wtd. staffordshire bull terrier

johnmaloney88

lookin to get a male staffie for a bit of company for my collie x bernese bitch. (i'm using that as an excuse cos i just really want another one for myself!!! had a brindle and white girl before.) We had a male lab that got stolen and she's gettin a bit lonely, he'd always come with her whenever we used to go to the beach or river to play. i'd need a male and not a pup. She's good with male dogs only, i tried to introduce another bitch to her before but she wouldn't take to her at all. Obviously he'd have to be good with other dogs and people, i'm not lookin for a guard dog! is there any rescue centres in the west that might have one? Thanks.

Lauragoesmad

http://dogsindistress.org/blog/?p=2055

This fella is a beaut!!

Inexile

have you tried contacting EGAR. East Galway Animal Rescue - www.egar.com they take in all sorts of bull breeds. From what I can tell Staffs dont always get a fair chance in pounds around the country and rely on rescues for their second chance. Im sure if you contact your local rescue centres they will be able to help.

wexford202

There are many staffs in the kennels at the moment. I got mine from a breeder down in Wexford but I have seen many in shelters.

With the male Saffies though you would honestly need to be careful. They are great with people and generally good with bitches but with other dogs can be a nightmare. As you get one from the kennels it will most likely be fully grown and it's reaction to other dogs you will be unable to change.

Also with a saffie it's interest will not always be in the bitch as it they are peoples friends and it will want to be in your bed, on the sofa with you or lying at your feet constantly.

wexford202

Lauragoesmad wrote: »

http://dogsindistress.org/blog/?p=2055

This fella is a beaut!!

It is a beaut and also a red staffie is very difficult to get.

johnmaloney88

ya he's lovely, real friendly lookin face! maybe it would be safer buyin a pup and raising him with my other girl. that was i know he'll be properly socialised etc. and you're right about rescue dogs, and from past experience they can act very different once they get to your home than the way they act in the rescue centre.

Toulouse

Yeah but if you're dealing with a rescue like EGAR who know pretty much all there is to know about bull breeds and provides rescue back up then what's the harm in trying? At least see if there's anything suitable before you go out and buy.

Blueprint

How about this lad? I got my dog from Madra and they give great back up - all dogs are temperament tested.

http://www.madra.ie/dogs.aspx?id=71

johnmaloney88

@blueprint, he's perfect! they way i look at things is that's i'd much rather get an older dog from a rescue that go out and buy a pup that will probably find a home anyway and u don't have to deal with as much of the stress of raising a puppy!

Blueprint

Yes, I found getting a rescue dog very rewarding indeed. It's lovely to see their characters bloom as they settle in and it's great to know that you've probably saved a life by getting one!

johnmaloney88

i'll fence off an area of the house to keep him if i'm ever not at home, which isn't too often, the joys of unemployment! i could take him with me everywhere i go anyway, my sister owns a pub which is dog friendly! lol, she brings her german shepard cross, yorkie, into work everyday, he's a local celebrity! the softest dog i've ever met, my friend had his new rottie pup in the last day too! i'll just have to see if that staffie in madra gets along with other dogs, my dog, suzie's happiness is kinda the number one priority, she's my best friend!

arybvtcw0eolkf

Lauragoesmad wrote: »

http://dogsindistress.org/blog/?p=2055

This fella is a beaut!!

An absolute ringer for my puppy Ruby (who was one year old last week!).

I wonder what's this dogs status now as I brought her to someone's attention about three weeks ago and she was short listed then :mad:

.

johnmaloney88

Kylee Uneven Rowboat wrote: »

I wonder what's this dogs status now as I brought her to someone's attention about three weeks ago and she was short listed then :mad:

.

how do you mean?

clairem

We got our staffy from dogsindistress last year. We fostered her first so we knew that she got on well with our other dog before we adopted her. Maybe you could try fostering with a view to adopting? I'd definitely recommend dogsindistress - they give you great backup when you adopt from them and do great work for the staffies in the pound.

