Need advice from those in the know

[graceysdad]

A while ago we had a Staffy, got him from a pup and went to puppy school and was socialised etc he was a bueatiful dog, however in the back of my mind I knew these things were the ultimate killing machine and hoped he would be ok with our little dogs, at the same time we had a Choc Lab, one day I came home and found my prized Shihtzu stud dog had been killed, I instantly blamed the Staffy and had him destroyed that day I couldnt run the risk of any of our girls being killed, Its always been on my mind lately what if he didnt do it, could a Lab kill a small dog and this is my question, we moved the Lab on not long after as I wasnt sure it was entirely the Staffys fault, many I have spoken too have said its outof character for a Staff to kill one of his mates.

My boys wanted another Staffy and against my better judgement we went out and got one but this is still on my mind, this little feller has come from parents who were family dogs and not from hunters, both parents were from homes who had other dogs and swear blind they had no probs with them, our last Staffy and my male Shihtzu were best mates, they slept together, ate together and spent all day lying on the roof of my Series 3 enjoying the sun, the only problem we had was when we had the mormon missionaries in for coffee and the Staffy lept of the landy in through the window via the fly screen and landed on the table in front of the mormons, they are probably still running!

Am I being over cautious? Could a Lab do what happened, I dont want to go through the heart ache of losing more dogs, I just dont know what to think, any Staffy owners here?

[CraigE]

Very out of character for a Staffy.
They are bar none one of the best dogs with kids.
I have had 3 and many more friends have had them without a single drama. So far amongst peers that make statements of Staffy attacks they have not been able to substantiate that it was a pure bred staffy in any cases.
Of course they can do damage if goaded or trained to fight. Did you ever think the ****zu may have actually started it? IMHO ****zus are one of the most aggressive and territorial dogs I have ever seen (parents have one as do a few others I know). They are called ****zus for a reason.
Talk to your state Stafordshire association and may sure you get a purebreed.
Any dog can turn, you just need to look for the warning signs and take precautions.
I know when we go to mum and dads place the ****zu is the one who attacks the staffy. If the Staffy did retaliate it would take the ****zu out in a minute due to their power, not their agression. But after a few minutes they are good mates, but occassionally the ****zu turns and gets narky.
Even Pit Bulls to a lesser extent are maligned (would not leave one with young kids, not because of their agression but because of their power if they do turn. Usually from being baited or trained as a fighting dog.
German Shepherds are in fact the worst and ****zus are not far behind. I did quite a bit of research a couple of years ago when the issue flared up on this site. The only country that keeps official records is Germany and bull terriers as a group came in 6th for attacks and this is all varieties of bull terriers where as every other dog was in its own categories. If you break it down honestly Staffy's come near the bottom for attacks. I can not remeber the site but I spent a bit of time researching this and news reports on alledged Staffy attacks. Out of 30 odd reports I researched that the media stated Staffordshire Bull Terrier attacks only one was actually a Staffy and it was a medium range attack on a child that actually tormented the dog and was left alone with the dog for extended periods. The rest were infact Bull Terrier crosses, mixed breeds that ahd no bull terrier in them at all, Pit Bull crosses, Pit Bull hunting dogs, one pure bred american bull terrier (different from the american staffordshire bull terrier) and two domestic pure breed pit bulls.
I would have a Staffy in a minute, but make sure it is a family dog. You generally can pick their nature within 5 minutes of meeting them.
Oh and get a female, better temprement again.
I obviously can not say your Staffy did or did not kill the ****zu but it is just as likely thel ab or both of them teaming up as this does happen in packs especially when you get to 2 or more dogs and is a dominance thing. As you have stated they were mates so may have been the lab, but normally labs are good too, but may have been an alienation thing or something else altogether.
Best of luck and sorry for the novella.:D

[p38arover]

Craig, if you spelled Shih Tzu correctly, it wouldn't end up as stars! :p

[CraigE]

Craig, if you spelled Shih Tzu correctly, it wouldn't end up as stars! :p

:TakeABow:Thanks Ron.:TakeABow:
I was waiting for that. I spell it the way it should be spelt;) because that is what they are.:angel::wasntme:
Used to have a girlfriend a long time ago that had one that would not let me near her, but was OK when I used to play with him as long as he had the attention.:rocket:

[Bundalene]

We have had a Staffy for almost 10 years and have had no trouble with it attacking our neighbours dogs. It will chase and kill rabbits though, but has been trained to do so as they are a pest around here from time to time.

