Fed up with people slagging off my new Staffy pup!

Jenjenf21

Hi, more of a rant more than anything but im starting to get so upset with people who are critisising my decision to get a staffy puppy. We already have her she is 9 weeks Saturday. I adore her but what i am sick of is the name these poor dogs have got.

Every person who i work with who i have told about our little Molly have all made a face and said why on earth are you getting one of "those". One person got on Google straight away to look for news reports on these dogs attacking children/people. There are only so many times i can say that this is down to the training and to point them in the direction of other positive sites.

The perception of these dogs is terrible for people who have no idea. On the other hand people who have these dogs have all said they do not know a more loyal loving dog. The views of people could not be more different! Yes she is headstrong already and loves to chew, but what puppy doesnt! With the right training and love im sure she will be fine! My family have had staffs and our friends have 3 and they are all so wet! Little Molly loves nothing that to cuddle up on the sofa with us already!

It just upsets me that every time i mention her i get turned up noses when all i want to do is be excited and show her off. One person will not even bring their child round to see Molly as apparently its a danger. Its ridiculous and makes me want to scream!

I truley feel so sorry for these dogs and the "name" they have for themselves.

Sorry rant over....

Jenjenf21

And i understand children need to be supervised etc around dogs im not silly but not to even introduce them upsets me, obviously each to their own but they have been around other dogs its just purley because Molly is a staffy. Its like they are almost looking down on me for having her...poor little mite!

Person_one

Unfortunately you'll have to develop a thick skin I'm afraid, it won't stop anytime soon. Is your pup a rescue? If so you could tell people what situation you've potentially saved her from. Probably the best thing you can do is raise your pup to be a well behaved, well socialised, perfect example of how wonderful this breed can be.

I sympathise, I get nasty comments about the type of dog I have sometimes, but on the other end of the scale completely.

warehouse

It's not a "Staffy" it's a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. They were bred to be fighting dogs. Giving them a fluffy name doesn't hide the fact that they can kill a child if the mood takes them.

cord123

I completely understand hun! My husbands cousin breeds these and I have to admit I had a bad perception of them being dangerous and a bit chav! But since I have met these dogs I have totally changed my mind! They are very intelligent and so gentle...... I like fluffy dogs so wouldnt personally get one but I think they should be up there for anyone considering a family pet! The thing people forget is that animals are like children, they act exactly as they are brought up..... a dog is as good or as bad as its owner! Many dogs have bad reps but I dont see why. My MIL has a doberman (which again I must admit I didnt like) and she is the soppiest thing you have ever met... he does bound around as if she is a jack russell and sometimes think she is in the wrong body! She is great with all the grandchildren - 10 in total under the age of 7!
As you said, I would never leave a child unattended with a dog but these dogs I would COMPLETELY TRUST!

Well done on bringing this to light!

cord123

warehouse wrote: »

It's not a "Staffy" it's a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. They were bred to be fighting dogs. Giving them a fluffy name doesn't hide the fact that they can kill a child if the mood takes them.

many dogs can kill a child should the mood take them - as could any animal!
A dog doesnt just attack it needs a reason to do so - either it has been treated badly so it is being defensive, it is in pain or feels threatened.

elsien

warehouse wrote: »

It's not a "Staffy" it's a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. They were bred to be fighting dogs. Giving them a fluffy name doesn't hide the fact that they can kill a child if the mood takes them.

Here we go again. *Sigh.* The other poster with "staffies should be banned" mania will be along shortly as well, I'm sure.
Most dogs can kill a child if the mood takes them. I also know an old lady who died after being bitten by a cat. Sense of perspective please folks.

OP, unfortunately due to the amount of sheer ignorance around (see above), you just have to learn to ignore it. There's always going to be the eejit who starts screaming at your (on lead) dog from 20 feet away about how dangerous they are, blah de blah.
I did seriously consider getting mutt a coat saying "whatevva" just to save myself the bother of answering.
Enjoy your pup.

Person_one

warehouse wrote: »

It's not a "Staffy" it's a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. They were bred to be fighting dogs. Giving them a fluffy name doesn't hide the fact that they can kill a child if the mood takes them.

A 'Westie' is a West Highland White Terrier, a 'Yorkie' is a Yorkshire Terrier, the nickname is just a nickname, don't be a fool.

My poodle could kill a child if the mood took him.

Person_one

cord123 wrote: »

I completely understand hun! My husbands cousin breeds these

Tell him if he really loves these dogs the best thing he can do for them is to stop breeding them! Does he have any idea of the numbers in rescue? Its at crisis levels.

Sphynx

People are very ignorant of this breed. I am not a dog keeper/lover particularly, but I know a few staffies and they are lovely family dogs. They are very affectionate and people oriented. There has been a lot of bad press from irresponsible journalism talking about cross breeding with Pit Bull Terriers and some of these bred for aggression dogs are nasty, but they are NOT Staffies. Sadly Staffies have also become a must have 'i'm 'ard' accessory. Good luck with your beautiful new friend for life

kizkiz

As others have said, any dog can attack for any reason with no warning
I think the problem is that certain dogs can cause a lot more damage when they do go, and a staff is one of those.
Ever tried to remove a staff from someones appendage? I have, and there was no way it was letting go. They lock their jaws and stay put.
I have to attend dog attacks through work and the vast majority are staffs. A good half of these from lovely families with kids who have not trained it to fight and have never had any problems. The dog just went crazy for no obvious reason.
I personally would not want a potential ticking time bomb in my house