would a male staffy puppy be safe around young kids?

Question

would like to buy puppy but have 3 year old grandchild to think of have been advised not to buy it but both parents are placid loving animals. family members say i am mad to consider it. i have seen them play with kids they are strong but what is the chance of them actually being vicious if not taught that way

Answer 1

A bad dog is not born, its made.

Staffs are loyal, loving and make great pets. If the puppy is growing up with the child, even better...but teach the child respect from the onset.

Answer 2

It would depend on the level of training you put in and how well socialised aroung children it is. If it rarely sees the child and the child cannot be trusted to be gentle with the dog then I would say don't. A 3 year old child doesn't realise that poking a dog in the eys, shoving a pencil up it's nose or jumping or falling on a sleeping dog will hurt in and get it bitten. Adults should ensure that the child is trained to be safe with the dog and that the dog is trained to be safe around children. If you don't see your grandchild regularly or often I would say get the dog if it's what you really want. You have your life to live after all. Go to training classes and introduce it to as many children as possible but ensure that they never once do anything to hurt it as this will destroy it's trust in children for good. You can always put the dog in another room when the grandchild comes to visit if you are not sure.

Answer 3

I grew up with staffies from about 2, and there was never an issue. We always had bitches though. However as the child will presumably not be iving with you all the time some jealosy may develop.

I have two young children and a big Alsation, and although she's great with the kids, (slightly scared of the fur grabbing baby,) I don't leave them alone for the simple reason a child will stick a pencil into a dogs ear, or poke their eyes to see what they feel like. There is no badness in it, but kids are still learning and exploring. Most animals will react to this.

The link below has a phone number to call for advice on dogs. He is has years of experience and will be able to advise you better.

Answer 4

Socialization is the key with any dog. The good thing is that it's still a pup. As long as you socialize thew dog with children and other people the dog will be fine. But you must remember that pups like to mock play fight. (ALL PUPS) do this regardless of the breed. And with a small child this could pose a slight problem. Not to say you shouldn't get your pup. All I'm saying is when you do get the pup. Enroll you and the pup in obedience classes. And I don't mean the ones at petsmart. Go to a real obedience trainer. This will help in the socialization of the the pup with other people and other dogs. And they will teach you how to understand how the dogs mind and natural instincts work. The classes will build a natural and unbreakable bond between you and the dog. While at the classes you can also incorporate you grandson in into the training classes with the dog as one of the dogs handlers or (Pack Leaders). This will also help build the same unbreakable bond between your grandson and the dog. Don't worry if people tell you that your grandson is to young or to little to do this because he isn't. The classes also provide the dog with physical and mental stimulation and will cause him to be a more relaxed, confident, and manageable dog. And he will view your words and commands as law. Good luck

Answer 5

Yes of course it will be ok. You just have to ensure the pup is clearly friendly and not too dominant.

A staff can make a fantastic pet for children.

Unfortunately many people assume that their fighting ancestry makes them highly unsuitable for children- this just is not true. It makes them unsuitable to many other dogs! but not children or people.

Why do you think so many staffs get stolen a) because daft owners tie them up outside stores and b) because most are friendly to people.

Thousands of people have Staff's and children- when is the last time you heard of a Staff attacking a child?

Sure it has happened but it is not in the breed's nature. Germany over-reacted when a pair of staff crosses attacked a child, they blanket banned all bull breeds and made them wear muzzles and leads at all times.

What I would say is you should tend towards a quieter pup as a boisterous animal will knock a youngster flying.

Good luck.

Answer 6

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are great dogs with children as long as, like all other dogs, they are brought up properly AND the children are properly supervised and taught what they can and cannot do.

Staffies have a very high pain tolerance so they are more able to cope with rough handling by children - NOT that rough handling is recommended. They also are naturally easy going and good natured so they are not quick to retaliate if they are hurt.

I really like Border Collies but they are more likely to give a quick nip if hurt whereas a Staffie probably wouldn't feel it anyway.

However it's all about nature and nurture. If your pup has good- natured parents and is brought up in a good environment then you shouldn't have any problems.

Answer 7

Staffs are considered to be one of the best breeds to have with children. They are very affectionate, usually not at all timid, and have a high pain threshold. Ideal for co-existing with a grabby toddler! Although they were bred as fighting dogs, most fighting Bull Terriers were actually kept in the working man's family home. Any dog that showed aggression to the family, and particularly to the children, would not have been kept, and so never would have been bred from.

That said, no dog, of any breed, should be left unattended with small children - you should make sure you supervise at all times when your grandchild visits. This would be true whatever breed of dog you choose. Of course proper training and socialization is very important, but again, this would be true whatever breed of dog you chose.

Answer 8

So we can suppose that 35% of his temperament is genetic ... thus his parent's disposition is important. However, that leaves 65% that you are going to control. Now, take a firm hand, never accept ANY teeth on skin, train him early and consistently. No dog is 'guaranteed safe', however, while we always hear the stats on dog bites, just remember how many millions of dogs NEVER bite anyone! My last comment would be to consider your grandchild and his/her parents. I always tell my clients that the disadvantage of having a beautifully trained dog is that they MUST be protected because you've taken on that responsibility. If you find that your son/daughter are not willing to control their child, or if you'll be afraid of teaching your grandchild how to respect dogs and how to treat them, don't get ANY dog!! Three is old enough to learn not to hit, jump, pull, bite, tease, pinch, poke, injury or annoy any living thing. A dog's crate is there safe zone - never let a child bother the dog in their crate so that doggy has a place to go to escape. I've raised my kids around toy dogs, mid-sized dogs, giant dogs and expect as much from my kids as I do my dogs. Finally, I always encourage people not to simply turn crazed-wild-playing children en mass with any dog without supervision ....
These dogs are bred to work with and for people. Mutual respect is part of the genes - just don't ever let it be abused! Good luck - staffies are super!

Answer 9

Hi,
We have children and two staffords,personally i wouldn't trust another breed around my children.
we call them,the peoples dog,they are known as the nanny dog,they are very affectionate towards people and adore children.
If raised as part of a family,with young children you will not get a better loving dog.
They are not naturally aggressive with people it is not part of there temperament.
The staffordshire Bull Terrier is one of only two breeds that mention good with children in the breed standard issued by the Kennel Club.
If you are going to buy a puppy make sure you go to a reputable breeder,you can find one by ringing the secretary of your nearest breed club,which can be found on The Kennel Club website.
Make sure both parents are screened for L2 HGA/HC and phpv unaffected.
If they haven't tested and tell you there are no problems in there dogs/or pedigree,walk away.
Good Luck in your search and don't let bad press put you off a truely wonderful breed.

Answer 10

We have had several staffys in my family while I was growing up and they have all been gentle, loving dogs. I believe that an animals temperament is more down to the upbringing than the breed. As long as you dont leave your grandson alone with the dog, then things should be fine. I say dont leave him alone with it as no child should ever be left alone with a dog if you are not sure of the animal and also, children can torment animals (pulling ears ets) which may cause even the gentlest of dogs to snap.

Answer 11

Well I think they are the most placid dogs,, around kids,, if they are not pulled kicked etc by kids,, i had my staffy buster nearly 13 year, from being a 6 weekold pup,, never bit anyone,, scared a few with his bark,,lol....had to have him put to sleep in march due to a tumour,,and by the way my kids age 17, 8, and 5...?