Breed Clarification

[lisat76]

Hello,

We are looking at purchasing a staffordshire bull terrior.

In looking into this type of dog, I have noticed that there is an English and American breed. Please correct me if I am wrong, it seems to be related in their sizing - in relation to their height, length and also head size/shape.

Can anyone clarify the pro/cons of one against another and the temprament towards children. I have a 2 and 6 year old.

Also, I would like to know of breeders in the Brisbane area who allow breeding of the dogs for puppies as family pets, as I have seen some only breed for show purposes. We would like either a full (if possible) black or full (if possible) blue in colour.

We have not had a dog for a number of years. We previously have had 2 Rottweilers who have sinced past away, also a number of years ago.

Thank you and any help is appreciated.

[Tralee]

Hi lisat76.

And welcome to the forum.

So you have your heart set on a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, rather than an American Staffordshire Terrier, since you colour preference is black or blue.

Why not start at the Breed Pages of this site?

You can compare and contrast the two breeds by scrolling through the profile pages, and look up websites of breeders in the breeders pages.

Good Luck

[Simply Grand]

Hi lisat, welcome to the forums!

I certainly don't know that much about staffies, but from what I do know, there are two separate breeds - the Staffordshire Bull Terrier (which is sometimes inaccurately called the English Staffy) and the American Staffordshire Terrier. I don't know the specifics of the two breeds regarding but I'm sure some experts can fill you in. I do know that good breeding and good socialisation and training makes a big difference with any breed!

Most reputable breeders will have puppies available for pet homes, provided they get desexed, they often breed to get a show puppy but then look for great pet homes for the others in the litter.

I'm trying to decide on a breed for a new puppy myself at the moment so just wondering what in particular makes you want a Staffy? And colour wise, of course people have personal preferences, but for a lot of breeders the colour is sort of a non-priority, temperament and type are much more important, so you might find that the right puppy for you personality-wise isn't the colour you want... I guess it depends what you're looking for.

Good luck in your search, I definitely share your excitement in looking for a new puppy!

[Keira&Phoenix]

I certainly don't know that much about staffies, but from what I do know, there are two separate breeds - the Staffordshire Bull Terrier (which is sometimes inaccurately called the English Staffy) and the American Staffordshire Terrier.!

This is correct although many people on DoL can give you the specifics.

Regarding colour if you head over the the health part of the forums you will find a very sad thread about a lady who bought a "rare" blue stafford pup who unfortunately experienced massive issues. There are a lot of experts DOLers can fill you in on why blue is not necessarily a good colour.

ETA: sorry the thread was in puppy problems heres the link - http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?showtopic=213239

This sad story is a good lesson for anyone looking into buying Staffords.

Good luck with your search you will find lots of good advice on DOL.

Also search the forums for Amstaff vs Stafford threads lots of info in them regarding their differences etc.

Edited February 11, 2011 by Keira&Phoenix

[RallyValley]

There is no such thing as a 'show breeder'. There are people who breed healthy, health tested, physically sound dogs to other similar dogs in an effort to improve the breed, maybe 1 or 2 pups in the litter have that special extra they are looking for, the rest will find lovely carefully screened homes with lifetime support from the breeder.

A 'pet breeder' is someone who usually breeds in bulk, puts any two dogs together and sells the results for family pets.

Just because you aren't going to show does not mean you deserve any lesser quality. Contact 'show breeders' because most of a 'show litter' goes to family homes and you are getting that extra quality.

Edited February 11, 2011 by RallyValley

[Tralee]

There is currently 89 puppy notices and 519 Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breeders listed on DOL.

A bit like trying to find a needle in a haystack.

Good Luck

[Simply Grand]

There is currently 89 puppy notices and 519 Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breeders listed on DOL.

A bit like trying to find a needle in a haystack.

Good Luck

OMG that's a huge number! In my search (not this breed) I've been trying to go to shows and meet breeders and their dogs, and talking to people I know about decent breeders.

lisat, go to the SBT Breed-specific sub-forum, ask them for advice and tell them about yourself. Hopefully they'll send you some recommendations of breeders who treat their dogs well and raise healthy, happy puppies in a good environment

[Tralee]

There is currently 89 puppy notices and 519 Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breeders listed on DOL.

A bit like trying to find a needle in a haystack.

Good Luck

OMG that's a huge number!

Staffies overtook Labs in registered numbers a while back and are so popular they practically have to have there own arena and show at some events.

[casowner]

I would suggest talking to the people in the breed threads and I don't believe there is a pure black SBT it is just a very dark brindle with minimal markings, in relation to blue SBT's I would suggest searching for some blue links in this section.