Although this vaccination schedule is not specific to the Amstaff, I think it’s important to include because one should understand the responsibilities of dog ownership prior to entering into the commitment. Please regard this as mandatory, not optional. Please consult with your primary vet to find out what they and the state require. In further posts, we will discuss what each of these vaccines means. More to come!

Canine Distemper
First vaccination at 6 to 10 weeks of age
Second vaccination at 10 to 12 weeks of age
Third vaccination at 14 to 16 weeks of age
Re-vaccination: annually

Infectious Hepatitis (CAV-1 or CAV-2)
First vaccination at 6 to 10 weeks of age
Second vaccination at 10 to 12 weeks of age
Third vaccination at 14 to 16 weeks of age
Re-vaccination: annually

Parvovirus (Parvo Vaccine)
First vaccination at 6 to 10 weeks of age
Second vaccination at 10 to 12 weeks of age
Third vaccination at 14 to 16 weeks of age
Re-vaccination: annually

Rabies
First vaccination one year of age
(Local laws vary about age of vaccination)
Re-vaccination: annually

By law, most states required dogs to have yearly rabies vaccinations. A rabies vaccine protects your dog if he is bitten by a rabid animal. A bitten dog should be vaccinated again and quarantined to be certain he’s not infected. Additional, non-core, shots which can be given at the discretion of your vet. They are based on your pet’s risk factor and include: Leptospirosis, Lyme, Bordetella, and Para-influenza.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, dogs at low risk of disease exposure may not need to be vaccinated yearly for most diseases. However, such recommendations do vary according to the age, breed, and health issues of your dog. Consider the potential health risks your dog may face, the form of vaccine, and the geographic location.