Originally Posted by Edie
I do not like the word Pit Bull! I really don't! They are American Staffordshire Terriers. Or, American Staffordshire Terrier Mix. When my husband had surgery several years ago, an older gentleman brought in his AST and being a dog lover, my fears were lessened because I was petting and loving the sweetest of all dogs. This dog was a "comfort" dog. Last year our next door neighbor rescued an AST, brindle, smaller size. He is in a family of two other dogs and two cats and is gentle and kind with all of them. Oh, sure, they play around in the back yard, but in fun. One of the other dogs is a Katrina rescue dog.
I remember many years ago some guys walking their AST's down the street and the dogs were loaded down with steel chains (big chains). Found out they were strengthening them up for the Pit. Isn't that horrible? Call the owners of those dogs the Pit bulls, not the dogs.
Also read a book called "One Good Dog" by Susan Wilson. It is one of the best books I have read.
An AST is a loyal dog, a good dog, you don't teach it to fight and make sure that the dog doesn't come from fighting stock. They are bred to do that (by inscrupulous owners, by the way).
I am sure they will enjoy their new dog. Edie
I'm sorry to tell you, but they are different. There was a split in the breed that is recognized. My husband's good friend bred pits. He now has an Amstaff. Pitts were baiting dogs, just like boxers. My kids were around both of his dogs with no problems. But I would be the first to say not to leave a child alone with any dog if the child is under a certain age or if they are not the dog's family. I have seen more damage to children from shelties, cocker's, and dalmations. I have fond memories of Arnold (aka Gummy) and Fred, two of the sweetest pittbulls you would ever meet.
My 8yr old daughter with Amie (black pitt bull) and Emitt (blue American Stafordshire Terrier)
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