Before you bring a Staffordshire bull terrier puppy into your home, make sure you know what owning a 'Staffy' entails. Bear in mind that the cute little puppy you have set your heart on will grow into a powerful and muscular animal which will require firm handling and lots of time and energy. This breed of dog is very strong and requires firmness and consistency while training. You need to be sure that you wish to commit yourself to your dog's welfare for the next 10 -12 years.
Of course, the Staffordshire bull terrier has many wonderful inherent characteristics - he is a dog with special intrinsic qualities, which makes him an endearing pet. The Stafford is renowned for its affinity with humans and is exceptionally good with children and infants. Adored and adoring within their own family circle, these dogs are more than happy to share your home with you rather than spending long periods on their own in a kennel. They really enjoy getting involved in family activities like car rides, going on hikes and walks, romping on the beach, and especially cuddling up with you when you settle down for an evening of TV watching or reading. Staffords will also often be boisterously welcoming with visitors and you and your friends have to be ready for this. These dogs are incredibly like humans in a furry form!
Although each dog will have its own individual personality traits, there are some personality characteristics common to all dogs of this breed. Staffords are tough, courageous, tenacious, and stubborn by temperament. They are also very protective, curious, active, quick and agile. The Staffordshire bull terrier is highly intelligent and being ever eager to please, he will give you and your family a lifetime of devotion.
As puppies, these dogs need to chew on anything they can set their teeth into and need a safe alternative to furniture, toys and clothing for their busy jaws. Stafford puppies love to play rough, but you must make it clear right from the start who is the boss. This is not a difficult task if you begin working with your Staffie when she or he is a puppy. Puppies require a lot of time and patience and to housebreak will require double the effort and twice the patience. Of course, these puppies love people and need to be comforted and loved in return.
When a Stafford shows its teeth in a snarl, it can be rather disconcerting. They look tough and strikingly menacing, but because of their natural fondness for people, DO NOT make good guard dogs. These dogs can be trained for agility and competitive obedience.
The Staffordshire bull terrier does everything with persistence, passion and intensity. Totally fearless and curious, these dogs love a challenge and variety. These energetic dogs are active from dawn to dusk, and are unable to be left for long periods without outside stimulation. Whilst they thrive on being with people, they react if challenged by another dog. Born fighters, these dogs possess the strength and tenacity of the Bulldog with the exceptional athletic ability of the Terrier. Staffords also have no fear of traffic and sadly often become road accident victims.
These trustworthy dogs with their sound temperament are faithful companions to humans all through their life.
Donal Keenan is editor and publisher of Staffordshire Bull Terriers Website. |
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