puppies personality?

Question

i'm going to see a litter of puppies tomorrow (staffordshire bull terriers) and i wanted to know whether their true personalities will be shown, as i'm quite keen to get a relaxed dog that will sleep on my childrens bed when it's older etc. we had a german shepherd before, but he was hyper until the end, and never slept on the kids beds, cos he'd be jumping around all night! this time i'd like a more laid back dog, but is it possible to assess that this early on?

Answer 1

They're all going to be hyper and excited because they are puppies. But just to let you know - most dogs that are terriers are going to have loads of energy. Whether they are huge terriers (pit bulls) or small ones (yorkies) - for whatever reason the terrier family is very high energy.

Check out the AKC web site for more info on dog breeds that might be more appropriate for you.

Answer 2

Honey let me tell you...I raise pits. They are all hyper dogs, but if trained properly are much more calm. Also some of them just seem to not have that tremendous energy. They are wonderful with children. My puppy (4months) and are older one (2 years) both sleep in the bed with us. Makew sure when you go that you get an extremelly good look at the mother and father. Pay close attention to how the puppies interact with each other and their parents. If the breeders don't have the parents or won't let you see them than it is not a good idea to purchase a dog. Grab a book on first time american pit bull terrior owners (there are many). This will help you understand this breed much better. My boyfriend told me to read this book and I was like no way I know how to raise dogs (I grew up with my parents raising golden retrievers) . But after reading the book I was very suprised at how much I had learned. Pit bulls have a lot of characteristics that most other dogs don't. GOOD LUCK TO YOU!!!

Answer 3

I would never go for this breed of dog with children to consider, nor would I allow a dog of such type to sleep on my childrens bed unsupervised. Don`t you read the papers!
Check out the Kennel Club or Champdogs website for a more suitable breed,,,Laid back is never a terrier trait,,

You cannot tell at 8 weeks how the pup will turn out as so much depends on the socialising the pup has had and also how you manage the puppies training and socialisation once you get home...

Answer 4

You will get a reasonable idea of the puppies' personalities if you have a long visit. They will be hyper when you arrive, but watch them closely as they settle down and get used to you being there. Watch how they play together and interact. The most dominant puppy may turn out to be a dominant dog. I would not be happy about any dog sleeping on children's beds. There are 2 reasons. First, "human" chairs and beds are very high status for dogs. You don't want your dog in a leadership contest with your kids. The dogs are welcome on the furniture when invited. Equally, they must get off the furniture on command. That way they know their place. Second, dogs need their own space. They need to have a bed they can retreat to when they need to. If they are tired, grumpy, or sick they won't want kids fussing over them in the bed. They'll want to get off on their own. Kids and dogs sleeping together is a romantic idea. But think about it. What is the benefit for either the child or the dog?

Answer 5

I have a 12 week old Staffie and when I saw her she was running about like a lunatic with her litter sisters!

Now she has settled in she does have her mad puppy moments but loves nothing more to be snuggled up on the sofa with us (snoring like a pig!) Staffies love nothing more than their home comforts and being with their family so I don't think you will have any problems with your puppy sleeping on beds when it is older!

I also have Weimaraners and I can't believe how laid back and calm my Staffie is in comparison to Weimaraner pups. I am totally besotted with her - she is so loving and funny, I wish you much happiness with your new baby when you get her/him.

EDIT:

I have just read other responses to this question and would like to state that a Staffordshire Bull Terrier and a Pit Bull are two totally different breeds of dog! The Staffie is recognised by the Kennel Club, the Pit Bull is banned in the UK. The Staffie is also known as The Nanny Dog, such is there love for children.

Please can people get their facts right before scaring the heck out of others?????

Rant over!

EDIT

Taken from the Kennel Club website, character of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier:

Characteristics
Traditionally of indomitable courage and tenacity. Highly intelligent and AFFECTIONATE, ESPECIALLY WITH CHILDREN.

Also found this on another site:

Bold, inquisitive and fearless the Staffie is renowned for its reliability as a family dog. They are extremely loving dogs, being loyal and devoted to people, with special emphasis on their reliability with children. The breed thrives in the family environment, being a suitably compact size for close family living. For these reasons, they are sometimes referred to as "nanny dogs

Answer 6

Your breeder can help. Ask them to remove the Alpha of the litter before you pick one out. With children, you don't want an Alpha who may challenge your authority or not acknowledge your children are above him or her in your human/dog pack. It will just make your life easier with training.

Likewise, some breeders recommend you don't pick the runt because runts may cost you more at the vet with health problems.

Then ask the breeder which puppies are the most relaxed. Tell them what you want and they can help. They may remove a few more puppies from the litter for you so you have the more mellow puppies. Then, usually what happens is the puppy picks you.

Answer 7

The way a puppy interacts with his/her littermates can be a helpful indicator, but the personality of the puppy is not fully developed. Staffies are highly energetic as well, so be sure to do some research on the breed before you choose a pup. I have no doubt the dog would be quite content sleeping with the kids (bullys LOVE children) but if your looking for a lower-energy dog, this breed may not be for you. Just be sure you research first...good luck!

Answer 8

You should maybe go for a pup that's somewhere in-between. If it's too hyper it could have dominance problems, if it's too shy it could become a fear biter. All puppies love life and have a huge amount of exuberance, and Staffies in particular are just completely crazy. They do settle down, like all dogs do, but they are still always barmy and in my opinion the best breed of dog, especially for children. They're extremely protective of children and will definitely appreciate sleeping in their room, my Staffie sleeps on my bed and has more of it than I do. They love companionship, and especially love a hug.

Answer 9

Check out the breed of dog...some breeds are more laid back than others...If you want the best possible dog, I personally would go with a good all American mutt....they are the best, because they have a little bit of all temperaments. Second best, the Samoyed.....I have one who was hyper when she was young, but has aged gracefully, and is now content to be wherever I am. She sleeps at my feet.

Answer 10

Every Staffie I know is crazy - in a good way usually - we have a collie x lab and he is fab, Really calm, quiet, trustworthy, and sleeps all day! Your best bet would be to go to a rescue home to find a dog, it will be much more suitable, although they do discourage allowing dogs to sleep on your bed.