When we first started discussing a dog for our family, I must admit that a Staffordshire Bull Terrier wasn’t originally on my list. I had read the articles and heard people talking about them at pick up time at school. I had envisioned a more intense breed than the one I desired for my children. However, as I began to research these dogs, I found that the reality did not align with the stereotypes. Here is what we discovered.
The Reputation vs. the Reality
Staffies are often grouped in with the “bully breeds”. This tag isn’t really well deserved and comes with a huge amount of baggage. In the UK, Staffies have traditionally gone by the nickname “the nanny dog” due to their generally patient and gentle nature around children. Again, this is not an official title, but rather a piece of folklore. It does, however, point towards the fact that Staffies were bred to be friendly and biddable around people. Despite being bred for toughness in other aspects from several generations back.
Once we actually got to meet a few Staffies in person, we found them to be very muscular and sturdy looking, but also goofy and weirdly gentle indoors. While temperament does play a role in choosing a breed for a particular purpose, it is not all encompassing. There can be significant variation from dog to dog, as well as the effects of training, socialization and the breeder. However, in general Staffies tend to be loyal, people oriented and eager to please rather than aloof or aggressive.
Things That Made Us Feel Better About It
A few things came up again and again in our research and in conversations with owners:
- They’re incredibly affectionate. Staffies are known for wanting to be close to their people — often described as “velcro dogs.” If you want a dog that follows you from room to room and curls up on the couch, this fits the bill.
- They’re sturdy with kids. Because of their build, Staffies tend to tolerate the chaos of kid play — hugging, climbing, accidental bumps — better than some smaller or more delicate breeds.
- They’re smart and trainable. This isn’t a “set it and forget it” breed when it comes to training, but they respond well to consistent, positive reinforcement.
- They don’t need a mansion. Staffies do fine in a house with a yard, but they’re adaptable and don’t require acres of land the way some working breeds do.
Things We Had to Plan For
No dog breed suits all families though there are a few things that we should be realistic about:
- Energy levels. Staffies are an athletic and muscular breed and do require daily exercise, not just laps around the block. Like any high energy dog that does not get enough exercise a bored Staffy can be destructive.
- Early socialization. Like many strong and confident breeds the development of a Staffy can depend quite heavily on its upbringing. Early experience with other dogs and people, consistent boundaries and puppy classes all made a difference.
- Breed specific laws. In some areas certain insurers or local governments may have extra requirements or restrictions for bully type breeds. This should be researched prior to falling in love with a puppy.
- Health. Like many purebreds, Staffies are susceptible to some conditions. Allergies to skin and some hereditary eye diseases are seen in the breed. If you are specifically looking for the “blue” color then it should be noted that in some Staffies the dilute coat gene has been associated with a skin disease known as color dilution alopecia. It is therefore important to ask a breeder for health information on the parents of the puppy in question.
So, Are They Good Family Dogs?
For us, the answer was yes, but only if your lifestyle fits in with the requirements for that breed and not just by how that particular dog appears. If you have the time to walk your Staffy daily and put in a little effort towards training and consistency, and if you aren’t swayed by popularity online compared to vets, breed clubs and other actual Staffy owners, then a Staffy can be a very loyal, long lasting and child friendly dog for your home.
If you are at the research stage like we were, then take your time. If possible, meet the parents, ask the breeders questions about health and temperament and don’t make a quick decision just because a litter is available now. We took our time looking around and eventually found a breeder that we were happy with. We found our Blue Staffy on Petsforhomes, which is an online marketplace with vetted breeders.
Ultimately, no blog (or this one) can guarantee that a particular dog will suit your particular family. However, if like us you are interested in Staffies because of their toughness combined with their soft heart, their durability and their loyalty then don’t let old reputation stand in the way of a breed that turns out to be exactly what many families need in a dog.
