WreckitWhippet

I am interested in answers for this. There seems to be some controversy about certain colours in the breed and paying more for 'rare' colours. From what I have seen the blues don't seem to look as true to type as other colours. Is this the general consensus, or just my own personal taste of what a Stafford should look like? Just bumping No it's not just your own personal preference coming into play, the blue dogs and bitches in this country are on the whole sub-standard. There have been many topics on here regarding blues, their poor quality and their hefty price tags. I am constantly astounded that " breeders" have the audacity to charge the prices they do for them, having scant regard for, and little knowledge of the breed standard. It also appears to be a continuing cycle of pet quailty being bred to pet quality, with no consideration for anything but colour. Something for buyers to be aware of and Sandra touched on earlier was the skin conditions "With blues - skin issues such as allopecia" and allergy. Of more of a concern is their incorrect structure such as straight stifles, over loaded shoudlers and incorrect shoulder placement. Poor construction can and does lead to issues further on down the track in particular the elbows, shoulders, patellas and hips.

What advice would you give someone who decides to adopt an adult Stafford from a shelter or rescue? What is your opinion on adopting an adult Stafford into a home that already has an adult dog that is a Stafford or a Staffy x? Based on the traits inherent in Staffords would you suggest only adopting an adult from an organisation that has fostered the dog and is thus able to offer much more information, in terms of the qualities and personality of the individual dog? Absolutely from an ethical rescue that fosters and has experienced foster carers. I've seen first hand some of the disaterous results of rescues that have not been in foster care and have not been properly assessed. There is no reason why older Staffords cannot be rehomed with careful consideration and assessment. They can also be rehomed successfully into homes with an existing pet. I think it is very important given that potential adoptees are looking for a family pet, that the animal under consideration has been assessed in a home and yard environment. Fitting in with exisiting pets aside, it's imperative to know if they are escape artists, machines of mass destruction, how they handle visitors coming into the home, how they react with small children & strange men, trips in the car and every day situations that they can reasonably expect to encounter. They also require some time for their true natures and quirks to show. There have been plenty of dogs returned to care as they are not suitable and are not as described by rescues. Yes, all dogs take some time to settle in and there will be some for whatever reason do not fit in. I question how a rescue can suggest and recommend a Stafford for rehoming if they have no idea what the dog is really like , outside of a kennel environment.

That to me would not be an unrealistic expectation of the majority of Staffords. I personally expect that my dogs will walk nicely on a loose leash, sit or stand quietly while other dogs are around and are able to play appropriately with other known dogs. Many people think that "social" is a free for all at the leash free with any dog that comes along. I wouldn't expect my Staffords not to react if placed in that situation. I think that training plays an enormous part in a "social" Staffords life, they must have a recall and should be taught to "leave" or "leave it" and come away from intense situations and over exhuberant play. There are some however that would never live up to any of the expectations above, they are not for the novice owner. Again I cannot stress enough that puppy buyers seek out an ethical registered breeder, who is honest about the dogs in their kennel and what they know about the dogs that have gone before them. As for breeders not excluding "dog aggressive" animals from their breeding program, I think that's a personal choice , some value the "fire" and do not see it as an issue if properly managed. I think people also see the grumbling and front that many Staffords put on and mistake that for "aggression", when it could in many cases be a reaction. Fire in a Stafford does not mean that the dog is not trainable and able to be responsibly managed. I prefer a lively animal, with a bit of spunk about it and you can certainly have this and not have a dog that swings off the end of a lead. I would be far more wary of purchasing a puppy that comes from timid parents, shy parents, fear aggressive or submissive, such dogs are unpredictable and are a disaster in the making.

The first time I heard the "staffy scream" I thought it was a possum fight! It seems quite unique to the breed. Are many SBTS vocal? Some are and some aren't but if you have a "talker" you know about it They are a cheeky breed by nature and it's not uncommon for them to tell you off and back chat. They can also scream for dinner, scream to be let out and sing songs at the vet clinic. The noises vary from possum fights, to Kookaburras to chainsaws Given that many like to have a chat, they are an easy breed to teach to "speak on command" , training them to do so is a good way to shut them up and have them chat when it's OK by you.

