American Staffordshire Terrier breed guide

AmStaffers describe dogs that are keenly aware of their surroundings, game for anything and lovable personality dogs around the house. They like mental and physical challenges and are highly trainable, as their forays into showbiz suggest.

AKC adds a caution: dog aggression can develop even in well-socialized American Staffordshire Terriers.

The American Staffordshire Terrier lives 12 to 16 years. AKC calls it a robust breed. Breeders screen for canine hip dysplasia, cardiac disease and skin and coat allergies.

A genetic test exists for cerebellar ataxia, a progressive decline in muscle coordination that first appears between ages 3 and 5, so breeders can avoid producing it in their bloodlines.

The short stiff coat is remarkably easy to care for: a quick weekly once-over with a soft bristle brush removes dirt and spreads skin oils through the coat. Baths wait until the dog gets into something messy.

An athletic, energetic dog like this needs a lot of exercise. AKC says leaving it in the yard all day is the wrong approach because the American Staffordshire Terrier is people-oriented and thrives as part of the family. Long play sessions with the owner build its physical and psychological health.

Several British breeds were created for the blood sports of the 18th and 19th centuries, set to fight one another or turned loose in packs against a staked bear or bull. Such spectacles have long since been outlawed, but the Bulldog, the Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier all got their start as fighting and baiting dogs.

AKC says all agree the common component in the bull-type terriers was the Bulldog, a far more ferocious animal 200 years ago than today's lovable sourmugs.