hyjak

shame indeed. just shows how wrong the law is and how much it needs to be fought.

on that note, what has happened there? has there been a final outcome yet?

Front page story on todays Mercury. It seems Tassie will be joining the majority of other states by bringing in the 'VERY effective' BSL as of July 1. No matter how hard we try the powers that be just don't get it at all. http://www.themercury.com.au/ Got to love how ALL media outlets use that same picture/footage whenever 'reporting' on this topic.

now thats one i havn't heard!

here here, what geo said. how many letters have you written to the GCCC and the QLD government?? I personally have written about 20 all up (both email and handwritten and posted) and im in Tassie!!! Why? Because as a concerned former Amstaff owner I want to be able to own my chosen breed again in the future. Want to help start typing on that keyboard and get some letters/emails off to the powers that be, the more voices from ALL walks of life the better,

I have been in this exact situation! Had an APBT come into my yard twice in a week, he was friendly, semi trained (would sit and drop when asked, jumped in car with no hesitation) I chucked a lead on him and did the doorknock thing for a good 2hrs in my local neighbourhood, no joy so i thought i would go to the pound down the road to get him scanned for a chip. I went in and asked if someone had reported a lost 'Amstaff X' or similar in last couple day, someone had but hadn't left contact details!!!! So i asked if i could have the dog i found scanned for a chip and i would hold him for owner if he was, they said no we can't do that it is against the law. So knowing what would happen if i surrendered him as he was DA, i went home made up posters with a photo i took. Plastered the local area with the posters and waited. I had the dog for 4 days in total before i gave up hope of finding his owners, i tried to rehome with some friends i knew were after a 'bully' type dog but tot no avail. In the end i had no choice but to surrender him to the pound, where he was subsequently temp tested and FAILED for being DA (as a lot of pits are) and was then PTS!!!! I have vowed to never again let this happen to another dog just because they look a certain way or display some DA. Gee if i was worried about DA, none of my 3 dogs would be with me now. RIP little buddy.

Well until recently they were pretty lax but unfortunately our IDIOT government has passed similar legislation to the rest of Aus. I would love to help but already have 3 at home and no spare run to keep rescues in. Will ask a couple people tomo.

1. What is my relationship with the breed? I am also a first time Amstaff owner. 2. Where and why was the breed first developed? Essentially the 'cousin' of the APBT, they have however been developed along different lines to the APBT and for a variety of different purposes. 3. How common is it in Australia? Increasingly popular, unfortunately sometimes for the wrong reasons. 4. What is the average lifespan? 12-14yrs 5. What is the general temperament/personality? Can be very dominant but with the right training and socialisation you will be rewarded with a great companion. Have the potential to be DA (dog aggressive) but not an absolute given with all dogs. 6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult? 30min to an hour is good to keep them in shape. 7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with? NO! There are so many potential problems for a first time dog owner, not recommended IMO. 8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods? Like all dogs to some degree but they are a people dog not a stick in backyard and feed dog. 9. How much grooming is required? Minimal maybe a brush a week and bath every month. I call it "wash n wear". 10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)? I would say no as long as they are supervised around the vulnerable you should be fine. They are very adaptable to different situations. 11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of? Hip and Elbow dyplasia, Ataxia, eyes (blindness) 12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be) Should be asking to see the scores for Hip and Elbows, eyes clear and also asking whether your pup is ataxia clear by parentage. As with all dogs if the breeders say they don't test, politely hang up and look elsewhere. Please research thoroughly if considering an Amstaff as your next pet, whilst they are great pets you must be comfortable with who they are and what they are capable of.

hey there i wouldn't stress about the gulping!! my two (staff X and p/b Amstaff) both gulp their food Hyjak (staff X) is over two years old and he gulps anything and everything, always has always will i reckon. Chicken frames slow him down as do lamb necks etc, but he still demolishes in short time. Charlie (p/b Amstaff) is 4mnths old and he gulps it down, he gets the same amount as Hyjak twice a day and it only last on average 10 SECONDS!! Same as Hyajk though, frames and BIG stuff slows him down and gives his jaw a work out. I am yet to hear either of them choke or gag on anything even the chicken wings Hyjak takes in one hit without chewing. Cheers jez

Umm had to jump in here. New Norfolk is only actually 15-20minutes from Hobart, but anyways. Flyball in Tassie???? Can someone tell me who is organising/running it? Some contacts would be good. Jez