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The doghouse

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Original poster

The amount of staffies in rescues makes me sad

45 replies

GinAndOnIt · 27/03/2017 09:38

We've been on a search for our next dog for a while now, and although originally we were wanting a puppy, I have still been keeping an eye on rescue centres just in case. We aren't having much luck (because we have a cat, I think), but I can't believe the amount of staffies in rescues - there also seems to be staffie crossbreeds, and they seem to be the only crossbreed that will be listed avoiding the staffie breed. For example, I'll see a Labrador advertised, and think 'that doesn't look like a labrador' and when you click, it's a lab x staffie. Yet any other crossbreed, it will say 'Collie x lab' or similar really clearly.

Is this because of media coverage of staffies? I don't really know a lot about the breed, but I just feel so sad how many of this one breed are looking for homes

OP posts:

Nancy91 · 27/03/2017 21:07

I think there are so many Staffs in rescue centres as people buy them because they are the cheapest and you can even see some "free to a good home" on sites like gumtree

Also some people buy them because they look tough.

Both of these reasons are stupid, so stupid chavs buy these dogs and then realise that the dog actually needs to be cared for and trained. So they give the dog to a rescue centre because they can't be bothered. Some people may be put off further by not wanting to rescue a 'chavvy dog'.

I love staffs and I know that not everyone who has a staff is an irresponsible chav. They are truly lovely dogs when they have an owner that spends time training, socialising and exercising them. Good on anyone who has ignored the stereotype and given a staff a good home.

I've also noticed a large amount of jack russells in rescues around where I live, which breaks my heart as I love them!

TheOnlyColditz · 27/03/2017 21:28

Jack russells end up in rescues for two reasons - a) they are prone to biting people and b) they are the dog of choice for little old men, who become unable to look after them.

Hoever, I also love them - and have one - and a rescue Jack Russell is exactly what I will have next Dog Time

Original poster

GinAndOnIt · 27/03/2017 21:30

Oh yes, Jack Russell's too! DP is desperate for a little JR as a third dog let's get the second one first!

OP posts:

KoalaDownUnder · 27/03/2017 21:36

Unfortunately breeds of dog tend to come in and out of fashion in both positive and negative lights and the staffie is the whipping boy of media choice at the moment just as rotties, dobermans and gsd's have been previously.

Bingo.

They are lovely dogs. There are loads of them sitting in rescues because they're not trendy.

It's a crying shame, IMO.

Nancy91 · 27/03/2017 21:50

My last dog was a rescue Jack Russell, this one is a rescue Jack Russell and my next is likely to be... a rescue Jack Russell.

My parents are only considering Staffies now that they are looking for a dog, they have always found them to be the most loyal and affectionate.

I think in the next few years kennels are going to be full of little designer dogs with flat faces

Billybonkers76 · 27/03/2017 21:55

The dog charity near us has so many Beagles they are free to re-home. Every other dog is £200 but the Beagles are free. I feel sad for the ex-breeders, you know they were only there for the puppies and then they are turfed out.

tabulahrasa · 27/03/2017 22:02

"I think in the next few years kennels are going to be full of little designer dogs with flat faces"

They tend to be sold online rather than put in rescues... I assume because they can still command a fair price, even as adults. I've actually seen adverts where they tell you what they paid and that they're trying to get some of that back, as if they're second hand cars

Nancy91 · 27/03/2017 22:17

I know, it makes me so angry too. Selling living creatures on gumtree etc should be banned. I reckon when they're out of fashion they will be in rescues because they are predisposed to health conditions = expensive vets bills later in life

Dollygirl27 · 28/03/2017 09:15

Koala I know it's heart breaking. I've had mine since a pup, got warned by family that she would turn into to humongous, uncontrollable monster but she's lovely. Very well socialised (which back fired on me a little as now she has to say hi to absolutely everyone who comes near)... Don't get me wrong she's got some power behind her and because she still young doesn't realise her own strength, she likes to rub up against your legs like a cat (think she got confused by us having a cat lol) and has nearly sent my poor Nan flying a couple of times (completely unintentionally). That said my mom is disabled and can take her out no problem, her recall is spot on and she doesn't pull on the lead. I've never heard her growl but she will talk back if you talk to her and she still thinks she can fit on my lap, my god she's a lump. My whole family think she's hilarious and such a lovely dog she's really changed attitudes. All the dog owner in my area know her and the guy who lives 2 doors up is constantly asking where she is it's really sweet.