I've looked on the EGAR website before and that place looks great aswell. I'm sure the lady who runs it would be able to tell you everything you need to know about the temperament of the dogs before you adopted one.

Good luck and please post up some pics when you get your new staffy

johnmaloney88

Dublin is a little too far for me to travel at the moment, and as most rescue centres want to see your home first it wouldn't be practical. i'll try galway.

arybvtcw0eolkf

johnmaloney88 wrote: »

how do you mean?

Staffies get the sh*tty of of the stick up in Ashtown - however the volunteers with DID.org do their best of get them out of that kip and rehomed.

.

johnmaloney88

the place is a bit rough is it? i think i found the dog for me, this is him
http://www.gumtree.ie/dublin/33/43966233.html
there's a fella lookin at it first so if he doesn't take him hopefully i will, failing that i'll try madra.

DBCyc

johnmaloney88 wrote: »

the place is a bit rough is it? i think i found the dog for me, this is him
http://www.gumtree.ie/dublin/33/43966233.html
there's a fella lookin at it first so if he doesn't take him hopefully i will, failing that i'll try madra.

He's a cracking looking fella alright! Have you asked the owner what he means by this comment...

great dog but needs little bit of work to regain trust for people

If you get to have a look at him, I would recommend bringing your girl along to see if they get on. Good luck!

johnmaloney88

he says that he lived with another bitch so he's good with other dogs, but we only chatted for a minute or so cos of the fact someone else is looking at him first. if the fella doesn't take him i'll ask all the questions.

bigdogbarking

"great dog but needs little bit of work to regain trust for people"

Seriously a comment like that would make me run a mile. a staffie shouldn't "distrust"
I've been round the breed most of my life and i'd be worried about hearing a comment like that? have you any kids around? i'd probably look elsewhere if i were you, but best of luck with your search i couldn't recommend a better companion than a staff

johnmaloney88

maybe he was abused or somethin? it's always a nervous dog that could turn on you. i wonder what happened him?

arybvtcw0eolkf

Have a look at 'socks' on dogsindistress.org and tell me she doesn't pull on your heart strings!.

.

wexford202

You will often find that when a staffie turns from being a people doggie there isn't a whole lot you can do about it. Thats life and although unfortunate there is no point in risking anyones safety inlless you are the dog whisperer!

My friend got an abused dog before and although she now has her for 3.5 years the dog is still only ok with her and her husband. It runs a mile or growls at everyone else still.

arybvtcw0eolkf

wexford202 wrote: »

You will often find that when a staffie turns from being a people doggie there isn't a whole lot you can do about it. Thats life and although unfortunate there is no point in risking anyones safety inlless you are the dog whisperer!

And where in the name of sweet Jesus did you get that from?.

.

wexford202

bigdogbarking wrote: »

"great dog but needs little bit of work to regain trust for people"

Seriously a comment like that would make me run a mile. a staffie shouldn't "distrust"
I've been round the breed most of my life and i'd be worried about hearing a comment like that? have you any kids around? i'd probably look elsewhere if i were you, but best of luck with your search i couldn't recommend a better companion than a staff

here

johnmaloney88

was talking to him again and saw the dog, it wasn't what he intended when he said he distrusts people, dog definitely wasn't abused,he's as friendly as anythin and he looked to be a really caring owner, another fella looked at the dog but he wouldn't let him take the dog as he didn't feel it was going to a good home.

johnmaloney88

also, does neutering a staffy change their personality much as in reduce any aggression they may have? my sisters german shepherd went from a very giddy excited dog that u couldn't walk on a leash to a more calm easy going dog that's eager to please, still very lively though of course!

Whispered

Neutering would make a small difference, depending on age, if they have "learned" agression, or peeing indoors etc they might continue to do it. Keep in mind too, that a lot of dogs are neutered around the time they begin to mature and become responsive anyway. Neutering is best for your dog (or any dog) to deter would be thiefs and prevent your dog trying to escape when a bitch in heat is around.

