I have just found out that my new 8 month old puppy is an Irish Staff....?

Question

Should I be worried about this breed? She is around 8 months old and I am worried as I have heard that this breed is like the Pittbull and can be dangerous! I don't have kids but I have them around me and I don't trust her around them yet. I have had her for 5 weeks as the person who had her could not cope with her and they were told she was a Staffie X. She is very playful and loves cuddles, should I consider getting rid of her?

Any suggestions or websites that can offer me breed info would be great, I have been on molosser.com but can not find any others with a wider range of information on this breed..... Please help!

Just to clarify what the difference is between an Irish Staff and a Standard Staff is the size: Standard Staffs stand at 14 - 16 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 13 - 20 kgs or 28 - 44lbs and the Irish Staff stands at 16 - 19 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 17.6 - 18.5 kgs or 39 - 41lbs bitches are upto 4lbs lighter.

I am a dog owner already he is 9 years old now I have no problems with him, or her, it is what I have heard that worried me i'm in the UK and I worry about the dangerous dogs act. I'm not a novice with dogs just this breed, like some you who are not familiar with this breed I too had not heard of an Irish Staff either!

Answer 1

This is an assertive type breed.
You should get into some training classes or see if you can find a behavorial trainer in your area to work one on one with you and your dog.
They are fine but they do take a firm hand and a dedicated owner willing to put the time and training into them.
You will need to set up a routine and do not deviate from it. You will need to set up rules and if she breaks them there will be consequences. You will need to be the top dog and she will have to learn to respect you.
Once you establish some boundries and limitations for her and follw them thing should be fine.
These are and can make wonderful pets but you just have to be consistant and make sure you put training time in with them.
Some owners do not have the time or want to spend the time training ans if that is the case then this might not be the best dog for you.

Answer 2

Some of the answers here worry me. No, you dont have to get rid of her. The Staff is the AKC version of an APBT American Pitbul Terrier. These dogs are the best for children and family. Ironically thats what makes them the name they have now. They are so tenacious about protecting home and family that they do not tolerate strangers that may be a danger. I just did a whole research on these animals and Im convinced that I would rather have this breed then any other. Because of controversies The AKC will not touch the name Pitbull so they gave it the other, which stems from its origonal breeding roots. Here are some sites that cover these topics and go into detail about this animal. Including how they got the bad reputation. Percentage of other animal bites across the US and across the globe and breeding histories, where they came from and how reliable they are. Which by the way Pitbull attacks is news topic driven drival. They call it a pit even if its another breed. Poodles just arent scary. Your lucky to have one of these dogs. A Dalmation is 5 x's more lickley to snap at kids then a Staff. The staff was bred for high tolerance with humans.
On the Irish Staff:
The Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier does everything full throttle: play, work and love. It is extremely courageous and obedient, affectionate with a sense of humor. One owner of this breed says "Staffordshire Bull Terriers are very people friendly. They are not particularly wary of strangers in almost all circumstances - although I've heard a few anecdotes about some being wary of particular people. My dogs are always happy to meet new people!" The breeds reputation with children is second to none. Adored and adoring within its own family circle. Excellent with other dogs and always ready to play. They are intelligent and stubborn at times but this is the appeal of this 'human' in doggy fur! The Irish Staffordshire ......... To read mor eclick the last link provided. I have added both breeds because there are actually sever that are claasified in this terrier range and they are all related in temprament and looks and ability.

Answer 3

i am not too familiar with the irish staff but i want to say something here regarding pittbulls. its people who make the dog they way they are. i really believe pittbulls can be nice .. but dont forget all animals have the kill instinct regardless if its that little dog down the street.. its how you raise the dog that means alot to the future of the animals behaviour. i want to know ..have you gotten all the history about this dog from the previous owner thats where you should start. and no i dont think you should get rid of her .. give her a year or so to see what she is like she is still young. remember all pups play its how they are set in their ways thats important. do some research on the breed on ways of training that type of dog.. if you have had her 5 weeks you wont beable to part with her. just keep trying to care for her and love her to death thats more important.. bren

Answer 4

I would contact a vet and also a dog trainer (preferably one that has experience with aggressive breeds). Be prepared to sign her up for doggy obedience classes. Just to be on the safe side, muzzle her when you take her outside - that way you avoid any accidents before they could happen. GL!

