Are Staffordshire Bull terriers an aggressive breed? Having similar features as the Pit Bull, the Staffordshire bull terrier is often seen in a bad light. In the wrong hands, they are kept for vile purposes such as intimidation and, at times, for crimes.
Fortunately, behind that fierce facade are lovely dogs. This breed deserves recognition about how great they can be with the right owners. It is hoped that breaking this misconception will continue on as they are the Top of the Pup in Britain last year.
Change your beliefs and misconceptions about these tough-looking canines with these wondrous facts.
Staffies’ bad reputation is a result of irresponsible owners
80% of the public recognises that the breed’s bad reputation is to be blamed on irresponsible dog ownership. In reality, they are generally good with children when provided with proper training. “A lot of people look at them horrified like you’ve got Satan himself on the end of your lead,” tells a Staffie owner Marian Waller. “They’ll cross the road to getaway. I don’t know why, because they’re great with people.”
Several Staffie fans wonder if people would give this breed a better chance of showing their true character if they didn’t look like Pit Bulls.
Just like many other breeds, Staffies can be trained as fighting dogs in the wrong hands.
Years ago, there was an increase in demand for aggressive-looking dogs amongst young people. This has been a worrying trend for the Lib Dems’ London Assembly policing spokesman Lord Tope.
However, let’s not forget that this breed also earned the nickname ‘Nanny Dog’.
With that moniker, they indeed deserve a spot as a member of a family. Their genuine love for children mixed with their protective nature makes them the best family guard dog. In the company of their humans, the Staffordshire will melt you with kisses.
They love people but not much towards other dogs.
Staffies are never shy around humans. Owning one assures an undying love and loyalty, especially for well-trained Staffies. However, the same thing cannot be said when this breed is kept with other dogs.
You don’t have to stress yourself with grooming.
Whilst it can be time-consuming particularly for the long-haired variety, the Staffordshire bull terrier requires simple and low maintenance in the grooming department. Their short coat will remain at its finest with only a bathing routine once every three months and several times of brushing a week.
Many Staffies are waiting for your loving homes in shelters.
Don’t leave them near the water without your supervision.
Their stocky body and weight of their head are the reasons why water and Staffies don’t mix well though there are a few exemptions. They are considered as one of the breeds along with brachycephalic dogs as the canines that cannot swim. Prevent the possibility of drowning by keeping an eye on him or giving him a life jacket when going near an open body of water.
Stella, a rescued Staffie, was recognised as one of Gloucestershire’s best police dogs.
Stella was left on her own in 2013. It was then when the RSPCA spotted her talent in finding a ball. This little pooch was then trained by the police to find cash, guns, and drugs. Such an impressive talent was put to use on sniffing out hidden money in a drawer for its final test.Stella’s handler admitted how sceptic she was at first considering that this is not a usual breed used as a police dog. Passing all those necessary tests to become a police canine, Stella proved her handler and other police officers wrong. One of her greatest achievement was sniffing out £25,000 cash in a house where the search team initially failed.
Max the Staffie that saved a schoolgirl from a 60-ft fall from a seaside cliff edge
Staffordshire bull terrier Max and his owner George Conner went on their daily walk when Max started to act differently as if spotting something that piques his interest.
“Max went and sat behind her. I wanted to approach the girl but I didn’t want to say the wrong thing so I decided I would go home to call the police,” narrated Mr Conner.
However, he didn’t bring a mobile with him but fortunately, he found an off-duty security guard near the area which he asked for help. On the other hand, the six-year-old max refused to leave the girl’s side without any help.
It wasn’t long when the officers arrived and saved the girl who was suffering from hypothermia with eyes rolling back into her head. Police officers admired Max and his owner as “if she had passed out and fallen, she would have died.” The girl was quickly taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital for proper treatment.
“A police officer came up to me and said, ‘you’ve saved her life,’ but I said, ‘no I didn’t it was Max who found her”.
Staffordshire bull terrier: one of the misunderstood canines
Are Staffordshire Bull terriers an aggressive breed? These stories, as well as interesting facts about the breed’s temperament, prove that Staffies make great companions.
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