Are AmStaffs Just A Show Dog?

"The American Staffordshire Terrier is a unique breed in the family of dogs. Its history is rich and well documented and he remains one of the few unspoiled breeds retaining the courage, intelligence and tractability that have won for him wide acceptance as one of the most adaptable and capable of all dogs.

Through the years the Staf has only secondarily been a show dog. Breeders have traditionally considered the character and soundness of the breed to be of ultimate importance. After all is said and done, the best Staf is the one that possesses the traditional Staf capability and attributes. If that dog can also win in the show ring, then the owner and breeder are indeed fortunate. The show winner without these characteristics is no Staf at all no matter what his outward appearance might be. In this regard we are especially proud of the obedience Stafs as representing one aspect of our breed’s adaptability and intelligence.

The future of the American Staffordshire Terrier depends above all else on breeders who are unwilling to use any dog in their program that does not meet the high mental and physical qualities implied in the following description given in the 1940 Year Book.

‘Today the Staffordshire has emerged from his gladiatorial background as one of the finest of all dogs. He is proud and noble of bearing, he combines power with grace and agility, he is bright and alert, and his courage is not surpassed in any other animal on earth. He is intelligent, outstandingly amenable to training and discipline, and adaptable to almost any conditions. He is superbly gentle with children, intensely loyal and affectionate, and a wonderful watchdog.’" - 1978 Staffordshire Terrier Club of America Year Book

Esoteric AmStaffs strives to bring you the very best in American Staffordshire Terriers. We believe the heart and soul of the AmStaff lies in its athleticism, courage, and strong willed, even temperament. The all over balance of the AmStaff is paramount. No one part should detract from the whole.

Our focus here is on Ruffian and Tacoma based AmStaffs that we have chosen for their intelligence, athleticism, and tenacity. We set out to prove that our dogs are capable of competing in any and all venues. We enjoy obedience, agility, Schutzhund or IPO, dock diving, tracking, coursing, and conformation events with our Staffs. Not only do we have a commitment to the sound structure of our dogs, but we concentrate on the health and temperament of this great breed as well. Our focus is on the total dog. - Al & Sonia Bincarousky