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Original poster

To have fallen in love with Staffies?

231 replies

WellAlwaysHaveParis · 01/09/2018 16:44

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 Grin😍)

OP posts:
Thread gallery
27
ToffeePennie · 04/09/2018 22:11

So no unreasonable. They’re amazing dogs. Incredibly loyal, so loving and super protective of my human babies. My parents have rescued 2 and they both used to nuzzle my pregnant belly and stand on guard when I fed my boys. Wouldn’t let anyone near me unless they had a cuppa or some cake in their hands. Daft things. They are delightful dogs.

straightjeans · 04/09/2018 23:17

Honestly the 'dogs are only aggressive if raised aggressive' attitude needs to stop. There are many reasons that a dog might be aggressive and it's not always because the owner has raised it to be that way.

My dog is very skittish and doesn't like when children on the street run at him and corner him to stroke him. He hits the deck and starts snarling. He loves anyone and everyone who enters our home, but when he is getting walked HE likes to be the one to initiate contact.

More people need to teach their kids (AND THEMSELVES) to keep their hands to themselves and ask permission before launching themselves at strangers dogs.

keyboardkate · 04/09/2018 23:19

Just a general comment..... I bet a dog gets to see the vet quicker than a human gets to see a doctor! Hilarious if it wasn't so real.

Sorry I am not a doggie person, but I don't dislike them either, just not for me, and please do not foist them upon me either.

There are more of us around than you might think, but most are afraid to say it in front of the doggie supporting brigade, and you definitely cannot say you do not like dogs on MN. Verboten!!

Look, each to their own. This thread proves that lots and lots of Staffie owners think their dogs are gods. Great. But not everyone agrees either!

tabulahrasa · 05/09/2018 14:51

“I bet a dog gets to see the vet quicker than a human gets to see a doctor! Hilarious if it wasn't so real.“

I’m not really sure what your point is?

Branleuse · 05/09/2018 15:13

errr, vets are private. If you pay a private doctor you probably get seen quicker too

AlmaGeddon · 05/09/2018 15:20

Can you let them off the lead?
I like dogs who run about and retrieve balls.

keyboardkate · 05/09/2018 15:24

Branleuse,

You have just confirmed my thinking.

Animal = private health care
Human = wait in line for two weeks + and we might see you on the NHS (which applies to most people really).

Only joking, but I am sure you understand my puzzlement about the fact that animal owners pay for private care or PHI, but humans (generally) do not!

RoseDog · 05/09/2018 15:31

Mine is a Diva a spoilt, huffy, diva!! But I loves her!!

Alma of course you can let them off lead not mine though shes a dick to other dogs with selective hearing

Of course a vet sees a dog quicker than we see a dr, we pay a bloody fortune to see the vet.

To have fallen in love with Staffies?
MeyMary · 05/09/2018 15:32

@keyboardkate

Because I (and presumably many others...) would not want tax money to go towards healthcare for other people's pets?

I guess you could make a case for assistance dogs (guide dogs etc) but I generally believe that pet owners need to be able to afford their pet's vet bills.

Or would you want to pay a mandatory pet health tax? Hmm

keyboardkate · 05/09/2018 15:34

Rose,

Exactly, animals have more money spent on their well being than their owners do. Geddit?

Glad you have a lovely doggie.

keyboardkate · 05/09/2018 15:37

MeyMary,

Ah don't have a go. I was just thinking out loud.

To be fair, I wonder how many pet owners also have Private Health care?

So who is being looked after better? Yep, the pet in most cases healthwise anyway.

But it's your money, your choice.

MeyMary · 05/09/2018 15:41

@keyboardkate

I agree, some people do seem to prioritise their pets. Which is obviously their choice :)

I'd love to have a pet again, tbh. But we currently simply don't have the time.

mydogisthebest · 05/09/2018 15:48

I did like them until one came into my garden and attacked my dog. He ripped at his face and would not let go even with my DH hitting him and me turning the hose on and soaking him.

Luckily my dog survived although he needed 60 stitches! The vet said if it had been a smaller dog the staffie would have killed it.

It doesn't belong to a yob. It belongs to a nice couple with young children! No way would I keep that dog with children in the house.

I have seen dog fights before but never anything like that. I have never been so scared

SerenDippitty · 05/09/2018 15:59

Only joking, but I am sure you understand my puzzlement about the fact that animal owners pay for private care or PHI, but humans (generally) do not!

Because if their dog is ill and they want it to get veterinary attention, they have no choice but to do so. There is no NHS for pets.

keyboardkate · 05/09/2018 16:09

SerenDippitty,

There may be no NHS for pets but there IS private health care available for the owners. But no, the awful NHS with a two week waiting list for a GP is fine, etc. etc. we will be ok.

OMG the dog/cat/budgie is sick, down the vet NOW!

Owners may have to pay privately for their pets, but do not seem to wish to do the same for themselves.

The pets are prioritised, that is my point.

tabulahrasa · 05/09/2018 16:12

“but I am sure you understand my puzzlement about the fact that animal owners pay for private care or PHI, but humans (generally) do not!”

Not really no, people pay for breakdown cover for boilers and don’t for themselves, they pay mechanics to fix cars as well...

Not really relevant to the NHS though.

BloodyDisgrace · 05/09/2018 16:12

I personally think it's time to stop all that animal families nonsense and get down to what's really important: i.e. class all into 2 cohorts - feline and non-feline. Having said that, I think it's perfectly normal to love dogs, or a particular breed of them.

tabulahrasa · 05/09/2018 16:13

“the awful NHS with a two week waiting list for a GP is fine”

Where do you live? I can see a GP the same day usually, occasionally the next day.

QueenOfMyWorld · 05/09/2018 16:19

Staffies are lovely pets, we have had several

QueenOfMyWorld · 05/09/2018 16:20

Oh and they were angels compared to my barky little Chihuahua

keyboardkate · 05/09/2018 16:25

@tabulahrasa

I have private health care. No pets, that's how I can afford it!

But looking at some threads on here, it is bizarre the wait times for GP that are spoken about, or ring this number or that number, or go to A+E, and many are reluctant to go to A+E but may have no choice because there is no alternative.

I know this is straying off topic, but that's how discussions go!

AvocadosBeforeMortgages · 05/09/2018 16:28

If I don't pay for private healthcare for my dog then he'd get no healthcare at all - which would be a criminal offence a number of animal welfare laws.

I don't have private healthcare for me, but the NHS is there if you're willing to wait - it's not a case of BUPA or bust.

Skyejuly · 05/09/2018 16:30

Ive had 5 staffies. All spot on temperament. No issues at all. Beautiful x

AvocadosBeforeMortgages · 05/09/2018 16:31

Mind you, if it was a choice of me or the dog breaking a leg (or receiving a dog bite for that matter), I'd choose me. Speedy 24/7 emergency healthcare on the NHS and I'm actually able to rationalise what's going on, which DDog couldn't.

keyboardkate · 05/09/2018 16:31

Avocados,

Your pet will be seen by the vet before you are seen by your GP if you have an issue. I find that odd. But each to their own.