ChestyNut · 28/03/2017 17:10

Staffies are easy to train due to their loyalty and eagerness to please, one of the reasons chavs pick them to train to be aggressive.

Our Boy has never chewed and is a pleasure to have.

People spout such crap about staffies which feeds the bad name they have

Ylvamoon · 29/03/2017 18:20

The problem with stuffies is, that they where bread as fighting dogs and sometimes companion.
So for starters, they are not great as first-time dogs for this very reason. Nevertheless they are available in abundance and cheap to buy. Add to this the different bloodlines (some more aggressive than others) and the position of status symbol and you can see how people are overwhelmed with their dog. As many dogs are unregistered or crosses, nobody knows what they are dealing with when the cute puppy hits adolescence. That's how they end up in rescue centres.
The fact, that they have the "fighting" in their DNA is enough for me to stay well clear of them. (The same as I won't own any breeds with strong pray drive or a true terrier.)

TheEmmaDilemma · 29/03/2017 18:43

Crap, I did just miss this thread and started another.

Staffies are wonderful dogs. Just like any other and no more dangerous. Just like others they need training.

They are loving, love attention and just beautiful.

The idiots who think they are status symbols give them a bad name because they do no training and think they are like a fucking handbag.

TheEmmaDilemma · 29/03/2017 18:48

My neighbours didn't even know I'd moved in a dog for months.

I get a short "woof" with much tail wagging when I get in.

Yes they are strong. But they are loyal and can be easily trained if you do it right like any other dog.

He is social, lovely and OMG the amount of people who come in the house (tradesmen etc.) that just fall in love with him. No one single one has left without giving him a good rub and saying aren't you lovely.

TheEmmaDilemma · 29/03/2017 18:50

sparechange That's so lovely. x

BastardBloodAndSand · 29/03/2017 18:54

I love dogs but would not have a Staffie.

They're for experienced owners and take a lot of care and exercise by someone who knows what they're doing. It's just a shame they've been repeatedly bred by absolute fuckwits who have no interest in their dogs welfare.

user1471453601 · 29/03/2017 19:28

PP, are you calling my old girl thick? (Folds arms, drops chin and looks over top of glasses).

Seriously, she is a bit thick. We got her (a staffy cross) when she was about two. I'd agree that a staffy is not for a first timer. However, after years of having dogs, I have never had one as loving and obedient as her.

I'd have another in a blink of an eye. My old girl is not good with other dogs (not socialised with other dogs at an early age, we guess).

But she LOVES children. In fact she's never met a human she didn't love, or a dog she could tolerate.

The fact that so many are up for rehoming is tragic. When old girl goes (not long I'm afraid), I think another staffy cross will be coming to us

EssentialHummus · 29/03/2017 19:39

I've finally worn DH down on getting a dog, and we'll definitely look at an older Staffie. I think they can cause a lot of damage if they become violent (and they aren't the only breed like this), but there's nothing inherent to the breed to make them more likely to attack or cause harm - they are biddable, and that's a terrible combo with a fuckwit owner.

RoseDog · 29/03/2017 19:49

We have a rescue Staffy cross and 2 kids and 2 cats, she was overbred and left for dead, she was actually on a PTS list, the rescue I got her from went to pick up another Staffy from the kennels and took her too to save her from being PTS.

She's over 10 now and so lazy, she wasn't really trained when we got her but she's easily convinced with treats, any food!

Original poster

GinAndOnIt · 29/03/2017 19:53

I like the idea of a dog happy to train for food! Our current dog couldn't give two hoots about food, which makes training a right pain in the arse!

OP posts:

sparechange · 30/03/2017 10:52

They're for experienced owners and take a lot of care and exercise by someone who knows what they're doing.

I disagree - this is a very sweeping statement.

A rescue staffie that's come from a neglected background and is assessed as not knowing basic training and manners needs an experienced dog person who can put firm boundaries around the dog

An elderly staffie which has been trained and loved and given up through no fault of its own is probably the lowest maintenance dog you can get - it won't need or want lots of training or exercise and will be content with food, love and companionship

A staffie puppy is no more or less high maintenance than any other sort of puppy... Possibly in the top 10 easy-to-train list given how biddable they are

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