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Original poster

Just found out that puppy is partly a banned breed

382 replies

EvilGoldfish · 19/11/2021 14:43

(Reposted from dog section as I didn’t get any replies yet and I’m really anxious!)

I know we should have done things properly to start with but my heart completely over ruled my head sad

We were on a waiting list for a Staffordshire bull terrier puppy, when my niece told me of a family she knew giving their 10 week old staffy female away as they couldn’t cope.

I went with full intentions of taking her to a local rescue as the details sounded dodgy (no microchip, no vaccinations, no contact details for who sold her to them) but I couldn’t bear the thought of her being picked duo as a bait dog. They had her in a tiny cat cage, no toys/bed and on adult butchers food. The first thing she did when they let her out was run up for a belly rub.

Obviously, she is completely adorable and I ended up taking her to the vets to be chipped, 1st vaccinations and to get checked over.

I know all puppy owners can say this but she is so responsive to positive training, loving and eager to please. She has only had two accidents in the four weeks we’ve had her, she sleeps at the foot of our bed and usually only needs to get up once in the night. Her little tail wags like crazy the second she sees anyone, including strangers and other dogs (dogs from a distance as her second vaccination is next week) but especially children. We are starting KC puppy scheme classes in a few weeks.

I feel like I have to predefend her as we have just received the wisdom panel DNA results. The breakdown is as follows (can’t post pictures yet?)

36% American Pitbull Terrier
21% Staffordshire Bull Terrier
18% American Bulldog
15% Rottweiler
3% Presa Canario
2% Boston Terrier
1% Bulldog
1% Dalmatian (?!)

I’m absolutely distraught. I’ve contacted the RSPCA (anonymously) for advice but wanted to know what others would do in my position? While I wait for the RSPCA response I wanted to try to figure out what my options are (google returned a LOT of conflicting advice).

Is she going to be taken from me when she gets bigger, even if she is a perfect family pet?

What are the chances of her suddenly turning into a rampaging beast, despite her being a very good natured puppy, and will be trained/socialised well?

OP posts:
Thread gallery
7
Fluffmum · 20/11/2021 18:18

Staffies are wonderful dogs. I miss my beautiful boy every day xxx

Morgysmum · 20/11/2021 18:29

Don't panic. You sound like a responsible dog owner.
If you take her puppy socialising classes, she will learn how to be around other dogs, then carry on with other training.
A lot of problems, arrive from owners not bothering to train there dogs properly. They might recommend a muzzle, when she is out for a walk, I am sure the RSPCA or kennel club will be able to advise you.
A friend of mine has Saffys and has had for a number of years, she loves the breed, she hasn't had any problems. She has raised a son around the dogs.

angela99999 · 20/11/2021 18:29

What did the vet say when you took the puppy in? The vet is the person to ask.

RenoSusan · 20/11/2021 18:41

We moved into an apartment that wouldn't take pitties so we went to our vet and said what do we do. She gave us a signed paper on a prescription pad that said our dog was an American cattle dog. Problem solved.

Madjakelmum · 20/11/2021 18:42

Or a staffy cross.

Hellocatshome · 20/11/2021 18:46

Dog DNA tests are largely a load of crap. If they could be relied upon the police would use them to prove a dog is a dangerous breed instead of having experts measure their heads and other such things.

Aubree17 · 20/11/2021 18:47

You sound like you are doing a fantastic job.

However (and assuming the DNA is correct) I could never continue to own a banned breed. If anything ever was to happen I'd would feel terrible and fear the risk of prosecution.

BBOA · 20/11/2021 18:53

Bin the DNA test and never speak of it again! ! As others said it’s probably nonsense anyway. Lab cross it is….end of!

