Staff Puppy

XXNikXX

Im collecting my new staffy on wednesday evening and can't wait, having trouble thinking of a nice name for him though any ideas?

Also, anyone have any advice on this breed? Had labradores, a dobermann and a collie but never a staff, anything in paticular i should know?

Thanks

Munster Gal

I've never owned a staffie although I really love the breed and have lots of friends who do own them. From what I gather socialisation is really important, staffs are great with people but can be iffy with other animals if not socialised properly from a young age. They're such strong little dogs that you need to start training him on the leash immediately because he'll pull the arms off you if he's not trained. Pet insurance is advisable because they can have trouble with their joints which is costly to get fixed.
As for names, the first staffie I met and the one responsible for me falling for the breed was called "Potts"

arybvtcw0eolkf

You really should have researched the breed before committing to owning a Staffie.

My experience of Staffies (I have two).

They're absolutely fantastic family pets, they adore human contact and in particular they love children.


You'll need to give your Staffie puppy plenty of exercise and entertainment as they get bored easily, and when bored their strong jaws can get very distructive!.

There is one major down side to owning a Staffie, or any other breed on the restricted breeds list - public perception.

This is for real, people will cross the street when they see you out on a walk with the lad, they'll pull their children away from the dog and leave comments about them being 'dangerous dogs, or 'banned dogs'.

And this comes from people should know better. You won't be allowed leave the guy off his leash to run free like we can with other dogs or you'll risk getting reported - indeed I had photos of mine up in public places here on this forum and was threatened by a regular contributor here! - so I took down all the photos, except whats in my signature here as these are almost 12 months old now. Just be careful!.

Apart from that they're a lovely breed, gentle but full on when they play.

I feed mine Royal Canin dry food, which they seem to like and every day then they have either chicken, fish (tuna) or lambs liver along with the dry stuff.

Other than that, I hope you find your guy as lovable and enjoyable as I've found mine. There are a few good Staffordshire Bull Terrier sites online with lots more info and tips on owning the breed.

Oh , you asked about names - avoid the usual 'Tyson's etc.

Click on 'My Staffie, Ruby' in my signature to see my guys.
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Skillie

seems to be a huge amount of them around cork at the minute, is there a resurgence in the breed or are the wrong people getting them cos of the "image"?? see lots more of them about than ever before and also few more pitbulls. lovely dogs best of luck

XXNikXX

Thanks for the info, ive been reading about them online but wanted to hear peoples personal experiences with owning staffys..

Could never understand peoples fear of so called 'dangerous dogs', the only thing dangerous is a bad owner. Seen it all before with the dobermann, he was an absolute gent of a dog but still people were very wary of him.

Oh and l think I've decided on Charlie as the name.:)

Munster Gal

Skillie wrote: »

seems to be a huge amount of them around cork at the minute, is there a resurgence in the breed or are the wrong people getting them cos of the "image"?? see lots more of them about than ever before and also few more pitbulls. lovely dogs best of luck

You're right they've become really popular in Cork over the past 5 years or so. I know a group of about 5 or 6 guys in their 20s & early 30s who have one or 2 staffies each - you'd often see them walking them around the North Ring Road. These guys literally worship their dogs, they take such good care of them and spare no expense on their food, vet care etc. They get an untold amount of hassle because of the negative image of the dogs and also because they're working lads from the northside people assume they're fighting the dogs or only have them as an ego boost which is totally unfair and completely untrue.
Unfortunately you'll always get idiots who'll get a rottie or staffie to make themselves look tough. These same fools will try and make their dogs vicious for the same reasons, it's just a pity that when these poor abused dogs turn that they don't turn on those sad excuses for human beings who made them that way.
We very nearly got a staffie for our kids but due to my in-laws throwing a fit over it we got a lab instead. I'll always have a soft spot for staffies so maybe one day I'll have one of my own.

Skillie

^^^ 100% agree, its in the northside i've been seeing all these but am by no means judging anyone without knowing the situation. just surprised at the glut of them of late. the one white pitbull i always see is a magnificent looking dog and very playful and happy looking

Munster Gal

Sorry Skillie, I wasn't suggesting you were prejudging, I hope I haven't offended you. I think I know the pitbull you're talking about too - its a stunning dog. Pitbulls and staffies have this kind of ugly-lovely quality about them which I really find appealing. The responsibility which goes with owning a dog is weighty no matter what you have but for these dogs it's enormous. I really admire those young lads who are obviously doing the right thing and I wish the canine racists who give them a hard time would have a word with all the people who let their "cute and harmless" westies, yorkies and jack russells run loose. Rant over, I'd better get some coffee into me!!

Skillie

No offence at all didn't take you up that way don't worry. I do worry when i see so much of them though how many are the good owners you describe and how many are the dreaded "look at my mad scary dog" type.

