Could you talk to me about your staffies and children?

[lottielob]

Hi,
We have found a KC registered staffy puppy through a reputable breeder. We have three children, 2, 7 and 10 and just want to know other people's experiences of getting a staffy puppy with young children. We are experienced with dogs and puppies (and are going in to dog ownership with our eyes wide open), so it is particularly the breed I'm thinking about. I was excited but now a little worried because other people's responses have been really negative when we said it was a staffy. Thanks so much

I have a rescue staffie X, he's a pretty big boy. I taught my neice firm ground rules and we practiced her big girl voice for when he's being a pest. They're thick as thieves and always snuggled up together when she's here.

Hey OP, how did you get on in the end? I'm in a similar situation and wondering how the staff/toddler mix went?

Didn't Staffies used to be called 'Nanny dogs' because they were protective and trustworthy around kids? You can see Staffies in some of those sentimental old Victorian paintings with cute small children and babies. If you've done your homework and are properly prepared, go for it.

With kids that young I'd get something less powerful.

As long as he's pure staff you have a friend for life.

But be aware they are strong as well as head strong. I wouldn't have another even tho I adore them.

My mum who is very savvy about dogs chose a staffy for us as young children because of the attributes of the breed... utterly loving, gentle, gorgeous... we adored him

My two pennorth is that it will be harder work for you and frustrating for the kids if the dog (any breed) is too strong for children to hold safely on a lead.

They will want to walk the dog but effectively won't be able to unless the dog is perfectly trained.

I think that is what is great about Staffies - they are SO trainable ... my Mum did the hard stuff, but I enjoyed doing bits and pieces with him as a child. So totally I went off on walks through the fields with him solo from the age of 8 or 9... no hesitation on my Mum's or my side