What's the difference between an AmStaff and a Pit Bull?

Which leads to my question: could you provide a source or the specific piece of legislation that backs up what you’re saying about a non-pedigree Rottie being classed as Category 1?

Once again, any Rottie—whether they have papers or not—will be classed as a Category 2 dog. And while Pitbulls are banned in France, that doesn’t stop dodgy breeders from carrying on anyway and “creating” more Pitts!

Hi, Even if a dog has been 'declassified', there’s no guarantee the police won't stop you and ask for a second opinion; height at the withers isn't the only factor in the analysis. Also, I’d love to see the actual legal text regarding Rotties, because I’ve never heard of it, and I’ve certainly looked. A dog isn't at risk of being put down if the owner has followed the rules. There are far too many 'Category 1' dogs in rescue centres that just want a normal life. Thanks for joining the debate. It's true that the police can ask for a second opinion, however, the assessment to declassify an animal is done by a vet approved by your local authorities. These 'approved' vets are few and far between, and I can't see the same vet giving a second opinion that contradicts their own work... As long as a dog is muzzled, on a lead, vaccinated, microchipped, and insured, you'll never have any trouble with the police. Secondly, I just gave 'height at the withers' as one example of what is checked among other criteria to declassify an animal. Finally, I’m only talking about dogs being put down when they aren't legal—I didn't say anything else, so please read the text properly. I also said that breeding and raising 'Category 1' dogs is strictly forbidden in France. That’s simply what the law says; if you’ve never read that, the simplest thing is to check with your local council.

Hi there, Even if the dog has been re-categorised, there’s no guarantee the police won't stop you and ask for a second opinion; the height at the withers shouldn't be the only factor in the assessment. Besides, I’d like to see the actual legislation regarding Rotts, as I’ve never heard of it, and I’ve certainly spent enough time looking. The dog isn’t at risk of being put down as long as the owner has made sure everything is above board. There are far too many 'Category 1' dogs in local rescues that just want a normal life. Thanks for joining the discussion. Yes, the police can indeed ask for a second opinion; however, the assessment to have the animal re-categorised is carried out by a vet approved by your local council. These 'approved' vets aren't exactly ten a penny, and I can't see the same vet contradicting their own original assessment. At the end of the day, if the dog is muzzled, kept on a lead, vaccinated, microchipped and insured, you’ll never have any trouble with the police. Secondly, I only used 'height at the withers' as one example of what is checked among other criteria to re-evaluate the animal. Finally, I was only talking about the risk of being put down for dogs that aren't properly registered – I didn't say anything else, so please read the post carefully. I also mentioned that breeding and selling 'Category 1' dogs is strictly prohibited. That’s simply what the law says; if you’ve never come across that, the easiest thing is to check with your local authorities.

Hi, Even if a dog has been 'declassified', there’s no guarantee with a police check as they can always ask for a second opinion; the height at the withers shouldn't be the only thing considered in the assessment. Also, I’d love to see this specific law regarding Rotties because I’ve never come across it, and it’s not for lack of looking. A dog isn't at risk of being put down if the owner has made sure everything is legal and the paperwork is in order. There are far too many 'Category 1' types in rescue centres who are just looking for a chance to live a proper dog's life.

"If the Staffy doesn't have a pedigree (from Kennel Club registered parents), it is considered a 'pit bull type', just like any other dog in the category 1 or 2 lists." Wrong! A Rottie without papers won't be considered a pit bull! It would be classed as a category 2 dog! "Your only option is to have your pet 'de-categorised'." Again, if a dog has been typed as a pit bull, it’s because it has the physical build! So it’s almost impossible to get it de-categorised!! Madam, I don’t know where you could have read such things, because since the 2009 regulations, a Rottweiler without a pedigree is bumped up to category 1 and must be neutered... we were talking about unregistered AmStaffs; they move from category 2 to category 1, which means mandatory neutering. Following that, the dog’s physical build must be certified by an approved vet to see if the dog can be de-categorised, using measurements like the height at the withers as a reference. One final point: breeding, rehoming, or even owning a pit bull in France is strictly forbidden. The owner of such a dog faces a potential prison sentence, a heavy fine, and most heartbreakingly, the pet being put down.

How exactly is what’s been said “rubbish”? And how is it any different from what you’re saying yourself? I’m not talking about you specifically, but about certain members who talk about the subject without really knowing what they're on about. I hope those people read the article I’ve posted on this site; at least they might go to bed a bit wiser and learn a thing or two about the AmStaff breed.

How is what was said a load of rubbish? And how is it any different from what you’re saying yourselves?