Amstaff ?

[wolf63]

I read an advert in our local paper for a dog called an "Amstaff", it said that they were bigger than staffies.

What are the staffies crossed with to make this mutt?

My first thought is American Pit Bulls - but surely nobody would be that stupid.

I have no interest in getting one - I am just curious.

[annavc]

I have no idea wolf63 but it sounds like a mad idea and unfortunately I think some people would be that stupid! Some people shouldn't be allowed to have animals.

[daffy654]

american staffordshire terrier

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Stafford shire_Terrier

[wolf63]

Thanks Daffy - good looking dog. I just presumed it was a 'designer hound' and not a breed.

annavc - agree with you. People don't think properly before getting a dog. Then they decide to get the latest 'fad' breed.

You only have to read some of the stupid posts here to see that a small number people don't realise the work involved.

The majority of the posters though obviously are animal lovers - they care about the welfare of the animal and are knowledgeable about them too.

I would love another dog, but circumstances dictate that this would be a emotional decision and not practical. So I have two manipulative, conceited, bossy, lazy and very noisy cats. And I love them to bits - when I am not trying to strangle them. :-)

[lankeela]

Unfortunately if it was advertised in your local paper it probably IS a 'pit bull type' as there are very few (if any)actual Am Staffs in this country. It is a way of advertising them without letting the authorities know what it is, same as names like 'Blue Nosed Staff' - they are pit bulls/ crosses. My friend is judging terriers in Finland at the end of the month and there are some entered there. They are accepted under FCI regulations as well as the AKC but not the KC in this country.

[wolf63]

Yes - I thought that. They are lovely looking dogs. I can't remember much about the dog but the paper covers a readership of only about 150,000 max.

It is terrible that a whole breed is given a bad reputation due to a few individuals breeding naff dogs with dodgy genes.

When I got my last dog, a Lab/GSD he had arthritis in his shoulders. The vet said that it was due to breeders trying to eradicate hip dysplasia and not looking at the knock on effect. My SIL is a scientist and tried to explain recessive genes etc. All I know is that it is the dog who suffers. Thankfully Robbie lived to the ripe old age of 14 and eventually died of cancer.

[andrea81]

Yes would like to re-emphasise that it may be a pit-bull but people are trying to get rid of them without getting any questions from the police especially since there has been a lot of bad press recently!

[wolf63]

I will stick to my cats meantime. I know that they are vicious, conceited, lazy, greedy, annoying and nocturnal.

I was considering getting a dog - but it would be a Lab or retriever (or a bull-mastiff, they are gorgeous - had half of one of them when a teenager, other half GSD with a bit bit of Scooby Doo added in).

:-) Better go - my cat master is calling me.