staffordshire bull terrier?

Question

im thinking of getting a staffordshire bull terrier. i have an 18 month old daughter.
what are these dogs like with children?? please help thanks x x x x

im just so wary of these type of dogs attacking my daughter, after the ellie lawrenson incident etc

Answer 1

Staffies are probably the best breed to get if you have kids. They love kids and normally behave very well around them. They have a high pain tolorence, so if your daughter was to pull on the dogs ears or tail, like young children often do, you wouldn't have to worry about the dog freaking out and snapping. They do tend to have a high prey drive, but many do well with other animals such as other dogs and cats, and these dogs are often reffered to as "nanny dogs" for their nurturing attitude and ability to take on animals of different species as their own. They do tend to chew a lot, but as long as you train it to chew on its toys, then your furniture should be fine. Staffies usually have lots of energy, so make sure you will be able to provide it with adequate exercise. I would not reccomend this breed to a first time dog owner though.

About that comment stating that you would be better off with a collie or a lab... NOT TRUE! A 3 year old girl was mauled by a Golden Retriever last week, and a Labrador Retriever bit its owner in the face so badly, that the world's first face transplant was required. Labs and Goldens are so-called "gentle breeds". This just goes to show that it is not the breed, it is how the dog is raised. But if you are really concerned about statistics, Staffordshire Bull Terriers have one of the highest temperment scores, with an 85.2% pass rate. Compare that to the 79.2% pass rate of the collie.

Answer 2

I have been raising this breed for 20 years and I have never had a problem w/kids but as with any dog do not leave the child alone with them. Breeds (including sbt's or pit bulls) do not suddenly turn on people that is a myth....it is provoked in some way...get a puppy and socialize them well. They do tend to get animal aggressive if not socialized properly. Make sure you meet the parents, if the show any signs of being aggressive pass on the pups. You have pet lines and game lines. Game lines do tend to show more aggression than a good pet line...be patient don't take the first pup you see...backyard breeders should not be considered, look for a good breeder (plenty out there) and you will have a great pet and loyal friend for years. If the breeder won't answer all questions and let you see their kennels, walk away quickly.

Answer 3

Hi Lou!
In England, the Stafford is known by the affectionate nickname,
"The Children's Nursemaid" or "The Nanny Dog." Their tolerance of,
and affection for, children is well known. That doesn't mean,
however, that it's a wise idea of put the puppy and child together
without supervision. Children should learn to respect the dog and
neither should indulge in play that is too rough. Some Staffords -
even the males - have a "mothering instinct" and will stick right
by the little ones, whether they are puppies or kids. A Stafford,
"tough" and not as quick to react to pain or discomfort, is likely
to make allowance for the attentions of toddler, finding a refuge
only when things become too overwhelming.

Good Luck..they are Great dogs!! : )

Answer 4

They're lovely dogs, and can be very good with children, but they are very boisterous.

The person who said 'a fancy name for a pit bull' makes me sick. That's not even a joke. They are not the same breed - and even pit bulls can be perfectly nice dogs IF BROUGHT UP CORRECTLY.

As for the person who said they can just turn 'for no reason' - what complete crap. No dog 'turns for no reason' - they always have a reason, only people who don't understand dogs say that. In my experience, collies are the ones you have to for biting suddenly!

Some breeds of dog have natural guarding/dominance instincts that need to be handled properly with training, but I wouldn't say staffie's were one of them. Any dog you get will need to go to a training class of course. The Ellie Lawrence incident - don't tar the whole breed, that could just as easily have been a labrador or a collie, or any other large dog brought up incorrectly.

Chalice

Chalice

Answer 5

They are Great with kids up north they are known as the Nanny dog for this very reason
I have a 2 year old ***** the first staffie I have owned she lives here with 6 cats a rabbit and 6 Guinea pigs all of whom she considers are friends
We have children visiting us on a regular basis one of whom has cerebral palsy and she loves to play with them I will say she may barge them in her excitement but they can sit on her take her food or her toys and she never seems to mind but her favourite time is when the kids are whacked out she lays down with them as if she is guarding them I have some great pictures of her being used as a pillow

So don't be put off by the image that seems to pervade our papers these are sadly the dogs owned by Morons who make them vicious the Staffie is by nature probably the best breed you can get for a child but do get it as a pup so that you can be sure of it's temperament you and your daughter will have a great new friend

Go for it you will not be sorry

Roger

Answer 6

Very loveable, very playful, very protective, very powerful.
They are obedient and good watchdogs, just his presence discourages mean people. They love children and they receive your good visitors with lots of enthusiasm. They are good-looking, likeable animals, short hair which can easily be washed and groomed, no hair around the house and they don't burrow.

They are not barkers, and when he does, there's likely to be something that makes him uneasy.

They love climbing onto your sofa's, beds, etc, and if allowed, will sleep with you in the bed. They must be tought not to stand-up against people or to climb onto their laps when seated.

They are strong-willed animals, be his boss, or he will dominate you.

Take for walks regurlarly and be prepared to get fit, they drag you all over the place.

For a medium-sized dog that won't eat you out of the house, get one, even a Bull-terrier, of which I am a fan.

Answer 7

Hiya, I've had 2 staffies, and in the past they were called'nanny dogs' due to their loyal and care of children, do make sure it's a pedigree, try and see both parents, but definately the mum, and get a puppy.it's how they are brought up, and love to be part of the family.
hope this helps

Answer 8

the best dog i have come into contact with is a boxer,if you look it up on the internet theyre are sites which you can go on that actually give you all the characteristics of differnt breeds and if they are actually good with children,we debated between a boxer and a huskey but having done lots of research turned out huskeys werent very compatable with kids.of course each dog is different and if raised from a puppy then its up to you,my boxer is brill with kids.

Answer 9

i have a staffie and also have a 20 month old little boy , we got the dog when are boy was one , there the best of friends . people have the wrong idea about staffies,we did a lot of research and there temperament is better than Labradors supposedly . we also have a kitten with one eye and they also are very good little friends

Answer 10

i have a staff x jack Russell and a 4yr old son who are the best of friends. we grew up with a staffy and he was the perfect pet we could do almost anything to him when we were small. they can be very placid but this all depends on how you train them.