Not to understand why anyone could choose to have those ugly looking dogs?

[meadowquark]

I may be wrong but it seems that about 50% dog owners in my area have those staffie or staffie type dogs (sorry I cannot distinguish between them), looking aggressive, ugly (sorry) and always pulling the owner on the lead. I honestly don't understand why people choose to have these dogs. When I was growing up, people had cockerspaniels, labradors, daschunds, poodles, terriers etc. Is this a new fashion? Safety? Knife alternative?

I am sure they are friendly and trainable but if I hear a bad story of one dog mauling another dog, it is very often that type of dog.

I am just wondering why wouldn't people keep sweeter looking dogs instead.

Sorry I don't meant to offend any dog owners - I just would like to understand why?

[usualsuspect333]

I love staffies

I'd like to know why posters start ugly fucking threads on the internet and why even bigger twats agree with them.

Formbabe I'm looking at you.

[BabyGanoush]

They have smikey faces

They are loyal

Not my preferred breed, but don't object to them either.

Some people think greyhounds are ugly. To me they are beautiful.

Tastes differ

[DrHarleenFrancesQuinzel]

I chose to have a Staffie because DD2 was 6MO. I did my research and specifically went out for a Staffie when we first started looking. They are, after all, the nanny dog.

[elderflowerlemonade]

I used to wonder something similar and have concluded the following:

1. Like anything else, we tend to lean towards what we know - if your family/friends had labradors and spaniels growing up, you'll probably choose them as a pet in your own home. If staffs are common in your area, then that's what you'll choose.
   

1. Some people choose them as a status dog; if you live in a rough area you may be glad of one.
   

1. Some people choose them as status dogs because they like to have them as dicks on a lead.
   

1. As a result there are a disproportionate number of them in rescue centres and people from a lower socioeconomic class are more likely to go to a rescue centre to choose a dog.

[YoureAllABunchOfBastards]

Staffies have the happiest faces ever. I also love English Bull Terriers.

[CandyAppleFudge]

Op I don't find spaniels/labs/small dogs appealing at all. That's my choice however I'm not going to judge someone of the breed of dog they own or the dog before I've met them.

[meadowquark]

Ah, Hannah said that she does not own a staffie to frighten people or look hard - then you admit that they do have that aggresive look?

After a bit of googling.. - staffies, pitbulls, mastiffs do look similar to me. One thing that unites them is that harsh look and aggresive pull of the lead, just like in the picture. Admittedly I live in a quite shabby part of London.

[CandyAppleFudge]

'Harsh look' odfod

[meadowquark]

I must add that after starting this thread I won't be as terrified of staffies as I was before.

[tabulahrasa]

The pulling on the lead isn't aggression btw, it's just that people tend to be a bit rubbish at teaching dogs to walk nicely if they're small enough for it not to be a huge issue...and walks are exciting, so the dog is trying to go faster.

[kali110]

Surprise surprise the person who hates dogs is agreeing!
really nobody in 'naice' areas own these dogs formerbabe?
well the area i grew up in is very nice and there are a few of these. All owned by nice older couples!
Doesn't fit your theory of them only being owned by the chavy types, because we all know that's what you were implying.

[DildoFail]

I have to admit I don't find them the most aesthetically pleasing of breeds.

However as a trainer I can totally see the appeal. We get several Staffies through classes - although given how popular the breed is, numbers of owners that actually bother to go to classes are unfortunately relatively low - and almost invariably they adore everyone and are extremely trainable. They bounce into class beaming and wagging so hard their whole body wiggles.

So although I will never look at a Staffie or other bully breed and catch my breath at its beauty I think they're absolutely charming dogs.

[ExConstance]

Staffies are the rescue dog oc choice in the rather naice area where I work. You see loads of middle class types in their barbours and matching hat out with staffies now, whereas a few years ago they all had greyhounds or lurchers ( and 20 years ago no doubt black labradors)
Staffies are shiny, have lovely silky ears that make little circles as they stride out. Lovely wide heads to stroke, make little piggy noises and "talk" lots, are incredibly friendly and like nothing more than a good cuddle on the sofa _ except a wriggling tummy rub on the floor. Oh, they are so lovely I can't believe you don't like them, OP. Mine is sitting next to me looking very demure with his front and back legs crossed.

[CandyAppleFudge]

Meadow- not all staffies, mastiffs pull on the lead. My mastiffs certainly don't and they're incredibly friendly with people and will roll over for a tummy rub. At the end of the day it's the people that own them and find that breed cute, however I wouldn't say the whole of one breed is aggressive and looks harsh based on a few that I've seen or googled pictures of.

[Sallystyle]

Well, my Baby is probably ugly.

Here she is with her ripped comfort cushion and asleep looking a bit more prettier.

Some people comment on how beautiful she is.

Some people think she is ugly. I think she is beautifully ugly

I had a Staffy, he was beautiful.

[CandyAppleFudge]

U2 your dog is incredibly cute!

[kali110]

I think they're beautiful jack bloody russel and small dogs are more aggressive! I i was nearly bit by a Chihuahua Last week! Never once by a staffie, usually just get slobbered on!

[ClaimedByMe]

I live in a 'naice'ish area where most people have 'proper dogs' and we picked a rescue staffy, we are the only daft mugs with a rescue staffy and she gets loads of attention from other dog owners!

[SqueezyCheeseWeasel]

I'm a sucker for the ugly underdog where animals are concerned. If it's got one eye, three legs and a ripped ear, it's coming home with me...

[knackered69]

U2 - She is gorgeous ! !

[Fatmomma99]

The problem is the owners, not the dogs.

[Cornettoninja]

I reckon it's bad PR rather than looks. Staffies are generally a lovely breed.

When I was growing up it was Rottweilers and the only one I knew was soft as a roll of andrex and only slightly more intelligent. I loved him.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder anyway. If I was ever in a position for having a dog I'd have one of these fellas. Boston Terriers manage to tip the balance of ugly into to ugly not to love

[RhinosAreFatUnicorns]

I love Staffies Very good with children hence the nickname "nanny dogs". I would love one of these

[Lottie4545]

I kind of agree, kind of don't. My area is not nice, Staffies can look a bit 'ard' , they are cheaper to get hold of than some other breeds. I think all dogs have potential to turn but staffies could do a lot more damage than some other breeds. They are not socialised as pups then taken to the park every few months ! This nice weather has brought all estate out with their dogs,I was attacked by one (unprovoked) a few months ago and am fucking petrified of them now, a yorkshire terrier recently got killed by one in park.

I personally think people should have a licence to have one, for the dogs sake to give them a better chance. People around here can get one for 50 quid they get passed from pillar to post and are often bred from! In the right hands as with any breed they make lovely pets.

[lostscot]

Each to their own but I'm not a staffy fan, but then I'm not a Doberman or terrier fan either. I grew up with collies and German shepards hence I've got a big hairy lump!