What should I know about owning a Staffy?
Discussion
We've just been to the Chobbham RSPCA and were really taken by a Staffy b
h http://www.rspca-millbrook.org.uk/?page=24&ani....
Lovely, friendly dog. We took her for a walk and she wasn't bad on the lead. We don't have any other pets nor children at home but we will, occasionally, visit or be visited by family with their own dogs or children.
We've had hamsters, rabbits and a cat before, but not a dog. So, any advice before we decide to go ahead with adopting her?
h http://www.rspca-millbrook.org.uk/?page=24&ani....Lovely, friendly dog. We took her for a walk and she wasn't bad on the lead. We don't have any other pets nor children at home but we will, occasionally, visit or be visited by family with their own dogs or children.
We've had hamsters, rabbits and a cat before, but not a dog. So, any advice before we decide to go ahead with adopting her?
but will be best off as the only pet as she gets jealous of other dogs and wants all the attention herself!!???
this ,warzone when your friends visit with other dogs also hates cats and children under 10 for some reason......look for another i can see this one being "hard work"
why not a pup from a reputable breeder mate
if your from yorkshire way p.m me i,ll put you in contact with my mate ( a bulldog specialist )but knows of breeders all over the u.k for staffs he will point you in the right direction mate
this ,warzone when your friends visit with other dogs also hates cats and children under 10 for some reason......look for another i can see this one being "hard work"
why not a pup from a reputable breeder mate
if your from yorkshire way p.m me i,ll put you in contact with my mate ( a bulldog specialist )but knows of breeders all over the u.k for staffs he will point you in the right direction mate
Get a rescue dog
There are loads of dogs looking for homes
we got ours from http://www.babbington-rescue.org.uk
They are sometimes more work because you don't know their background but it's very rewarding
There are some great dogs in rescues just wanting some love and attention
There are loads of dogs looking for homes
we got ours from http://www.babbington-rescue.org.uk
They are sometimes more work because you don't know their background but it's very rewarding
There are some great dogs in rescues just wanting some love and attention
Well done you for taking in an unloved (but lovely) breed.
Rescue centres are full of them since they have such a horrible reputation
entirely as a result of them being owned by the 'wrong sort' of people.
Personally I think Staffies are great and their reputation much undeserved. However I think that as with any dog, it is an animal - therefore unpredictable - and therefore not to be entirely trusted with children / other pets without supervision.
Rescue centres are full of them since they have such a horrible reputation
entirely as a result of them being owned by the 'wrong sort' of people.Personally I think Staffies are great and their reputation much undeserved. However I think that as with any dog, it is an animal - therefore unpredictable - and therefore not to be entirely trusted with children / other pets without supervision.
We lived next door to a Staffie when growing up, before the current publicity and fashion at certain levels kicked in.
She was the softest, loveliest thing I've ever met and we were just kids at the time. Never any fuss, just wanted her tummy tickled.... unless you were another dog who strayed into her garden.
You really didn't want to be that.
She was the softest, loveliest thing I've ever met and we were just kids at the time. Never any fuss, just wanted her tummy tickled.... unless you were another dog who strayed into her garden.
You really didn't want to be that.
Jasandjules said:
Same stuff as any other dog really. As long as they are dog friendly all is good.
Only thing I can add to that is they are strong willed which means you have to be in charge of them. Let them get away with everything & they will end up in charge of you.We've got one who is soppy, daft & loves cuddles. They are a lovely breed if owned by decent people.
We've got a bh that is just coming up to 12 months old. If left alone will chew anything she can get her teeth into including skirting board and door frames. But she is as soft as a brush. We have four kids at home that fuss her all the time, if she's had enough she goes to bed. She's very strong and pulls on the lead if she sees any dogs or people while on a walk but that's only because she wants to get a fuss of them.
h that is just coming up to 12 months old. If left alone will chew anything she can get her teeth into including skirting board and door frames. But she is as soft as a brush. We have four kids at home that fuss her all the time, if she's had enough she goes to bed. She's very strong and pulls on the lead if she sees any dogs or people while on a walk but that's only because she wants to get a fuss of them. Best dogs ever. Lived with them all my life.
