Forget all the Bull! (Staffordshire Bull Terrier)

Member Name: h27gooner

Product:	Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Date:	11/06/09 (57 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Loyal, energetic, funny

Disadvantages: Obstinate

I'm on to my 3rd Staff now, over a 25 year period and I have learned a few things about them. Although historically bred by the men of the black country for fighting they are great family pets. Like all terriers they are extremely intelligent and so learn commands, house training etc very quickly. They are very energetic and so require a lot of exercise. Apart from the health benefits, this is extremely important to stop them getting bored and potentially snappy. They are very good with children and I have got 3 who have, tugged, slapped, trod on etc the dogs at various times and yet the dogs have still loved them! They love to chase sticks and balls but a word of warning - they can become fixated on this and refuse to walk anywhere without barking at you constantly to throw the ball. My first dog was like this. He had no interest in anything in the park other than the stick or the ball and I only had peace when I was throwing it.

Whilst these dogs make great family pets they can be aggressive to other dogs. My first 2 had no interest in playing with other dogs or going over to sniff etc, but if a dog came over to them they would often growl although they never bit any of them. My current one, however, is totally opposite and loves to play with other dogs and when another dog growls at him he just runs away.

The terrier in them also makes them very single minded and sometimes obstinate. They are able on occasions to entirely ignore you and choose to do what they want. My current dog is very obedient until he's near water and then he will jump in even when I tell him not to. Similarly, they never know when to stop so if you are throwing sticks etc, particularly when it's hot, make them stop for rests otherwise they will carry on until they keel over. Again, I would recommend pet insurance because they tend to feel no pain and so will put themselves through physical harm. For instance, my current dog ran through a jagged wire fence to chase a cat. He came running back out with a stupid grin on his face entirely unaware that he has ripped a lump of flesh from his shoulder, exposing the bone. It required stitches and antibiotics which had I not had insurance would have been very expensive.

If you keep these dogs well exercised, properly fed so they do not pile on the pounds, well socialised with both animals and people you will have a wonderfully loyal, playful, family pet.

Summary: A brilliant, lifelong family companion.