New Here.

[C302]

Hi,

Im new to these forums. Looks like you have a nice thing going here! I look forward to learning as much as I can from all of you.

I live in Canada and looking for a Respectable Breeder to purchase not only my first Pit Bull From but my first Dog. I purchased a " Dogs Annual " book at a local news stand and came up with " Top Dog Kennels " ( www.topdogkennels.ca (http://www.topdogkennels.ca/)) any experiences with this breeder? Or can anyone recommend one?

I tried to use the search button for this but Im not the greatest with computers so I appologize.

Thanks
Colin

[findrodhere]

If you're looking for APBTs that would be the last choice I would make for a breeder. Take a good look at those dogs compared to dogs with proper conformation, try apbtconformation.com.

[C302]

Thank You.

This is what I need, someone to direct me in the right way. What is your kennel of choice? Do they have a website?

This dog will be a Pet only. But most of all hopefully my best friend.

[Noname]

Your best bet would be to rescue a dog in need of a home

[BaBy ThE PiT]

welcome to the site man. any questions will be answered with the best knowledge on this site. not by me cause im a n00b but there are plenty of smart people on this site to help ya. peace out

[GSDbulldog]

Stay away from any kennel that breeds for color, size, head size, chest, etc., as this is not what the APBT is about. I suggest doing more research on what a true APBT is, and this is a great place to start. The APBT is still very much a preformance bred dog, and those who are breeding for things other than working ability are detrimental to the breed.

If the dog is only going to be a pet, why not consider rescue? I'm not sure where in Canada you are located, but there are many sound bulldogs needing homes. Pups and adults are often readily available.

I wish I could reccomend kennels, but the few reputable ones I know of are located in the US and do not ship out of country.

[findrodhere]

Hold off buying a dog just yet, you need to do some research about APBTs first. There are many different bloodlines to choose from, so you'll need to know what you're looking for. Remember, these dogs are A LOT to handle, if it is your first dog, I would recommend an adult. Have you ever owned a dog before? If not, maybe you should look into another breed. No offense, it's just that even people who owned plenty of dogs find they had no idea what they were getting into when they first purchased an APBT. There are a lot of great dogs in shelters b/c of people rushing to get one of these dogs, not knowing what that would entail.

[C302]

I have thought about resucing a dog for a while. This is my first dog and I would like to get him as a pup.

No offense taken. You are completely right and I will be the first to say it. I have never owned a dog before and really have no clue how to handle a dog. I will put him in training and early socializing and do what ever is best for him.

These American Stafford Terriers, they are beautiful as well.

[findrodhere]

You can get a good dog from tom garner kennels, he ships internationally. There are kennels in canada, but you'll need someone familiar with the country to help you out. Make sure you take GSDBulldogs' advice on what to look for in a kennel.

[El Mexicano]

yes...get a staffordshire...american pit bull terriers are dog aggresive and harder to control...staffordshire would be the best way 2 go.IMO

[GSDbulldog]

C302, if this is your first dog, I'm a bit concerned. APBTs are special dogs who require very responsible and educated owners. Dog aggression, poor public perception, prey drive, high exercise needs, they all come along with this breed.

I had done research for a few years before aquring my first APBT mix about a year ago. He wasn't my first dog, as I've owned GSDs for years. But I got a big wake up call. The first few months were easy going, he was an active dog, but very social and easy going with other dogs. Then one day he "turned on", with no signs. He went after & attacked my husky mix, and almost killed her. We now keep them seperated, and they only see each other with extreme supervision. This sort of "random" dog aggression is common and to be expected in the breed.

First, you need to ask yourself, why do I want an APBT? Are you ready for this responsibility?

If you feel you are ready to own one of these great dogs, I don't reccomend getting a pup. I reccomend rescueing an adult dog, whose temperament is already set. With puppies you have no idea what your getting, it's a gamble. Even if you knew the parents. With an adult dog, his temperament is set and you have a good idea of how he will behave.

Sorry to sound harsh, I assure you I don't mean to be. However, so many people jump into this breed without a clue.

