I live in an NYC apartment. I have central park and numerous other dog runs across the street from me. I realize that an APBT and an Amstaff are essentially the same dog, but could you explain the slight differences for me. No I am not a person looking for a guard dog, I just love these breeds 
Which would be best around children, above 15 usually? Which would be better on the beach? I want a dog I can throw a tennis ball with.
Thanks for your help and opinion.
As far as I know, pit bull type dogs are restricted in NYC, and letting a pit bull run loose anywhere – beach, dog park, etc. – is NOT a good idea; if another dog runs up and starts a fight with your dog, your dog will be blamed for it. Also… you can’t always trust a pit bull when it comes to other dogs. They are great with people, but they can get pretty ugly with other canines, and that’s not a liability you want to deal with. Certainly not all of them are like this, but it’s pretty common in those breeds to be a bit "iffy" around other dogs in high-intensity situations (running around a dog park is a high-intensity situation).
There will be argument after argument about the differences between an APBT and an Amstaff, so I’m not even going to touch that topic. APBTs and Amstaffs are both considered to be "pit bulls" by generally everybody, though, including the law. The differences are very subtle.
I would recommend a Rottie. They are great with kids (all those breeds are) and are rarely dog aggressive, so Rotties are suitable dogs to let run around with other canines.
EDIT – Any dog can live in an apartment as long as he gets adequate exercise. Apartment size does not matter to a tuckered-out dog, and a dog can be miserable in a big house if he isn’t exercised.
EDIT – APBTs and Amstaffs are not aggressive dogs except when encouraged to be or mistreated (although even mistreatment typically just robs them of their spirit as opposed to making them mean). Rotties are only aggressive when they feel the need to protect their owner/territory, but are still generally docile dogs. Dog-aggression =/= human-aggression.
EDIT – I would recommend an Amstaff too, but they fall under the "pit bull label" and are therefore subject to funky laws and shouldn’t run loose in a dog park or a beach where there are other dogs. Their dog aggression is generally not as high as an APBT’s, but it’s still up there.
Tags: RottweilerTags: Rottweiler
I would suggest a rottweiler. There’s too many pitbulls floating around..unless you getting him/her from the shelter near by
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As far as I know, pit bull type dogs are restricted in NYC, and letting a pit bull run loose anywhere – beach, dog park, etc. – is NOT a good idea; if another dog runs up and starts a fight with your dog, your dog will be blamed for it. Also… you can’t always trust a pit bull when it comes to other dogs. They are great with people, but they can get pretty ugly with other canines, and that’s not a liability you want to deal with. Certainly not all of them are like this, but it’s pretty common in those breeds to be a bit "iffy" around other dogs in high-intensity situations (running around a dog park is a high-intensity situation).
There will be argument after argument about the differences between an APBT and an Amstaff, so I’m not even going to touch that topic. APBTs and Amstaffs are both considered to be "pit bulls" by generally everybody, though, including the law. The differences are very subtle.
I would recommend a Rottie. They are great with kids (all those breeds are) and are rarely dog aggressive, so Rotties are suitable dogs to let run around with other canines.
EDIT – Any dog can live in an apartment as long as he gets adequate exercise. Apartment size does not matter to a tuckered-out dog, and a dog can be miserable in a big house if he isn’t exercised.
EDIT – APBTs and Amstaffs are not aggressive dogs except when encouraged to be or mistreated (although even mistreatment typically just robs them of their spirit as opposed to making them mean). Rotties are only aggressive when they feel the need to protect their owner/territory, but are still generally docile dogs. Dog-aggression =/= human-aggression.
EDIT – I would recommend an Amstaff too, but they fall under the "pit bull label" and are therefore subject to funky laws and shouldn’t run loose in a dog park or a beach where there are other dogs. Their dog aggression is generally not as high as an APBT’s, but it’s still up there.
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Pit bull LOVER.
I would say an American Bull, they are great. I use to have one myself, he was super friendly & loved to play fetch, etc. He was great in the house as well, and I was raised with him since I was a toddler. I would never hesitate to get another one (:
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Previous Owner
i live in new jersey. not to far froom you. and my neighbor has a Terrier, and their all VERY active dogs. all they want to do is run around all day. and if you live in an apartment, i dont think any of those dogs will be happy living there too. i suggest you get a calmer pet. like, i have a pug. it ‘s calm, but also likes to play sometimes. so if you want your dog to be happy, i dont think you should get any of those dogs, and pick a much calmer one. hope i helped. G00D LUCK.
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You’ve made a good decision considering either breed. I’ve had both Pits and Rottweilers and both are excellent dogs. The Rottweilers don’t have quite as much energy as a Pit, but both will bond closely, play, and love going for walks and runs. and both are easily house trained. The real difference in my opinion is the size, Rotties are much larger than Pits. My Pits were always wonderful with even the youngest children, being gentler and gentler the younger the child is. My 3 Rotties always tend to knock "little" kids over just because they’re so big and don’t mean to.