He absolutely adores children and has never shown any aggression towards any human.

Our daughter and her husband who live in the NT also have a Staffy and also they have 3 young orphaned wallabys which they are hand rearing. The Staffy sleeps alongside the wallabys during the day and allows them to climb all over her.

If you treat your dog with love and train it from a young age, you should be OK.

The advice given by CraigE is excellent - contact the Staffordshire Assc. for expert info.

Mrs. B

[crump]

I've never heard of a dog raised from a pup with other older dogs becoming the "alpha" male/female, they always remain subordinate.I've had Bullmastiffs, Rotties, Dobermans etc. over the years and have always had small breeds at the same time with no problems.My late 3 kg mini foxie bitch was the boss of my 40kg Mastiff X bitch, my dingo bitch and my Jack Russel dog til the day she died.The dingo then became boss as she was next oldest, then after she died, the jack russell is currently lord of the manor.Labs get a gentle reputation due to the guide dog thing and that most of them are overweight slobs, people forget that they are a large breed hunting/retrieving dog, no different to a GSP, Weirmaraner or for that matter Greyhound or Borzi, my moneys on the Lab being the culprit.

[incisor]

i have had cockers, staffys, rottys and shepherds and while i love the staffys nature, all the shepherds/rottys have been better kids dogs than the staffys.

i dislike labradors and kids, i have seen a few turn.

a couple of mates have always had retired greyhounds and i have to say they are one of the nicest animals i have ever come across when in a family situation

i would never leave a small child (under 7) alone with any breed of dog or size, they can turn too quickly.

i am on my last big dog, a rotty / sheperd cross with 12+ years under his belt. his only fault is he can not tolerate someone with low iq points. he will bail them straight up.

he dotes on my 3 grandchildren but i would never leave them alone with him.

[UncleHo]

G'day Folks :)

After being involved with Breeding, Showing and Obedience for over 25 years, I have seen some nasty temperment Labradors :( it is an unwanted problem in some purebed lines, the purebred Staffordshire is usually a very even temperment animal, BUT any dog can become aggressive if provoked by humans or other animals, small breeds can be very aggressive, I was once told by a Vet that if a Chihuahua was the size of a Great Dane that we would all be carrying loaded shotguns, other dogs with short fuses are Terriers,-Scots,Welsh,Skye,Fox,Airedale,these dogs are bred for hunting small animals, the much maligned Australian Cattle Dog can be short tempered, Reds more that Blues, but, he was breed to work, guard the owner's possessions," home,horse/car Children" and anybody that comes to close will be nipped,(we have been nipped when chastising our young ones when the dog's around) if purchasing a replacement dog check with the puppy vendor the temperment of BOTH parents,and purebreed is more predictable that crossbreeds.

I would advise not to purchase from a Pet Shop, as they have no knowledge as to where they come from,and what the parents are like, it is a sale item to them at a good profit.


cheers

[mike 90 RR]

I have had a range of Dogs

Currently I do have the ****zsu ... They are a good dog to have if you dont mind & understand thier aggressive nature ... This one is dominant and has no idea about socialization with other dogs .. It always goes off at other dogs // and the bigger the animal .. the more it goes off

They do not like to socialize with other animals and have a tendency to be peed off and nip them if they get too close ... The case of chitzu being innocent? ... more like it started it

They are tough as nails, pigheaded, and think that they are Rottweilers ... I take this one Bush .. and it just goes off ... You do not want to be rounded up with a pack of these dogs ..they will take you ankles out like a pack of Parana's

They are good with children and adults ... But can be mongrels ... I would not suggest that they are suitable for around babies at all



Staffies are one of the most gentle animals going ... Just great big sooks
Labradors are great dogs ... but can turn when peed off
Rottweilers are a fantastic family pet ... they protect the family with vigor and ador small children
Dobermans ... same deal

I go to many different homes throughout the year as part of my job ... and meet many dogs on the properties ... I have a 6th sense and know what to do and react with them ... And I have never been bitten and only 3 Dogs have ever made me stop and take notice .. and thats because they where trained to stop strangers



I was quite taken back with what had happened with your dogs ... In my opinion only ... The ****zu had it coming

PS ... I did not write the dogs name with the *** bit ... the swear check has cancelled it ... because of the spelling?