[GSDbulldog]

Yes, American Staffordshire Terriers are very nice dogs, more of a novice breed than the APBT. I (To an extent) agree with El Mexicano. ASTs are generally less dog-aggressive and prey driven. However, they are descendants of the APBT, and some still retain those traits. This is why I reccomend an adult dog.

Findrodhere, while Tom Garner has some of the best APBTs in his yard, I don't think a gamedog makes a great first pet.

[C302]

You are not sounding harsh. That is why Im here. I do not want to just go out and get myself a dog just to have a dog and end up with a monster that I can't control because I can not handle him.

I find the best way to get info is to ask questions so that is what Im doing.

I can actually get a American Stafford Terrier in Nova Scotia which is close to where I live from http://www.barberycoast.ca/ (http://www.barberycoast.ca/)

[BaBy ThE PiT]

if u really want an APBT u should educate urself more about the breed before jumping the gun. it takes a really responsible owner and plenty of love and care. just take the correct measures before u decide on what breed to get. =)

[GSDbulldog]

I've been to that site, they have very nice representatives of the breed. Since they are in your area, I suggest schedualing an appointment to go out and visit them, I'm sure they will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

I'm still partial to rescues, but purchasing from a responsible breeder is another way to get a great dog.

[C302]

Thank You.

They are not in my area but they are the closest to me. I will contact them and see if I can get some info from them.

[miakoda]

yes...get a staffordshire...american pit bull terriers are dog aggresive and harder to control...staffordshire would be the best way 2 go.IMO
Am. Staffs tend to run dog aggressive as well. In fact, just ALL bulldog breeds & terrier breeds display dog aggression to some extent (moreso than other breeds). Don't give out advice that will come back to bite someone e'se's dog in the ass.

[Crash97]

JMO...If this is your first dog, maybe a Am Staff is too much dog for ya. And I believe an APBT is definately not a good choice. They're wonderful, loyal, athletic dogs with often times exemplary temperament, BUT they are more often than not dog and animal agressive. Not something a person should have as a first dog. Maybe an American bulldog would be better. They can still be animal agressive but nothing like APBT.

[miakoda]

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=15 width=600 align=center bgColor=#cccccc border=0><TBODY><TR bgColor=#cccccc><TD width="50%" height=129 rowSpan=2><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=3 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width="36%">Clover N10846 </TD><TD width="64%" bgColor=#cccccc></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Location: British Columbia
Breed: Pit Bull (APBT)
Age: 0 to 3 Months
Sex: Male (neutered)
Weight: 20 to 30 Lbs
Color: dark reverse brindle with white markings Housebroken: No
Good with kids: Yes
Good with dogs: Yes
Good with cats: Yes

APPLY ON-LINE (http://www.pbrc.net/instructions.html)

</TD><TD width="50%" height=203><TABLE borderColor=#000000 height=8 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=58 border=3><TBODY><TR><TD height=5>http://www.pbrc.net/pictures15/cloverN10846_0.jpg (http://www.pbrc.net/pictures15/cloverN10846_0.jpg)</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Click for original picture
</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#ffffff><TD width="50%" bgColor=#cccccc height=2>Additional Pictures: 1 (http://www.pbrc.net/pictures15/cloverN10846_1.jpg) | 2 (http://www.pbrc.net/pictures15/cloverN10846_2.jpg) |
<TR bgColor=#cccccc><TD colSpan=2 height=102>Clover is a roly-poly suck. With his classic dark brindle good looks, cutest little ears, and "Please let me hug you" ways, he is a total charmer. Clover aka Bleu is the low-key one out of his siblings (whom have recently found homes). He would choose a warm lap over romps with his siblings, and would love to find a family to snuggle with. He is very responsive, has excellent leash manners, great eye contact, holds a tight sit, comes when called, and loves every stranger as if they were his long lost friends. He is fostered with other dogs, cats, and horses, and taken on many adventures to get him really well-socialized. He is looking for pit bull experienced home, that will hand out consistant boundaries, along with the love. Attend obedience classes (as is mandatory with all of our dogs), and socialize them like mad. He is a classic pit bull- smart, active, agile, solid builds, and ready to please. Clover is neutered, has had his first 2 sets of vaccines, been dewormed, deflead, microchipped, tattooed. His adoption fee is $200 to help cover his vet bills. Additional Information (http://www.freewebs.com/bullybuddies/adoptabledogs.htm)

