Hi everyone, I was reading an article in Dog World today. Germany is banning the import of the Staffordshire terrier, Bull terrier, American Staff terrier, Pit Bull and all crosses. They say these breeds are highly aggressive and dangerous. They are also considering a breeding ban. They are saying they have been able to do this without any scientific or statistical evidence that they are dangerous. Apparently, there are fears that this could extend to the UK as the laws will be made by the European Commision.

Kat

:(
I have heard :(
what sort of democratic country can ban a complete breed without having to submit any supporting evidence ?
Thats why we need to fight BSL!!

( edited to say I know which democratic countries - UK and Pitbulls ) :rolleyes:

They are saying that this can eventually apply to any breed of dog that can be aggressive to humans. Well, that just about covers them all then doesnt it!!! I mean any dog can show aggression at some time. Ive got a yorkie she can be good at it.

Think their reasoning was that drug dealers, criminals etc are using these breeds to fight and protect etc .
But if we impose a blanket ban on them does that mean they will go away ? :rolleyes: erm i dont think so - they will move onto something else . Do we just ban ALL dogs then ?
Its a stupid knee jerk reaction and I hope people fight it !!

Sorry to butt in to this topic so late. With regard to the staffie issue, why, when I see so many "staffies" about do they look nothing like the breed standard? Many of them are nice enough dogs temprement wise but vary so much they could be different breeds. Years ago i knew a staffie bitch who, to me was all a staffie should be, but recently, even those I have seen at shows, which you would expect should be "breed standard" don't seem to conform. Any thoughts?
Lynn

Absolutely. We're just about to get a SBT puppy, and we're going to make *extremely* sure that he's well socialised with other dogs of all shapes, sizes and colours as soon as his vaccinations are complete. I want my dog to be an ambassador for his breed. Mind you, It's easy enough when they're cute little puppies ("Oh, is that a labrador pup? How cute!"), but as soon as they start looking like their breed then people are crossing to the other side of the road...

<<<but as soon as they start looking like their breed then people are crossing to the other side of the road... >>>

Not all thankfully :) but some will believe all the bad press they read or have maybe had a bad experience due to idiot owners :(

While pup is small and still looks "cute" to the general public it is easy to socialise him because everyone wants to stroke a puppy and people dont mind you introducing pup to their dogs either . Thats why its essential to do it as early as possible.
I have luckily only met a couple of people who seem petrified at the site of a Staffy. :rolleyes:
One being a middle aged lady with a Jack Russel. She promptly put her dog on the lead and practically ran away when she saw us in the woods - although i was more concerned about the JRT :)

Have found older people especially men seem to be more friendly towards Staffies. Some people will literally push their way over to meet a Staffie and others will run like mad to get away. Guess that is just one of the things that goes with owning a Staffie.