Specialty
and enjoyed myself talking dogs with other fanciers. All those dogs in one
ballroom and they were so well behaved, people off the street were amazed.
I see that the temperaments and all are doing great and am very proud myself
to be owned by an Am Staff.
p.i.m.v.ginkel@hetnet.nl of Holland writes on 10/13/99:
The ultimate dog, guardian and friend!
I have owned an Amstaff for fifteen year and never had one sad day in
my life again!
tugowar3@aol.com of Texas writes on 10/11/99:
Loyal, very loving.
We've owned an Amstaff since 1989. Slugo has always been protective of me.
Last spring we were all in the back yard (dogs and me) when we encountered
a snake. Being extremely afraid of snakes, I screamed, and turned to run.
I tripped and fell, but the dogs came to my rescue. One dog on one side
of the snake and one came between me and the snake, and stood guard until
I was able to get up and leave the area. I am quite sure, they would have
killed the snake had it moved. I love this breed and would not seriously
consider another breed.
anns@golden.net of Waterloo, ON writes on 10/10/99:
Saved my life
As a veterinarian technician I have rescued and owned many breeds over
the years, froms Poms to Rottis. They all have their good and bad points,
but the breed that stands out for me is the Amstaff. We rescued Norton,
our Amstaff 5 1/2 years ago and 2 years ago he saved my life when I had
stopped breathing due to a spider bite. It was in the middle of the night
and he wasn't even in the same room with me. Somehow he knew I was in trouble
and he woke my husband who called 911 just in time. If it were not for his
intelligence and loyality, I wouldn't be here today! I can email you the
whole story if you like.
pat4814@aol.com of St. Cloud, FL writes on 10/10/99:
They are a very smart breed that can do anything
I have raised Amstaffs for 20 years, they have always been raised around
alot of teenagers that came and went in my house. We had an open door policy.
The best part was he dogs knew regulars and those that were not. When we
were all gone and the house was empty the dogs would not let anyone in but
soon as we were home they were fine with everyone. We were always pleased
at a dog show, they were always gentlemen and ladies and we were so proud
of that. in 1983 we had our first grand daughter and the dogs thought she
was wonderful, along with the other 3 grandsons that followed, now again
we have children coming to the house constantly again. Younger this time,
different dogs and they still love the kids. We had one 6 week old puppy
attach himself to my mother, she had alzheimers and we didn't know it, that
puppy grew up to save her life several times when she would take off, once
alerting us, another time staying with her up a busy road. I would take
him to visit her in the nursing home she had to go to and he would sleep
for hours with her in her bed, but finally she forgot him too and he found
a wonderful 74 year old lady he went to live with and take care of.what
they can do is unlimited, and how they love people. Everytime I have to
hear on the news about them attacking children, it breaks my heart because
for 20 years i have not seen that at all. I have seen a very loving playful
breed, that loves almost everyone and can tell the good from the not so
good. I have seen a breed that can do all types of obedience and agility
and even heard of people using them for herding. Down here in Florida some
ride on tje front of airboats and do hunting. They are truly a wonderful
breed.
bsu153@aol.com of Oklahoma City, OK writes on 10/1/99:
Most versatile dog on the planet
The American Staffordshire Terrier is the most versatile dog on the planet
due to its tenacity and perseverence. These dogs, originally bred for bull
baiting are one of the most dependable breeds to own due to the fact that
they are trustworthy, loyal, and very discriminatory of people. Not only
are they used today as companion dogs but they excel as herders, workers,
agility, therapy, and aid dogs. They are also known for being able to detect
seizures in humans even before the seizure happens. The bad reputation that
presedes this dog, is completely erroneous as you can see, they are the
world's most versatile dog.