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 width=600 align=center border=0><TBODY><TR bgColor=#999999><TD width=222 height=38>Website: Click Here (http://www.petfinder.org/shelters/BC134.html)
</TD><TD width=226>Sam: bully_buddies@yahoo.ca (bully_buddies@yahoo.ca?subject= PBRC - Bully Buddies, Canada - N10846)
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[C302]

He's absolutley beautiful. Although, Im sort of scared to take on the a APBT now. Even in that add is states " He is looking for pit bull experienced home, that will hand out consistant boundaries, along with the love. " The love thing I can do, the experience thing I can't offer.

[miakoda]

He's absolutley beautiful. Although, Im sort of scared to take on the a APBT now. Even in that add is states " He is looking for pit bull experienced home, that will hand out consistant boundaries, along with the love. " The love thing I can do, the experience thing I can't offer.
We didn't mean to make you afraid! :) It's just sometimes in our persistence to get people to think things through, then it comes off as telling you not to do something.

To be honest, I suggest buying as many books on the APBT as possible (& the Am. Staff. as well since you are also interested in those) & read up. In the meantime, try to find some local dog shows & hit those up so you can meet & greet the dogs & their owners. Although I perfectly understand the want & desire for a puppy NOW, I also understand what it's like to do the former before acquiring one as that is what I did. Some say I went nuts into all the research before owning my own first APBT, but the feeling of preparation & all the knowledge I had acquired made things a breeze. Good luck in whatever your decision is.

[C302]

Ha ha ha,

You never scared me away. I just realize that a Pit Bull may not be the greatest dog for me to start with.

I started looking at one because I liked its size, muscle mass, short hair, and it being a athletic dog.

Then I started looking at the Am Staff which is similar in size and everything. Im actually going to visit a friend who has a Am Staff Tonight after I watch the Supercross Race! I'll let you know what he is like!

Thanks guys!

[lockjaw]

an english staff. is a small version of an american staff..and a lot easier to handle..dont buy an american staff.in the newspaper a lot of people pass on pitbulls as american staffs..because ignorant people will buy them thinking they are dog friendly..any terrier will be animal aggressive but the amount of damage is different.

[rocksteady]

No, the" English staff" is NOT a small version of the American Staffordshire terrier The only thing they share in common is the name Staffordshire terrier and ancestors. The Am Staff is a direct spin off of the APBT so that "fanciers" could gain AKC recognition and get away from the pit image of the breed, and have a show version..

the correct name is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Over in the UK they are still viewed as working dogs, where over here their conformation has changed slightly to a shorter, stockier "prettier" dog. All three breeds do have similar physical characteristics to a degree..

[Crash97]

Ha ha ha,

You never scared me away. I just realize that a Pit Bull may not be the greatest dog for me to start with.

I started looking at one because I liked its size, muscle mass, short hair, and it being a athletic dog.

Then I started looking at the Am Staff which is similar in size and everything. Im actually going to visit a friend who has a Am Staff Tonight after I watch the Supercross Race! I'll let you know what he is like!

Thanks guys!I just have to commend you on making a well informed choice, finding out if a breeds traits will fit your ideals and doing some investigating before leaping into a dog. Not many do that no matter what the breed is.

[miakoda]

Your best bet is to find a breeder and research both him/her and his/her bloodlines of choice. So many people here believe they are the only ones worthy or capable of owning a pit bull. By all means if you want one then get one and find a site that will encourage you with actual help and support of your decisions in interest in the breed. Try this site scratchline.proboards61.com. I just wanted to give you a healthy opinion. Good luck on your decision!When did ANY of us claim that only WE are worthy to own a "pit bull" & that this guy is not? What WE advised was to do some reading & research into the breed & thoroughly investigate any prospect kennels from which to buy a dog from. I'm sorry that we don't encourage supporting our local thugs, back yard breeders, & puppy peddlers & that we don't support the rushing into buying a breed of dog w/no background information about the breed. I for one will NEVER get a dog that I did not thoroughly research first. If you take our well meaning intentions this way, then so be it. But do not tell others what you think we are "really saying."

