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The ASTAO is an organization dedicated to the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) and American Staffordshire Terrier (AST, or AmStaff). These breeds of dog have recently received a bad reputation as a result of irresponsible owners, as well as misinformed media and public. We aim to restore the breed names by exposing the dog's good nature and promoting responsible and loving ownership.

Breed information: While similar in appearance, the APBT and AST are not the same breed of dog. Initially coming from the same lines, The American Kennel Club (AKC) created the AmStaff from The United Kennel Club's American Pit Bull Terrier. They are bred with some slight differences, and AKC has closed the studbooks to new lines at this time. The AKC is the only major breed registry in the US to register the American Staffordshire Terrier.

The breeds were originally bred and created to be fighting dogs. To this day, these characteristics are typical of the breed. It is also normal for terriers, in general, to be aggressive towards animals. HOWEVER, it is NOT typical, and not tolerable, for the dog to be aggressive towards humans. It is important for owners and general public to be aware that animal aggression and human aggression are not the same, and dogs do know the difference!

While APBT's and AST's make wonderful pets, family members, and even working dogs, they are not for everybody. An appropriate family for these dogs is extremely responsible and financially able to care for an animal. Any dog requires food, shelter, and veterinary care at a bare minimum. An APBT or AST also need a forever home, a family educated on the breed and capable of handling it, and some type of formal or informal training is preferable as well.

If you have any questions, or feel that you could benefit this organization in some way, please feel free to contact us.