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?

For what it's worth, if you were a dog, I wouldn't pick you.

I don't think anyone would, actually.

Stinking attitude.

Bastard You call someone 'cunty' because they think a dog is ugly and then say they are goady.

Meadowquark im glad you understand why people choose these dogs now- and that as responsible dog owners that choice is often made based on more than looks! You are not unreasonable to be scared - although im sure your fear is also influenced by the other end of the lead . Even my family call my dog ugly, it makes me sad because she is such a happy soul,so im super defensive for her. Plus it breaks my heart to think of all those months she was overlooked in kennels because she wasn't fluffy and cute.

Op, I can't be bothered to read your racist against staffy shite thread. My staff was the best friend I've ever had. It was a privilege to know her.

My ovaries are exploding looking at all these smiley doggy piccies. Bless their little slabbery mouths.

As I overheard one old Glasgow lady saying to her chum in the hairdresser's, "after all, Wilma, DUG is GOD spelled backwards".

Secret she is nuts. 5 years old and thinks she's a pup. She us at the moment spinning around with her chew in her mouth, she goes so fast that the chew goes flying across the room.

BigD just lies there looking at her as if to say ' you stupid dog' ????

meadowquark I'm assuming that you live in an urban area.

Staffies are great 'urban' dogs, and as long as they have regular exercise, good training, socialisation, company, etc., can live very, very happily in built up urban areas, apartments, etc.

Collies, on the other hand, tend to really struggle in those sorts of environments. There are some exceptional owners who keep collies successfully in towns and cities, but generally speaking it's a really bad idea, as they need loads and loads of space and to live as 'working dogs'. Also, often, they have a very low tolerance of children and other dogs. (I'm not slating collies, BTW, they are awesome, super-intelligent dogs, but really not designed for city life.)

So that may go some way to explaining why so many people in your area choose Staffies. That and many of the breed's great qualities that PPs have already described, and as has been said, the fact that if you go most non-breed specific rescue centres you're likely to find a load of lovely, healthy, good natured - and in many people's eyes, extremely beautiful - Staffies who need homes.

Ok JulyKit, here is my question - is there any other dog with similar qualities as staffie, but without origin as a fighting dog, with "softer" looks and suitable for urban areas?

I own two Stafford and used to work for a local Staffie rescue

The reason I have them is they are 1 of only 3 breeds recommended by kennel club to have if you have children

I have a child, the Staffie is the most suitable dog to own with children in the home, so that's why I have one

The other breeds the KC recommend are boxers and Labradors

I choose as Staffie as its the smallest of the breeds

My Stafford is a gentle and friendly girl. YABU! Very.

Walking in the park the other day someone had 3 staffies, they were all holding onto a branch from a stub/small tree and pulling for grim death. You may say it was only a plant, but I have not seen such ferocity before.

I took a wide birth from them,as I would of any pack of dogs (regardless of breed) but i felt I needed to make sure my dog was safe.

By 'similar qualities' I'm assuming you mean general good nature, not too big, lives happily in smaller properties, playful, intelligent, clean....

Um...

I've heard some really good things about - and know some lovely - Cavachons (trendy cross-breed), and also miniature Schnausers. Both are longer haired than Staffies, so maybe a bit less easy to keep clean. Neither breed floats my aesthetic boat, but they might do yours.

Boarder terriers have a good reputation, too, but I fear that for you they'd also fail on looks.

Oh, and Boston terriers - lovely little things, but probably too similar to Staffs for your liking.

Whippets can be great city dogs, and as long as you don't wear a flat cap and clogs whilst out on walks, you needn't worry that your whippet will make you seem too working class...

Anymore suggestions for great city dogs, anyone?

Staffies smile. If a staffie smile doesn't melt you you're not human

I'm definitely not human then...They leave me cold! In fact, I often cross the road to avoid.

Love the look of Border terrier, and even whippets are not too bad - they don't have that harsh look as in staffies. Boston terriers look a bit scary to me!

Cavalier King Charles. Can't beat 'em for a good all rounder.

Staffies are terriers, they were bred for a purpose. Terriers were meant for destroying something. Mastiffs were for protection, strength and scare things away. Two very different breeds

Feel free to avoid us if u see us about op ... My killer staffy cross might just lick u to death !

How can u be so ignorant ? There is beauty in every animal and we love her as much as she loves us .

Never heard of Cavachons before, but those are super cute to me (though I would prefer more "doggy" dog like border terrier for example). Not that I am getting a dog. Just proves that there are dogs out there that can be an alternative to staffies.

Silverdaisy - it was a mastiff that took part of my daughters hand off - unprovoked .

It was a staffy that went into full on protection mode that saved her life and made the mastiff submit .
(Not the one pictured above )

But the staffy owners amongst us don't want an alternative

meadowquark I see what you saying, but...
If you're seriously thinking of getting a dog, then please, please learn real facts about dog behaviour and communication, even - especially - if you're getting a 'cute' fluffy little thing.

I say this for the safety of your dog, who, I guarantee, will not have the same aesthetic ideas and opinions about other dogs that you do. However, if you panic and pick up your pooch or start dragging it across the street or whatever whenever you see a bull breed on the horizon then you'll have a very nervous little dog indeed - and so possibly one that will end up fear-aggressive because of her or his owner's behaviour and so end up much more likely to get into bad situations - and to have a poor quality of life generally - than a dog who can be happily healthy and confident because it has an down-to-earth, dog-savvy owner who it can trust because that person is able to see and protect it from real rather than imagined danger.

Please, please think about that before you get a dog of any sort.

My sister has had Staffies all of her adult life. She brought up two children with them. They aren't the most gorgeous of dogs but they are the most loving, family orientated dogs I have ever come across. I have the most stunning looking Weimaraner but I would not trust her for one second with a child. You absolutely cannot judge a book by it's cover.

Toofat, that is horrible your poor dd. I really didn't mean they are all safe, just if they are going by standard or reason for breeding (as in a mastif was meant to look after the flock and size being enough to scare something off) . I think all animals are amazing, it's the owners we need to worry about.

Ah, x-posted.

Working full time away from home, I can't have a dog at the moment. If I could have one, I'd be happy to have a staffie. IME they are very sweet, friendly dogs. I don't really care what they look like - handsome is as handsome does.