[Doggystyle]

When did ANY of us claim that only WE are worthy to own a "pit bull" & that this guy is not? What WE advised was to do some reading & research into the breed & thoroughly investigate any prospect kennels from which to buy a dog from. I'm sorry that we don't encourage supporting our local thugs, back yard breeders, & puppy peddlers & that we don't support the rushing into buying a breed of dog w/no background information about the breed. I for one will NEVER get a dog that I did not thoroughly research first. If you take our well meaning intentions this way, then so be it. But do not tell others what you think we are "really saying."I told him to research. Read the first line of the post again please!

[miakoda]

I told him to research. Read the first line of the post again please!
I did. And then I read the rest:
So many people here believe they are the only ones worthy or capable of owning a pit bull. By all means if you want one then get one and find a site that will encourage you with actual help and support of your decisions in interest in the breed.
You think that everyone who likes the looks of the breed, should just run out & get one. And trust me, most do. And then people like me either get to keep 'em once they've been abandoned, dumped at the shelter or at the rescue, or just tossed out onto the streets, or people like me get the pleasure of holding off the vein in the front leg while we administer Euthasol that will kill the dog in a matter of seconds.

It doesn't matter WHAT breed someone wants, to want one based upon looks alone & then to rush out & buy one, is downright foolish & will usually result in the dog being abandoned or killed & the owner feeling dissappointed & let down in his perceptions. Whenever a person is interested in a breed of dogs, he should educate himself in every manor...just like the original poster is wanting to do. This is the person that in the long run will be very happy in their purchase/adoption & the dog chosen will also benefit in every possible way. Very very rarely does a spur of the moment purchase end up in being a happy situation.

As for your belief that this breed isn't complicated & anyone who wants one should be & is capable of owning one, then look around you. Read the paper. These dogs are being left to run lose to terrorize the neighborhood & chase/kill animals & unfortunately some cases, people. These dogs are being dumped at the shelters left & right b/c they didn't get along with Fifi the poodle, or Mugsy the Pug, or Tipper the kitty. They are being dumped b/c the owners are frustrated at the high energy levels & that the dogs are chewing up things & destroying the house after being kept in a crate for 8-10 hrs a day & then put back up after only a handful of hours out. The dogs are being dumped b/c they didn't turn out to be big freak monsters w/gigantic heads like all the others the owners saw in pictures & like their friends dogs. So you still want to tell me, someone who's been cleaning up others' messes now for 8 yrs, that this breed can be for & is for everyone who wants one? I don't think so.

[miakoda]

To add to the original poster: I honestly think you are going about this the right way. You never know, after all the research, you might decide that the APBT is a dog for you be it in the form of a rescue or otherwise. I think by spending the time to research like you are obviously willing to do, then you will end up with the absolutely perfect dog for you & will have a happy lifelong relationship. You will have this next dog for up to 15 yrs (maybe more!), so what's a few months to get some "edumacation" (as we southerners like to call it ;) )?

Any questions you have, ask them. Any statements you want to make state them. This site is here for you & we are all here for each other. But MOST importantly we are here for the wellfare of the APBT breed (& the other "pit bull" breeds as well).

[14rock]

Welcome, I am really glad you have come looking for research before rushing in and making a foolish decision-you will be much happier when the time actually comes to get that pup! I simply suggest you buy a couple of Richard Strattons books (very easy to understand beginners books with some great info) and just continue asking questions. Hope you enjoy your stay ;)

[Michaelspits]

I actually bought one just for the looks and have had great success with them. I have learned A LOT since I bought an APBT but have never had any problems. As far as the American Bulldog statement, I have one and he as well as many others I have encountered are just as aggressive as pits. I've had to pull mine off of my 75lb pit. If you really like this breed and really want one, then I say go for it!! I have bought adults and puppies and would rather have the puppy anyday. It is really good to bond with them early imo.

[Doggystyle]

I did. And then I read the rest:

You think that everyone who likes the looks of the breed, should just run out & get one. And trust me, most do. And then people like me either get to keep 'em once they've been abandoned, dumped at the shelter or at the rescue, or just tossed out onto the streets, or people like me get the pleasure of holding off the vein in the front leg while we administer Euthasol that will kill the dog in a matter of seconds.