Staffs are not naturally agressive. I had very little experience with them up until 11 months ago, now my dog (staff X) socialises with them all the time. If anything, the only thing I've seen with him which could lead to problems with other dogs, is his complete lack of ability to read the others dogs signals.

Seriously, it's like they have some sort of social disorder. They just don't know when to stop the playing/chasing/jumping/wrestling/body slamming. It's all done from a very sweet and nonagressive place but I've seen the nicest of dogs get frustrated with Harley because he just doesn't back off. He has been growled at, snapped at, bitten on the ear, knocked over, and sat on (by a rottie) and he STILL jumps up trying to play. :rolleyes:

I mentioned this to a dog professional in my area who has a lot of staff experience and he confirmed that they tend to be like that. :cool:

bigdogbarking

As far as neutering goes it will be beneficial especially in unruly and hyperactive dogs and it does solve some behavioural problems, and just as importantly, there are enough unwanted dogs in our pounds without adding to numbers by careless owners so unless it is your intention to breed,then it should be done asap.

Best of luck with him, he'll undoubtedly be a wonderful companion and will bring you a lifetime of happiness

helena.ryan wrote: »

Staffs are not naturally agressive. I had very little experience with them up until 11 months ago, now my dog (staff X) socialises with them all the time. If anything, the only thing I've seen with him which could lead to problems with other dogs, is his complete lack of ability to read the others dogs signals.

Seriously, it's like they have some sort of social disorder. They just don't know when to stop the playing/chasing/jumping/wrestling/body slamming. It's all done from a very sweet and nonagressive place but I've seen the nicest of dogs get frustrated with Harley because he just doesn't back off. He has been growled at, snapped at, bitten on the ear, knocked over, and sat on (by a rottie) and he STILL jumps up trying to play. :rolleyes:

I mentioned this to a dog professional in my area who has a lot of staff experience and he confirmed that they tend to be like that. :cool:

Ha yeah there's no off switch

johnmaloney88

can't wait to pick up this little scamp, i've movin out of my own house so he'll be an only dog with loads of space to play, just have to fence off an area to keep him in if i'm ever not there and i can't bring him with me. i'll definitely be gettin him snipped as i only want him for a friend. i'll go back home every evenin to visit the family dog and take the two of them down to the river to play (not pray) as it's right in front of the house. i'd miss her too much, i didn't like bein away at college without poor lil suzie!
here she is

arybvtcw0eolkf

Dammit I want another Staffy

I absolutely love the breed.

.

wexford202

Neutering a staff doesn't make a whole lot of difference other than make them pile on weight.

My staffs bro was done and he is not half the dog he was.

Staffs are an excitable dog. It's their nature and it's not fair to change that.

I wasn't big into them until I got mine and he was 4 yesterday. Brought for fish and chips, had a cake and part hat was on him for the day. Even my mother in law brought over a bag of presents.

If you give a staff a toy he/she will playand chew forever. They love their toys.

Whispered

Neutering a staff, or any dog for that matter will deter unsavoury people from robbing them to breed, will prevent the frustration that comes with being an intact male when there is a female in heat around, will help ensure your dog returns to you when out walking (rather than following every female in the area) and will make the chances of your dog trying to escape less likely. I used to be staunchly "neuter neuter neuter" and still am except for in exceptional circumstances. I think it's fairer on the dog and much much easier on the owner.

As for putting on weight.... who controls the exercise? Neutering might make a dog lazier, but it doesn't make them put on weight. Owners not giving enough exercise causes the dog to put on weight.

I have heard the old farmyard tale that a dog is not half the dog after neutering, but I thought it was linked to mens own preception of masculinity (if you know what I mean ) I didn't think it was true and have never ever seen it myself. It must not happen very often.

