American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire Terrier's ancestors originated in England during the early 1800's. Their Bulldog ancestors were originally bred for the gruesome sport of bull baiting, where a pack of dogs would fight a bull and spectators would bet on the outcome. Once bull baiting became outlawed, these ferocious dogs were crossed with other breeds to make them better fit for companionship. It is unknown what type of terrier is in the American Staffordshire Terrier's ancestry, but some believe it could be the now- extinct White English Terrier or Black-and-Tan Terrier. Once the Staffordshire Terrier was established, they were brought to America in the 1800's where they were bred to be bigger. This breed became known as the American Staffordshire Terrier.