American Staffordshire terrier is a breed of dog that originated in the United States. It descended from the Staffordshire bull terrier, a breed brought from England in the late 1800’s. By the early 1900’s, American breeders had developed a dog taller and heavier than its British ancestors. The American Staffordshire terrier has been called Yankee terrier and pit bull. It was once used in vicious dog fights in pits. The dog is still popularly called pit bull. But according to breeders, it has been bred only as a pet since the early 1900’s. American Staffordshire terriers stand from 17 to 19 inches (43 to 48 centimeters) tall and weigh from 45 to 65 pounds (20 to 29 kilograms). The dogs have a short, stiff coat that may be any color. They resemble bull terriers. See also Pit bull.
