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Old 22 May 2004, 01:08 PM
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J4CKO
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Default Staffs (the dog, not the place)

We have an old Cocker Spaniel, I want to get a Staff.

Would like to hear your opinions, I have always thought they were lovely dogs, every one I have come into contact with has been freindly, fairly intelligent and up for a bit of fun.

The wife isnt keen as she sees them as being what would be called Chav dogs on here plus I dont think she has ever had any dealings with one.

My wife doesnt work so is around most days, we have three boys aged 5,7 and 8.

Would have to be bitch so it doesnt impregnate the rest of the family's dogs.

Will it wreck the house

Can they 'turn'

What will it do to a toy poodle (Brother in laws inherited one, nobody ever buys Poodles, just inherit) or our old and Blind Cocker ?
Old 22 May 2004, 01:26 PM
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Abdabz
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J4CKO Im on my second staffy now - first one from a top breeder, second from a Staffy Rescue Centre in bolton.

I have to say they are amazing dogs, great around children, not so good around other dogs - but thats in their nature.
Both of mine have been very intelligent loving and great to have around.

I have never known one to turn - very dependable mate - need a lot of attention - walks, playing etc, but also happy just curled up on his favourite chair, which incidentally is HIS chair!!!

For me mate there is no better dog to have - go for it!! If you have any specific questions just pm me.

Paul
Old 22 May 2004, 01:36 PM
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lpski1
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I used to look after a neighbours two staffs whilst she was at work, when i was at school, i loved them dogs and they were fantastic fun, it was great when they bred and had the puppies to bring up, had to help deliver a couple because the mum was tired, very memorable.

they were both very loyal and wouldnt run off when off the lead, full of energy, they dont stop, they need lots of attention and long walks. great for play fighting with, and rolling around, they knew when i had enough, generally because they had more energy than me. Never turned on me or any of my friends, sometimes can a bit of a handful with other dogs, but as Abdadz says, its in their nature. They are great dogs, dont think you will be dissapointed. When i get a house and more time to bring one up, without a doubt it would be a nice dark brindle staff.

if they spend time with the other dogs whilst they are pups, especially if you get a bitch, i dont think you will have a problem. and they are great with kids.

As a side note, as with any dog, i wouldnt leave them alone with children. if you get one, stick some pics up.
Old 22 May 2004, 02:15 PM
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MooseRacer
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Sadly they are Chav dogs.

No reason for you not to do your bit to reverse that. If it's socialised properly when it's a pup - and throughout it's life - there's no reason why it should be 'difficult'.

Nice dogs.
Old 22 May 2004, 02:21 PM
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FrenchBoy
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I know everyone that is fond of a particular breed always says 'they are the greatest dog'.

But i really do think there is something very special about staffies. i've had many dogs in my time from cockers to alsatians and for me the staffy really is the best dog you can get.

every person that has ever owned a staffy will always gush very passionately about these dogs. they are very similar to scoobs (the car not the cartoon) in the respect that you will always remember them very fondly and wonder how you could ever possibly have anything else!

they do need a lot of excersise (2-3 walks a day) and like any intelligent dog they can be destructive if left for long periods of time, but this is due to frustration and boredom not malice, dogs are pack animals and hate to be seperated from the pack.

as mentioned above staffies do tend to be aggresive towards other dogs, this isn't always the case but its something to watch out for. as they are extremely tough, they very rarely tend to come off worse so responsible dog handling is called for.

you'd be hard pressed to find a dog that loves children more than a staffy. its actually kind of weird to see how they react to kids, they go extremely soppy and stupid and become instantly gentle.

any mishandled dog can turn - but its very rare for a staffy to do so. they are very much people dogs - so much so its really hard to describe just how much staffies love people - you can only really understand after being around them and seeing it for yourself.

get a bitch and you wont regret it.

