Going to get a dog

[Darko]

I am planning to get a dog come spring, either a pit or amstaff, or one of those mixed with a boxer. Wondeirng who on the board has any of those breeds and how you went about getting your pup. Find it throught the paper, net, breeder, local animal shelter, and how this dog has turned out for you...lets hear the good and bad.

Thanks

 

[distanced]

screw those dogs, be a man, get a newfoundland

 

[2Shy]

Reputable breeder or breed rescue would be my route. Shelter if you get a pup. Stay away from backyard breeders, breeders who "specialize" in more than one or two breeds (i.e., puppy brokers) and definitely STAY AWAY FROM PET SHOPS. They buy their dogs from brokers who get them from the mills.

Pits are great dogs, but there are too many idiots out there who breed them for the wrong reasons or want them because they think they're some sort of "macho" dog.

I have a friend who shows boxers and also participates in agility and flyball with them. According to her, there are a lot of white boxes in rescue; of course, many of those are deaf. I don't know if an excess of white in a Staffie has the same genetic problem, but I believe an all white head is to be avoided.

Do your research. Find out what health problems these dogs have and make sure (if you go to a breeder) that the proper health tests have been done. If you go to a breeder (you're probably more likely to find a pup from a breeder than a rescue, but older dogs still bond and have many advantages over a pup) make sure the pups are raised in the home and not a kennel. Visit the breeder and meet the pup's dam. The sire probably won't be there, but if so, meet him, too. If their temperaments are off, chances are the pup's will be, too.

A good breeder will ask a prospective owner as many questions as you ask him or her. So will a rescue. Don't be offended.

I have GSDs myself. Distanced, I loooove Newfies.

LOL Leave it to a dog question to bring me out of lurkdom.

 

[2Shy]

Oh, and check to see whether therre is any breed-specific legislation in your town. If you have a homeowners' association, check out their bylaws. Many insurance companies won't insure you if you have a pitbull or staffie or will charge you extra. Sucks, but that's the way it is.

 

[theoak01]

Newfies are great dogs but a Bermesse (sp) mountain dog is the ultimate and maybe a Alaskan malamute(only female)

I plan to get a Bermesse after college

 

[Darko]

Thanks for all the advice 2shy, I have done lots of research, for a couple yrs now, have always had dogs around, plus been around enough pits/amstaff's to know thats the type i want. i am well aware of the "problems" that come with as well as far as how dogs like them are viewed in society, but it does not phase me at all. i like the breed for its athletic abilty, looks, and personality, i have never seen a another breed like it. With proper socialization they are excellent dogs.

No problems were I live live with having one of these breeds either, thankfully.

 

[2Shy]

It's a shame that poor breeding and bad owners have given them the bad rep. They really are very sweet, gentle dogs.

Or course, I have an ongoing argument with my insurance company over my GSDs. "Studies" show that German Shepherds are one of the top biters, but none of them sort out all the K-9 related bites. Not to mention, any black and tan dog in a shelter is generally termed a "shepherd mix" even if it's not.

 

[Y_lifter]

All the below has already been mentioned and you also stated you don't have issues... So, Ignore if you like..

American Staffordshire Terriers (Pits) are great dogs.
But, if you get one with a natural bad temperment, it has the capability to kill you or others quickly. This is what it was bred for originally, hence the Jaw strength that is several times higher than other dogs of its size..
Also due to the bad press it receives, you may not be able to have this breed or if you do many Insurance carriers will not cover you. Plan on moving ever ?
Kind of like having a diving board on your pool.

Anyway... good luck, teach it, and take it to the Vet anually.

 

[WarriorPL]

I miss my dogs. I had one when i was younger, but he got to be twice my size so my parents got rid of him. Then i had another for 9 years and he ran away.
I can't wait to get my next pup... nothing bad better happen to him.

 

[Y_lifter]

Dogs are great.
We just need to understand they are animals.
Special Animals but animals none the less.

hence: Unpredictable at times