Wexone · 20/11/2021 19:14

@yikerspipers I have a rescue jack Russell. badley abused and let me tell you if you got on the wrong side of him he would kill you. we have spent a lot of time and effort working with behaviourist and training in helping him. he is not with children and is never off his lead. but he would kill you if he was in the humour. my parents have a . rottie and he more likely to jump and lick the face off you than hurt you. it's how you bring up your dog and train it aswell as teaching children to respect and treat the dog. something the op is very willing to do. if only my little jack Russell previous owners had done that he wouldn't be the way he is now

whiskersonkittenss · 20/11/2021 19:18

Staffies and pits aren't nanny dogs Grin they were bred to bring large animals down and fight, not look after children. This is how accidents happen.

April506 · 20/11/2021 19:31

Good luck. You sound like a very responsible dog owner. The pup should really have still been with her mother till 12 weeks , but she's lucky to have found a good replacement mummy x

flossletsfloss · 20/11/2021 19:35

I'm utterly baffled by this thread. This is the reason deadly dog attacks happen. Lying about your breed? Pretending that being a responsible dog owner is all that matters? If that dog grows up to become massively powerful due to its breed and you are allowing it around your children knowing it has the ability to kill them then I despair. I'm a dog owner, have been for years but some of the comments on here are ridiculous. For gods sakes put your family first and get a safe dog.

Sammyclaire22 · 20/11/2021 19:44

It's a banned breed, as hard and horrible as it is the responsible thing is to report it and let the authorities decide what to do.
As much as good training and a good home is essential in raising a good dog, genetics also comes into it. While he might grow up and be totally fine with you and your household, you can't ever say any pet is 100% safe around people (and yes I'm a dog owner with young children) and a dog with a genetic predisposition to be more violent isn't worth the risk imo. The poor boy killed in Wales the other week had only popped into his friends house, I'm sure it's owners had thought it was safe if they had it around their own kids.

Celestine70 · 20/11/2021 19:49

If you train her well and keep her on the lead I don't see a problem. My cousin had a Pitbull and she was soft as shit.

Celestine70 · 20/11/2021 19:51

If you hadn't had the DNA done you would never had known and how reliable are these tests anyway.

Nomoreusernames1244 · 20/11/2021 19:57

I'm utterly baffled by this thread. This is the reason deadly dog attacks happen. Lying about your breed?

No one’s lying. The breed is being based on dna, which is a) utter bollocks, and b) it’s highly unlikely that it differentiates between staffies and what are known in america as pit bulls. I’ve seen countless dogs in america called “pitties” when in fact they’re staffies or other bull breeds, but there isn’t that differentation over there.

O/p has consulted rspca and vet, who both say staff/lab. Pitt bull is a “type” not a breed, and it’s determined on appearance, not dna. There’s no way to reliably identify breed on a dna test.

Susysue10 · 20/11/2021 20:03

@Carboncheque

’Everyone asks either if she is a staffy or a Labrador’

So, from now on she’s a lab cross.

Totally agree, she is a lab cross, end of. She sounds adorable. Stop worrying and enjoy your wee bundle. With good training and your love, she will be fine
Susysue10 · 20/11/2021 20:07

@flossletsfloss

I'm utterly baffled by this thread. This is the reason deadly dog attacks happen. Lying about your breed? Pretending that being a responsible dog owner is all that matters? If that dog grows up to become massively powerful due to its breed and you are allowing it around your children knowing it has the ability to kill them then I despair. I'm a dog owner, have been for years but some of the comments on here are ridiculous. For gods sakes put your family first and get a safe dog.
Oh for gods sake, stop over reacting. I too am a dog owner and a responsible one. This wee soul is such a heinz mix that everything will be so diluted! The OP sounds absolutely responsible and is doing the right thing re training etc. She has already said she will take extra precautions, let her enjoy her pup.
LidlMiddleLover · 20/11/2021 20:13

Keep quiet go with what the vet says ie staffie x lab

Dumbanddumber20 · 20/11/2021 20:22

I had a similar experience, he was the most wonderful dog I ever owned and he sadly passed two years ago this Christmas from a brain tumour at the age of 10. Our vet realised before us on his first visit when we rescued him from a neighbour at 6 months old and suggested we neutered him at a year old which we did and simply go with a staffy cross if we were asked . Milo was 50% pit bull 50% staffy and honestly the most loving and gentle dog I’ve ever known . No dogs are ever born bad it’s just bad or inexperienced owners that cause the problem . He obviously had some bad habits from his start in life but classes soon sorted that out and most of all a loving consistent home . Don’t give up on him !!