Frenchboy (sadly an ex-staffie owner)
Old 22 May 2004, 02:59 PM
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Confirms all my thoughts, just need to win the wife around, I miss going for walks with the dog as she just doesnt want to any more, just stops after a few hundred yards. I want an up for it dog thats a member of the family.
Old 22 May 2004, 03:24 PM
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*cough* Boxer *cough*

bit bias though
Old 22 May 2004, 03:37 PM
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Yep, like Boxers as well but they are quite a bit bigger, was hoping to not end up with a monster dog but like the compact but powerful nature of the Staff, Dont know much about Boxers but I get the impression that they are similar in temprament to a Staff, i.e loyal, daft and playful, perhaps a bit more highly strung and a lot more slobbery round the mouth. Love Dobermans as well but not keen on Rottweilers after nearly getting mauled on a few occasions, or should I say Rotties arent keen on me ?

I think that my wife may need some persuasion on this one and our existing dog is still around and might not tolerate another dog so I will have to wait, trouble is that she (the wife) just sees a 'Fun Size' Pit-Bull. Just done some reading about the pit bull and it just seems like a lot of the media attention and folklore is based around a few idiots and the breed is actually a well established and generally well balanced dog, still wouldnt have one as they are just too powerful and dont want to alarm anybody, even 2 stone of staff takes some controlling from what I remember.
Old 22 May 2004, 03:46 PM
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They are not chav dogs - that is the most ridiculous thing I've heard. You can't associate an entire breed with a few low lifes. Staffs are fantastic loyal dogs who make great pets. They are amazing with children - incredibly protective. The Victorians actually used Staffs as 'child minders' - especially with very young children. They would bark or make a fuss if anything happened to the child.

Things to remember - they are very strong - they can exert twice the jaw pressure of a Rottweiler and the jaws lock. They need control but do respond to good training if done at a young age. They have an unfair reputation as agressive dogs - nothing could be further from the truth. However, if they have been treated badly or trained to be agressive (which is the owners fault), then you wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of one.

Scooby came from a rescue centre, so she is a litte unsure with other dogs, but with people she is fantastic. I wouldn't trade her for any other breed. I met another fab 2 year old staff this morning - he was lovely.

I walk Scooby off the lead, but only when not on the road / path. I'm always cautious when people approach and especially if they have dogs. Scooby has been in the odd scrap, but then so have most dogs. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend one as a pet.

I'm also a big fan of Boxers / English Bull Terriers and Bulldogs - I'd take any of these to be honest, if I didn't have Scooby.





Chris
Old 22 May 2004, 04:01 PM
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They are not chav dogs - that is the most ridiculous thing I've heard. You can't associate an entire breed with a few low lifes
I disagree. Far too many are bought as some kind of ***** extension/macho statement by dullards who then proceed to kit them out with the biggest 'hardest' studded collar they can afford/steal.

These dumbasses are the one's who have no idea about keeping any dog, end up with a Staff with problems, and perpetuate the wrongful impression that the whole breed is bad.
Old 22 May 2004, 04:11 PM
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My staff has a st georges cross dog tag and a burberry lead so he is a proper chav and i don't care
Old 22 May 2004, 04:12 PM
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Tiggs
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i had english bull terriers since i was a baby, got my last as a 21st birtday present....would never have another or anything like it.
i have two lurchers as well and the joy of owning a dog with no POSSIBLE social problems is a joy.

the lurchers dont own leads, they happily play with other dogs, great with children, etc, etc...in the summer we play in the field behind the house and the dogs are loose the whole time.

could never do that with the BT, as soon as another dog came by we would have to be aware of whats going on...not that there would be trouble but it was always possible....the lurchers would never hurt a fly and thats worth more than anything.

when there are soooo many breeds out there why compromise on one that lacks something as vital as a 100% ability to mix with other dogs......unless you want tokeep it on a studded harness chav styleeee!
Old 22 May 2004, 08:57 PM
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I was being a little generalistic - I guess I'm overly protective with Scooby because I know how strong she is. I wouldn't hold that against her - it's just the way she is and I would rather be safe than sorry. For every dog that I walk past, there is just as much chance that they will have a go at Scooby and she'll do nothing (and this is often the case).

