American Staffordshire terrier

[ uh-mer-i-kuhn staf-erd-sheer ter-ee-er, ‐sher ]

noun

1. one of an American breed of strong, muscular terriers, originally developed in England, with a short, close-lying, stiff coat of any color or combination of colors except solid white.

Word History and Origins

Origin of American Staffordshire terrier¹

First recorded in 1965–70; its earlier name, the Staffordshire terrier, was first recorded in 1935–40; and the variant pit bull terrier was first recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

Two of last year’s seven semifinalists are expected back: Trouble, an American Staffordshire terrier, and Monty, a giant schnauzer, who is currently the nation’s top-ranked dog in The Canine Chronicle magazine’s stats.

From Seattle Times

American Eskimos, Neapolitans, French bulldogs, a Siberian husky and American Staffordshire terrier, maltipoos, poodle crossbreeds and golden retrievers were some of the dogs that took to the red carpet and won prices.

From Reuters

On the other end of the spectrum, American Staffordshire terrier winner Louie goes into the semifinals Wednesday to try for his final best in show.

From Seattle Times

To expose such journals, one scientist signed up his dog, an American Staffordshire terrier named Ollie, as an editorial board member for six journals.

From Science Magazine

The current ordinance describes a pit bull as an American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier or any dog that looks like or has characteristics of being one of those breeds.

From Washington Times