It doesn't matter WHAT breed someone wants, to want one based upon looks alone & then to rush out & buy one, is downright foolish & will usually result in the dog being abandoned or killed & the owner feeling dissappointed & let down in his perceptions. Whenever a person is interested in a breed of dogs, he should educate himself in every manor...just like the original poster is wanting to do. This is the person that in the long run will be very happy in their purchase/adoption & the dog chosen will also benefit in every possible way. Very very rarely does a spur of the moment purchase end up in being a happy situation.

As for your belief that this breed isn't complicated & anyone who wants one should be & is capable of owning one, then look around you. Read the paper. These dogs are being left to run lose to terrorize the neighborhood & chase/kill animals & unfortunately some cases, people. These dogs are being dumped at the shelters left & right b/c they didn't get along with Fifi the poodle, or Mugsy the Pug, or Tipper the kitty. They are being dumped b/c the owners are frustrated at the high energy levels & that the dogs are chewing up things & destroying the house after being kept in a crate for 8-10 hrs a day & then put back up after only a handful of hours out. The dogs are being dumped b/c they didn't turn out to be big freak monsters w/gigantic heads like all the others the owners saw in pictures & like their friends dogs. So you still want to tell me, someone who's been cleaning up others' messes now for 8 yrs, that this breed can be for & is for everyone who wants one? I don't think so.Nothng wrong with the info I posted and I didn't say anything was wrong with your post. I know I'm hated here because of my opinions but they are still my opinions there is really no need to always bash me or someone else because we don't think the same way. This is way to old already. People who visit here should be able to get two sides/perspectives of this breed. I'm really sick of this debating crap. Let's all be grown(if you are) and read along if you don't like someones post. If you have problems then pm me, not saying I will respond because like I said it's old already.

[Doggystyle]

I actually bought one just for the looks and have had great success with them. I have learned A LOT since I bought an APBT but have never had any problems. As far as the American Bulldog statement, I have one and he as well as many others I have encountered are just as aggressive as pits. I've had to pull mine off of my 75lb pit. If you really like this breed and really want one, then I say go for it!! I have bought adults and puppies and would rather have the puppy anyday. It is really good to bond with them early imo.I started the same way and I believe you gotta start somehow, someway. There is more than one way to do things.

[Michaelspits]

I've never thought about selling mine or taking them to a shelter. I have three APBTs and an American Bulldog. I have never owned anything else besides reptiles before I bought my dogs. I do agree that the game dogs aren't the best for just a pet. Unless that is the only dog you have.

[Crash97]

As far as the American Bulldog statement, I have one and he as well as many others I have encountered are just as aggressive as pits. I've had to pull mine off of my 75lb pit.Yes, they are more dog aggressive than lets say the average lab or Golden Retriever, but no where near the level of an APBT. And many American Bulldogs are being bred to just be housedogs, thereby losing much of their original drives.

What many might consider aggression towards other animals, may be different than what I would. This being due to the fact that most of the dogs I've had shown high prey drive towards other animals. Rott., GSD, multiple hunting breeds, terrier mutts...lol

This is where the research and investigation would come in. Look into any breed being considered.

[miakoda]

Nothng wrong with the info I posted and I didn't say anything was wrong with your post. I know I'm hated here because of my opinions but they are still my opinions there is really no need to always bash me or someone else because we don't think the same way. This is way to old already. People who visit here should be able to get two sides/perspectives of this breed. I'm really sick of this debating crap. Let's all be grown(if you are) and read along if you don't like someones post. If you have problems then pm me, not saying I will respond because like I said it's old already.
First off, no one "hates" anyone. I find it very hard to "hate" an anonymous person on the internet. Second, if one is tired of debating, then why are you here? That's a main feature of internet forums. Plus, with all the bullshit going on with these dogs, debates are the norm.

We are here to learn & educate! If one choses to ignore these 2 things, then please, for all of our sakes, buy & raise poodles.

[Doggystyle]

Like I said before and will say repeatedly....People who visit here should be able to get two sides/perspectives of this breed.Let's all be grown(if you are) and read along if you don't like someones post.