[Siska]

I agree with most of the advice that has been posted here.

Although I think it quite possibly been either dog that started the attack on your Shih Tzu. All it takes is a dissagreement over a bone or a toy and it's all on.

I have an American Staffordshire Terrier, and at times have had 3 at home looking after them. I had 2 for around 12mths. Siska is the oldest and is an extremly dominant bitch. She ruled the house when the others were there. I never left them together outside if I wasn't home, and never left bones outside either. They still ended up having a scrap one day and Siska nailed the boy I was looking after. They were best mates, always sleeping together, playing etc. So it can and does happen.

Siska has an extremely high prey drive and is also extremely inquisitive. She is also one of the best dogs that I have seen around childern. She absolutely adores them. While these breeds of dogs were originaly bred for dog fighting they were also bred to have no human aggression. That is where alot of people make mistakes. They consider Dog/Animal Aggression the same as Human Aggression. It's not. They are two very different things.

[EchiDna]

No dog is perfect as others have said, but the pack mentality can become intoxicating...

I've had to bury over 30 angora goats my 80+ year old Grandmother witnessed having their throats torn out for fun by a group of 2x boxers (gentle sweet things they are NOT) and a staffy on the loose...before that they killed over 50 ducks and chickens in a neighbouring property. The boxers were by far the worst culprits, but the staffy held it's own. When they decided to have a go at my grandmother, one boxer got a quick dose of lead poisoning, another got a crease down the side and the survivors were returned to the city home of the owners where they can maraude the suburbs instead of the neighbours chickens, goats, sheep etc. apparently the local dog ranger cannot touch a dog out of his region?? anyway, thats another story...

[stevo68]

German Shepherds are in fact the worst and ****zus are not far behind.Sorry mate, you are going to have to back that one up with some facts. I have heard that over the years...as I have with other breeds....its a bit like the "land rovers arent reliable" phrase that is thrown around.

I have had shepherds all my life, the reason they are used in so many different professional fields is due to their intelligence and nature. I have had 4 shepherds grow up around my children and never a worry. Max who is now 11mths old, will go from a playful puppy to a staunch protector if required.

Ultimately I have found that it is the way the animal is raised that makes the difference. As mentioned, I would find it surprising for a mate to kill a mate......my shepherd and my partners 8 yr old retriever play fight like there is no tomorrow, but never in anger. As for staffys, I've had an American Staffy before and it hated little dogs, but that was because he was a stray and we didnt know his background. My old shepherd hated cats...cause he never grew up with them.....whilst Max at 40 odd kilos...will play fight with our Bengal cat at a couple of kilos....even pick the cat up in his jaws.....but as they have grown up with each other....no problems with cats. So Back of the Shepherds :p

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/05/1608.jpg

Regards

Stevo

[Cap]

I have a Lab X for 10 years now, and even though he is a great dog, I have a 14month old boy and im still cautious when the dog is around him. In my mind, dogs are animals and should always be treated like that, not as an equal. This goes for any animal IMHO.

If you dont trust an animal, its simply not worth the risk of having family or friends hurt, it only takes one bite.

[dullbird]

ok so Staffy's are not killing hunters for a start, staffys are a family dog and very good with children IF brought up in the correct way.....

either one could of taken the shih tzu out, the hard part is if you had the staffy put down with no real evidenace the lab should have gone as well.

we often get people bringing in there dogs for killing another animal...sad thing is when they dont know which one did we have to let them both go.

was there much injury to the shih tzu? if there wasn't wouldn't take much for a lab to pick up and give a shake to and bang gone little bit harder for a staffy to do as i'm assuming there wasn't that much difference in height between the two

[Lucy]

The Lab certainly could have done it, though I'd still pick the Staffy as the culprit. In fact it could have been Staffy and Lab v Shih Tzu. If it was the Staffy, it doesn't mean would have harmed the kids though. Staffys are often dog aggressive, but very rarely human aggressive. Shih Tzus usually pick fights, and they usually lose (I make my living from patching them up). I love having Staffys as patients, they are generally great to handle/treat. Shih Tzus on the other hand...

