Staffordshire Bull Terriers

[pigeongirl]

My partner and I have been thinking about getting a dog from a dogs home as our last "pound puppy" passed away 6 months ago and instead of getting a puppy we would prefer to give an older dog a home. I've looked around a couple of websites (Blue Cross, Bath Cats and Dogs home etc) and there seems to be an awful lot of Staffordshire Bull Terriers that need to be rehomed. Is this breed particularly hard to look after, or do they just attract the wrong type of owners that don't realise that having a dog is a big responsibility?

[jenky]

Answer that is no doubt going to attract shouts of hideous generalisations...but............
In my experience, they are nice affectionate, loyal dogs that unfortunately often appeal to the kind of folk that think a mean looking dog is a fashion accessory - once they learn that you need to put food in it to make it work, they become less appealing. (Actually I think this is true for all sorts of people/dog combinations or the rescue centres would be empty... )
Anyway, do your research, rescue a pooch.... and spoil it rotten - you'll be fine.

[jedimistress]

The latter I'd suspect. Plus many people breeding to supplement their income....(support). Then dumping the dogs if there's no buyer.

[B00]

A staffi like any dog is a lovely dog to own if treated the way they are supposed to be. I would however ,if I was you, be aware that this is one ruddy powerful dog, my friend has one and when we take it for a walk boy do we know what's on the end of the lead.

When she plays with him with a toy he nearly pulls her arms out the sockets- the strength in them is awesome.

[Ed Strong]

My friends have had 2 adult rescue dogs; one a brindle Staffi and one a Brindle Staffi cross. Both have been loveable, adorable & boisterous. But like Boo says they are very powerful, muscular animals with strong jaws so you may need to take it to an obedience class. And if you have small children to visit you have to watch they don't jump up as they will knock them flying. Please do it, they are an absolutely loveable breed in the right hands.

[beachy]

The same as Ed really - I have a 9 month old staffy and shes a brilliant lovely friendly dog. I can't sing their praises enough. They are hugely powerful though and she has knocked a child over through over enthusiasm.

[pigeongirl]

Thanks everyone for your advice! The more I've read about them the more I want one! I think they sound like an ideal breed for us! Our last dog was a rescued rottweiler/border collie cross (yes he did look weird!) so we're used to strong, energetic dogs, however, he was exceptionally well behaved, and I'm a bit concerned that a dog that didn't come from a very good start might be much harder to deal with.

[lankeela]

I believe figures have shown that there are currently more staffs in rescue than any other breed, even mongrels. They are being overbred by irresponsible owners who think it will make them money, then sold to other irresponsible owners who do the same. They then start to grow out of the cute puppy stage and become very difficult for inexperienced people to manage, they chew anything and everything as they have powerful jaws and although they seldom start a fight with another dog, boy can they finish one. Sadly they have become a status symbol for certain types of people. In the right hands they make excellent family pets, if bred and reared and trained correctly. They even have the nickname of the 'nanny dog'.

Choose your rescue carefully, one of the breed rescue societies would be your best bet, rather than an all breed rescue home, as they are run by people who are experienced in the breed will be on hand to give experienced advice. The Kennel Club has a list of breed rescue societies tel [phone].

[luvlylady]

Get a Staffie!!! I have a wonderful Staffie x Alsation bitch who is a soft as a kitten. When we rescued her everyone said that she was a cross between two vicious breeds. How wrong they were!! She is as dull as a brush, and is everyones friend. In the winter she curls up in front of my fire with next doors cat. She is 8 now and is still as gentle as ever. Go for it !!

[JB]

My first staffie was a rescue (about 4 years old when we got her) and an absolute joy from the start. When she eventually passed away, we were devastated.
The gap she left was so big, we ended up with two staffie puppies ( a boy and a girl) and they are fantastic! A lot of work, because they are so full of energy and fun, but if you've got the time and dedication, they are worth every minute (and penny!) spent on them.
My two will be 2 years old next month and I've thoroughly enjoyed myself.
One thing I do remember reading was that in order to prepare for a staffie, you should buy a 20 lb. sack of potatoes and try sleeping with it in your bed for a week to see if you could cope - I thought that was quite funny at the time! Now I have 60lb. of staffy bulk to fight with everynight as they relentlessly attempt to get under the duvet (staffies do love their creature comforts!) Even so, I'd thoroughly recommend them!

[archiestaffy]

Me and my partner got a staffie pup about 4 months ago and hes a darling. Please get a Staffie you wont regret it! They do have alot of energy but if they are treated right then they make a great pet. Dont let yourself get put off by people who say they are evil and dangerous, like its been said many times its when they get into irresponsable hands that they become like that. Good Luck and enjoy