It originated in the city of  Birmingham and in the Black Country of Staffordshire from cross-breeding between the Bulldog and the English white terrier. It was bred as a fighting dog and, until blood sports were banned in 1835, was used for badger baiting, ratting, bull-baiting and dog fighting.The Stafford is a descendant of the now extinct bull and terrier cross, an ancestry developed in England in the early 19th century. In the UK, Australia and New Zealand, Staffords are not restricted by any breed-specific legislation.The AKC 'supports state laws making any form of participation in organized dog fights a felony' and oppose the breeding and training of dogs for fighting. They also oppose the 'training of dogs for uncontrolled aggressive behavior toward other dogs and people.' However, the AKC considers Breed-specific legislation (BSL) 'a slippery slope' stating that 'any dog can be exploited and trained to be aggressive' and expressed concern because they believe 'breed-specific bans ultimately punish responsible dog owners, while doing very little to actually punish irresponsible owners.
[{"countries": "UK", "ownership_banned_or_restricted": "no"}]
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