THE AMSTAFF EXPLAINED
PART
2
Pit Bulls and Amstaffs - What's the real difference?
The most important difference is Temperament. Pit Bulls are recognised as a dangerous breed in this country. Many have been cross bred with other dogs. If you own one in NSW you are obliged to tell the local council who will inspect your property. They will ensure that all fences are adequately high, that your gates are secure, that you have a 'Dangerous Dog' sign displayed and advise you that you are not permitted to take the dog in a public place without a muzzle. Pit Bulls are banned from being imported into Australia and are recognised as a dangerous breed. Some have an extremely unpredictable nature. Unless you are an expert dog handler and know what you are getting into I strongly advise that you do not purchase a Pit Bull or any dog suspected of being a Pit Bull. The ramifications, apart from the legal ones could well be a maimed or dead child.
Read the Standard for the American Staffordshire Terrier. There is NO Standard for Pit Bulls either in the Australian National Kennel Club or the American Kennel Club. They come in all shapes and sizes. You will notice that there is a height range of approximately 17-18 inches for bitches and 18-19 inches for dogs in the Amstaff. Some come bigger but rarely smaller. The nose is definitely black. Anything described as a 'Red Nose' is a Pit Bull. Anything sold by the name of the line such as Jeep, Reid are Pit Bulls. Anything which does not fit the Amstaff standard is probably a Pit Bull. All American Staffordshire Terriers were originally purchased from a breeder with registration papers. If there are no registration papers again it is probably a Pit Bull or a cross breed. If the parents are registered on the Limited Register only then it was never intended to be bred from. If it is unbelievably cheap then it is also probably a Pit Bull or a cross breed.