Amstaff mix or Pit Bull mix?

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Amstaff mix or Pit Bull mix?

Cowboy #9483

The terms Amstaff (American Staffordshire Terrier), Saffordshire Terrier, Pit Bull Terrier, and American Pit Bull Terrier are often used interchangably. If you click here to do a Google search on the 3 items amstaff, difference, and "pit bull" you'll get over 30,000 hits giving you pages to learn about the differences.

When the dog is a mix of breeds, it would be difficult to be exact unless you were a breeder. Because Amstaff sounds less scary than Pit Bull, we tend to call ours Amstaff mixes. This page will give you some information and links from that search, as well as picturing a few of our own Amstaff (or maybe Pit Bull) mixes.

Pinky #9830

According to Pit Bull Rescue Central: "There are actually three breeds that can be easily confused. The correct designations are:
*American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) - recognized by the ADBA and UKC
*American Staffordshire Terrier (AST) - recognized by the AKC
*Staffordshire Bull Terrier (SBT) - recognized by the AKC and UKC"

"They are essentially the same dogs but have been bred for a different purpose and/or size standard since the mid 1930's. Some are even dual registered. Pete the Pup from "The Little Rascals" was among the first APBTs to be registered with the AKC as an AST."

Valerie #8130

and

"Most pit bulls are excellent with children. Since they were bred to perform in the pit, they have a high tolerance for pain, and in general will patiently endure the "abuse" young kids unintentionally dish out. However like any large, powerful dog, they must be supervised with kids at all times."

On their breed information page, the Pit Bull Rescue central goes into considerable detail and among the point it makes is

Mia #9346

"Pit bull owners must be aware of the remarkable fighting abilities these dogs posses and always keep in mind that pit bulls have the potential to inflict serious injury to other animals. A pit bull may not even be the one starting a conflict, but he has the genetics to finish it. Remember that pit bulls are almost always blamed no matter who initiated the hostilities, and often end up paying the price...as does the owner!"

Shamus #9750

The Real Pit Bull website summarizes

"If there was a manual describing ideal Pit Bull temperament, it would probably read something like this: "The Pit Bull is goofily friendly towards people--family, friends, and strangers alike. Known for its sound character, strong nerve, and great intelligence, the breed makes an ideal companion for households with children, while remaining strong and vigilent enough to protect its loved ones if need be."

Odie #9330

In addition to the two references previously cited, Pit Bull Rescue Central and The Real Pit Bull, here are just a few of many informative pages available on the internet:

Pittie People - What kind of person would own a pit bull?

Answers.com page on the American Staffordshire terrier

Bless the Bullys: Pit Bull and AmStaff Haven

STAFFORDSHIRE AND PIT BULL: ARE THEY THE SAME?

and for a bit of humor:

SCOOP QUIZ: What's the Difference Between a Pit Bull and a Chihuahua?

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