There are a lot of dog racists out there and admit at times while walking my own i'll be cautious of certain breeds just in case they have not been raised well. A pit bull went for our golden and knocked her in the river when she was very young and the guy was a complete meathead no appologies or a bit from him. Also though she was bitten by a jack with a silly woman owner who again made no appoligies for her agressive dog who should be on leash if thats how he behaves.

However the most dog agressive dogs we've encountered lately yapping and snarling at the Newf were yorkies and westies. You just laugh them off though cos you know they can't do any damage. I have met an awful lot of lovely staffs though and american style pitbulls, rotties etc who have been just perfect despite the greater public opinion of them

getz

XXNikXX wrote: »

Im collecting my new staffy on wednesday evening and can't wait, having trouble thinking of a nice name for him though any ideas?

Also, anyone have any advice on this breed? Had labradores, a dobermann and a collie but never a staff, anything in paticular i should know?

Thanks

the staffie just what can i say ? loving ,can by anything you want ,will walk for ever ,or we just stay at home .i have had staffies over 30 years [before anyone knew about them] i once had a top show dog,its the only breed of dog i am happy to walk up to in the street- only one thing a staffie needs a child ,some breeders in the passed would not sell a staffie to anybody who dident young children--staffie names mine was called punky-becky-buster-nelson-i now have a english bulldog called teddy but half the time my wife calls him baby

biggybum

I hate when people get the dog breed name wrong, Staffs are not PitBulls folks !! They are different. But the best of luck to you and your new puppy. I have a 2 year old staffie called Max and he is an absoulute dote, dont know what we'd do without him, so much personality its unreal. By the way does anyone's staffy make extremely weird noises known as staffy talk??? Max does this constantly like long whine or groan. Petty so many little thugs have them the way they are it p's me off everytime i see it. H's gonna break your heart for the first few months ripping things apart lol but be patient and firm with him

Skillie

biggybum wrote: »

I hate when people get the dog breed name wrong, Staffs are not PitBulls folks !! They are different.

Don't see anyone here claiming they are the same so i think you are mistaken. we are just talking about dogs in that "bracket" of the public psyche being tarred with the dangerous brush

biggybum

All i'm saying is people that are'nt too familiar with the breed seem to call them ALL pitbulls....... thats all

Munster Gal

The only similarity I was drawing was that I find them both attractive looking dogs despite/because of their ugly/lovely faces. They're not "pretty" dogs but I find their faces so full of character and expression.
I agree with you about the thugs though, they're bringing the breed into disrepute. The dog I mentioned, Potts, was on a walk one day and a woman came up to him and patted him and the big baby he was rolled over to have his belly tickled etc. She was raving about how gorgeous he was and then asked Will what breed he was, when he said Staffordshire Bull Terrier she nearly passed out and started in on Will saying how he shouldn't have such a killer dog out in public!!
There's a Staffie in our estate and you only ever see her when she's on a walk with her owner (muzzled & on a lead). There's a pack of wandering cavaliers, retrievers and westies who are more of a menace to the area than the staff, yet the residents' association had a submission on how well fenced the staffies garden was because if 'he' got out he could kill one of the kids, (insert swear word)!!!!!
I envy you all your Staffies as I think they're beautiful dogs, enjoy the little bruisers!!

Munster Gal

biggybum wrote: »

All i'm saying is people that are'nt too familiar with the breed seem to call them ALL pitbulls....... thats all

They're the same people who think ALL staffies, rotties, pitbulls etc. are natural born killers and it's not a question of if but when they'll attack, yet they think it's cute if some small yapper snapper bites or growls.

biggybum

I also have a Jack russell, she has again a lovely tempermant and because she is older she comletely mothers my Staffy, she can be a real bully with him lol. The one thing i have noticed with him is it really does take an awful lot to get a negative reaction from him, he is so tolerant (actaully he's just plain lazy) around other dogs and people. The problem is give a dog like this to the wrong person and the consequences can be fatal. Its sooo important to treat these little fellas right!!

Millie

Firstly let me emphasis I am not a dog racist and my mothers "pet" dog is a dobermann so I am well aware of what you are saying.

But I must say I had an incident during the week with a Staffie.
I was out walking my X breed terrier and we encountered two staffies who proceeded to bite my dog and we had to run out on the road to try and get away.
My issue however is more with the owner who had allowed her young 8/9yr old son hold these dogs while she was in the shop.
How did she think a child that young could manage these dogs.
Thankfully nobody was harmed but I was screaming & when she did come out of the shop she didn't even have the grace to apologies.
I walked past her telling her her dogs should be muzzled.

biggybum

Millie wrote: »

Firstly let me emphasis I am not a dog racist and my mothers "pet" dog is a dobermann so I am well aware of what you are saying.

