Breed History
BREED HISTORY OF THE AMSTAFF
The roots of the American Staffordshire Terrier can be traced through early Mastiff warriors, to the original Bulldogs in England, which were used in the bloody sport of bull baiting. As bear and bull baiting declined in popularity, interest in dog fighting increased. Breeders wanted to create more agile fighting dogs for this sport, so they crossed their Bulldogs with game terriers to create what was then known as the Bull and Terrier Dog, Half and Half, Pit Bull, or Pit Bullterrier. Actual breeding records were closely kept secrets, so much of the Bull and Terrier's early history is a mystery. The Bull and Terrier later became known as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier in England.
When British settlers came to America, they brought their dogs of various sorts with them, including Bull and Terrier types. These energetic, intelligent animals helped out as general farm dogs, guardians, stock dogs, and even as wild pig and bear hunters, in addition to continuing their role as pit fighters. In the US, the breed has been called Pit Dog, Pit Bull Terrier, American Bull Terrier, and Yankee Terrier, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Over the years, the American breed became generally larger and heavier than his British cousin, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. With their great spirit, energy, and affection for their family, the American Staffordshire Terrier has been described as the "All American Dog."
In 1936, the American version was accepted into the AKC under the name Staffordshire Terrier (though foundation stock for the breed included American Pit Bull Terriers before the stud book was closed). However, some American Pit Bull Terrier breeders were concerned that joining the AKC would move the breed too much towards conformation showing, and away from its working roots, so they remained outside the AKC and kept the name American Pit Bull Terrier. At this point, the Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier began more strongly to diverge. In 1972, the Staffordshire Terrier was renamed the American Staffordshire Terrier to better distinguish it from its English cousin, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. There are still some dogs dual registered and even triple registered in the AKC as American Staffordshire Terriers, and in the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the American Dog Breeders Association (ADBA) as American Pit Bull Terriers.
Today's American Staffordshire Terrier is primarily a show dog and family companion. His working abilities and athleticism also help him excel at many sports, including obedience, agility, and weight pulling. Because of the breed's affection for people, some American Staffordshires have become therapy dogs.
HISTORY IN AUSTRALIA
The American Staffordshire Terriers was officially recognized in Australia on 1st January 1987.
The first Amstaff was imported from Hawaii in November 1986 by Mr. and Mrs. Murdoch of Radcliff’s Victoria, their kennel prefix being "Amstaff". The basis of there future breeding program was to start with this import, Rock Islands O'Omua O Hawaii.
Bob and Ruth’s next import was the lovely brindle dog, Ka Hanahou's Lei O Makana. He was to become the first Australian champion, and with the early imported bitch was to produce the first Australian bred litter.
In 1989 in Queensland, Dr Glucina of the "Araganu" prefix began to import Amstaffs into Australia.
Time he imported American champion "Steel Towns Diamond Boy" and "Ka Hanahou's Seamist",
and two bitches "Cock n Bulls Poppycock" and "Haw N Blue Knightmist". All having cropped ears, so unfortunately unable to be shows in Australia.
In the following years imported semen produced some worthy Amstaff litters.
In Queensland Greg Gorden imported frozen semen from Am Ch Pacific Distant Thunder. And later, in co-ownership with Lynda Craw (Lyntiki), the blue dog "Am Ch Pacific Hot Pursuit" (imp USA).
Interest in the Amstaff within Australia is steadily on the increase. This versatile breed can be utilized as a family companion, a show dog and as an obedience dog. The breed is continually creating interest in and out of the show ring, and this, combined with a responsible breeding program will ensure a steady development of the America Staffordshire Terrier in Australia.
Mr. & Mrs. Murdoch, although from Red Cliffs, Victoria, would come to Adelaide each year for the Adelaide Royal Show with their Amstaff.
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