Hi guys,

I read that the breed name for the American Staffordshire Terrier is being changed to the St. Frances Terrier. Supposedly, this is being done to distance the breed from the catch-all term "Pit Bull". I did an internet search but only came up with information about some college named St. Frances - whose mascot is a terrier.

I personally LOVE this breed of dog and wouldn't hesitate to adopt one if I had an opening for another pet in my house right now (Sorry, we are full around here). But, someday, I'd love to get an opportunity to adopt an AmStaff. It just struck me as strange that people would try to pass this decidedly "bully" type dog as something different from what it actually is. Who would buy that story? One look at that magnificent dog would tell everyone what it is and they would INSTANTLY forget what it is called! AmStaffs are absolutely as instantly recognizable as a French Poodle with the most stereotypical cut you can imagine. As the bard said, "a rose by any other name would smell as sweet"! !

So, All you dog fanciers out there! Is the breed name for the AmStaff being "officially" changed to clean up the breed's past? If you know anything about this, please link me to some reliable information.

Thanks!

Apparently you read something pretty old. No - they are still American Staffordshire Terriers.
This is the best I found regarding a "St. Francis Terrier"
https://terriermandotcom.blogspot.com/2 ... rrier.html

Thank you so much! This is exactly what I was thinking.

It is not only dishonest to re-brand a dog breed to make then seem to be something they are not, but it is not fair to the dog or prospective owner to match them up with false expectations on the owners side and an inability to comply on the dog's side.

They are what they are and I believe it is important for any prospective owner to accept their dog for what he is and learn how to be responsible for a dog with a very unique temperament.