It is very unusual that dogs raised together would turn on each other like that, and end in that outcome. In a similar situation involving a Staffy and some Guinea Pigs, it turned out that the culprit was a stray that had got into the yard! The Staffy had been raised with the GPs, and had never even looked sideways at them, then one day the owner came home to find 1 missing and the rest dead. The Staffy was presented at my clinic for Euthanasia. Knowing the dog and owners well, we decided to hold on to the dog for a bit, councilling the owners to not rush the decision. A lady from down the road turned up that evening on the Staffy owners doorstep, her Jack Russell had brought the (now dead) GP home and it had arrived home covered in blood!

[dullbird]

The Lab certainly could have done it, though I'd still pick the Staffy as the culprit. In fact it could have been Staffy and Lab v Shih Tzu. If it was the Staffy, it doesn't mean would have harmed the kids though. Staffys are often dog aggressive, but very rarely human aggressive. Shih Tzus usually pick fights, and they usually lose (I make my living from patching them up). I love having Staffys as patients, they are generally great to handle/treat. Shih Tzus on the other hand...

It is very unusual that dogs raised together would turn on each other like that, and end in that outcome. In a similar situation involving a Staffy and some Guinea Pigs, it turned out that the culprit was a stray that had got into the yard! The Staffy had been raised with the GPs, and had never even looked sideways at them, then one day the owner came home to find 1 missing and the rest dead. The Staffy was presented at my clinic for Euthanasia. Knowing the dog and owners well, we decided to hold on to the dog for a bit, councilling the owners to not rush the decision. A lady from down the road turned up that evening on the Staffy owners doorstep, her Jack Russell had brought the (now dead) GP home and it had arrived home covered in blood!

if that was my dog I would of had it X-ray providing it was done very recently...before I would decide to put it down

[gofish]

My Staff is over 10 yrs old now & is amazing with kids (of any age). The biggest problem is that she just wants to keep licking them. I agree with the comments of others that "little" dogs often start fights which they could never win even if the other dog had a paw tied behind it's back. It all comes down to training regardless of what breed. I see too many owners that aren't "in charge" of their dogs & seem to let them do what-ever. I think you need to be very firm/strict but give lots of love also. Dogs need to be led in many ways, not just on a leed. Dogs are like guns. Give one to the wrong person & someone usually gets hurt.

Stick with the Staffy. They are a wonderful family dog :)

[solmanic]

I would NEVER get a Staffy - period. I can't comment how they are with kids, but I am none too impressed with how they are around other dogs. In the years that I have had our Ridgeback, nearly EVERY time (and I can count perhaps a dozen in three years) there has been a fracas at the dog park, it has involved (read caused-by) a Staffy - regardless of whether they were complete or de-sexed.

In one recent incident, a young guy with a Staffy that, until that time appeared well socialised and obedient, nearly ripped the bottom jaw off a young Labrador pup in our local park. Naturally he was horrified and never would have believed his dog would do that!

After each Staffy-related incident the conversation amongst people at the park usually revolves around how many other Staffies they have observed in violent dust-ups.

To those people who have posted here saying how gentle they are - I have to say I have seen ample evidence to the contrary - and from dogs with owners who I assumed were raising them correctly. I think the biggest problem with them is that when they do snap, they just don't have an "off" switch.

I simply cannot trust them.

[dullbird]

I kind of a agree with you solmanic as my dogs have had a couple of ta do's with staffys at the off leash park..BUT I also have a friend that breeds them and they are impecably manered.

sometimes its simply boils down to how they're bred and how they're treated.

[loanrangie]

Our previous staffy that died of cancer was the most loyal loving tolerant dog i have ever seen, he used to sleep with our ****zhu and cat in the same bed. My daughter would climb all over him pull his ears and poke his eyes and wouldnt even flinch (just look over at us with that look they have). We now have a staffy /lab x that is the sweetest and tolerant dog and again my 22 month old daughter is always hanging off her and she barely even moves. The ****zhu on the other hand gets nippy but he generally just moves away if he's annoyed. We had coker spaniels that went on a sheep killing spree so any dog can become killers , its a shame you acted first but understandable all the same- i have also seen labs turn nasty as well.