But I must say I had an incident during the week with a Staffie.
I was out walking my X breed terrier and we encountered two staffies who proceeded to bite my dog and we had to run out on the road to try and get away.
My issue however is more with the owner who had allowed her young 8/9yr old son hold these dogs while she was in the shop.
How did she think a child that young could manage these dogs.
Thankfully nobody was harmed but I was screaming & when she did come out of the shop she didn't even have the grace to apologies.
I walked past her telling her her dogs should be muzzled.

Your completely correct, the law states these dogs should be muzzled and on a short leash !! This scenario is exactly what puts the fear of god into people when they see staffies!! And to have a 9/10 yr old boy holding on is just lunacy, there aint a thing in the world he could have done if they decided to launch etc. Its a minority of people that give the rest a poor name/image. My father had advised me against buying Max when i did, purely on the basis of bad media and his lack of knowledge with regards to the breed !! Now he adores him..........

clairem

Great choice getting a staffy. They're great dogs. We have a staffy x that we rescued from Ashtown pound last year. She's the gentlest thing in the world and would never hurt a fly. Our other dog is only tiny (a pug) and you should see how gentle she is with him when they're playing.
She needs a good long walk every day but once she gets that she's a big couch potato. She's curled up beside me on the couch now snoring away
Staffys have really strong jaws and love to chew so make sure you have plenty of staffy-proof toys for your pup to chew on. Kongs and nylabones seem to be the only things that last in our house.
Best of luck with the new pup. You've fun times ahead of you:)
If anyone else reading this thread and considering a staffy I'd really recommend you calling up to Ashtown pound. There are always staffys there in desperate need of homes.

misssaucie

Congrats! I love the name Oscar, it's a good strong name.

mel94

Congratulations on picking a stafford!!.........Im not being biast but these are the best dogs ever!! LOL;)

I have 2 at the moment and i can say i dont think i will ever be without one in my life, they are just so loving and full of character they love kids and adults !! They are known as the ''Nanny dog'' as they are so good with children.......they are one of only two breeds the have '' Excellent with children'' in there breed standard.

They can be quiet strong willed dog so dont let that little puppy face fool you, be firm with them as puppies, train them well as altho they are small dogs they are very strong when they get older! as some of the previous post say they need plenty of stimulation as puppies to 'try' stopping them chewing your house!! and they need PLENTY of excerise when they are adults as they can end up getting bored and could become quiet destructive!! They also crave human attention and dont seem to do very well if left on there own for long peroids of time!! They will be happy to go any where with you......Mine love even coming for a drive to the shop!

Best of luck with your new puppy! I hope you have many happy years of enjoyment with it................You will surely have a new best friend!

Have a read of this before you get your staffie!

So you think you want to own a Stafford?
If by some quirk of fate the men in white coats do not get you first and you decide to get a Stafford here are a few ideas as to what to expect

• To prepare for the Stafford, go to the local Veterinary Surgeon. Tip the contents of your purse/ wallet onto his counter and tell him to help himself. Then go to the pet shop. Arrange to have your wages paid directly to their accountant. Go home and read the paper in peace for the last time.

• Before you finally get a Stafford, find a couple who already have one and berate them about their methods of discipline, lack of patience, appallingly low tolerance levels, and how they have allowed their dog to run riot. Suggest ways in which they might improve their dog’s sleeping habits, toilet training, table manners and overall behaviour. Enjoy it – it’ll be the last time in your life that you will have all the answers.

• To discover how the night feels, go to bed at 10pm. Set the alarm for midnight, wake up and throw yourself violently onto the floor. Place a 56lb bag of potatoes on the duvet and attempt to get back under the covers. Reset the alarm for 5.30am and, just as you are waking up, slap yourself in the face with a large wet sponge. Get up, make breakfast, keep this up for 14 years, try to look cheerful.

• Can you stand the mess that dogs make? To find out first throw 2 gallons of mud onto a newly mopped kitchen floor, smear the excess up the sides of the cooker and kitchen units. Tread a little into the hall and living room carpets. Stick your fingers in the flower-beds and rub them on the clean walls. Now, how does that look?

• Walk down the road with one arm fully extended, break into a jog extending the arm even further. Say ‘heel’ nicely, several times. Shout ‘heel’ several more. Scream ‘stop pulling damn you’. Ignore looks from passers-by.

• Forget the BMW and buy a Ford Sierra. Buy a rawhide chew, a packet of dog biscuits and a large bone. Mash them down the back of the rear seats. Go to the hairdressers and obtain a week’s floor sweepings. Distribute liberally on the seats and carpets. Run a garden rake along both sides of the car. There, perfect!

• Get ready to go out, try to sneak out of the door without making a sound. Go halfway down the garden path, come back. Five minutes later try again. Come back. Put on the stereo and make soothing noises. Try again. Come back. Ring friends and tell them to come round to see you instead.

