To have fallen in love with Staffies?

[WellAlwaysHaveParis]

I went to a dog show earlier today, and loads of people had come with their dogs to spend the day there.

I met some people with Staffies, and the dogs were absolutely beautiful. One of them was so calm and quiet, and she would just let people pet her and stroke her, and the other one was a bit overexcited and would jump up and lick everyone who stroked him 😍

I’ve never had a dog before, as we’ve always had cats, but I’d love to have a dog one day.

I’d definitely get a rescue dog, as we’ve always had cats from rescue centres, but the idea of having a big rescue dog like a Staffie worries me a bit, as I’m not sure how I’d train it. I know Staffies have a bit of a bad reputation, but I’ve heard lovely things about them and would really love one one day. I just wouldn’t know where to start with training one and looking after one as I’ve never had dogs before.

Would I be unreasonable to think about getting one at some point? Does anyone on here have one?

(Part of this thread is a ploy to ask for your Staffie photos 😍)

Yanbu.

Aww Bangin :)

No, YADNBU. They're gorgeous dogs.

YaNbu!

Amazing dogs, full of character, fun, humour (I had the best hide and seek games with my girl, who actually hid!), Very loyal, loving and love snuggles. Always makes me laugh when I see well ard lads with one, I give them The Knowing Look of a fellow staff owner that says "yea mate, we both know your dog would rather be at home curled up on your knee trying to be a lapdog farting its head off"

Truly wonderful breed, I won't have any other one and the only breed I don't feel a bit wary of if I see one with the kids.

Staffies are fantastic little dogs. I love their massive grin they do

That said, I couldn’t personally own one. I do the bulk of the walking and I couldn’t cope with the strength of a staff walking it.

Still love making a fuss over everyone I see as I haven’t met an aggressive one yet.

I’ve met some who are not keen on other dogs but adore people and just want lots of cuddles and kisses

I don't know how it is in your area, but in mine the local shelter offers classes for dogs - basic obedience and also classes for specific issues, such as hyperactivity, reactiveness, and fear. Prior to being available for adoption, the behaviour department assesses each animal. If they observe an issue they will put a recommendation for one or more specific classes in the animal's description.

I like Staffies too. Never actually spent time with one but they are adorable!

They are little dogs aren't they? People often say they are big but a genuine pedigree staff is actually pretty small, like a little pig, and they grunt like little piggies too :)

Yep. Our next door neighbour has a proper little staff

She’s the size of a jack Russell terrier which gives you an idea on how big they should really be

No, YANBU. Staffies are fabulous family dogs. I don't know how or why they have gained a reputation - but it will be due to their owners rather than the dogs themselves.

Currently at SIL and BILs with their two staffie cross something’s. I’m generally nervous with dogs after being bitten as a child but they’re lovely dogs, playful but perceptive, great with kids. You can tell they can read the room and people’s feelings. Need lots of chance for play and good training but don’t deserve the bad reputation.

They’re medium sized but strong like big dogs. Every staff is I’ve met has been a soppy shite. They’re lovely

They were a breed bred for their aggression. Just look at their jaws to see that.

Doesn't matter on the intentions or predilictions of the owners (to which of course they are fiercely loyal).

I would never get a staffie or a dog strong enough to inflict serious damage or death on a child. Which is what they are well able to do in certain circumstances.

Honestly I hate them (not the dogs fault of course, just how they were bred). But the owners who follow this 'fashion'. Of course my neighbours just use them for protection (drug dealers).

Staffies can be absolutely brilliant dogs. A neighbour has one that I adore - she only wants for belly rubs.

How would you train them? In the exact same way as you would a chihuahua or great Dane - lots of positive reinforcement and none of this pack leadership / alpha dog bollocks! Look for a local APDT accredited trainer or Dogs Trust Dog School

Of course they can be pleasant, like all animals. But have you see them when they change out of this to undiluted aggression and wanting to cause harm - its scary.

My DD first major step forward in getting over her dog phobia was at the paws of a great long legged SBT.
She'd gone to a party and he was there , after an hour or so , she was calling him to her.

He did the Scooby Doo style scrambling on the tile floor run too !

Its not the 'size' of their bodies FFS. Its the strength of their jaws thats the problem and causes the damage when their (strong) aggressive instincts are awoken.

yanbu
they are beautiful dogs. we had one and he and our cat got on really well.

RedAndGreenSeen all dogs could do that . injure a child. sadly staffs have a bad rep due to bad owners.

No they weren’t Red

Staffies have never been bred for aggression. Not as a breed standard.

They were ratters and bull baiters. They do not have “locking” jaws. No dog has

Why wouldn't you? They are friendly clowns.

This is a story about Matilda who we rescued:

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2228683/How-Puppies-Maggie-Matilda-left-blinded-doused-chemicals-abandoned-park.html

Photos are what she looks like now. She is the easiest dog to take out and about (unlike our Border who would like to savage squirrels), snoozes contentedly when we're busy, and is a generally happy soul. We did make one mistake though, namely, letting her in our bed one night. Five years later and it's proving difficult to get her out of it!

YANBU

Staffies are highly recommended by the kennel club as safe with children. They are nicknamed 'the nanny dog.

I have one, admittedly he can be a handful around other dogs but he was attacked at 5 months by 2 collies so I can't blame him. People, especially children, he adores and they him. He has a little fan club where we live.

All dogs can bite, be temperamental but staffies are a powerful breed. Be firm, provide solid training and commitment to them. They honestly are an amazing dog.

my staffie was a rescue, and he was the sweetest, most gentle loving family dog we could have wished for.

I love staffies too. Great dogs. If I could have any dog, I'd have one of those.

They are beautiful gentle dogs in my experience. I just lost my old boy to cancer after 12 years and he was the best friend I could ask for. Walked to heal without a lead, never once got in any sort of scuffle , loved cats and the numerous gerbils and hamsters we had over the years. He was so loyal and easy to train, a proper people pleaser. We have just got another puppy Stafford who is a proper little character as I was missing my boy. I love them. This was my 12 year old

My boy is a rescue and no issues with training. He is the biggest softie ever and likes nothing better that cuddles and kisses

Sorry, but to me they are ugly dogs and look scary, even though you all tell me they are pussycats. So many others to choose from out there.

IF you are into dogs. But no one is allowed to say they dislike/fear/hate dogs here at all. Censored!!