Have you any pics of your boy?

wexford202

helena.ryan wrote: »

Neutering a staff, or any dog for that matter will deter unsavoury people from robbing them to breed, will prevent the frustration that comes with being an intact male when there is a female in heat around, will help ensure your dog returns to you when out walking (rather than following every female in the area) and will make the chances of your dog trying to escape less likely. I used to be staunchly "neuter neuter neuter" and still am except for in exceptional circumstances. I think it's fairer on the dog and much much easier on the owner.

As for putting on weight.... who controls the exercise? Neutering might make a dog lazier, but it doesn't make them put on weight. Owners not giving enough exercise causes the dog to put on weight.

I have heard the old farmyard tale that a dog is not half the dog after neutering, but I thought it was linked to mens own preception of masculinity (if you know what I mean ) I didn't think it was true and have never ever seen it myself. It must not happen very often.

Have you any pics of your boy?

Firstly your comment on neutering making your life easier is a terrible reason to justify getting a dog neutered. Do not bother getting a dog if it's a nice and easy life your after. To deter someone from robbing it is also a poor excuse for getting it done. If a thief is creeping around your garden at night they certainly do not have the time to check for surgery before they pinch your dof. Micro chips are for deterring people from robbing a dog. To remove his testicles is a terrible way of achieving an easier life.

Also the reason why a dog puts on weight is because of the interruption to it's hormones. Physiological changes after neutering may affect your dog’s metabolism and appetite, making him prone to weight gain. There’s some evidence to suggest that puppies neutered before five months of age are at greater risk of becoming obese than puppies neutered later

Whispered

wexford202 wrote: »

Firstly your comment on neutering making your life easier is a terrible reason to justify getting a dog neutered. Do not bother getting a dog if it's a nice and easy life your after.

I already have a dog thanks very much, a very happy, neutered, staffy cross. I actually said it's fairer on the dog and easier on the owner. Note: I said FAIRER ON THE DOG, before mentioning the owner. If doing something for the good of my dogs health and welfare also makes things easier on me, then great. I'm sure like all owners, we all also do things for our dogs health and welfare that makes things awkard on us. All part of having a dog.

wexford202 wrote: »

If a thief is creeping around your garden at night they certainly do not have the time to check for surgery before they pinch your dof. Micro chips are for deterring people from robbing a dog.

I'm sorry, but not all dog thefts are spur of the moment, opportunistic instances. Not at all. These thiefs see this as their "job" and most of the time know exactly what they need to know about the dog. They have been known to stake out houses, ask owners about the dog in passing etc. It is a lot less random than people seem to think.

wexford202 wrote: »

To remove his testicles is a terrible way of achieving an easier life.

An easier life for who? The dog? Me? prospective puppies? neighbours? I think, all things considered, neutering is the kindest thing to do except for in exceptional circumstances. Dog professionals, vets, rescues, all agree.

wexford202 wrote: »

Also the reason why a dog puts on weight is because of the interruption to it's hormones. Physiological changes after neutering may affect your dog’s metabolism and appetite, making him prone to weight gain. There’s some evidence to suggest that puppies neutered before five months of age are at greater risk of becoming obese than puppies neutered later

Prone to weight gain, as the owner, it is your responsibility to respond to that by changing the food and upping the exercise.

wexford202

I wouldn't believe it is fair on the dog at all. You can be certain if the choice was left to him he certainly wouldn't be lining up for for it.

Neutering is not a kind thing to do for a dog. An owner should have more control over their dog and not allow the dog to pester other dogs. They should be well up in their handling of a dog for the dog to return when called whether it has balls or no balls.

I wouldn't say that all vets agree as there are many vets in my family and none agree but for the following circumstances.
The only time it would be needed is if an owner has both a male and female. My neighbour has both and is well used to knowing when the bitch is in heat to seperate them. They didn't need to make the dog have surgery to acheive that.

there are many other ways to deter thieves and this certainly sgouldn't be anyones first choice.

Part of the enjoyment for the dog when walking is to pee and mark everything it comes accross. It's what they do and what they are mesnt to do.

