I have a 6 year old SBT and he is absolutley great with kids and dogs, other than german shepherds(he was attacked by one as a pup) and even cats, we have just had a little baby and didnt know whether to get a female pup just to keep him company not for breeding or anything like that. do you think it is worth introducing someone new for him or not. sorry to sound stupid. thanks

It sounds to me like both you and he have enough on your plate with a new baby in the house. I would think that you have little time to rear a new puppy as well at a time like this. Why not leave it a few years till you have more time to spare.

Dawn R.

thanks for your prompt reply. i did think that but wanted 2nd opinion what breed would you choose

Staffords do not need another dog to be happy (i say that and i have 3) they only need you, they are the type of breed that would rather be around u than other dogs,  as you are thinking about a pup i would leave it until the baby is walking as i have a 4 month old pup and an 18 month old baby and there great together but i would not have wanted a pup when he was learning to crawl.  or when he was laying on the floor playing as i would not have been able to give the pup all the time that she needed

thanks thats great. I am leading a hectic life at present so all advice is welcomed.

hi
I have four children the youngest is 5months, I have two Staffs who live in the house and other dogs who live outside. I will be keeping a girl pup from my litter to show in the future and she will also live in the house with the rest of us ! It really depends on how much time and space you have, we live on a farm and have a purpose built sun lounge type room for the dogs, but we all squeeze into the living room at night to watch telly lol :D. It IS hard work if you have a baby, but I manage to fit lots into my day and everyone helps- I do it because I love living in a noisy madhouse, and it keeps me fit! If thats the way you want to live go for it! Our Max was seven when we got Angel and he was castrated after her first season, but he never 'bothered' her. The pair of them run around the garden like lunatics and Max has a new lease of life.  I know a lot of people with more than one Staff, with no problems at all so I do not  agree that Staffs are singleton dogs, although it often says this in breed books.
I would recommend a bitch as dogs are more territorial when they reach sexual maturity, but you must NEVER leave them alone together if you go out!! However well they get on, fights can start over nothing, especially if you are not there to put a stop to it immediately. As you know Staff pups need a lot of attention when they are younger as they can be a handful, but if your older dog is well trained, your pup will learn a lot from him about how to behave nicely :) If you have facilities to seperate your dogs and keep them away from your baby when you are busy, then thats great, but you could be making a lot of work for yourself if not.
Only you know if its something you have the time and energy for, I dont know your circumstances, but in my experience, children dont necessarily get easier as they get older-unlike puppies!!

Kerrie

I dont think so...my wee girl loves people and would be happier getting all thier attention than shareing doggy time with another dog...even if it was her bestest mate

hi

no he has you and i don't think dogs class each other as friends do they? they just end up competing with each other most of the time for food and attention etc he is far better off being an only dog and getting all the attention instead of having to compete for it an only dog leads a far more relaxed contented life they get to play and socialise with other dogs out on walks its a myth that a dog would likes a friend stick with the one you have you have enough on your plate with a baby congratulations by the way! so why give yourself more work

j