To C302,like said before by me and many others.....
Your best bet is to find a breeder and research both him/her and his/her bloodlines of choice. By all means if you want one then get one!

[Verderben]

I didnt even read one word from that page all I saw was the dog picture. Don't walk but instead RUN and find a better breeder

[GSDbulldog]

One of the dogs on that site, "Capone" looks familiar. Didn't a certain ex-member post pictures of him?

[K_BHOY]

Alot of good advice there & all I can say is don't go for any of the pure performance bred lines of apbt ast or stb as a 1st time dog imo

[C302]

I just got back from a friends home who has a 4 Year old American Stafford Terrier Blue in Color who came from Story Time Kennels. He is great!

When I first rang the door bell and I heard the bark and grown I thought I might have to go home again and change my underwear. Then when I walked in he had a quick sniff and me and realized I was no harm. He just stayed close to my friend at first, after a 30 minutes or so he walked down the stairs for me to pet him down. I had my hands on his face, in his mouth, over his eyes every where! He was great!

[Verderben]

You are not sounding harsh. That is why Im here. I do not want to just go out and get myself a dog just to have a dog and end up with a monster that I can't control because I can not handle him.

I find the best way to get info is to ask questions so that is what Im doing.

I can actually get a American Stafford Terrier in Nova Scotia which is close to where I live from http://www.barberycoast.ca/ (http://www.barberycoast.ca/)
Those dogs look pretty decent. IMP Ruffian, Har-wyn, and X-pert are some of the best am staff lines. They are all VERY closly related lines most come from thw origional X-Pert lines. Paragon Am Staffs also has really nice dogs but she is in Washington.

[GSDbulldog]

I just got back from a friends home who has a 4 Year old American Stafford Terrier Blue in Color who came from Story Time Kennels. He is great!

When I first rang the door bell and I heard the bark and grown I thought I might have to go home again and change my underwear. Then when I walked in he had a quick sniff and me and realized I was no harm. He just stayed close to my friend at first, after a 30 minutes or so he walked down the stairs for me to pet him down. I had my hands on his face, in his mouth, over his eyes every where! He was great!
Sounds like you had fun :) Human aggression is not apart of this breed, so you should never need to worry about that in a sound example of a bulldog (Or AmStaff).

These dogs are happy-go-lucky social butterflys, but like we said, they come with a price.

[El Mexicano]

One of the dogs on that site, "Capone" looks familiar. Didn't a certain ex-member post pictures of him?


yea......PR bootay uploaded them to the site

[GSDbulldog]

Thanx El Mex, thought so. I just remember thinking that dog was so. . Funny lookin' lol ;)

[Verderben]

Storytime is a good kennel

[El Mexicano]

Thanx El Mex, thought so. I just remember thinking that dog was so. . Funny lookin' lol ;)



dog i thought it was a baby rhino.....

[japangame]

I do believe that you are missing the point. You and Doggystyle. We are here to educate. Your way is not everyones way. Sure, by all means I would love to see a happy APBT or Am Staff go to a good home and stay there. But this is after that good home has done its research. I ask you, how long you have been with this breed and what have you incountered? Just because you never thought of selling or bringing the dog to a shelter, dosnt meen that someone else wont. What if the breed wasnt right for our new found respectable friend here? He decides he cant handle it? What dose he do? Maybe a shelter is the only way out for him in his eyes. We want to give good info and education, not poor excuses to go out and buy the first pit you see.I've never thought about selling mine or taking them to a shelter. I have three APBTs and an American Bulldog. I have never owned anything else besides reptiles before I bought my dogs. I do agree that the game dogs aren't the best for just a pet. Unless that is the only dog you have.

[liteskin1982]

I am new here also. I just bought a puppy yesterday and wanted to know if any one could give me any advie about what to feed him. He's 6 weeks old in the attached picture. The gentleman I bought him from said he'll probably end up being about 75 to 90 lbs. I have had pitbulls in the past but this is the first time I've bought one from a breeder.

[DryCreek]

Cute little pup there liteskin1982, enjoy your new pet.

[Marty]

This was a big mistake, I thought I had seen that sig on someone elses posts sorry guys, I have edited my post :(