Positives:
- Great with Kids
- As Loyal as anything
- Really playful
- Great guard dogs
- VERY obedient
- They ALL look lovely
Bad Points:
- Don't like being left alone
- Depending on the nature, they don't like other dogs too well
- Can be known to chew things (As said in a post above)
- Can pull on the lead if not trained a lot
- Come with a stereotype. (Which I find absolutely ridiculous)
Positives:
- Great with Kids
- As Loyal as anything
- Really playful
- Great guard dogs
- VERY obedient
- They ALL look lovely
Bad Points:
- Don't like being left alone
- Depending on the nature, they don't like other dogs too well
- Can be known to chew things (As said in a post above)
- Can pull on the lead if not trained a lot
- Come with a stereotype. (Which I find absolutely ridiculous)
Firstly, apologies to anyone from around Chobham for mis-spelling the name of the town.
Secondly, thanks for all the comments and advice, guys. As you'd expect, I've also been trawling the 'net for ideas.
We went back today, with a few treats in my pocket, and took her for another longish walk. She pulled a bit most of the way but mostly out of inquisitiveness for anything and everything. She enjoyed a jog for the last part - though, at our age, she can't expect too much of that - and was (typically) silly and puppy-ish off the lead with some toys in the enclosed area. She calmed down after that and sat with us, good as gold, while other dogs passed around us and let several children stroke her. She hasn't barked once in either session and has no known illnesses or other problems.
We're hooked. She's now reserved. House/garden inspection and free training session next week. Hopefully she'll be properly ours by next weekend. I'll post some pictures.
Secondly, thanks for all the comments and advice, guys. As you'd expect, I've also been trawling the 'net for ideas.
We went back today, with a few treats in my pocket, and took her for another longish walk. She pulled a bit most of the way but mostly out of inquisitiveness for anything and everything. She enjoyed a jog for the last part - though, at our age, she can't expect too much of that - and was (typically) silly and puppy-ish off the lead with some toys in the enclosed area. She calmed down after that and sat with us, good as gold, while other dogs passed around us and let several children stroke her. She hasn't barked once in either session and has no known illnesses or other problems.
We're hooked. She's now reserved. House/garden inspection and free training session next week. Hopefully she'll be properly ours by next weekend. I'll post some pictures.
NoVetec said:
Well done OP. 
LiamB - Great guard dogs? Mine barks but all a burglar would get is a good licking to.
Well.. I see where you are coming from actually. Mine would do the same, or growl. LiamB - Great guard dogs? Mine barks but all a burglar would get is a good licking to.
But what I mean is, if you hear a deep staff bark you would think twice about breaking in.
LiamB said:
Well.. I see where you are coming from actually. Mine would do the same, or growl.
But what I mean is, if you hear a deep staff bark you would think twice about breaking in.
But what I mean is, if you hear a deep staff bark you would think twice about breaking in.
If you're outside the door and don't know which dog it is, a Staff bark is up there with a Rottie and GSD's.
Lotusevoraboy said:
That everyone will think you are a Chav.
theres the rub, Staffies now make up 40% of all the dogs in UK dog rescue centres, a lot have been bought by chavs who cant have a pitbull now as they are outlawed (thru no fault of thier own), there is a case for mandatory chipping of all dogs and dog licences, the staffy raised properly is a gentle dog, but the chav element want an intimidating weapon, totally unfair on the poor dogUpatdawn said:
theres the rub, Staffies now make up 40% of all the dogs in UK dog rescue centres, a lot have been bought by chavs who cant have a pitbull now as they are outlawed (thru no fault of thier own), there is a case for mandatory chipping of all dogs and dog licences, the staffy raised properly is a gentle dog, but the chav element want an intimidating weapon, totally unfair on the poor dog
100% this. I hate going into rescue homes and seeing all the staffs. I just wanna bring them all home with me.
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