Blueprint

Most owners in this country aren't able to effectively control their dog enough to stop them from reproducing though, so what you're advocating means more unwanted litters.

Neutering is not an ideal situation, but with over 10 thousand dogs being killed in pounds last year due to being unwanted, it is highly irresponsible of you to tell people not to do it. Have you ever visited a dog pound?

And for the record, my guy is a rescue, he was neutered by his rescue at six months and he still sniffs and marks to his heart's content while out for his walk.

He's also in perfect shape as I control his food intake and give him lots of exercise.

wexford202

I have visited dog pounds many times and I give substanial amounts of money to ISPCA too.

I am not advocating anything but I am saying that any dog owner needs to be responsible for their dog. That surgery of any kind should never be used as a means of compensating bad ownership.

Any dog running around and trying to mount other dogs is a sign of bad ownership. Education is the first thing in providing a stable enviroment for a Stafforshire Bull Terrier. They do require large open spaces to run around it and thats why should always have a large garden to run around in. All dogs no matter the breed should be on a lead when walked. It is things like that which prevent the increase in population.

Also any owner of a female dog can in the event of their dog escaping for a few hours can get the morning after pill for the dog.

Dyr

I think people should be clear that the primary purpose of neutering animals is to stop them reproducing. All the other other perceived benefits/risks are side effects.

Blueprint

wexford202 wrote: »

All dogs no matter the breed should be on a lead when walked. It is things like that which prevent the increase in population.

Also any owner of a female dog can in the event of their dog escaping for a few hours can get the morning after pill for the dog.

I'm pretty sure that never letting your dog off lead is much more of an issue for them not having a good quality of life than them missing their testicles! Not all of us have the luxury of large gardens, but still have happy well adjusted dogs and in control dogs.

The morning after pill for dogs has side effects and is not guaranteed 100%.

wexford202

Blueprint wrote: »

I'm pretty sure that never letting your dog off lead is much more of an issue for them not having a good quality of life than them missing their testicles!

Not all of us have the luxury of large gardens, but still have happy well adjusted dogs and in control dogs.

The morning after pill for dogs has side effects and is not guaranteed 100%.

Whta I am saying is that neutering your dog which was your suggestion in the first place to reduce agression should not be a solution. If it is a fear that the bitch that the OP has may get pregnant well then do but you were the one in your original post suggesting the neutering as a way of dealing with social behaviour. Training a dog should always be the first option if the concern is agression.

It is against the law to have your dog off it's lead when in a public place. I have the scar on the bottom of my back from a german shepherd which was off a lead on a beach with it's owner who said that it was a family dog.

If you do not have the 'luxury' of having a decent sized garden for an animal as energetic as a staffie you shouldn't own one. Even two walks a day with freedom is still not enough to burn their energy. They love sprinting around the lawn and need that on a regular basis throughout the day and not just on its walk or social outings.

Vel

Wexford202, I think you are guilty of attributing human feelings and traits to your dog. There is nothing cruel about neutering a dog and apart from the inital discomfort your dog may feel after the operation, they won't be any the worse for it, brooding in their bed wondering how you could have treated them so bad

Blueprint

Wexford 202:

1) I never told the OP to neuter, that was someone else. I do however object to you telling us owners of neutered dogs that we are being unkind to them.
2) I do not own a Staffie, I have a small Terrier x Collie, he is a very high energy dog, but is perfectly happy as I give him the exercise and mental stimulation he needs to be a happy, fulfilled dog, in spite of my small garden. (And for the record, he has no interest in being out in the garden on his own anyhow, as he's a people person.)
3) Dogs have to be under control in public places, not on a lead; dogs on the Restricted Breed List have to be on a lead at all times according to the stupid law, but as already mentioned, I do not have one of those.

And a question: do you think that people with small gardens would be better off letting a Staffie die in the pound than giving it a home? Most of us can't afford big gardens!

