Team Stafford v Team Lab

[Glitchymn1]

Recently lost my beloved Labrador. Have been very depressed as a result not eating/sleeping, (I think understandably) and time is a healer.

DH is pushing for another dog, (a kind push) he thinks it’ll lift my spirits. We will get another dog eventually but I just need some more time to process it.

During discussions I said don’t think I can handle getting another Lab or Golden. The mobility issues are a factor these started from a young age and affected my dog’s whole life.
DH had to lift him into the car during the latter years, I couldn’t take him out alone as a result.

Plus he was one of a kind and I don’t think it’s fair to put those expectations on to a new dog, simply because it’s the same breed?

I suggested a Staffordshire bull terrier- likely a rescue. He doesn’t think they’re the right fit, nervous, scatty, unaffectionate, prone to separation anxiety, they shake. (My friend had one and he is very stable, loving, no anxiety, but is she just lucky!)

If you have a Stafford, talk to me about him/her, bonus points for photos! Which team are you?

Definitely farty! Not always stinky, sometimes just musical! 😆

I had a staff growing up. He was my best friend. Absolutely adored him. Broke my heart when he passed. I was 13 at the time and had him for as long as I can remember.

He was affectionate and loving. A massive softy.

We had a cat as well. She would attack the dog every time he walked by. He never did anything back. Not once.

He was also scared of woodlouse and would hide behind my mum until she put them outside.

He was also fine with other dogs.

Very farty too!!

Also to add - he was a rescue. Prior to us he lived in a top floor flat and was abused and beaten.

With the right training and love and affection it was all he needed to recover. He never showed an ounce of aggression ever. Only love.

@invisiblebark my staffs have always been rescues. My current old girl has also had 8yrs of abuse and neglect, hence the funny tongue from being left in a crate all day as a puppy. Also has scars from cigarette burns and a wonky tail from where it was damaged. But she's just the most beautiful soul and I'm going to make sure she has the best twilight years ever.

As the owner of two labs, I am most definitely biased towards them, however I have friends with staffs, who are absolutely lovely well adjusted dogs with beautiful temperaments and none of the issues you have described.
Having lost a dog and got another one quite quickly after, I do agree with your DH that it will help you, you never replace them at all but it helps you to channel the love and emotion you felt for your dog into another, and rescuing is so incredibly rewarding(one of our labs is a rescue, best thing we ever have done). Good luck ❤️

You're both being a bit sweeping with your view/statements here.

Firstly, not all labs have mobility problems, especially not from a young age, especially if you get one from a good breeder who's got good hip scores etc.

Staffies aren't all the same either.

Personally speaking, I'd go for a lab but if you're worried about being able to lift one why not research some other smaller breeds. I'm looking after a very cute border terrier at the moment and despite not being a small dog fan generally, she's won me over!

I was very “ Poodles- yuck!” But have been staying with a friend who is dog sitting a small purebred poodle and she’s very nice.
Affectionate and quiet.
(She’s 4 currently)
Her partner died at 18!!!!
He was lovely, too. ( Purebred small poodle) but don’t buy from online ads. ( puppy farms)

@Georgepaws
My heart 🥰
Staffies every day, I have had many, all rescues; lucky to adopt my last girl at 10 weeks and she was hands down the best dog I have ever had/met; perfect temperament, quick to learn, super fit, no anxiety, aggression or this 'shaking'.
Not sure where your DH got his info, SBTs are one of the few breeds the KC approve to live with kids.
Bear in mind MN are not pro any bull breed, quite anti dog much of the time.

Love the rescue stories, it’s a lovely thing to do. Not sure we would be allowed due to DD, but I’ll look and be open. Not in any rush.

Wow 18 is amazing for any dog, it doesn’t make it any easier when they depart though.

I’m not really sure why DH thinks the way he does @SnoopysHoose he’s seen a couple of staffs at the vets who were shaking/shivering but most dogs do at the vet. We see one local to us, but I think she could do with a little coat. He’s owned an Alsatian before, which is way more dog than a staff.

Affectionate and quiet it what we would hope for. I had a look at breeders, I found one who is advertising a planned litter. I messaged and she seemed nice, not pushy. I explained what’s happened and not asked to be on a waiting list/pay deposit. The only thing that’s made me very wary is her dog hasn’t long had a singleton, stillborn pup. Should you really breed again so soon, I’m guessing it would be about six months between pregnancies… She isn’t a fan of neutering/spaying either, which I said I’d be doing. (I thought most insisted these days).

You really would be better contacting your local breed club via the kc website

100% Lab

We’ve done this, no response whatsoever, sadly. Not even an acknowledgment.
Nothing decided yet, DH is more keen than me. We’ll see.