I will be the first to admit that a few years ago when my sister first owned a staffy I thought it was a pit bull and would not take my children round to visit but after I did some research I realised they are different breeds and the STAFFY's are recommend if you have children! I now own one and she is gentle and loving even with our kittens I am so glad I have one..but i get fraustrated when people walk on the other side of the street when they see her coming towards them (she is always on a lead) I think they are getting bad press and more needs to be done for people to realise what loving friendly dogs they are and that they are not pit bulls!!! its not fair!!!!!!!!!!
2007-01-04 10:16:22 · 24 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
my children are 9 and 12, if they were younger I wouldnt have one any dog for that matter (just in case) as nothing is worth the risk when it comes to lil ones. They are called the nanny dog and recomended by the KC for having with children,
2007-01-04 10:46:18 · update #1
I know exactly where your comming from.
I do not own a staff but i do volunary work at Dogs Trust and i have come across many. And NONE of them have shown aggression. They are all so happy and full of life.
I adore every single one of them.
It makes me so angry that some ignorant press label these sweet dogs as 'monsters' to the public eye.
Staffs may have a few of the characteristics of a Pit Bull but are nothing like the breed. Pit Bulls are bred to fight and do tend to have an aggressive streak, therefor are feared by many. People just can't seem to give Staffs a chance. But once they do am sure they'll realise that they couldn't of been more wrong.
Hold your head up high when you walk your dog and smile.
All that is important is that you know she's not a Pit Bull and that she is more than friendly.
2007-01-05 02:51:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
I think people are totally missing the point. Staffordshire Bull Terrier Terriers, American Pitt Bull Terriers & American Staffordshire Terriers are 3 different breeds. Of those 3 only 1 is recognised by the (england) Kennel club. The other 2 are banned breeds.
The point people are missing is that These breeds were originally bred for fighting other DOGS & not PEOPLE.!!!
Everytime any dog attacks a person it is down to human error!!
Dogs are not born bad. with correct training and proper care all of these breeds are great family pets.
I am owned by 4 KC reg Staffordshire bull terriers!!!
I would also like to add that Bull Terriers (english bull terriers as some people like to call them) were bred purely for the show ring & not for fighting.
2007-01-04 18:44:47 · answer #2 · answered by Tray 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
We have always had big dogs, two boxers and a bull mastiff, separately though. We now have two beautiful staffies, they are the most obedient, loving ,loyal dogs you could ever wish for. We adore them, we have lots of nieces and nephews visiting on a regular basis. We trust our dogs 100%, they have been brought up in a home that's full of love, and they are exercised every day, they know they are loved and wanted, and so do our four cats. They live together sleep together and are all loved. I wouldn't have another breed of dog now. They are incredible.
2007-01-04 12:49:52 · answer #3 · answered by itsjustme 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
hi i am a staffie owner has well and i have children has well.i always keep him on a lead too people look feel like putting his paperwork on a board and take it out with me so these people can see his a staff and not a pit bull .other dog owners go the another way but he has other staffies around there he plays with .totally agree with your question .my kids are ten and 13 and two are growed up
2007-01-04 10:42:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Actually, as Staffy CAN be duel registered as a UKC American Pit Bull Terrier.. However, a UKC APBT cannot be cross registered as an AKC Staffy..
There are not that many differences, and they used to be the same breed..The Staffys split off from the ABPT, as they were bred for companion and show, and the ABPT was bred as a 'sporting' dog (fighter)
Generally, today's Staffy is less dog aggressive than the APBT..
In 1898 the United Kennel Club was formed with the express intent of providing registration and fighting guidelines for the now officially-named American Pit Bull Terrier. Later, those who wished to distance themselves from the fighting aspect of the breed petitioned the American Kennel Club for recognition of the Pit Bull so that it would be eligible for dog shows and other performance events. The AKC conceded in 1936 but only under the stipulation that the dogs registered with them be called "Staffordshire Terriers", the name of the province in England the breed supposedly originated in. < http://www.bulldogbreeds.com/americanpitbullterrier.html
breed specific legislation recognises them both the same.
2007-01-04 10:32:34 · answer #5 · answered by Chetco 7 · 2⤊ 3⤋
many people don't even know the difference and even less can actually tell the two apart. the best you can do is educate, educate, educate. don't demonize the pit bulls, but explain to people what the differences are. unless your a staffie is registered as a staffie with the AKC you will be hard pressed to prove to anyone that it isn't a pit bull. it's also the only way to be sure for yourself that there isn't some pit in the mix.
2007-01-04 15:12:58 · answer #6 · answered by sgdrkfae 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Yeah, it's those pathetic neds owning banned dogs who get all our pet dogs a bad name. I don't own a Staffy but I've heard how good a family pet they are, just like most dogs if handled, trained and socialised properly.
2007-01-04 10:25:22 · answer #7 · answered by Princess415 4 · 6⤊ 0⤋
I sympathise, but having been attacked by a dog (a bloody great big doberman) I can understand peoples fears. Staffys do look very similar, the shape of the head is very similar, so I can understand how people react.
Personally, I avoid dogs fulls stop, I dont really go near any of them. As they say, once bitten, twice shy. Its true. Its made me wary of dogs, and I wont let my 4 year old go anywhere near one, not even dogs that belong to family. when we visit, they know they have to put the dog out int he garden, I just dont trust any dog near my child.
I feel deeply for the parents of that poor little girl that was killed, but if the family knew the dog was bad (which its been reported they did) why on earth was it allowed anywhere near her. Maybe they made a mistake, well thats all it takes, one moment of forgetfullness, leaving a door open etc.
Sorry if Ive not exactly agreed with you, but I really do think people anthropomorphise animals far too much, at the end of the day they are animals, not humans, and they react differently than us. I understand that people love their pets deeply, and they say that he is so gentle, he wouldnt hurt a fly etc, but to put blind trust in an animal is just mad.
2007-01-04 10:35:12 · answer #8 · answered by lozzielaws 6 · 1⤊ 4⤋
Dogs are basically wild animals. It is dangerous thinking and total irresponsibility to rely on them to never surrender to their basic instincts.
If you want to walk that line I hope to the dear Lord above that you never experience some of the heartbreak and devastation that I have seen in over 50 years of breeding, keeping, training and showing dogs.
It is a natural reaction for people to avoid what they consider a threat to the safety of themselves or those in their charge and take the passive option.
Dogs rarely take the passive option if they or their pack, which they consider you and your family to be, are threatened.
Enjoy your dog but always be alert to the dangers,please.
2007-01-04 10:42:41 · answer #9 · answered by stratmanreturns 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I have two pitbulls. (Real, non staffy's)
And no, I dont' feel sorry for you and I don't feel frustrated about it.
I'm frustrated at people that don't understand pitbulls.
Although, yes, it is microscopically frustrating that people mistake every violent dog in the world for a pitbull, I just can't help but be distant to people when it comes to my dogs.
I'm lucky enough to live in Alaska, where BSL and anti-pitbull hysteria isn't a problem, but I still have to deal with it whenever I converse with people via internet.
It's a sad world out there...
And Am Staffs and Pitbulls have similar ancestors, and maybe you should do some research on pitbulls as well.
They ALSO are recommended for families. They are the most people friendly, loyal, loving and caring dogs. Anyone that would be concerned about their dog being msitaken for one needs to re-up their knowledge.
2007-01-04 12:03:45 · answer #10 · answered by Kristin B © 6 · 1⤊ 4⤋