Thread: Need advice from those in the know

Originally Posted by 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.

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.

Originally Posted by 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.

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.

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.

Originally Posted by 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.

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.

My Staffy Cassie who thinks she is human. Sleeping at the kitchen table just before Xmas 2007.

Originally Posted by CraigE

Most vets would highly recommend Staffys as a family pet.

You are right, we do!