[Slunnie]

It is very unusual that dogs raised together would turn on each other like that, and end in that outcome. In a similar situation involving a Staffy and some Guinea Pigs, it turned out that the culprit was a stray that had got into the yard! The Staffy had been raised with the GPs, and had never even looked sideways at them, then one day the owner came home to find 1 missing and the rest dead. The Staffy was presented at my clinic for Euthanasia. Knowing the dog and owners well, we decided to hold on to the dog for a bit, councilling the owners to not rush the decision. A lady from down the road turned up that evening on the Staffy owners doorstep, her Jack Russell had brought the (now dead) GP home and it had arrived home covered in blood!
Nicely done. Mans best friend does not deserve a knee jerk reaction, especially one as terminal as a green needle.

[VladTepes]

i am on my last big dog, a rotty / sheperd cross with 12+ years under his belt. his only fault is he can not tolerate someone with low iq points. he will bail them straight up.


Oh - you told me he just didn;t like Range Rovers ! :eek: :D




Seriosuly though I think Staffies are very good family dogs but like ALL animals it comes down to how they have been raised and to some extent their bloodlines.

My pups are Bull Arab (hunting breed) X Boxer / Staffy.

The only danger you are likely to get in with them is being licked to death. They love playing with my nephews some of whom are 4 / 5 years old.

Staffies are howver very people (or should I say person) oriented - they tend to form a bond with an individual and can get very jealous when a usurper (eg a child) comes in and takes attention away a bit so they do need watching.
Inc is right though - don;t leave kids unattended with dogs (as I';m sure you are aware).

Would I hesitate to have a Staffy ? Not in the least !




I also endorse the comment on retired greyhounds being great dogs.

[rijidij]

I did quite a bit of research on Staffys before I bought one. Basically, I couldn't fault them for a pet, as far as my lifestyle is concerned. One minute they're running around like a crazy thing (everything is a game to them) and the next minute they're asleep on your lap.
Any dog can be brought up the 'wrong' way. I did read more than a couple of times in my research that, "a staffy wont start a fight, but they can finish a fight if they are forced to".
I've had mine for 4 years and she is well socialised and I've never seen any sign of 'real' aggression from her towards anything. She sure can sound mean sometimes, but it's all bark and no bite.
I went through a difficult time in my life for a few years........I couldn't have asked for a better companion than my staffy at the time.
I am extremely biased towards Staffys, but I would highly recommend them to most people looking for an energetic, but very loveable family dog, or companion.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/09/337.jpg https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/09/338.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/09/340.jpg https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/09/339.jpg

[dullbird]

god she is cute!!!!!

[graceysdad]

The injury to Bear my Shihtzu was thus, throat completely ripped out and there was alot of blood I mean alot, when I walked in and seen it the Lab was the only dog who had blood on him the Staff was clean but then again the Lab may have been protecting Bear, my Shihtzus are bred with Maltys and Pomeranians I have one girl who is the oldest who thinks she rules the roost but there is rarely aggression, they play non stop and the Staffy happily plays with them, even the cat gets along with the Staffy,
As I said we moved the Lab on to a Labrador sanctuary at Yass and they were going to rehome him, guess all I can do is watch them and keep an eye out for trouble.

[stevo68]

The injury to Bear my Shihtzu was thus, throat completely ripped out and there was alot of blood I mean alot, when I walked in and seen it the Lab was the only dog who had blood on him the Staff was clean but then again the Lab may have been protecting Bear, my Shihtzus are bred with Maltys and Pomeranians I have one girl who is the oldest who thinks she rules the roost but there is rarely aggression, they play non stop and the Staffy happily plays with them, even the cat gets along with the Staffy,
As I said we moved the Lab on to a Labrador sanctuary at Yass and they were going to rehome him, guess all I can do is watch them and keep an eye out for trouble.Hmm, dunno if I am missing something here, but I cannot see how the staffy would be clean if there was lots of blood and a throat ripped out. Dogs dont lick themselves clean like a cat. My old shepherd got into a barney with a Malamute that decided to jump into our yard and he was protecting the retriever bitch. SWMBO rang me about the fight as Benz had his ear ripped and he had also taken some decent chunks out of the malamute. I couldnt get home for about an hr plus and he was still covered in his own and the other dogs blood.

