Bull baiting was banned in England in 1835 and these dogs are no longer been bred to fights. A forbearer to the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, they were originally bred to be a fighting dog. Originally bred from a variety of bulldogs and terriers, American breeders increased his weight and gave him a more powerful head. His ancestors were brought to the Unites States in the mid - 1800's by Boston-Irish immigrants. Solid training will produce a tranquil, good, obedient, companion dog. Choose from a responsible breeder and make sure the puppy is properly socialized and handled. To be dual-registered, the dog must first be an AKC-registered American Staffordshire Terrier and then it can be registered with the UKC as an APBT - but not vice versa. The AKC, on the other hand, does not allow a UKC-registered American Pit Bull Terrier to be registered as an American Staffordshire Terrier. Some AKC-registered American Staffordshire Terriers are dual-registered as American Pit Bull Terriers with the UKC however, this draws criticism from many who point out that the bloodlines have been separate for too long for these to be considered the same breed. In the eyes of the United Kennel Club, they are the same breed, but many disagree. A common question regarding the APBT is, "How is this breed different from the American Staffordshire Terrier?". Known for their intelligence and loyalty American Pit Bull Terriers make excellent, loving and protective companions despite the unfair press they receive.