THE AMSTAFF EXPLAINED
PART 3
So you want to be a Pet Dog
Owner of an Amstaff.
What to look for?
First of all read Part 2. If you want an Amstaff you don't want a Pit Bull. Amstaffs have been bred for generations for the show ring. The original American Standard was accepted by the American Kennel Club in 1936. I am not going to pretend that all Amstaffs are angels when it comes to other dogs but then again neither are many other breeds, particularly the terrier breeds. They are, however, very trustworthy, loyal and protective of their owners and their environment. For quite a large dog it is amazing how playful and agile they are. Many Amstaffs are good at agility, enjoy swimming or like nothing better than to curl up beside you in bed at night. If you want a watch dog then an Amstaff is ideal. They will let any intruder know they are there before they try to enter your property and with a big booming bark, will probably scare them off immediately! No dog should be left unsupervised with small children but the Amstaff recognises the children as part of his pack. He will defend you and them from an an attacker. His courage is proverbial.
As a guide you can probably expect to pay upwards of $750 for a good pet quality Amstaff puppy from a reputable breeder. This will include limited registration papers which means it is a pet only. You cannot breed from it or show it but as long as the dog is not desexwd,you may get the pepers upgraded by the breeder at a later date. Older dogs may become available for various reasons at a lesser cost. Show puppies cost considerably more. I would be extremely wary of any pup sold with out papers. Both parents have to have full Main Register papers before YOU can be sure that you have a pedigreed Amstaff. Unscrupulous backyard breeders can pass off one dog for another but your dog can only be registered with the Canine Council if both dogs are already registered on the Main Register