The SBT has a mixed image in the eyes of the general public and certainly the media. How do you think that the breed's image can be improved? I understand that in some parts of the US, in Germany and some other European Countries SBT's are a restricted breed and are subject to breed specific legislation. In the US they (and other bull breeds) fall under the generic description in certain states of "pit bull". At the moment that is not the case in Australia, but what are breeders/owners thoughts about this and securing the future of the SBT? People have listened to be bang on about the generic reference of "Staffy", which is basically used by councils and the majority of Joe public when talking about or labelling any dog that could be and SBT cross or is brindle and not another breed. I think the key to the survival of the " Stafford/ Staffordshire Bull Terrier" is to distance our purebred predigree dogs with ANKC papers and bred by ethical breeders as far as we can from the "generic". I've been called elitist over this but there is a reason behind this and why I am so proud or our pedigree dogs and promote them. The vast majority of dogs that end up in pounds or are involved in incidents are NOT pedigree registered dogs, our registered dogs do not deserve on the whole the negative images and perceptions that the mongrel bred and might be's create. Of course it's not the dogs themselves that are to blame but the type of owner that goes along with it, the one's who don't give a toss about their dogs or the one's who have purchased blindly, know no better and have run into trouble along the way. Promoting the virtues of the pedigree registered "Stafford" is the way forward and they way to ensure the breeds survival. Not only do you get an awesome pup from an ethical breeder, you also get the back up service that goes along with it. It's not uncommon for owners to hit rough patches and if you've read the honest answers regarding the SBT's temperament and requirements, then it's easy to see why. The ethical registered breeder will help any puppy buyer to overcome issues they encounter and help them ensure that their "Stafford" is an excellent canine citizen, that does not contribute to bite stats, pound numbers and the negatives associated with the breed. The Staffords temperaments and personailites vary from individual to individual , however if you purchase a pedigree dog, it has been bred in the majority of cases generation after generation for temperament and stability. There is more likelyhood that the puppy you purchase will be " bold, fearless , totally reliable" and meet your expectations as a buyer. The ethical registered breeder will also weed out the undesirable owners and those they think are not suited to own the breed. The more pedigree dogs from ethical breeder we can get out there, the more happy puppy buyers exist , the more they promote the breed and the circle continues. We need to show Joe Public that there is the "staffy" and then there is the 'Stafford" and there's a whole world of difference between them

No breed has " lack jaws". Stafford do have a scissor bite, large canines and they can be tenacious, which sometimes makes it difficult to break the hold.

How much would you expect to pay for a well bred SBT from a responsible registered breeder? There's no right or wrong amount for a puppy but someone could expect to pay from $700 to $1000 for an ANKC limit registered puppy from and ethical ANKC breeder. Puppies of show potential can sometimes cost more and the price is influenced by many factors. One thing that puppy buyers should be aware of is ads and breeder who offer pups along the lines of " with ot without papers " or " X amount for papers, Y amount without" . All puppies from ethical registered breeders come with either limit register papers for pets or main register papers for show potential.

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc) Breeder and exhibitor 2. Where and why was the breed first developed? In the early 1800s and was a cross between the Bulldog of that day and the old English Terrier. Basically they were bred and used for bull baiting and dog fighting. 3. How common is it in Australia? The Stafford is a very popular breed and choice as a family pet. They are also one of the most commonly found crosses or back yard bred dogs in pounds, which makes researching the breed, understanding it’s requirements and buying from an ethical registered breeder very important. 4. What is the average lifespan? A good 12 - 14 years or more. 5. What is the general temperament/personality? The breed standard states “Bold, fearless and totally reliable “ and that’s exactly what a well bred Stafford should be. They are very people orientated and are known as the “nanny dog”. Staffords have a myriad of personalities which makes buying from a registered breeder who can match a puppy’s personality to your family imperative. Staffords can be clowns, cheeky, down right naughty, high drive, over the top, sooky, happy and everything all rolled into one. It is also important to know that they can be dog aggressive and that many will seek to finish a fight, regardless of who started it. Some line have more “fire” or aggression in them than others, however once again the ethical registered breeder understands this, they can recognise the signs in their pups and place them accordingly. 6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult? 45 minutes to an hour of daily exercise on leash as a minimum. Staffords also enjoy a romp in the park (where permitted off leash and with a reliable recall) and some enjoy swimming. The majority of Staffords enjoy a game of fetch or tug. If socialised and correctly introduced to other dogs from an early age, they love to meet up with dogs they know for a game. If you cannot commit to an hour a day, rain hail or shine then the Stafford is not for you. A Stafford that lacks exercise and the ability to let off steam will become destructive, bark, dig holes and its common for them to become escape artists. 7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with? I would say NO, they are not for beginners, although someone who has properly researched the breed and its needs could have a puppy that grows into a happy, healthy pet that is a loving member of their family. Staffords require owners with a firm but kind hand. 8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods? No breed can occupy themselves for long periods alone and the Stafford is no exception. A Stafford left alone for long periods can occupy themselves but it’s often not in a ways an owner would find acceptable. Staffords with a well developed daily routine, including sufficient exercise and time with the family, can happily exits as a solo dog while an owner works and the family is away during the day. Large bones, frozen treats, toys (they have been shown how to play with) and kongs can help fill in the gaps in their day. 9. How much grooming is required? Very little, they are easy care and low maintenance. A bath once a month is more than enough, unless they have been doing something that makes them particularly dirty or smelly. They benefit from a daily wipe over with a palm mitt or a zoom groom, to help remove and loose hair, improve circulation and to keep the coat shiny. Nails should be trimmed as often as required, this could be every two weeks or each month, depending on how much they wear down during exercise. Invest in a quality pair of nail clippers and start clipping them young. Check you dog over daily, have a quick look and smell of the ears, open their mouth and check the teeth, run your hands over the coat and keep an eye out for any lumps and bumps. A daily check can alert you to any skin conditions, ear infections etc. 10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)? As mentioned earlier the Stafford requires an owner with a firm but kind hand and one who is committed to meeting their individual dogs training and exercise requirements. Having done so, the Stafford is the ultimate family pet. They are known as the “nanny dog” and have an undeniable affinity with children. They are not however an instant baby sitter, they will jump and mouth as babies and young adults and they can be very boisterous. 11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of? L-2-HGA (L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria) Hereditary Cataracts (also called Juvenile Cataracts) Distichiasis Entropian Ectropion Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) Persistent Hyperplastic Primary Vitreous (PHPV) Hip Dysplasia Demodex Allergy 12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (Eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be) Puppies will come with a certificate that shows their L2-HGA & HC status, be it clear, affected or carrier or copies of the parent’s clearance may also be provided. Puppies may either come with an ACES eye certificate or again a copy of the parent’s current eye certificate. Puppies will not have been hip scored, however parents may have been. The breed average has remained pretty much unchanged for years and it around 12. Puppies from an ethical registered breeder will come with a health guarantee.

