by Molly Froerer

Created on: January 09, 2010   Last Updated: January 10, 2010

Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier are the descendants of English terriers, bred for hunting small animals such as rabbits and foxes, and English bulldogs, bred to bait and corner bulls. Terriers and bulldogs were brought to the United States by British immigrant, where two new dog breeds were created by breeding them for larger size and to do work and fight.

The American Pit Bull Terrier is descended from dogs brought to America from the British Isles in the 1800s and 1900s. The dog was bred to be larger than its ancestors, and continued to be used as a working breed. This means it is not the type of dog that does well when constantly caged or when bored. It needs training, walks, and activities. It has been used as a hunter, guard dog, and in dog fighting.

In the past, Pit Bulls were known in England as the “nanny dog” because of how good they were with children. However, Pit Bulls now get a lot of bad press. Part of the reason for their dangerous reputation is because of their history of fighting in dog fights, as well as the fact that are strong and can more easily be trained to be aggressive than some other breeds of dogs. Thus, their attacks can be more dangerous than those attacks of a Chihuahua, for example, who often bite and attack people.

The American Staffordshire Terrier is descended from the Staffordshire Terrier and the Blue Paul Terrier, a dog now extinct in its purebred form. This dog’s ancestors, too, were brought to America by British immigrants, who proceeded to breed it for a larger size. Some of the first imported dogs that are the ancestors of today’s American Staffordshire Terriers were imported for fighting. However, when dog fighting was banned, these dogs began to work in other fields, including helping soldiers in World War I.

As with the American Pit Bull, the American Staffordshire Terrier has a reputation left over from its fighting days of being aggressive or mean. However, the Terrier was bred to be aggressive only toward other dogs and to being docile toward its master. They tend to be very good dogs for children, but again, as with Pit Bulls, require owners who can control the dog. The Terrier can be aggressive towards other dogs and animals, a legacy of its fighting days.

The American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier are very closely related, and were bred at about the same time and for similar purposes. As they are working dogs they do best with an active owner, but despite their reputation for dangerousness, they both can be very sweet, affectionate dogs who are good with children. As with all dogs, a responsible owner will appropriately socialize their pet to make sure it's good qualities come out.

References: http://www.bulldoginformation.com/bull-and-terrier-b reeds.html

http://www.bulldoginformation.com/american-staffords hire-terrier.html

http://www.bulldoginformation.com/american-pit-bull- terrier.html

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