"I JUST WANT A PET PUPPY, WHY ARE EVEN PET PUPPIES SO EXPENSIVE FROM A REPUTABLE BREEDER?"
"Just a pet" encompasses an awful lot! You want your pet to be healthy - no crippling hip problems, no potentially fatal heart defects, no ataxia, and most of all - you want that amazing, rock-solid AmStaff temperament that you've heard so much about! There are no guarantees in dog breeding, but as with most other things, a person's skills improve with experience and study. A responsible hobby breeder knows that breeding means much more than putting two intact dogs together and waiting 63 days for puppies. It involves carefully researching pedigrees, screening for defects, proper care of the dam (mother) while she's pregnant and skillful handling of the new puppies during the critical first 8 weeks of life. Finding a responsible breeder who has become a student of the breed and has the level of knowledge necessary to make good decisions significantly raises your chances of finding the healthy, stable pet you are looking for. As far as expense, you are adding a new member to your family for the next 10-15 years. Now is not the time to penny pinch! The breeder you are seeking will have considerable expense involved in the selection, raising, competition and screening of their dogs. A pet store puppy often costs as much as a well bred one and a "bargain" puppy from the newspaper is frequently NO bargain when you take into account the possible costs involved with serious medical or temperament problems.
"WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A MALE AND A FEMALE?"
Temperamentally, there is little difference between the sexes in AmStaffs. Neither sex is harder to housetrain, and both are equally intelligent and affectionate. Both are excellent with children, and both make excellent companions. Problems of aggressiveness towards other dogs of the same sex may occur in both genders. It is not uncommon for intact males to challenge another intact male.. Sex-related behavior such as mounting and marking may be exhibited by some male AmStaffs, particularly if other males are present or if the male has been used for breeding. Neutering a male before a year of age will not only help to alleviate these problems, but will also eliminate the risk of testicular cancer. Since there is no responsible reason NOT to spay a bitch (unless she was bought from a serious hobby breeder specifically for showing or breeding), the estrous cycle in the female need not be a consideration.
"I WORK, HOW CAN I RAISE A NEW PUPPY?"
Working should not prohibit you from raising a puppy, however a puppy does demand extra time and attention, you will need to make provisions to care for your puppy. Caring for a puppy brings responsibilities and obligations that need to be considered. A puppy turns into a dog and an American Staffordshire Terrier will eventually grow to be between 40-65 lbs. and stand 17-19" high. This puppy will need to be cared for on a daily basis for the next 10-15 years, this will become a family member, (living/breathing) not an item or thing that is disposable.. A puppy needs the following:
A puppy needs to relieve himself every 2-4 hours, until they are at least 6 months old. Puppies generally defecate 5 to 6 times a day and urinate even more.
You will need to get up during the night to take your puppy out. An easy way to figure out how many hours a puppy can be expected to control their bladder is to take the puppy's age in months and add 1. For example a 4-month-old puppy will need to go out every 5 hours.
Housetraining a puppy can take at least 6 months. With a daily time commitment of every 2-4 hours.
A puppy will benefit from a socialization class at around 12-14 weeks old and an obedience class after 6 months. Even people who adopt older rescue dogs can benefit from a class to help them teach the dog what is expected of him.
Puppies require a minimum of three 20-minute low-impact aerobic play sessions per day and older dogs need regular exercise on a daily basis. A tired puppy is a calm puppy.
"I HAVE CHILDREN IN THE HOME, HOW ARE AMSTAFFS WITH KIDS?
AmStaffs can be wonderful family dogs, however parents need to be aware of a few precautions. First and foremost, children need to be taught how to interact with a dog and AmStaffs are no exception. Each year many children are victims of dog bites and this can be due to ongoing mistreatment of the dog by children or because the dog and family were not properly matched by the breeder or rescue. A responsible breeder or rescue organization will make sure that any puppy they place with children is temperamentally suited for an active family. Many AmStaffs become homeless due to the fact that an adult has added an AmStaff to the family for the wrong reasons: As a gift to a child with the expectation that the child will be the primary caretaker. To play with the children and keep them occupied, giving the adults more free time, without plans to supervise the interactions. Adding an AmStaff to the family can be wonderful, but adults must understand the responsibilities that are involved. The feeding, grooming, exercising, formal obedience lessons, etc are the entire family's responsibility but must be supervised and coordinated by an adult. Being the primary caretaker for a dog is not a job that can be left to the children. You should be certain that your busy life leaves time for an active AmStaff before you purchase or adopt one. We have three small children in our home, and our AmStaffs are excellent with them. Recommended reading: "Childproofing Your Dog" by Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson
"ARE AMSTAFFS EASY TO TRAIN?"
