About To Get My First Staffy Puppy

[Missymoo]

Well done sm3rf!! Good on you for doing your home work!! Trust Pav, she knows the breed well and can defiantly point you in the right direction!!

[Ruin Maniac]

Glad that you came here for advice first.

Though they are heart wrenching, there are threads here made by unfortunate dog owners who bought their puppies from backyard breeders only to have them die weeks later of hereditary diseases which could have been screened for before mating the parents. Follow the advice of the users here. It's not always fun and games, but the majority of dog owners here know exactly what they're talking about and are extremely helpful. :)

Besides, as others have said, $600 for a pup that has no papers or health testing is robbery. ;)

Be sure to ask any breeder you encounter lots of questions about their dogs and about the breed in general! If they won't or can't answer those questions, RUN.

Finally, do your own independent research into the characteristics of the breed. This is crucial. While dogs that belong to other people may seem perfect for you, be aware that it can be a lot different when you have to train them yourself! Some bull breeds are known for being stubborn and require a very confident and strong owner to train them properly, not to mention breed-specific lifestyle demands (exercise, diet, etc.)

The more you know, the more likely your dog will live a long, happy and healthy life with you. Best of luck! :)

Edited December 23, 2012 by Ruin Maniac