Do Staffordshire Dogs Make Good Pets?

Staffies can make great family pets As a rule, they are gentle, affectionate dogs who adore people. They are utter clowns who enjoy life and simply love being part of the family. In fact, their well documented love of children once earned them the nickname “nanny dog”.

Do Staffies like to be cuddled?

They’re affectionate
They may look tough, but there’s nothing a Staffordshire Bull Terrier loves more than a good cuddle with their owner. Staffies are highly affectionate pets and would go to the end of the earth for those that care for them.

What problems do Staffies have?

Staffies are generally a healthy breed. The genetic health concerns include hip and elbow dysplasia, patella luxation and juvenile cataracts. They do commonly experience anxiety issues and staffies also suffer from a fairly high rate of allergies that can cause skin itching and secondary infections.

Are Staffies affectionate dogs?

They are friendly and affectionate and love nothing more than a fuss from their owners. Sometimes nicknamed the “nanny dog”, Staffies are also known for being patient with younger members of the family.

Are Staffies high maintenance?

Staffies are high maintenance in terms of attention and noise factor. They do not suit a home that prefers constant peace and quiet, nor do they thrive being outside dogs. Another factor worth considering are other pets in your home– Staffy’s are highly energetic and will try and engage other animals into play often.

Can a Staffy be left alone all day?

Because they are so people-orientated, Staffies are known to suffer with separation anxiety when left alone. You should never leave any dog alone for more than four hours, but you might find your Staffie struggles with shorter periods than this and you might need to train them to be OK with very short periods.

Should I let my Staffy sleep with me?

You Can Get Sick
From the plague to fleas, letting a dog sleep in bed with you can be hazardous to your health. Parasites are especially at risk of being passed from the dog’s fur to their owners. Many people treat their dogs for parasites but rarely consider their own risk.

Are Staffies naturally aggressive?

Bill Lambert, from the Kennel Club, said Staffies are not naturally aggressive and were one of the only breeds it recommended as suitable around children.

Are Staffies low maintenance?

While not the most low maintenance of breeds, Staffies make excellent companions and family dogs when their needs are met. Their preference for play and tendency to be food motivated makes these dogs good candidates for positive behavioural training techniques.

Are Staffies hard to train?

Staffies are courageous and tenacious with a willingness to learn and please that makes them delightful to train. They are high energy and need a decent amount of exercise each day to keep them out of mischief. They also love people, but do need a bit more socialisation around other dogs than other breeds.

Is a male or female Staffy better?

A male is more dominant, needs more leadership and will try to boss other dogs about. He will try to boss people about as well if given the chance. The male dog is more dominant in the wild and will always be the leader of the pack.

Are Staffies indoor or outdoor dogs?

Staffies are sensitive to the heat and the cold, so outside living is not appropriate for this breed. They benefit from having a yard to run around in, but they should not be left alone outside for too long because they get bored easily and become destructive.

At what age do Staffies heads split?

around 6 months old
WHEN DOES A STAFFY’S HEAD SPLIT? Sometime after they are around 6 months old, but usually older, a Staffy puppy’s head will “split”. This process is called a lot of things, from spreading to splitting to cracking. Despite the names, it has nothing to do with their skull or anything breaking.

Do Staffies need big backyard?

Backyard requirements: The Staffy does not need lots of space at home because of its small size, but without regular exercise it will become destructive.

What do I need to know before buying a Staffy?

  • They Are Great With People. Staffies are great with people.
  • They Don’t Always Do Well With Other Dogs.
  • They Need A Ton Of Exercise.
  • They’re Nicknamed The ‘Nanny Dog’
  • They Are Prone To Hip Dysplasia.
  • Grooming Them Is Easy.
  • They Need Homes More Often Than Many Other Breeds.
  • They Can Scale A 6-Foot Fence.

Are Staffies good beginner dogs?

Staffys are usually great dogs to train for basic skills
The Staffordshire bull terrier is middle of the road when it comes to their intelligence and ability to learn things, which tends to make them quite a rewarding dog breed to train, even by a first-time trainer.

How much walking does a Staffy need?

How much exercise does a Staffordshire Bull Terrier need? Staffies tend to have bags of energy and will gladly accompany their owner on as many as 3 walks a day. As a minimum, your Staffie will need 2 walks a day with some energy-filled playtime in the middle.

Are Staffies stubborn?

It takes consistency, discipline, and firmness, because staffies are an incredibly stubborn breed. You just need to be more stubborn than they are at first. Yet you must never become complacent; Owning any dog is a big responsibility, but owning a powerful dog like a Staffie is a huge one.

What is the life expectancy of a Staffy?

12 to 14 years
Health. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, which has an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years, is susceptible to major health issues like canine hip dysplasia (CHD) and occasionally cataract. However, CHD rarely causes other symptoms or problems.

Where should a dog sleep at night?

A crate is a great place for your dog to sleep! Not only does a crate guarantee that your dog won’t get into trouble in the middle of the night, but it also provides him comfort and security. If you have decided to crate-train your dog, it is ideal to pad the crate with soft blankets or pillows.

Why do dogs lick you?

Licking is a natural and instinctive behaviour to dogs. For them it’s a way of grooming, bonding, and expressing themselves. Your dog may lick you to say they love you, to get your attention, to help soothe themselves if they’re stressed, to show empathy or because you taste good to them!