English or American Staffy??

Looking to get a dog soon and need feedback from owners of either breed.
Pros/cons of each breed?

I also have a couple of kids.
My new house will probably have a small backyard.

 

english staffordshire!

 

Staffordshire Bull Terrier FTW!

Note: The 'English' prefix is redundant, they were recognised by Kennel Clubs first, whereas the 'American Staffordshire Terrier' was recognised slightly later and had the is 'American' tacked on to avoid confusion.

 

At risk of starting up the whole debate again, I would be wary of getting an Am Staf. I absolutely love them, and English Stafs as well - they are freakin' awesome dogs. However as you live in a country where people have no idea about dogs then beware getting an Am Staf - you will be called out on it being a Pitbull terrier, and at worst may face the legal challenge of having it taken away from you and threatened to be destroyed because of its looks. I you do get one I strongly suggest you obtain papers for it - the only time that papers are of any value whatsoever, the may save the dog's life.

 

my dog once got out and chased this girl down the street. (i guess it scared her a bit)

my dog is a staffie (english) x kelpie

anyway, the council was wondering if it was a prohibited (or restricted breed) so had to get some breed certifier and a JP.

 

As an owner of 2 "english" staffys. one 2.5 years old, one 12 weeks i could not recommend them more although if you have kids as much as my older staff loves them he does have a tendency to knock them over a lot as he doesnt know his own weight when he gets excited.

 

Given the recent ruling in the QLD supreme court, I wouldn't be getting an AmStaff at all, papered or not.

Essentially, they have just ruled an AmStaff and an American Pit Bull Terrier (a restricted dog) are the same thing.

What happens as a result of this, we're yet to see (the defendants are appealing) - but its all a bit uncertain now...

*edit* because I was on a BB when I posted this...

DOLForums Judgement thread - http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?showtopic=193107
DOLForums Discussion thread - http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?showtopic=192496
Gold Coast Bulletin News Article - http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2010/04/06/205305_crime-and-court-news.html
News.com.au article - http://www.news.com.au/national/court-battle-to-keep-dog-alive/story-e6frfkvr-1225850203997

Essentially, the defendants put forward that there is no difference between an AST and APBT, the council accepted that, and well here we are.

 

i have an English x American staffy

she's way too excitable for my liking, but overall a pretty good dog

 

Why would someone take it away?
I'm sure the dog would have to do something first?

Anyway, I'm leaning towards the Amstaff as English Staffys are usually as effective as turtles when it comes to being a guard dog.

 

well you would think so, but, you'd be wrong. that is if you mean doing something other than looking similar to the banned breed....

from the first link posted by NSanity (the dog being an american staffy)

 

Just read about that today. A terrible result and one that will see the destruction of many dogs.

 

I have this horrible feeling that people in QLD will now start to classify their Amstaff's as English staffordshire crosses which will then lead to English staffies being banned. The reason I think this is because it's what I would probably do if faced with this situation.

I hope they fight this bullshit ruling all the way.