Is the Stafford good with children?

Yes, they are known to be the Nanny Dog as they seem to be attracted to kids. They will often be found sleeping nearby where children play. The breed is also very tolerant and can cope with being treated rough and tumbled (within reason 0ff-course). They won’t like to be hurt though, and move away from the one hurting them.

It is completely unacceptable if a Stafford showed any signs of aggression towards humans. However, they can be aggressive towards other dogs instinctively out of protection for their family, or their territory.

Is the Stafford an inside or outside dog?

This breed thrive on human attention and want to be with their family in and outside the home. They love to follow you everywhere and at minimum have you in their sight!

If they are left to themselves outside, they will find something to do - to you it may seem ‘naughty’… They will chew your ‘precious stuff’, dig to China or sometimes roam - all for attention! To them ‘good or bad attention’ is still attention!

If you choose not to welcome your dog inside, do yourself and the Stafford a favor and opt for another breed. Such Stafford WILL be miserable and seek attention elsewhere, which in turn will make you miserable!

What is the cost of a Stafford pup?

It varies as breeders set their own prices. It is my experience that an expensive pup DO NOT equal a better pup. Make sure you understand the breed personality and choose an experienced breeder willing to guide you during the life of your dog. A breeder that is involved in a dog sport such as showing, agility, fly-ball, etc is a good choice. Such people have a love for the character of the breed, unlike the person who is exploiting a breed cause it happens to be saught after, a popular colour or some designer-dog in exchange for $$$.

Positive characteristics?

The breed is very affectionate, loyal, playful, should have a calm and stable temperament - their main focus is to serve their people and known to be tolerant of young children.

Negative characteristics?

The Stafford have a defensive nature when challenged by another dog or being protective towards it owner because of their original instinctive purpose. As breeders of Staffords we like to see our dogs have the heart to respond to a challenge but we do not wish for them to be unruly and lunging at every other dog.

In saying that it is important to make sure you bring a stafford up with the right

Where should my Stafford sleep?

Definitely NOT outside in harsh weather conditions! His condition and mood will definitely reflect that.
At minimum a Stafford should sleep in a sheltered environment. They can be trained to stay off your furniture and sleep in an allocated bed. They love soft padded bedding and some will even get under the duvet if you are up for it :-).

How much exercise should my Stafford get?

Please do not exert your pup (specially when it looks all grown-up, if it’s under one year of age, it’s still growing and he’s not mature as yet). A Stafford is more like a sprinter versus a long distance runner. They love a 10-15 min burst of energy.

UNDER ONE YEAR OF AGE:

Only allow what seem natural to the pup - normal running around the yard is fine and a short stroll to get him lead trained. Just like you won’t make your teenage child over do exercise whilst maturing, so you should not exert your young dog. They can injure their joints and have arthritis early on in life. Painful for the dog and costly for you.

OVER ONE YEAR OF AGE:

Build the dog up to regular walks (for 15 minutes to 1 hour) early or late in the day. Staffords can easily over-heat and result in organ failure and death. Playing fetch, etc. for 10-15 minutes.

What training do a Stafford require?

They are smart dogs and learn fast, but at minimum Staffords should have a routine and basic guidance like you would show a child. Manners, routine, respect and learning things. From our experience a happy dog is one that knows what’s going to happen next.

How much attention should I give my Stafford?

This breed thrives on your attention! But, TOO MUCH attention can make a Stafford neurotic or experience anxiety. So my belief is to have a routine, with some ‘time-out’ where they are left to have a rest (in peace).

Staffords an Exercise

Staffords under the age of 1 year should not be ‘worked’ - their joints are not fully developed and it can damage their growth plates and result in early arthritis. Just like you would wait for you teenager to mature before too much strain is put on joint, so you should treat your stafford. Dont allow your pup to jump or make them run under a year. Exercise that seem natural is fine.

Once they are a year old they can go for longer walks.

Staffords are more like a ‘sprinter’ (with short energy bursts) versus ‘long distance’ athletes (endurance). Our dogs are playful in the morning and evening ((do zoomies like lunatics) and sleep during the day.

How can I ‘impress’ a reputable breeder?

It can be challenging to get a pup from a reputable breeder because the supply is smaller than the demand. Such breeders only have one, maybe two litters a year (mostly to further their hobby and show team). This means show dog breeders think of breeding differently to those who do it for financial gain.

Reputable breeders are looking to find homes that are just as good or better than what they themselves can offer a pup. Not the money or the sale. So, make sure you express what kind of life you plan to offer the pup (that they have already invested a great deal into). If this gives such breed a good insight and peace of mind - you may be in it with a good chance. Good Luck!

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