MooseRacer - I see your point, but the longer people go on writing and believing this, the longer the myth goes on and the worse it gets. It was exactly this kind of reaction which led to the Dangerous Dogs Act - the most appaling piece of knee-jerk and ill thought out legislation probably ever passed in our Parliament.

The tabloid press has a lot to do with this, as they did with the DDA. I hate to see what is a fantastic breed of dog reduced to this stereotypical view which is so wrong and does so much harm.

Chris
Old 22 May 2004, 09:03 PM
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golden retriever everytime, friendly to everyone and every dog he meets
Old 22 May 2004, 09:14 PM
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There is nothing worse than walking a dog off a lead and have to worry about bumping into other dogs.
Like Tiggs says, if you will be doing a lot of walking in parks etc stay away from a Staff as they will be aggressive towards other dogs.
Buy a Weimaraner instead.
Old 22 May 2004, 09:15 PM
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Originally Posted by Danny B
stay away from a Staff as they will be aggressive towards other dogs.
.
Don't talk bollocks
Old 22 May 2004, 10:28 PM
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planky
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Originally Posted by Danny B
they will be aggressive towards other dogs.
Stupid comment from someone who knows sod all about staffs.Just because you've heard they have a reputation as fighting dogs,doesn't make the WHOLE breed aggressive

I've got a idea,come and see my staff when shes out in the park and you will see a dog who hasn't got any attitude or ever had any and she really couldn't give f*ck about other dogs,even when on many occasions,Labs,gsd's etc have had a go at her
Personally think people should leave their dog on the lead if they are known to be aggressive IMO..The poor girl is now 15yrs old now and finds it hard to get around the park without dogs having a go at her

Anyway back to topic..I've had many dogs over the years and my staffie has been the best by far,easy to look after,just watch out for the chewing phase great with kids and i still think they are the best dog you could own
Old 22 May 2004, 10:36 PM
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Agree SB - that is exactly the kind of crap I'm talking about. Staffs are no more agressive than any other dog. The owners can be at fault for lack of training or lack of control, but you cannot blame the dog or generalise to such an extent.

The insurance industry has listed nine breeds that liability claims show are at "high risk" for biting: American Staffordshire Terrier (NOT the same as a Staffy) , Boxer, Pit-Bull Terrier, Chow-Chow, Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd, Great Dane, Rottweiler, and Siberian Husky.

It's not the breed that makes a dog dangerous, it's the attitude of the owners.

Chris
Old 22 May 2004, 11:29 PM
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"It's not the breed that makes a dog dangerous, it's the attitude of the owners."

true, but thats like saying its not the car thats fast...its the driver. .....but a ferrari is always going to be quicker!

my BT is great with the kids, real character, etc,etc but its in his nature to be defensive with other dogs...and thats a pain.

when im in the field kicking a ball around with the kids my lurchers will be off looking for rabbits somewhere, if another dog bumps into them i dont even give it a second thought...and thats a great feeling i never get with the BT.
Old 22 May 2004, 11:41 PM
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To take it one step further - you don't have to use the speed in the Ferrari even though it has it - you exercise self control. Some of the most agressive dogs I've come across are Poodles (Jack Russells can be too!).

I just cannot agree with the huge generalisation of a whole breed in the way that some people portray them. It is simply not in their nature to be like that.

Chris
Old 23 May 2004, 12:08 AM
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The only dog I have ever been bitten by was a f*ckin West Highland Terrier, cute head cocking, Mr Dog troffing, treat begging, sh1tty arsed, worm ridden piece of ****. Little **** didnt half maul my finger, it had a go (on a separate occasion) at my three year old for no reason but luckily only got his fleece, it was decided that it wasnt welcome in my house having bitten us, oh and the fact I threatened to disembowel it with a kitchen knife after the incident with the little lad, normally very passive myself but seeing a dog go for your child is very scary, even if it is only a spoilt lap dog, I am not sure whether I would have carried out my threat.

I hate Westies, I know their game, look cute but are pure evil, a mate of mine used to have a huge (by Westie standards) male and it just used to growl and snap all the time, therefore for me they are more aggressive than Dobermans as I have never been bitten by a doberman, bruised, battered, slobbered on and mounted but never bitten.
Old 23 May 2004, 02:42 AM
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lpski1
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Red face

Originally Posted by MooseRacer
Sadly they are Chav dogs.