• Practice sitting on not more that 1/8th of the sofa and try different methods of balancing a hot cup on your knees. When, if ever, you perfect this, try eating a packet of crisps/ biscuits silently whilst keeping the packet totally out of sight. Give up and sprinkles crumbly residue down back of sofa.

• Tie 2 dinner forks together and put a dog lead on a door hook. Rehearse picking up the dog lead silently. When it rattles scratch yourself very hard down the shins with the forks. Repeat procedure several times. Go to the sports shop and obtain a pair of goalkeeper’s shin pads.

•Now for a final tip start practicing even trying to see your computer screen while balancing 40 odd lb's of Stafford on you lap. IMPOSSIBLE.....Nah you just need to start practising when they are tiny Now using the keyboard is an artform.

• Always repeat everything you say at least five times. Always repeat everything you say…Always repeat everything you say.....Always.....Get the picture

The joys of Stafford owning obviously outweigh the cons, that would have to otherwise more of us would end up in the corner rocking.

XXNikXX

Have had himself a couple of days now and im in love along with everyone else. He's a complete dote, has to be stuck in the middle of everything, he has no problem with making himself at home and already i can't imagine being without him.

Wether he's bouncing around or sleeping on your lap he's the happiest little fella ive ever come across and its infectious

And those massive feet :eek:

getz

XXNikXX wrote: »

Have had himself a couple of days now and im in love along with everyone else. He's a complete dote, has to be stuck in the middle of everything, he has no problem with making himself at home and already i can't imagine being without him.

Wether he's bouncing around or sleeping on your lap he's the happiest little fella ive ever come across and its infectious

And those massive feet :eek:

i looks as if he will turn into a big lovely boy -just a tip -when you get collar for him make sure its a thick strong one-most staffie owners do not realize that if your dog is attacked by other dogs he may well get his teeth into them at that stage his jaws will lock on -the reason for the strong collar is so you can put your hand in it and twist that is so it will stop your dogs airways-and then[at the same time ] put the palm of your other hand over his nostrils-this will make him gasp and let go ,but be aware the other dog may snap at you -another thing you may notice is that when some body knocks at your door he will alway try to be there first, dont be worried about this he will be keen only to greet them,but his instinct is to guard you in case of trouble ,so let him get between you and whoever is at the door, you will never regret getting a staffie

Whispered

getz wrote: »

at that stage his jaws will lock on -the reason for the strong collar is so you can put your hand in it and twist that is so it will stop your dogs airways-and then[at the same time ] put the palm of your other hand over his nostrils-this will make him gasp and let go

Lock Jaw - isn't that just a silly myth?

glic83

helena.ryan wrote: »

Lock Jaw - isn't that just a silly myth?

yes it is

arybvtcw0eolkf

helena.ryan wrote: »

Lock Jaw - isn't that just a silly myth?

Absolutely its a myth.

.

getz

Mairt wrote: »

Absolutely its a myth.

.

it would be better if some of the boardies read the posts properly-i never ;said lock jaw ; i said the jaws lock on -big difference, if any of you have ever had a staffie and his jaws havent locked on to another dog -you have been lucky -as a staffie owner of and breeder of over 35 years-this has happend to me many times -the last time was just 6 months ago my staffie bitch took exception to my bulldog eating her meal -and locked on to his neck-i had to get my wife to hold him untill i could release her, it is part of the staffies breading to lock on-lots of staffie breeders play with their staffies by letting the grip on to tyres and lift them up when locked on-i hope you are now a little wiser-

mel94

getz i think that people who dont no about staffies are confused by the ''lock on'' expression.......

getz

mel94 wrote: »

getz i think that people who dont no about staffies are confused by the ''lock on'' expression.......

yes and even one is a moderator -do you thik i can ban him ?

getz

cowzerp wrote: »

Another myth is the strenght of the jaws, there proven to be the same average strenght as a labradors jaws, thats average strenght for a dog which i suppose is strong for a small dog like staffies.

They are more strong willed than some other dogs but great when socialised with animals and always great with people..

in britain (staffordshire mainly) they are seen in a lot of local pubs and they are just like a pub pet! that was my experience in stoke.

i think that now in the uk they are the most popular dog around - which in a way is not good for the breed,

cowzerp

Another myth is the strenght of the jaws, there proven to be the same average strenght as a labradors jaws, thats average strenght for a dog which i suppose is strong for a small dog like staffies.

They are more strong willed than some other dogs but great when socialised with animals and always great with people..

in britain (staffordshire mainly) they are seen in a lot of local pubs and they are just like a pub pet! that was my experience in stoke.

Oh and by the way, PITBULL, its a term used for many dogs from the molloser family-especially american staffordsires terriers, staffordshire bull terriers and american pit bull terriers, There is very little difference between all these dog types anyway so i dont know why people get so worked up about it, there all great with people and need animal socialising and pretty much where made from the same breeds and for the same reasons.