Sounds to me you've made a very wrong call here,

Regards

Stevo

[graceysdad]

All the dogs had blood on there legs and feet the floor was soaking in it, the Lab may have been trying to lick Bears wounds, who knows I sure as hell dont, all this said the dog is gone and has been for a while, I was abit anti Staff after what happened but I keep thinking about it so when mention was made of getting another one I was very apprehensive towards it, I heard so many stories of just how capable a killing machine a Staff can be and very little can be done to seperate one thats intent on killing something , I dont know just have to see how things go. I

[scarry]

I recon the pack instinct appeared,and it was possibly both of them.

We had a 18yr old cat that used to go next door & sun itself.New neighbours arrived with a couple of staffies,they got the cat & ripped it to pieces,we are talking mince meat here,they also ate most of it.

I recon this was the pack thing,if only one dog was there,probably would not have happened.
I also got biten by a staffie once,ther not for me.
Some relatives of our had one for around 15yrs,and it was fine,died recently from a tick ,they want another one.They recon it was the best dog they ever had.

After our Dobe died of old age,SWMBO went & got a Sharpei,now they are a strange dog,i recon they are half cat.....

[mike 90 RR]

Our previous staffy that died of cancer was the most loyal loving tolerant dog i have ever seen, he used to sleep with our ****zhu and cat in the same bed. My daughter would climb all over him pull his ears and poke his eyes and wouldnt even flinch (just look over at us with that look they have). We now have a staffy /lab x that is the sweetest and tolerant dog and again my 22 month old daughter is always hanging off her and she barely even moves. The ****zhu on the other hand gets nippy but he generally just moves away if he's annoyed. We had coker spaniels that went on a sheep killing spree so any dog can become killers , its a shame you acted first but understandable all the same- i have also seen labs turn nasty as well.

Same responce as my dog


times in my research that, "a staffy wont start a fight".
to most people looking for an energetic, but very loveable family dog, or companion.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/09/337.jpg

As said before .. They are just great sooks ..


Don't get them mixed up with fighting dog image

[CraigE]

Stevo,
as with most dogs most Shepherds are good dogs and I personally dont have much of a problem with them. But facts are facts and Shepherds have the worst record for biting. As said I did some research a few years back and the only country that keeps official records is Germany and Shepherds by a big margin were the #1 dog for attacks wether causing serious injury or not. I no longer have the data as the hard drive I had it all on died and I no longer required the info. Given time I will try and track down the site again. But realistically cant be bothered again. Someone with something to prove can do it as it took me quite a while. Knowing and my wife used to work with Rangers they will tell you the same as most of the dogs they put down for attacks are Shepherds / Alsation or cross breeds of them. I have seen too many attacks (not bad) on kids of both the owner and guests by these dogs by animals that were deemed to be dosile. Any dog of course can do so.
The reason I did the research is we kept getting abuse about having a Staffy and an ignorant ranger. I used to keep a print out of the data and info from the dangerous dogs association for a while to front people about it.
Even anecdotal information from multiple vets confirmed some of this.
They are certainly not the most aggressive dog by any means, just due to their size when they do nip they usually hurt and get reported.
We have had chiauhas as well and they are one of the most aggressive dogs around, but do little damage. People generally had no trouble or concern coming into the yard with a Staffy but the wowas used to keep them at the gate.
Yes like labs they are very intelligent animals. I had a lab for 14 years (age 1-15) and she was my guardian angel and shadow.
Sorry you have taken offence, but these were the facts I came up with and were not just made up.
Same as the Staffy info, they were getting maligned for pit bull, american bull terrier (different to american staffy), english pig dogs and cross breeds. On several occassions I rang the West Australian and the Kalgoorlie Miner to confirm the identity of an attacking dog was a Staffy and every time they could not substantiate it and their normal response was "it was a bull terier, their all the same". When on occassion I could get hold of the ranger or vetit was discovered in fact it was not a Staffy purebred. The staffy association of WA have also done a lot of work on this and debunked all but one claim in WA I know of and most in Australia.
Nothing wrong with a Shepherd and I like most dogs, its just a risk we all take having one no matter what breed. They all can and will attack if provoked or have a bad day.
From what I understand a lot of it comes from bad blood lines that can lead to a form of insanity in dogs like this including labs and retrievers and is usually bad genetics and irresponsible breeders.
:):)

