Differences Between A Staffordshire Terrier And An American Staffordshire Terrier?



Posted: Saturday, August 08, 2009

by John Jackson
GreatDogSite.com

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a popular dog which is most often confused with many other types of dog breeds. When they are not being mistaken for a Pit Bull, which is a cousin, the dog is also confused for another distant cousin the American Staffordshire Terrier. While each breed can trace its origins back to similar beginnings, over time the breed has evolved into its own class, with similarities in features but very different in most other ways. Many people have come to find out there are many great reasons to own a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the breed is in a class all its own.

During earlier times, it was the look of the American Staffordshire Terrier breed with its rock solid body that allowed the dog to be used for bull baiting and many other types of dangerous sports. It is thought the dogs descend from the Mastiff family; the English Staffie was brought to the U.S. from England in the early part of the 1800's. As time passed, the breed evolved and became much taller and was bred to be an all-purpose dog. Not only were they used for hunting purposes, the breed was used as companions and guarding purposes, if they weren't being used for herding farm animals. Both of the breeds do share qualities, most notable would be courage.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier or "Staffie" as it is commonly called, is an ancestor of the American Staffordshire Terrier. As is commonly noted in American dogs that hail from English dog breeds, the Staffie is slightly larger and has a leaner bone structure. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a stocky, strong dog breed which sits lower to the ground and is very well proportioned body-wise. Many Staffie lovers will note the head of the English Staffie is similar to that of an American Staffie; however, the cheeks of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are more pronounced. The ears of an American Staffie are usually cropped while the English cousin has half-pricked ears which are usually left in a natural state.

It can be hard to tell the differences between an American Staffordshire Terrier, Pit Bulls and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, all three breeds have faced trouble with breed banning legislation. This is done for the most part on state and municipal levels, while some local legislation chooses to recognize the distinctions that make up the American and English Staffies. Other local bans on the dogs only extend to Pit Bulls and any breed which resembles or is related to it. Some breed lovers find it very unfair because the Staffordshire Bull Terrier has made substantial leeway in proving itself to be a faithful and loving family pet. It is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier that was given the nickname of being the "Nanny Dog," and the dog can always be expected to approach any situation with curiosity and enthusiasm. Researching the breed and finding out the complete history has led many people who were first apprehensive to find themselves the proud owners of these loving and loyal companions.

This article was written by John Jackson and has been contributed by http://www.greatdogsite.com. For more information on the Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier, please visit our page http://www.greatdogsite.com/breeds/details/Irish_Staffordshire_Bull_Terrier/.
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