IMPORTING AN AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER The importation of dogs into Australia is not an easy process.  A rigid set of guide-lines and regulations apply. Dogs imported into Australia are required to be quarantined at an authorised quarantine station, within Australia.  The quarantine period is determined by the country of origin. Further details concerning the importation of dogs from overseas countries maybe obtained by contacting the Department of Agriculture/Primary Industry in any Capital City. It is worthwhile to note that in American it is common practice to crop ears.  In all Commonwealth countries, which includes Australia, the practice of cropping ears in not permitted.  Although dogs imported into Australia with cropped ears are recognized by the National Kennel Control, and thus able to be used for breeding purposes, these dogs are unable to be exhibited in the show ring, and therefore are unable to compete to become Australian champions. THE AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER'S ARRIVAL IN AUSTRALIA The American Staffordshire Terrier was officially recognized in Australia on 1st January 1987. The first American Staffordshire Terrier was imported from Hawaii, U.S.A. in November 1986, by Mr & Mrs Murdoch of Red Cliffs, Victoria, who embrace the "Amstaff" prefix.  This female,  Rockislands O'Omua O Hawaii, was to become Murdoch's foundation  bitch and the basis of their future breeding programme. The Murdoch's subsequently imported a male dog in October 1988. This dog, Ka-Hanahou's Lei O Makana proceeded to become  Australia's first American Staffordshire Terrier Champion.  With this breeding pair, Mr & Mrs Murdoch commenced to produce Australia's first litter of American Staffordshire Terriers. Progeny, bearing the "Amstaff" prefix is now present in the show ring in various states throughout Australia. Additionally, in 1989 in Queensland, Dr. Glucina of the "Araganu" prefix, began to import American Staffordshire Terriers into Australia.  Over a period of time Dr. Glucina imported an American Champion dog Steeltowns Diamond Boy another dog Ka-Hanahou's Seamist, a bitch Cock'N'Bulls PoppyCock, and a further bitch Haw'N'Blue Knight Mist, all having cropped ears. In the ensuing year, American Staffordshire Terriers bearing the "Araganu" prefix were being introduced onto the scene, a result of Dr. Glucina's breeding with his imported stock. As at October 1990 there were 23 American Staffordshire Terriers in Australia.  Included in these were three imported males, 3 imported bitches (3 breeding pairs), and the subsequent progeny of the combined breeding of these dogs.  Now in 1999 Amstaff registrations are in the hundreds. In November and December 1990 two additional dogs were imported into Australia.  The Murdoch's once again imported a male dog, Ka-Hanahou's Rojo's Sam,  a red dog 8½ months old when released from quarantine on February 14th, 1991.  This dog will provide a valuable addition to the Murdoch's breeding programme. Mr. & Mrs. Evans, of "Evastaff Kennels" in Tasmania, also proceeded to import from Hawaii a brindle bitch "Kaloko's Lea".  More details concerning this dog are provided in the section "The American Staffordshire Terrier in Tasmania". Interest in the American Staffordshire Terrier within Australia is steadily on the increase.  This versatile breed can be utilised as a family pet, a show specimen and as an obedience dog.  The breed is continually creating interest in and out of the show ring, and this combined with a responsible breeding programme will ensure a steady development of the American Staffordshire Terrier breed in Australia.