No reason for you not to do your bit to reverse that. If it's socialised properly when it's a pup - and throughout it's life - there's no reason why it should be 'difficult'.

Nice dogs.
CHAV dogs eh! and why? do they not fit your social scene then, do you frown on all breeders or owners of such an animal !

have you ever owned one or you talking out your **** !

Last edited by lpski1; 23 May 2004 at 02:58 AM.
Old 23 May 2004, 02:56 AM
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as said previously, any dog will be as ferocious as its owner has trained them. why is someone thats the owner of a staff, make them a so called SNET chav. ! get over it. and the reason people have a studded harness on them is, because its better for the dog, its not about lookin fooking hard !

i guess that means anyone you frown on that doesnt do as you do is a CHAV right ? *****

Jacko, best advice i have, go and see some breeders, meet the owners make up your own mind, you will be surprised. ! oh and dont pick the first one, go back to it if you fall in love !
Old 23 May 2004, 08:03 AM
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lpski1 I'd recommend reading and quoting my posts properly (if you can) before getting all aggressive (some might say chavvy)

Did you not notice (or just choose to ignore) the parts where I've said the reputation they do have (whether you like it or not) is mostly unjustified, should be no reason to put him off getting one and indeed it would be good for him to do his part to reverse the wrong reputation they have?

I'd love to hear your reason as to why a studded harness is better for the dog ffs


d.head.
Old 23 May 2004, 09:58 AM
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i have a studded harness and have had BT for years- i even had one get into crufts.

my parents breed them since i was a child.....and in all that time i have never heard why a studded harness is better for the dog!

(i never use it on the dog now as its chav stylee at its best!- i also have the spotlights that i used on my capri 15 years ago...and i wouldnt use them again either!)
Old 23 May 2004, 10:12 AM
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Originally Posted by Tiggs
i have two lurchers as well and the joy of owning a dog with no POSSIBLE social problems is a joy.

......unless you want tokeep it on a studded harness chav styleeee!
Suppose you have got a jack russell as well pikey styleeee
Old 23 May 2004, 10:50 AM
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jack russles are to yappy!

im happy with my BT/Lurcher Pikey/Chave commbo...is that a Pavey? or a chavkey?
Old 23 May 2004, 11:08 AM
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Danny B
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Stupid comment from someone who knows sod all about staffs
I never said they go around biting every other dog they see, but you have to admit that they are more aggressive towards other dogs than most other breeds, it's not their fault, that's what is in their genes so to speak.
I know about about Staffs, I lived in Feltham for 4 yrs
Old 23 May 2004, 12:31 PM
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The whole Staffy aggression towards other dogs is just something to be aware of - thats all!!

If the dog shows early signs, it can be easily trained out of them. Its like anything with dog training/handling - if the dog is allowed to get away with it then they will continue to do it.

My staffy was always walked off the lead, she loved to play with other dogs, the bigger and rougher the dog, the happier she was. i never had a moments trouble with her, she was a popular dog amongst all the other owners in the area and she made many regular dog friends that were walked down the park at the same time.

Never once did i worry when she was out of my sight that she might be fighting with other dogs. The only time she was ever a pain in the **** off the lead is when she'd bugger off chasing pheasants and squirrels.
Old 23 May 2004, 12:43 PM
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Alas
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Talking

Forget the staffy m8 - get a French Mastiff.
Mine is as loyal as can be.
Mad with people.
Mad with other dogs.
Steals shoes, remote controls, phones, all clothes and puts them in his bed.
Slobbers over everything.
Grabs the ar*e of your jeans as you walk past him.
Unties your shoe laces.
Chases things eg squirrels but gives you a laugh when they run up a tree he runs into it.
Empties kids sandpits.
Steals tools while you're working including wet paintbrushes.
Tries to bite the end of the hose when you're cleaning the car. etc etc.
On 2nd thoughts get a staffy
Alas


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