2006-08-12 18:26:29 · 9 answers · asked by kfriedman 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
American Staffs I can't completely vouch for. But I do know that Staffordshire Bull Terriers are nicknamed "The Nanny Dogs" in many areas.
It does depend on the dog.. that much is true. Of American Staffs and Staff Bulls, Staff Bulls tend to be the more reserved breed.
I don't know if you are planning on adding a dog to your kid or a kid to your dog.. but that does play a roll. If you have an American Staff now and are planning on having kids, I'd suggest you get your dog some obedience training (if you haven't already) and get them used to being with children now.
As with any breed, a small small child should not be left unaccompanied with a dog... dogs can only take so much ear-pulling torture. You also need to know how to read your dog's body language, to know that enough is enough. A child also has to learn to respect the dog's space.. there should always be two places in a home where a dog can go to be alone and not be harassed.. and a child should be tought to not enter that area. (Crate, enclosed bed, etc)
2006-08-12 18:47:25 · answer #1 · answered by moosh_moosh_smoosh 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have 2 step-children ages 4 and 5 that were raised with our 2 pit bull terriers. One of our dogs (the female) was almost 2 when we introduced her (very cautiously) to our kids, the other(her son) was introduced as a newborn. I believe that no matter the breed of dog you just have to make sure that they have the temprement to be with kids. Any dog can snap at kids; at anyone for that matter. I have been more afraid of a couple different small dogs than any of the larger dogs I have been around. As far as I can tell though and research that I have done on Staffy's and Pit's they do make great babysitters. Our dogs will not let our children go near a road or strangers at all. They sit in the middle of our driveway and don't let the kids go past and bark if anyone drives down the road. Very protective of "thier babies". Good luck with whatever you decide.
2006-08-12 19:11:49 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I wonder too! It has to be ignorance gone to seed..
This is from Government stats:
In the 6-year study published in the medical journal PEDIATRICS (Vol.97 No. 6, 891-5), Jeffrey J. Sacks, M.D. and associates reported the finding of 109 bite-related fatalities. They found that 57% of the deaths were in children under 10 years of age. 22% of the deaths involved an unrestrained dog OFF the owner's property. 18% of the deaths involved a restrained dog ON the owner's property, and 59% of the deaths involved an unrestrained dog ON the owner's property.
The researchers also found that 10% of the dog bite attacks involved sleeping infants.
2006-08-12 18:32:10 · answer #3 · answered by Chetco 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It depends on the breeding and temperament of your dog. All individuals cannot be lumped together, there are good and bad dogs in every breed. If you can check with the breeder for clues about the parents personalities, and watch your dog very closely for bad behavior and correct any aggression immediatly. That goes for any breed of dog, not just Staffy's.
2006-08-12 18:34:49 · answer #4 · answered by debbie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
American Staffys have a great temperament with children, but how you bring the them up always helps with any dog.
2006-08-12 18:51:09 · answer #5 · answered by lyndell v 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just make sure the young children don't hurt ,pull,harm the dog's
2006-08-12 18:39:21 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's sort of like Russian Roulette with your kid the loser.
You may have a good one that never causes any harm, or you may get one that snaps one day. There is never any way to tell.
Then again, that can be said of most dogs.
2006-08-12 18:39:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
NO DOG should be subjected to TORMENT by children!
2006-08-13 01:26:26 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no idea
2006-08-12 18:34:46 · answer #9 · answered by tilly loveanimals4ever(:(:(:(:(: 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