Since you live in NYC, may I suggest the ASPCA? All of their animals up for adoption are vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and have been evaluated carefully for temperament and energy level. Since your interested in an active dog that will run and play with you, just tell them and they will show you only the dogs that are a close match for you and your energy level. In addition, you would be giving a good home to a dog that needs one terribly!
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Dog owner, rescuer, and trainer for over 40 years.
None of the above. You are thinking only of yourself and what YOU want. Think of the dog. Keeping a large dog in a city apartment is inhumane. Large dogs become frustrated in confined spaces and a frustrated dog can quickly turn into an aggressive dog. Wait until you have more space before getting a dog the size of those you mentioned. Also, you should check with your apartment management because pit bull-type dogs are not allowed in many apartments and condos, and even when they are, management usually requires tenants who own such dogs to purchase specific insurance to cover any injuries caused by the dog.
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I would reccomend a Rottie for your situation.
APBT’s and Am Staffs are great dogs, but these are not the types of dogs you let lose in situations like Dog Parks, Beaches,etc. I have seen people do it, but it isn’t reccomended really. I agree with the other user, they are great with people, but are generally not good with other dogs.. I am not saying this goes for ALL of them, there are plenty who are good with other dogs, but speaking realistically, the majority I have met have displayed a degree of dog aggression at some point. If something were to happen, they would most likely blame your dog. Reguardless of who started what, simply because of the fact that he is a "pit bull".
I disagree with the users saying they would be miserable in an apartment. Simply untrue. We have lived in apartments all of our lives and we have yet seen any "miserableness" so to say. We excercise our dog regularly, make sure he gets plenty of excercise.. You could have a big house and yard, but if the dog isn’t getting sufficient excercise, he is going to be miserable.
It is NOT inhumane.. And no AC is going to waste there time on a call like that.. If the dog were living in unbearable conditions, then yes but this goes for not only apartments but everywhere, but simply being in an apartment is not only idiotic but ridiculous..There are plenty of large breeds in our townhomes and flats, but they are individual landlords, not a management company.. Unless the landlord clearly states "No pets" or has breed restrictions, that is the only reason I would see AC getting involved..
I would also check to see if there are any restrictions as well. You do not want to get the dog only to find out you can’t keep it..
Mainecoast: You FAIL at basic dog knowledge…First, I am going to correct a few things you have said. APBT’s nor Am Staffs are considered large dogs..They are medium sized dogs, thank you very much.. That is one mistake..
You saying these dogs can be aggressive.. Yes, they can and so can any other poorly trained, poorly bred and poorly raised dog. An APBT or Am Staffs dog aggression does not equate human aggression..
A 3rd and finally, inhumane.. So my dog is living in completely "inhumane" conditions ? I do alot more for my dog than the majority of dog owners I have met who do have yards and a big house.. I am sorry, I am not going to stop owning a dog or give up my dog because I happen to live in an apartment or townhome. That is so not happening.. And you are forgetting the fact that not everyone can afford to buy a house or did you even consider the fact that someone may not want to buy a house with a yard ? Some places that have houses for rent do NOT want pets in general.. I bet you $50 dollars, those dogs in small apartments with owners who are dedicated are much more happier than dogs that never get to see the outside world and our constantly kept in a backyard with little to no excercise..
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These dogs can all be aggressive and you should give serious consideration to the consequences of having a large dog with potentially aggressive tendencies in a NYC apartment building. Also, as others said, there could be issues with management, etc.
To Dizzy: You need to look up the definition of "inhumane." It is NOT always used as a synonym for "cruelty." Of course, AC isn’t going to investigate someone who has a large dog confined in a small apartment, but it is still inhumane.
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depend on what you want in a dog. all are good with children if well socialized and obedience trained, if your not after a guard dog do not get a rottie.
there is a difference between apbt and amstaffs here is some pics
apbt
http://www.classicpitbulls.com/images/buck2.png
http://www.antohinkennels.com/gallery/jeep.jpg
amstaff
http://kelticwarrior00.com/graphics/amstaff.jpg
http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/web/pets/akc/2009Q1//akc_amstaff_bloom_xl.jpg
the apbt is more athletic- which means more excercise. taller and more leaner than the amstaff
the amstaff is shorter, thicker set, and a different shaped head.
if i was you i would probably go with the amstaff- he will do better in a apartment (smaller and more layed back than the apbt and rottie) they dont bark that much either so you wont have to worry about neighbours complaning. and they dont need as much excercise as the apbt or rottie.
just remember to always buy from a reputable breeder, socialize well and obedience train.
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