Top dog (Staffordshire Bull Terrier)

Member Name: gareth_bailey

Product:	Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Date:	05/06/09 (53 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Loyal, playful and intelligent

Disadvantages: peoples narrow minded veiw of the breed

My own dog is a Staffordshire bull terrier and i really couldn't have wished for a more loving dog, her name in Nala (out of the Lion King) she is all white with one brown ear. I given her as a Chrismas present two years ago when she was aged 10 months old (her last owners had to let her go because of a break up). Obviously really happy to get a dog ever since being young i wanted a dog, but i really could never have expected her to become the companion she is today.

We got her aged 10 months so obviously i was a little apprehensive about how she would react to changing homes and adapting to new people plus we have a cat!!
She wasn't toilet trained when i got her either, but staffs are very intelligent and learn things very quickly (in no more than a month had she learnt to let me know when she needed to go in the backyard or for a walk). In terms of her adapting she really was brilliant the cat and dog situation was't a problem, now they're sleep cuddled up toghther and everything.

To me she is the most loyal friend, always there when yo come home to greet me (usually with a toy of some kind), when i take her out on the field she is full of energy and loves nothing more than to play fetch or run after a ball, she has an excellent temprament around other dogs (despite all the bad press and stories you hear).

Staffs have recieved alot of bad press but in my experience this can't be more false, they're naturally muscular due to this Nala can appear intimidating to most people but this is just a first impression and most people get past this when thet realise how friendly she is :)
In my veiw staffs are the perfect all purpose dogs, very loving and energetic with a playful mentality

**Updated a little info on the breed itself.
The breed originates in England (hence the name Stoffordshire bull terrier), typically a staffie will stad 14 to 16 inches tall at the withers (withers- highest point of the back on the ridge between shoulder blades) and weigh 24 to 32 kg with the males usually being heavier . Health wise the dogs are generally a very healthy breed with the exception of ailments which are common in all dogs such as cataracts, luxating patellas, hi dysplasia.

Temprament- obviously my experience with staffie temprament is only with Nala but there are typical traits which all staffs posses, the modern dog is known for its character of indomitable courage, high intelligence, and tenacity. This, coupled with its affection for its friends, and children in particular, its off-duty quietness and trustworthy stability, it a foremost all-purpose dog. It has been said that, no breed is more loving with its family. Infact the staffordshire bull terrier appeared in the top ten breeds most suitable for a family especially with children (findings were from reasearch at Southampton University in 1996)**

Summary: Best dog for all the family