I love Staffies. Had to have my best friend Brewster put to sleep earlier this year, worst day of my life. Said I would never have another. Now have two Staffies! Was contacted by Staffie Rescue, would I take on a 10 month old bitch that had been used a 'bait' for SBT fighting. Said no straight away as I was still grieving for Brewster and was very wary of housing a dog with such a past. Decided to give her a 2 week trial period. Lucy arrived, very timid and sad. To cut a long story short, she settled in really well - such an affectionate lovely girl. When we had Raef SBT puppy from a good breeder, Lucy tried to feed him!! She is such an amazing 'Mother' to him. They get on so well together. They play, eat and sleep together, no sign of any aggression. Neither will ever replace Brewster but they have made my house a great place to be.

I will agree with you on that one

Sue

I'm not sure my dog would, but I don't intend to find out either. He will defend my grandson and the cats I know that for sure.

Sue

There will always be certain breeds of dog that attract idiot owners - fact of life. So I think it must be up to us as responsible owners to be the ambassadors of certain breeds such as SBT, GSD's, Rotties etc.

I am amazed that Staffies were once encouraged to show aggression in the ring, but then nothing about the Kennel Club would surprise me

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It had nothing to do with the KC, it was the breeders themselveswho encouraged it as that was how they perceived the temperement of the breed back then, I didnt say they KC approved. It's was the same, and still is to some extent, with the GSD where you get people 'egging ' them on from outside the ring, I believe, from a friend of mine who stewards, that they can be disqualified for it now.
Mary
x

Its definatley all down to the owners IMO. You see so many young blokes roaming town centres and streets with off lead staffies. No one should have their dog off lead in a busy town centre or next to a road. Is it any wonder that the poor dogs get a bad rep.

I was a little scared by the first Staffy I properly 'met'. She came screeching round the corner, full pelt and frightened the life out of me... .... before putting on the brakes, tripping over herself and sitting their staring up at me with her big adorable face, tongue hanging out!! All she wanted was a big old hug and to say hello! Silly JenJen!! She's the biggest softy ever!!

She does have a weird habit of licking you to death though lol Almost put a whole in my jeans!!

But as everyone said, it depends on the owner. JenJen's owner looks like a thug (but isn't I'd like to point out) but is really gentle with her and made sure he invested the time into her training. Now, she's a sweetie! So yeah, deed not breed.

I also think there's something to be said for the temperament of each dog as an individual. Belle (2 yr old shar pei) is lovely but she barks at everything and is very protective. - but then she's also daft and will roll over for a belly rub once she's sure your not a threat!!! Apparently shar peis are supposed to be quite quiet as dogs go... never would think it having met Belle

So I think it depends on the dog's character as well, some are a little nervous or energetic naturally (which can be percieved as aggressive by people who are a little less sure around dogs) but a good handler will deal with the good and the bad productively and you'll have a happy dog at the end. So there's no need to pursecute the staffie as a breed, it's just scare mongering for the sake of a 'story'.

Quite right too. My first real introduction to a Staffie was when I called for my friend as a youngster and having her male Staffie sit on me, like it or not That kindda sums them up really

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