Facts about the American Staffordshire terrier

• Although ancestors of the American Staffordshire were fighting dogs, the selective breeding since the 1930s has been away from the fighting heritage.
• American Staffordshire terriers reached a peak of popularity in the first half of the 20th century; “Pete the Pup” appeared in the Our Gang comedies, and the breed personified the all-American pet and soon spread all over the country.
• The American Staffordshire Terrier of today is a companion and show dog, rather than a gladiator.
• Today the breed is ranked 66 among 155 dog breeds in the USA.
• The Staffordshire terrier is a very intelligent, human-oriented, active dog and an affectionate family pet.
• Their life expectancy is generally 12 to 16 years with good care. It is a healthy breed with relatively few major problems.
• Is the only dog to have ever graced the cover of Life Magazine three times.