Staffies

Fancy getting a staffie, anyone got one or got opinions on them? I’ve got a lab who is 11 and I don’t know whether to get another dog now or wait till my lab passes away, he’s fit and healthy just now but time is against him now. So staffies, good idea or not?
Cheers,
PJ

Peajay

Had a staffie (male)for 12 years. Unfortunately and sadly he passed away. Great dogs, loads of personality and charecter. They are really intelligent and mine loved people, but they can hate other dogs(they are very tolerant to a point, dependent on “socialisation”, but will react if provoked). Getting a puppy when you have an exsisting dog may be helpful for training. They are a bit “hyper” and over enthusiastic up to about 2-3 years. They require a firm hand when young (the noise of a rolled up newspaper was a big enough detterant for mine). You have to exercise them frequenty (not long walks but chasing sticks etc). They tend to bounce up on people in a friendly way which can suprise the unaware, or kids. Becuase of the bulk this can be intimidating, however they do it in enthusiasm without malice. If (when) I get another I’d get a female as they tend to be a bit more homely. Mine was desexed (medical reason)and was so much of a home boy that he’d stay at home even when the gate was left open. He was not much of a barker, so neighbour friendly. My advice would be to get a pedigree dog with papers and spend some time with as many staffies as you can. Most breeders will allow you to come and visit them and interact with the dogs.

Hope this helps.

Try a staffie cross from a rescue centre. Because chavs are stupid and they use staffies as a status symbol, there are loads that need a home. Ours is classic staffie in that he’s a real cuddle monkey! He loves company and fuss.

Thanks seems to back up what I’ve been reading, I was thinking that getting one when I still have my lab would help whith socialisation, I assume most of the bad reports in the papers about them will be down to poor upbringing by people who just want a status symbol. Been keeping a close eye on the clasifieds for the last year, just need to convince myself that I’m doing the right thing!
Cheers,
PJ.

can’t really comment on staffies but we always get a new dog before the old one passes on to the wood in the sky as it learns from the established dog. That said, we tried hard to make sure that the old dogs life was not disrupted by the new one but in all cases to date it has cheered the old dog up.

contact the kennel club, get a contact for the staffie breeders go and see them. That way you’ll get a good’n. Good advice from gtkid. Forget the reservations. Dogs are as good as there owners, just like kids.