AmStaffs are generally easy to train; however training takes time and repetition. It is highly suggested that you sign up for an obedience class while your AmStaff is still a puppy. Methods have changed throughout the years and training in general will help to bond you and your AmStaff. Learning how to communicate with your dog will ensure a successful relationship.. AmStaffs respond very well to positive reinforcement of good behavior, however you must be willing to correct your dog firmly but NOT in a harsh or abusive way. Some AmStaffs are more hard headed than others, but consistency is key in training!
"SHOULD I NEUTER OR SPAY MY AMSTAFF?"
Many reputable breeders sell "pet" quality puppies with the agreement that the animal will be neutered/spayed. These puppies are sometimes sold at a lower price than the "show prospect" puppies, even though they have the same excellent pedigree and have received the same care and attention. The basic disposition and temperament of your dog WILL NOT be changed by removing his or her reproductive capability. Neutering a male can make him more tolerant of other males, but neutering will not, by itself, turn your AmStaff into an obese, lazy animal . . .that is the result of excess food and insufficient exercise. Benefits of spaying include not having to worry about accidental breeding, the stress and inconvenience of confining the bitch in season, risky "mismating" shots, and unwanted puppies. The spayed bitch will not develop uterine infections or tumors of the reproductive system, as do so many older unspayed bitches.
"HOW BIG WILL AN AMSTAFF GET?"
A well bred male will stand 18-19" high at the shoulder and weigh between 50-65 lbs. Females stand 17-18" at the shoulder and weigh between 40-55lbs. However in reality there are many AmStaffs that range outside of the standard. All of our American Staffordshire Terriers are within the breed standard for size and weight.
"HOW LONG WILL AN AMSTAFF LIVE?"
A well-bred, well cared for AmStaff lives 10-15 years on average.
"CAN I RAISE TWO AMSTAFF PUPPIES AT THE SAME TIME?"
Yes, but this will be twice as much mess, time, training, and expense. An important part of adopting an AmStaff is the continuing financial responsibility. Routine veterinary care, heartworm preventative, flea/tick treatment throughout the summer, grooming and feeding a premium food add up quickly. This does not include any emergency medical treatments or surgeries that a dog may need at some point in his/her life. Many breeders will not sell two puppies at the same time, worrying that the arrangement is not in the puppy's best interest. Some recommend that you consider a puppy and then an older rescue dog or that you wait until your puppy is at least 6 months old before getting another.
"WHAT HEALTH ISSUES RUN IN AMSTAFFS?"
AmStaffs, unfortunately, are subject to a few health issues including canine hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, defects of the heart and ataxia, AmStaffs should be purchased from responsible hobby breeders. Responsible breeders will screen parents for genetic disease and have health information on many, if not all the dogs for several generations back, thus reducing the possibility that their offspring will have health issues.
"DO AMSTAFFS SHED?"
Absolutely! AmStaffs shed a little all year round and twice a year they lose most of their coat. Anyone intent on a "hair free" home, should reconsider getting an AmStaff because they do have some light to moderate shedding although they will not shed as much as a long-coated breed. Their coat requires brushing of at least once a week. Grooming is generally very easy and not a hassle with an AmStaff.
"HOW ARE AMSTAFFS WITH OTHER PETS?"
Each dog is different and some Amstaffs relish time with another dog and others are more solitary or even challenging towards another dog. However, even if the dog is more solitary it is VERY important to socialize your puppy when they are young and continue to do so throughout their lives. Socializing means exposing your puppy to a variety of other puppies and dogs, people, places, things, sights, smells and sounds. All of our adult dogs get along well with other dogs, and also are fine around various other animals (large or small). We do not EVER, for any reason, leave our dogs unattended with another dog (that is simply irresponsible and asking for trouble!).
"HOW MUCH SPACE AND EXERCISE DO AMSTAFFS NEED?"
AmStaffs are energetic dogs, and their exercise requirements will depend largely on the age and condition of the dog. Young, healthy dogs will require several aerobically paced walks or interactive play sessions per day. Space need not be a major factor, as it is generally considered a myth that "these dogs need room to run". Most dogs left alone, outdoors, will nap rather than exercise. AmStaffs require mental stimulation, as well as regular exercise; if your life-style is sedentary, or you don't have a few hours a day to interact with your dog, an AmStaff may not be the best choice. Our AmStaffs enjoy hiking, biking, camping, swimming, agility, rally, obedience and many other activities.
