So can collies, GSD's, labs, cockers, springers, westies. All dogs that have attacked mine for no apparant reason.

And not once did my Stafford even fight back, even when a lab had a chunk of him in her mouth.

Its because of ignorant attitudes that Staffords have such a bad time. Even socialising them can be a challenge as people see them as blood thirsty baby killers. No wonder some arent great with other dogs.

__________________

I am just a worthless liar.
I am just an imbecile.
I will only complicate you.
Trust in me and fall as well.
I will find a center in you.
I will chew it up and leave,
I will work to elevate you
just enough to bring you down

I don't think the above does it quite as violent as staffies do.. I have seen a staffy attack another dog in broad daylight.. it was awful and they lock there jaws down.. evil swine it was

I can see your point about other dogs attacking but its how they are brought up also, same as a wolfie if you bring them up to know no different they don't understand. We rescued a wolfie from a backyard and it was protective over food, toys, chews and me. When ever the rottie went near it used to go mad, I ended up in the middle of it at one point, but take all that away and the dogs were best buds

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They dont have locking jaws. A complete myth spread by ill educated people.

Ive seen a couple of horrendous fights. One between two GR which resulted in the near death of one of the dogs.
Ive seen the end result of when a GSD and a JRT had a fight. One dead terrier.
Ive seen a pom die from wounds caused by labs.

ALL dog fights are bad, no breed is exempt when neither party refuse to back down. ALL dogs can cause horrendous damage.

__________________

I am just a worthless liar.
I am just an imbecile.
I will only complicate you.
Trust in me and fall as well.
I will find a center in you.
I will chew it up and leave,
I will work to elevate you
just enough to bring you down

Its a shame for the breed. They are strong powerful little dogs and do have a bite that will do serious harm if it happens but its all down to if you want a staffie going to a reputable breeder and not going to your mate down the road unless of course they are a reputable breeder

My very close freinds have had staffies since we were children Im in my forties now, in total they have had 12 staffies, 6 at each time, they still have 4 although do not breed anymore and some wonderful puppies all health checked have gone to as far as they could predict good homes.

None of their dogs have ever shown any form of aggression or even bolshiness, theyv been reared in a loving but firm boundaried household with children other animals and lots of exercise and training put in.

On the other hand another of my freinds went to a breeder who was cheaper had not looked in to the temprement of the mother and father of the pups and ended up wth a nervous unpredictable Staffie one who did not get along with other dogs, to begin with my freind had many many hard days with thier dog but with careful handling the young staffie turned round and could be trusted within reason to play nicely.

Just a little support for the breed.

In the wrong hands though they are risky but arent all dogs, my standard boy was attacked by a collie, and a freinds dog was savaged by a standard poodle, so I suppose we just have to all be mindful before we let our dogs play with any breed of dog.

Picking your little dog up is a tricky one. I always think if you can leave the dog on the floor this is the better option as a dog doesnt realise its size and my mini schnauzer sees off the biggies when they get too much but I can see how if put in the position where I felt she was going to get attacked Id probably go against my better judgement and pick her up.

Well yes I do agree but most of the issues caused are because of 'careless' owners!

Dogs in wrong hands is like mixing a lethal potion... put a staffie in the hands of 18 year old chav and you get things like this.

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Thanks Nonnie youv educated me here. I thought they did have a jaw that locked once they bit but thinking about it when my friends dog the nervous one got himself entwined aggressively with another dog my freind was always able to get him off the other dog

Sorry but put any dog in the hands of any irresponsible person and problems will arise. Also its not just staffies, not just 18 year old, and not just chavs.

Over generalisation of everything.

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Home occupants include:
Becky- That's me
Shelby- 4 year old Patterdale Terrier bitch
Dodge- 5 year old Staffy X dog
Lane, Staley and Marlon- 3 Female rats
And last but not least:
Mark- Long suffering Partner!

I sincerely everything works out for you OP

However I have to agree with the others. Putting these dogs to sleep is not the answer. It should only be used as a last resort. Every possible avenue should be explored first.

I hope these dogs can be rehabilitated and live out the long happy lives they deserve to have.

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People have mentioned the fact about the owners being to blame and not the dog. Fair point.

Also to consider is the fact that we are discussing animals here and not toys! Dog's are not programmable pieces of equipment. Innate drive, hormones, traits, diet, and environment all contribute to a dogs behaviour. Owners with smaller dogs may have to accept that larger breeds could be a threat. However there is more reason for those with smaller breeds to socialise their dog with the larger one's. Picking them up or avoiding them really is damaging.

To add. My Ridgeback puppy that is 17 weeks of age and recently trained off lead approached my neighbours king charles in the fields last week. Within a couple of minutes it was clear that the King Charles had no innate ability/drive to to display authority of my dog. This toy breed was completely puzzled, tormented and in distress. I leashed my bitch as clearly it was unfair on the King Charles.

I know puppies can be 'over the top', but medium to larger breeds have never reacted like this with her.

Example that two breeds are not in-tune with each other, Comparison would be a cricketer playing rugby, rugby player taking on cricket. Both humans but different skills, ability and nature.

It could be argued that if your breed has been genetically evolved into not being able to remotely defend itself then it falls within the survival of the fittest. There are some breeds out there that rely to heavily on human intervention,medically, domestically and sociably.

My son is at vet school and has witnessed many horrific sights due to the damage Staffies and many other bull breeds can inflict, whilst in practice. Though he does not come to the conclusion that Staffies are all vicious and aggressive. My uncle is a Police dog handler and witnesses the aggression of Staffies on a weekly basis though he puts it down to many of them having the wrong owners. So don't tell me I am ignorant and a moron.

Not EVERY Staffie is aggressive but there are many that are especially with other dogs . I am not saying that Staffies are ALL bad dogs it would be ludicrous to say they were.

Yes I will pick my dog up when I see a Staffie charging at her snarling and growling whilst the owner is sitting on a bench laughing and getting stoned. I would be a MORON if I didn't pick her up in that situation

I have been brought up with GSD's and Doberman's and many other dogs. I didn't say I HATED them and no I don't HATE Rotties or HATE any animal. I said I don't like them or trust them "as in wouldn't want to have a breed that could do the damage they can". Maybe that was wrong how I put that accross in my last post and apologise for that to those who have Staffies or Staffy crosses. You don't have a clue how much knowledge I have about dogs or anything else. You are just rude and petulant and I won't be drawn into a small minded slagging match and do not wish to add anymore to this thread apart from wishing Elvis and his owners all the best