Our staffie Duke is simply the best for us. They only have one gear, overdrive. They are known to be the Jekyll and Hyde of the cainines, loving with its family but not so with other dogs, this trait has been reduced by selective breeding - we found early socialization, linked with training classes has been the ticket.

We picked our little lad up Friday evening August 12 2005 from Barton on Humber (quite a drive for us). After a little exploration he settled down and slept, I expected him to cry at least the first night. We heard nothing I got up at about 2.30am to check on him, he was fine.

He was quick to learn (good as well as bad habits) and house trained within weeks. I expected a certain amount of chewing/destruction especially when he started teething, he didn't and never has. He did use to chew his chews and the bottom of the coffee table at the same time though - can't really complain!

He gets on great with other dogs (provided they are social he wont stand any nonsense). He gets on well with our cat Jasper (Jasper is the boss).

He is brilliant with our grandson, the two are inseparable.

Sometimes he is left for long periods during the day as both my husband and I work full time. My son works shifts so there are times when he isn't left as long.

I tend to give Duke loads of exercise although I have been informed on a previous thread that an adult STB will be happy with as much or as little as you can manage the average being between 1 to 2 hours.

Sue