They sell puppies and kittens to begin with, so personally I wouldn't support any place that does so. I would not risk a young baby at a dog park but certainly find out for later when she is older , fully vaccinated and less likely to be intimidated by other dogs.

I'd avoid the place like the plague and if you want to do puppy pre-school choose a vet clinic that runs them or better still wait until she's 16 weeks and then head off to obedience. Beagles are by their very nature social and outgoing little creatures, she would be fine if you just take her out with you to meet people and see the world , before she heads off to obedience later on.

If it's dual registered as an AKC Amstaff and then APBT on any other registry, it can only be an Amstaff If it's dual registered on two two registries ( other than one being the AKC ) then it could be a Pit or an Amstaff BUT none of the other registries have any affiliation or recognition with the ANKC ( Australian Kennel Council ), so it would be considered a Pit Bull in NSW. You must have ANKC papers or AKC papers in the case of an import to prove that you Amstaff is an Amstaff, otherwise it's breed ID or fight it out in court in NSW to prove otherwise

It's within 10 metres of a designated childrens play area, which means the usual swings, slides etc. Once you have been issued with an NOI , the clock is ticking

I think you should take a cake to go with a cuppa this is looking at it from a "breeders" perspective

Apparently the sight of a brindle Stafford litter reduced them to tears, as they reminded them so much of their old dog. A brindle litter is enough to make me cry too, but not for the same reason

Just don't rock up on the door step, take one look at the dogs, hand over your photo and burst into tears I had one couple do that to me , mind you they did go on to buy a pup

Personally I'd find that to be overkill. Just go as yourselves, you don't need a resume

Some dogs just don't like roo. You'd think they would given that it has a gamey smell even when very fresh. I'd say she really doesn't like it, it could be the smell or the texture. I've got a bitch here at the moment who will eat just about anything, she won't touch roo either, so on roo night she gets a lamb flap instead.

At six months maybe another inch or two, who knows.

All dogs registered as APBT's or Pit Bulls or Pit Bull cross prior to the introduction of BSL automatically became "restricted" upon the introduction of BSL. Regardless of it's DOB , those dogs became "restricted" and owners were given a transition period in which to desex their animals ( if not already done ) and to build their enclosures. From memory that time was up in the October after BSL was introduced in NSW. Any dogs that were not registered as a "restricted breed" prior to the introduction, but council suspected or suspects to date may be of a restricted breed or cross are subject to an NOI, again regardless of them being born before the introduction. Some of those dogs that automatically became "restricted" included some who at the time were elderly and no offending dogs, who were born ten years plus prior to the introduction.

You just answered your own question.

That is incorrect , in NSW it didn't matter when your APBT was born, when BSL was introduced it applied to ALL APBT's and crosses ETA: Here's the ACT, it covers both restricted and dangerous dogs http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/con...act/caa1998174/

The breed standard is worth a read, in particular the heights and weights

Sorry but that's no Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy, he's a cross bred of some sort , quite possibly with SBT in it. Pups vary depending on the lines and the type, my two 6 month olds are just under and just over 15 inches, they are around 13-14kgs, both have just about finished growing in terms of height. A standard SBT is 16 inches or under and around 17kgs. There are some larger dogs at 17 inches but 19 inches

there was a thread a while back to pluck or not to pluck. There was some pretty good advice re ear care in there, from groomers, breeders and owners who had experienced issues. I pluck where applicable and use diluted malaseb as a cleanser when necessary

The alternative in NSW is , if you have thousands to throw around, you could always opt to challenge council in court. For average Joe on a average wage that does not have the $ , the breed assessement and TT ( if required ) have been a successfull option for many.