Sorry mate, you are going to have to back that one up with some facts. I have heard that over the years...as I have with other breeds....its a bit like the "land rovers arent reliable" phrase that is thrown around.
I have had shepherds all my life, the reason they are used in so many different professional fields is due to their intelligence and nature. I have had 4 shepherds grow up around my children and never a worry. Max who is now 11mths old, will go from a playful puppy to a staunch protector if required.

Ultimately I have found that it is the way the animal is raised that makes the difference. As mentioned, I would find it surprising for a mate to kill a mate......my shepherd and my partners 8 yr old retriever play fight like there is no tomorrow, but never in anger. As for staffys, I've had an American Staffy before and it hated little dogs, but that was because he was a stray and we didnt know his background. My old shepherd hated cats...cause he never grew up with them.....whilst Max at 40 odd kilos...will play fight with our Bengal cat at a couple of kilos....even pick the cat up in his jaws.....but as they have grown up with each other....no problems with cats. So Back of the Shepherds :p

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/05/1608.jpg

Regards

Stevo

[CraigE]

Yep you nailed it. Staffys think they are people not dogs and have the personality to back it up. As said not often they start a fight but can and will finish it with a dog many times their size.
Me and my Staffy Cassie have a bond that is amazing. She is my shadow, but loves the wife and kids as well ad knows she is on a rung below them but still a member of this family.On the beach just today, off the lead is fine with any other dog and there were at least 6 around she was unfamiliar with, but when one of the dogs she did not know came up to me for a pat, she stepped in between us and gave a snarl and hit it with her head as a warning. She got a crack for it and a lot of people mistake this as it is only a warning, if they mean business it would be teeth straight in. They are actually very controlled. The dogs she knew she had no issue with me patting.
As said a Staffy will lick you to death, are like hyperactive children but can be very gentle as well. They do not like being left out.
We got up this morning and she was very sheepish, we found she had gotten hold of a box of chocolate mini pudding tarts and eaten the lot and boy did she know she was in trouble and we were trying not to laugh. It is only chocolate she will do this to, you can leave anything else.
:D:D

Oh - you told me he just didn;t like Range Rovers ! :eek: :D




Seriosuly though I think Staffies are very good family dogs but like ALL animals it comes down to how they have been raised and to some extent their bloodlines.

My pups are Bull Arab (hunting breed) X Boxer / Staffy.

The only danger you are likely to get in with them is being licked to death. They love playing with my nephews some of whom are 4 / 5 years old.

Staffies are howver very people (or should I say person) oriented - they tend to form a bond with an individual and can get very jealous when a usurper (eg a child) comes in and takes attention away a bit so they do need watching.
Inc is right though - don;t leave kids unattended with dogs (as I';m sure you are aware).

Would I hesitate to have a Staffy ? Not in the least !




I also endorse the comment on retired greyhounds being great dogs.

[CraigE]

I would NEVER get a Staffy - period. I can't comment how they are with kids, but I am none too impressed with how they are around other dogs. In the years that I have had our Ridgeback, nearly EVERY time (and I can count perhaps a dozen in three years) there has been a fracas at the dog park, it has involved (read caused-by) a Staffy - regardless of whether they were complete or de-sexed.

In one recent incident, a young guy with a Staffy that, until that time appeared well socialised and obedient, nearly ripped the bottom jaw off a young Labrador pup in our local park. Naturally he was horrified and never would have believed his dog would do that!

After each Staffy-related incident the conversation amongst people at the park usually revolves around how many other Staffies they have observed in violent dust-ups.

To those people who have posted here saying how gentle they are - I have to say I have seen ample evidence to the contrary - and from dogs with owners who I assumed were raising them correctly. I think the biggest problem with them is that when they do snap, they just don't have an "off" switch.