SortingItOut · 20/11/2021 20:24

I have a staffie x chocolate lab who at certain angles looks like a pitbull.

I also have an American Bulldog who at certain angles looks like a pitbull.

I approached DDA watch about my first dog and they recommended that she is spayed, insured and microchipped as that is what is required of pitbull who are exempt in this country and if you already have it in place you are 99%there.

Also the recommendation never to put her in a situation where she might be reported is true, no matter how friendly she is she should always be on the lead and should never go up to another dog unless you know the dog personally.

What are your neighbours like?
I follow DDA Watch and others and the majority of seized dogs are because owners have fallen out with neighbours and the neighbours report them.

Also the area you live in is important, some police forces seize dogs all the time and others don't. I live in a rural county and our police force rarely seize dogs so I'm pretty confident my dogs would be ok.

Dumbanddumber20 · 20/11/2021 20:31

@SortingItOut

I have a staffie x chocolate lab who at certain angles looks like a pitbull.

I also have an American Bulldog who at certain angles looks like a pitbull.

I approached DDA watch about my first dog and they recommended that she is spayed, insured and microchipped as that is what is required of pitbull who are exempt in this country and if you already have it in place you are 99%there.

Also the recommendation never to put her in a situation where she might be reported is true, no matter how friendly she is she should always be on the lead and should never go up to another dog unless you know the dog personally.

What are your neighbours like?
I follow DDA Watch and others and the majority of seized dogs are because owners have fallen out with neighbours and the neighbours report them.

Also the area you live in is important, some police forces seize dogs all the time and others don't. I live in a rural county and our police force rarely seize dogs so I'm pretty confident my dogs would be ok.

Great advice , this is also what our vet told us - and to muzzle Milo when we walked him then no blame could ever be placed on him .
OldGeezer · 20/11/2021 20:38

Take it from me - experience working professionally over the years with the very occasional pit bull and lots of inappropriate crosses involving the type, BUT strictly, the American Pit Bull is a type, NOT a breed.
My advice is to avoid such animals, you will ALWAYS be on pins in public, NEVER leave it on its own with children or strangers etc etc.
AND do make it clear to your insurer ( Domestic and/or Veterinary Health ) that such a breed isn’t on their excluded list.

PinkSparklyPussyCat · 20/11/2021 20:47

@Sammyclaire22

It's a banned breed, as hard and horrible as it is the responsible thing is to report it and let the authorities decide what to do. As much as good training and a good home is essential in raising a good dog, genetics also comes into it. While he might grow up and be totally fine with you and your household, you can't ever say any pet is 100% safe around people (and yes I'm a dog owner with young children) and a dog with a genetic predisposition to be more violent isn't worth the risk imo. The poor boy killed in Wales the other week had only popped into his friends house, I'm sure it's owners had thought it was safe if they had it around their own kids.
FFS she isn't a banned breed! A DNA test has said she has some pit bull in her. To all intents and purposes the DNA test is a load of unreliable bollocks. I cannot believe so many people are putting faith in doggy DNA Confused
Ifbutandmaybe · 20/11/2021 20:48

Any dog no matter what breed has the potential to be vicious, you sound like you are very responsible and are doing everything right including all safety measures, not leaving it on its own with children (no dog should regardless of size or breed) socialising and your love and training will make your dog as loveable and loyal as my Rottie, but as a potentially dangerous dog am very wary of this and although other dogs even cockers have gone for her if she retaliated it would be her that people would blame thats what you have to watch out for, but enjoy your puppy she will reward you with her loyalty