Hi again

We are seriously thinking of getting a staffie later in the year and are in the process of researching the breed, meeting breeders and owners etc (Unfortunately unable to make it to Crufts this year).
I have been reading all the info I can find on the net and have been a little worried that a few staffie sites have said that staffies are unreliable around other dogs or that they should be kept on the lead around strange dogs. I know that it is difficult to generalise but thought that a dog (we are after a bitch) from a reputable breeder would be okay. I have asked this question to a few staffie people (thank you Alex!) but thought it may be a good idea to open it up to dog 'experts' in general as well, I don't think you can have too much advice!
Thanking you in advance!
Hayley

If a staff is socialised with loads of different dogs from as young an age as possible, and you teach them that agressive play is not on, they will be okay. If you keep your staff back from other dogs because you are nervous they may fight, then the staff will pick this up from you and may never be sociable to other dogs.
All dogs can have squabbles. The problem is if a bull breed of any sort has a squabble the risk of serious damage is higher.
All bull breeds need a very strong leader. My dogs dont retaliate towards agressive dogs unless I shout at the agressor or chase it. This is the sign they are waiting for, the leader of their pack to challenge the foe. Then all hell breaks loose. If properly socialised and trained this is the way it should be.

Regards mick

As Mick rightly says make sure your pup is socialised from a young age - meeting as mixed a variety of dogs as possible .
We have a 16 week old pup now and are doing just that - he is absolutely great with other dogs at the moment .
Our previous dog was also a Staffy and he too was great . But we never gave him the chance to be a nuisance and we made sure he knew what was acceptable behaviour and what wasnt
Getting a dog from a reputable and ethical breeder can help ensure your dog comes from parents with "nice" temperamnets but it cannot GUARANTEE it as every dog is different just like people have different personalities !!!
There will always be the owners who like their dogs to have aggressive tendancies unfortunately but hopefully the more responsible of us can make others view Staffys in a different light
Lel

Thanks Mick and Lel,
Your advice seems consistent with emails I have had from other staffie owners, we are now feeling more confident about getting one later in the year, we just need to get an idea of which ones we like the best, but that should be enjoyable in itself! So its back to the good old worldwide web and our new staffie book.
Thanks again, I'm sure I'll be back
Hayley

mr murphy would it be possible for you to check out my question in general forum is an amstaff a dangerous dog ?
Thanks Paul