"Just a pet" encompasses an awful lot! You want your pet to be healthy - no crippling hip problems, no potentially fatal heart defects, no ataxia, and most of all - you want that amazing, rock-solid AmStaff temperament that you've heard so much about! There are no guarantees in dog breeding, but as with most other things, a person's skills improve with experience and study. A responsible hobby breeder knows that breeding means much more than putting two intact dogs together and waiting 63 days for puppies. It involves carefully researching pedigrees, screening for defects, proper care of the dam (mother) while she's pregnant and skillful handling of the new puppies during the critical first 8 weeks of life. Finding a responsible breeder who has become a student of the breed and has the level of knowledge necessary to make good decisions significantly raises your chances of finding the healthy, stable pet you are looking for. As far as expense, you are adding a new member to your family for the next 10-15 years. Now is not the time to penny pinch! The breeder you are seeking will have considerable expense involved in the selection, raising, competition and screening of their dogs. A pet store puppy often costs as much as a well bred one and a "bargain" puppy from the newspaper is frequently NO bargain when you take into account the possible costs involved with serious medical or temperament problems.
"WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A MALE AND A FEMALE?"
Temperamentally, there is little difference between the sexes in AmStaffs. Neither sex is harder to housetrain, and both are equally intelligent and affectionate. Both are excellent with children, and both make excellent companions. Problems of aggressiveness towards other dogs of the same sex may occur in both genders. It is not uncommon for intact males to challenge another intact male.. Sex-related behavior such as mounting and marking may be exhibited by some male AmStaffs, particularly if other males are present or if the male has been used for breeding. Neutering a male before a year of age will not only help to alleviate these problems, but will also eliminate the risk of testicular cancer. Since there is no responsible reason NOT to spay a bitch (unless she was bought from a serious hobby breeder specifically for showing or breeding), the estrous cycle in the female need not be a consideration.
"I WORK, HOW CAN I RAISE A NEW PUPPY?"
Working should not prohibit you from raising a puppy, however a puppy does demand extra time and attention, you will need to make provisions to care for your puppy. Caring for a puppy brings responsibilities and obligations that need to be considered. A puppy turns into a dog and an American Staffordshire Terrier will eventually grow to be between 40-65 lbs. and stand 17-19" high. This puppy will need to be cared for on a daily basis for the next 10-15 years, this will become a family member, (living/breathing) not an item or thing that is disposable.. A puppy needs the following:
A puppy needs to relieve himself every 2-4 hours, until they are at least 6 months old. Puppies generally defecate 5 to 6 times a day and urinate even more.
You will need to get up during the night to take your puppy out. An easy way to figure out how many hours a puppy can be expected to control their bladder is to take the puppy's age in months and add 1. For example a 4-month-old puppy will need to go out every 5 hours.
Housetraining a puppy can take at least 6 months. With a daily time commitment of every 2-4 hours.
A puppy will benefit from a socialization class at around 12-14 weeks old and an obedience class after 6 months. Even people who adopt older rescue dogs can benefit from a class to help them teach the dog what is expected of him.
Puppies require a minimum of three 20-minute low-impact aerobic play sessions per day and older dogs need regular exercise on a daily basis. A tired puppy is a calm puppy.
"I HAVE CHILDREN IN THE HOME, HOW ARE AMSTAFFS WITH KIDS?
AmStaffs can be wonderful family dogs, however parents need to be aware of a few precautions. First and foremost, children need to be taught how to interact with a dog and AmStaffs are no exception. Each year many children are victims of dog bites and this can be due to ongoing mistreatment of the dog by children or because the dog and family were not properly matched by the breeder or rescue. A responsible breeder or rescue organization will make sure that any puppy they place with children is temperamentally suited for an active family. Many AmStaffs become homeless due to the fact that an adult has added an AmStaff to the family for the wrong reasons: As a gift to a child with the expectation that the child will be the primary caretaker. To play with the children and keep them occupied, giving the adults more free time, without plans to supervise the interactions. Adding an AmStaff to the family can be wonderful, but adults must understand the responsibilities that are involved. The feeding, grooming, exercising, formal obedience lessons, etc are the entire family's responsibility but must be supervised and coordinated by an adult. Being the primary caretaker for a dog is not a job that can be left to the children. You should be certain that your busy life leaves time for an active AmStaff before you purchase or adopt one. We have three small children in our home, and our AmStaffs are excellent with them. Recommended reading: "Childproofing Your Dog" by Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson
"ARE AMSTAFFS EASY TO TRAIN?"