PS: I have no idea what an Irish Staff is, but I'm guessing it's like a Staff Terrier?

Answer 5

Please remember - this is the same dog that before you found out about the staff was issuing no concerns.

It is NEVER a bad dog becuase of breed, it just means that they are pre-disposed to certain behaviours. I have a 120 lb Rottie X Mastiff and he is AMAZING with kids, and our 4 lb Chihuahua too.

You should always remember with dog breeds like these that they need to be productive in a family group. They will be very good at protecting the family - as they will bond a great deal with you and your kids.
You have to be the resposible owner though - and MOST IMPORTANTLY! YOU are the pack leader and you have to be the one in charge of the pack. Ceaser Milan - the Dog Whisperer is amazing - check out his web site and TV show for great training advice.

Answer 6

i have a staffordshire bull terrier , not the irish one, and he is the most loving dog i have ever had , keep the puppy and GIVE HIM A CHANCE dont judge a book by its cover and dont judge a dog by its breed. He could turn out to be the best dog youve ever had. You will know yourself is there is a problem with the dogs temperament and you as the dog owner and handler are the only person that will know your dog , and whether you should worry about his temperament or not. Do not judge by breed judge by the dog infront of you , how does he act around you and children??

Answer 7

You are incredibly lucky because the Irish Staffordshire terrier is a rare animal. I was adopted by one who left his owners (he jumped the fence) to be with me, and he was a great companion. His owners gave up fetching him after a while.

The Irish staffie has a better temperament than a bull terrier or a pit bull.

The Irish staffie needs firmness and control. From your questions it sounds like you may not have the experience to cope with this wonderful animal. You can either consider going for obedience classes that will teach you control, or you can put her up for adoption.

If you can be firm with her and give her plenty of exercise then keep her.

Answer 8

it doesn't matter what breed the dog is. As long as you are firm but kind in your training and socialise it VERY well you will not have a single problem. its the people who breed these dogs for fighting etc that give the breed a bad name. They are actually very lovable.
Don't get rid of her, she is in her teens so is bound to be difficult. It will take time for you to build a bond and for her to settle down. Never leave her alone with the kids, as with any dog, but don't put her away everytime they are round as she will associate them with a bad thing and is more likely to resent them. Just be patient with her.

Answer 9

Dogs are a bit like people - they are shaped mainly by how they are brought up.

If you look after your dog properly and train her correctly there is no reason why she shouldn't mature into a nice pet.

You are right to be cautious about dogs and children. Everyone should be. Dogs can get wound up very easily by children so they shouldn't be left alone together and children should be taught how to behave around dogs.

If you are considering 'getting rid of her' please do so with some respect for this young dog who, as far as I know, has done nothing wrong.

She needs to go to a permanent loving home with people who are experienced with, and particularly like bull breeds

Answer 10

a google search turned up these sites.
Never mind how playful and loving she is with you, that is no indicator of whether she is safe with kids. She may get dominant and jealous.
It is essential that you take her to obediance classes and learn how to be top dog with her. If she is under you then she won't feel like she has the right to threaten your visitors.
You also need to be able to control her and get her to 'stop' on command, no matter wwhat she is doing, chasing a ball or whatever.
You then need to socialise her with kids off her territory, then on her territory; with her not just on the lead but also under your control.
And I reckon that goes for any dog of any breed; poodles are probably more likely to snap but a staffy can potentially do more damage with each bite.
It would probably be easier for you if they were your kids! She just needs to learn that if you say the people can visit then she has to accept it.