Whispered

Wexford, I agree that neutering should not be used to combat agression (I pointed out that it would not work in most cases in an earlier post on this thread) but, except for in certain circumstances I really believe it best that dogs are neutered. I am 90% sure Harley cannot get out, the garden has 6ft high fences and is absolutely enclosed. But I'm not willing to take any risk of him making a concentrated effort to escape due to neighbours bitches. I'm also not willing to put him through the frustration of living in close proximity to bitches in heat, it drives them mad.

I own a staffie x lab, both very energetic excitable breeds, so there you go, a perfectly happy, excited, friendly, lively dog and a small enough garden. We make sure he gets enough exercise to burn his physical energy and try turn almost everything into a "task" for him so he's mentally tired too. Come the weekend he camps with us, mountain climbs, we let him off lead when it's suitable to do so. He had a ball on st margarets beach playing with some collies and their owners. Maybe thats why he didn't put any weight on after neutering.

Call me Socket

wexford202 wrote: »

I wouldn't believe it is fair on the dog at all. You can be certain if the choice was left to him he certainly wouldn't be lining up for for it.

And babies, if the choice was left to them, certainly wouldn't be lining up for vaccinations against whooping cough etc. Is it unkind to jab babies? They probably wouldn't want to be sleeping in a cot either. Or eating veggies. But as responsible adults/parents and as responsible dogowners, we make those choices for our dependants, whether they're babies or dogs.

Neutering drastically reduces the risks of developing cancer, and it puts a complete dead stop to any chance that your dog will sire a litter, which helps contol the numbers of unplanned and unwanted pups in the country for rescues and pounds to deal with.

I'm really gobsmacked that you would discourage neutering. After all the adverts and publicising and work that has gone into trying to educate dog owners like yourself...

wexford202 wrote: »

The only time it would be needed is if an owner has both a male and female.

The only time??? Poppycock.

bigdogbarking

Bambi wrote: »

I think people should be clear that the primary purpose of neutering animals is to stop them reproducing. All the other other perceived benefits/risks are side effects.

Almost right irresponsible pet ownership is the primary reason why the pounds and shelters are over packed and so many deserving dogs get put to sleep everyday. all it takes is a little responsibilitty on the owners behalf. the dogs don't know they are missing anything, they don't know any better, they don't have sex for pleasure, only for reproduction.

The secondary purpose, should not be overlooked especially is if its medically advisable to do so, i.e it prevents and treats: cancer (testicular and prostate in dogs, breast in bitches), Pyometra (a uterine infection that can cause death in bitches),hormonal imbalances causing mood swings (just like the laidees:p), less risk of hernias,
straying and wandering can also be prevented as can territorial marking be reduced.

Ps Dogs will only get fat after spaying/neutering if they don't get sufficient exercise and a proper diet.

there are more reasons to neuter rather than not to so there is no excuse really unless it is your intention to breed but only responsible dog owners would do that......wouldn't they?.....

johnmaloney88

i'm gettin my fella done, i don't wanna breed. all i want is a friend! i see no need for my fella to have the ability to reproduce.

bigdogbarking

well done man,
best of luck to you both

Vel

johnmaloney88 wrote: »

i'm gettin my fella done, i don't wanna breed. all i want is a friend! i see no need for my fella to have the ability to reproduce.

Good news. Glad you have listened to the pros of neutering and not the rubbish that Wexford202 is spouting As has been said previously, a dog isn't going to miss his bits and all Wexford202 is doing is attributing his or her human feelings onto their dog. Also the dog will not put on any weight if their exercise and food is controlled. I think anyone condoning those of us who choose to neuter/spay isn't coming from a responsible place and hasn't educated themselves on the matter because if they had, they wouldn't be giving such bad advice.:rolleyes:

Apart from him not having the ability to reproduce it will also make him less attractive to dog thieves. Would love to see photos when you get him

johnmaloney88

suzie


and troy

Vel

Aw what a handsome chap he is. I'm glad he went to a good home as I'm sure there may have been some not so nice people interested in him. And Suzie is lovely too. Are they getting along well together?