I simply cannot trust them.
Not saying it cant happen, but are you sure the staffys were purebred? I would not have a staffy cross personally. Most often they are not, but when in a fight will do damage to another dog, no question. They will not tolerate any aggression from another dog. People are a different kettle of fish.
The thing most people forget is dogs need to be introduced to others, all breeds as by nature they are territorial.
Most vets would highly recommend Staffys as a family pet.

[CraigE]

The injury to Bear my Shihtzu was thus, throat completely ripped out and there was alot of blood I mean alot, when I walked in and seen it the Lab was the only dog who had blood on him the Staff was clean but then again the Lab may have been protecting Bear, my Shihtzus are bred with Maltys and Pomeranians I have one girl who is the oldest who thinks she rules the roost but there is rarely aggression, they play non stop and the Staffy happily plays with them, even the cat gets along with the Staffy,
As I said we moved the Lab on to a Labrador sanctuary at Yass and they were going to rehome him, guess all I can do is watch them and keep an eye out for trouble.
Look I would be the same as you especially were kids are involved, if you could not be certain who did it both would have to go.
Generally there would have been blood in the neck fur of a staffy if it had ripped out a throat as they can not clean themselves there.
No real answers I am afraid, but all dogs can and will attack if the circumstance is right, or should I say wrong, Staffy's included.
Hey my previous Staffy and Dingo used to fight on rare occassion and when finished after sulking would lay with each other and lick each others wounds, on the 2 occassions they drew blood (very hot humid conditions both times and food involved).
With Staffys as they are a very people orientated dog and usually align them selves with one person predominantley, you need to make it clear to them they are at the bottom of the pack. Initially making them spend time with every family member helps. If you and you only look after the dog it can cause issues. I reckon mine thinks it has a brother and sister in the kids rather than masters at times.

[CraigE]

Oh and dont get me wrong my parents Shih Tzu (thanks Ron) Maltese loves me and I dont get to see them often, but I am only 1 of about 4 people including my parents who's lap she will sit on and go to sleep.
She is a great dog and suitable for my parents, but I would not have with young kids.
A dog needs to be selected for your lifestyle.
Like most Rotties, they are big sooks.
Sorry for so many replies.
:angel::angel::angel::angel:

[RoverOne]

I would NEVER get a Staffy - period. I can't comment how they are with kids, but I am none too impressed with how they are around other dogs. In the years that I have had our Ridgeback, nearly EVERY time (and I can count perhaps a dozen in three years) there has been a fracas at the dog park, it has involved (read caused-by) a Staffy - regardless of whether they were complete or de-sexed.

In one recent incident, a young guy with a Staffy that, until that time appeared well socialised and obedient, nearly ripped the bottom jaw off a young Labrador pup in our local park. Naturally he was horrified and never would have believed his dog would do that!

After each Staffy-related incident the conversation amongst people at the park usually revolves around how many other Staffies they have observed in violent dust-ups.

To those people who have posted here saying how gentle they are - I have to say I have seen ample evidence to the contrary - and from dogs with owners who I assumed were raising them correctly. I think the biggest problem with them is that when they do snap, they just don't have an "off" switch.

I simply cannot trust them.

The only time ever that I had a problem with savage dogs was when my dog was attacked by two Ridgebacks let of their leads by the owner when it spotted my dog approaching them...both Ridgebacks were killed. My dog had a few stitches in its mouth...a less trust worthy hunter you could not own...these dogs are bread to hunt and do it in packs.

I've had many experiences with Staffy's and never known them to be aggresive unless provoked...a better dog for kids especially boys could not be had. Although used to fight other dogs they were not bred for this purpose but for rat killing in the ring...where by a number of rats were thrown in & you bet on how quick it would take to dispose of the rats. Their companship with humans was well known and documented.

Breading and showing for many years I always found the smaller the dog, the more aggressive he was at "challenging", and most times comes of second best.

I've seen all breeds expelled from the ring for aggressiveness but never a Staffy or Bull Terrier in 20 years of showing.

[CraigE]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2008/12/250.jpg
My Staffy Cassie who thinks she is human. Sleeping at the kitchen table just before Xmas 2007.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2008/12/251.jpg

[Lucy]

Most vets would highly recommend Staffys as a family pet.

You are right, we do!

[VladTepes]

CraigE - ALL staffy's think they are human !