We have an opportunity of a staffordshire bull terrier-blue 9 wk pup, but have 2 young children & two 3 year?

Question

old persian cats (girls) - would a staffy be ok with them all or woudl they clash?

Answer 1

If you're working with a reputable breeder they should be able to tell you more about the dogs temperment, how it reacts to children & other animals, and what to expect in general from the breed. Be careful of the "my sister/brother/friend breeds the dogs, I'm just selling them for her" story as that is possibly a puppy mill dog and those dogs have lots of problems you don't want, plus you don't want to support that kind of business. From what I understand, the blue Staffies are more susceptible to that kind of thing and "backyard breeders" who aren't always as careful with health checks, etc, as you want them to be because the blue is so desirable.

All that said, I have a 8 month Staffie, my first of the breed. I've had 2 cats in the past and 3 other breeds of dogs, but none of them are still with us. My Staffie is definately a great pet, and will be an awesome family dog, no doubt about it. LOVES people, especially kids. Mine has no dog issues, although that can happen in the breed and may still happen with mine as she gets a little older, but she's well socialized so I hope she won't develop that trait. Totally ignores cats, could care less about them.

I will say this about having her around young kids, though - she's VERY mouthy, much more so than any other dog I have had. If we had had young kids in the house when we got her I think it would have been a problem, and we would probably have had to muzzle until she learned some bite inhibition. She doesn't bite hard or to be mean (sweetest dog on the planet), but she plays rough sometimes - it was especially bad before she lost those razor sharp puppy teeth! She has a STRONG play drive, so be prepared for that - they need lots of exercise, and now that she is grown she could easily knock over small kids without meaning too - she's small but very very solid. She's been very easy to train, very smart dog, and a fabulous personality. Now that I have had one I will never want any other kind of dog. She's such a little love bug, too - loves to snuggle and always wants to be with you.

In short, a great dog and I think a great family dog, but you will have to watch him/her around the little ones very closely at first. Make sure the kids respect her, too, and everyone should get along. I will say the breeder I used for my puppy had a young child in the house, born and raised with lots of Staffies around, no problem.

Good luck with your puppy purchase!

Answer 2

I love the Staffordshire breed as I have one and I too have 3 children. I first met the parents of the puppy to see what it's personality was and they were not anxious, and it being so young it will be raised with your kids so I feel it will be great!

Answer 3

This is something that has always been miss constrewed.
STAFFORDSHIRES LOVE CHILDREN! AND OTHER PETS IF YOU INTRODUCE THEM AT THAT AGE.
Don't believe all the rubbish you hear, just supervise your kids and the new puppy give lots of love to all and make sure you teach your kids to respect the dog as they should any animal, train your pup as soon as possible and always take for walks to socialize.
Check out pittbull sites like badrap.com they give you the facts that you want.

Answer 4

If your starting with such a young dog I wouldnt be worried. Do you know the parents of the dog? How is there demeaner? Its all in how you raise them. Have you ever considered getting a shelter dog? Mutts make the BEST dogs! Good Luck