AmStaffs are generally easy to train; however training takes time and repetition. It is highly suggested that you sign up for an obedience class while your AmStaff is still a puppy. Methods have changed throughout the years and training in general will help to bond you and your AmStaff. Learning how to communicate with your dog will ensure a successful relationship.. AmStaffs respond very well to positive reinforcement of good behavior, however you must be willing to correct your dog firmly but NOT in a harsh or abusive way. Some AmStaffs are more hard headed than others, but consistency is key in training!
"SHOULD I NEUTER OR SPAY MY AMSTAFF?"
Many reputable breeders sell "pet" quality puppies with the agreement that the animal will be neutered/spayed. These puppies are sometimes sold at a lower price than the "show prospect" puppies, even though they have the same excellent pedigree and have received the same care and attention. The basic disposition and temperament of your dog WILL NOT be changed by removing his or her reproductive capability. Neutering a male can make him more tolerant of other males, but neutering will not, by itself, turn your AmStaff into an obese, lazy animal . . .that is the result of excess food and insufficient exercise. Benefits of spaying include not having to worry about accidental breeding, the stress and inconvenience of confining the bitch in season, risky "mismating" shots, and unwanted puppies. The spayed bitch will not develop uterine infections or tumors of the reproductive system, as do so many older unspayed bitches.
"HOW BIG WILL AN AMSTAFF GET?"
A well bred male will stand 18-19" high at the shoulder and weigh between 50-65 lbs. Females stand 17-18" at the shoulder and weigh between 40-55lbs. However in reality there are many AmStaffs that range outside of the standard. All of our American Staffordshire Terriers are within the breed standard for size and weight.
"HOW LONG WILL AN AMSTAFF LIVE?"
A well-bred, well cared for AmStaff lives 10-15 years on average.
"CAN I RAISE TWO AMSTAFF PUPPIES AT THE SAME TIME?"
Yes, but this will be twice as much mess, time, training, and expense. An important part of adopting an AmStaff is the continuing financial responsibility. Routine veterinary care, heartworm preventative, flea/tick treatment throughout the summer, grooming and feeding a premium food add up quickly. This does not include any emergency medical treatments or surgeries that a dog may need at some point in his/her life. Many breeders will not sell two puppies at the same time, worrying that the arrangement is not in the puppy's best interest. Some recommend that you consider a puppy and then an older rescue dog or that you wait until your puppy is at least 6 months old before getting another.
"WHAT HEALTH ISSUES RUN IN AMSTAFFS?"
AmStaffs, unfortunately, are subject to a few health issues including canine hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, defects of the heart and ataxia, AmStaffs should be purchased from responsible hobby breeders. Responsible breeders will screen parents for genetic disease and have health information on many, if not all the dogs for several generations back, thus reducing the possibility that their offspring will have health issues.
"DO AMSTAFFS SHED?"
Absolutely! AmStaffs shed a little all year round and twice a year they lose most of their coat. Anyone intent on a "hair free" home, should reconsider getting an AmStaff because they do have some light to moderate shedding although they will not shed as much as a long-coated breed. Their coat requires brushing of at least once a week. Grooming is generally very easy and not a hassle with an AmStaff.
"HOW ARE AMSTAFFS WITH OTHER PETS?"
Each dog is different and some Amstaffs relish time with another dog and others are more solitary or even challenging towards another dog. However, even if the dog is more solitary it is VERY important to socialize your puppy when they are young and continue to do so throughout their lives. Socializing means exposing your puppy to a variety of other puppies and dogs, people, places, things, sights, smells and sounds. All of our adult dogs get along well with other dogs, and also are fine around various other animals (large or small). We do not EVER, for any reason, leave our dogs unattended with another dog (that is simply irresponsible and asking for trouble!).
"HOW MUCH SPACE AND EXERCISE DO AMSTAFFS NEED?"
AmStaffs are energetic dogs, and their exercise requirements will depend largely on the age and condition of the dog. Young, healthy dogs will require several aerobically paced walks or interactive play sessions per day. Space need not be a major factor, as it is generally considered a myth that "these dogs need room to run". Most dogs left alone, outdoors, will nap rather than exercise. AmStaffs require mental stimulation, as well as regular exercise; if your life-style is sedentary, or you don't have a few hours a day to interact with your dog, an AmStaff may not be the best choice. Our AmStaffs enjoy hiking, biking, camping, swimming, agility, rally, obedience and many other activities.