Desperate for an unbiased, clear opinion on staffie aggression.

Hey! I am besotted with Staffies, and I'm considering getting a pup, but the one thing that concerns me is this dog-on-dog aggression. I've read dozens and dozens of articles, forums and FAQ pages and I'm reaching desperation point in my quest for a clear, unbiased, definitive yes or no answer to my question - are staffies NATURALLY predisposed to animal aggression? and further more, is there a yes or no answer? I'm beginning to think not. Even my own staffy experiences boggle my mind and raise only more questions.

I used to work on a property that bred staffies, so their daily care was part of my job. I have never fallen so in love with a dog breed, they're such so beside themselves with love and adoration for all humans, stranger or not. I have no doubt in my mind they are wonderful, WONDERFUL people dogs.

My concern was the breeding male. On numerous occassions he fought and maimed other dogs on the property. He took the leg off a cattle dog - and this wasn't a strange cattle dog brought onto the property by a client, this was a dog he'd happily been living with for years. He'd often fight with the dogs he lived and slept with; one moment he'd be running through the fields along side his best buddies, moments later he'd be locked around their throats. Is this a staffy trait? Or is it just 'cause he was a breeding dog, and thus, hormonal?

Now this particular dog was never EVER mistreated, he had fifty acres on which to roam, and was socialized ten times more than most dogs, so no 'typical' reasons for aggression applied to him. I'd hazard a guess it was due to his 'breeding male' status, but I dont know enough about breeding dogs to make that assessment.

And I've had so many conflicting reports from all I've read - some would say socialization helps, others say it doesn't. Dog-dog aggression can apply to any breed, surely - I used to own a maltese terrier who, despite socialization, was a little feral towards other dogs and strangers. So for what reason has the staffy got slapped with the 'animal aggression' sticker? Why don't terriers have this sticker? Personally I've nearly lost my fingers to terriers more often than staffies. (And yes, I DO know how to approach a dog, test me if u doubt me).

I know this is long, and has a billion variables, as does the situation. THANK YOU ALLLL for reading my post, I appreciate any comments. I just want answers as to whether a staffy is going to be a liability to the dog community.

Hi there.

I'll try to answer from an un-biased (though certainly not staffie-expert) point of view.

As with all animals, i think part of a staffies make up is 'nature' and part is 'nurture' so socialising can and does often make a huge difference, but if you should have a dog who's nature is aggressive, socialisation may not be sufficient to avoid all confrontation.

I think the only difference with staffies to some other breeds is the damage they can do if/when a fight does start and I think that is probably one of the main reasons they have the reputation they do for dog on dog aggression.

The dog in your example - you don't say (perhaps you don't know) that he was always the one to start the fights - perhaps he wasn't, it is just that he did the damage to the other dogs.

Personally (and again I'm no expert) but I don't think him being a 'breeding dog' has anything to do with it - although I would say that if his temperament is questionable, I definitely think he should not be producing off-spring.

My own views are that if you went to a good breeder and could be satisfied of the temperament of not only the dam and sire, but further back in the line too and if you socialised that pup properly, you'd stand no more chance of him/her being aggressive than any other breed.

I agree with Hali i'm no staffie expert either but as long as you do your research into the parenting and raise a pup well they will have a good nature that YOU taught them.

Hope you have luck and a new wee pup soon.

Hi Ames and welcome to Dogsey
Hali has just about said it all really .

I will just add If I was looking to buy a Staff I would approach the breed clubs, I guess you have them over there and ask for a list of reputable ethical members then try to visit a few kennels and see the dogs mixing together to get an idea of the temperaments in particular lines before you book a puppy.

Years ago I used to be friendly with a Staff breeder and show judge (sadly no longer with us) who had the most wonderful small kennel of 'smiley Staffs ', dogs which got on well together and with other dogs including our Scottie Ena so it is not impossible to find sociable Staffs
I have also mixed with Staffs at dog shows and been next to them in the ring without any problems.

If you get a puppy I think it is also important to join a puppy class so your puppy can meet and mix with other dogs from an early age.

I have a staffie x and he is fab with other dogs. He went to puppy classes and i have always allowed him to mix with other dogs. When out on our walks we often meet a staffie girl and she's the same. I'm sure their will be exceptions but I think socialising is the key (Oh and neutering males).

Again I'm no expert but my friend has a 10 month female staff pup and she is the most loving gentle dog you could ask for. For her age I think she's fab, the only time she gets over excited is with my Max and he just flattens her with one big tigger bounce

I think as already explained the "reputation" is earned in the damage they CAN do if they do feel the need to defend themselves or attack. Also unfortunately for them, here in the UK since the banning of "pit bull type" dogs the staff is the closest looking legal breed so a lot are owned as status symbols by unsuitable owners who will encourage aggressive behaviour. That or just not train them at all which is just as bad. I personally would be happy to have a staff in my home with my kids because I know if it was mine it would be trained and brought up nicely.

I think as others have said, if you are buying a Staffie (any breed really0 it's important to go to the right breeder, speak to the breed club , for your first port of call,,,, they will have a list breeders expecting puppies.

Make sure health tests have been carried out (dont know what is needed for Staffies)


And most importantly see the dam, ask what their temperaments are like with other dogs ..not just the ones they live with.

i think to be honest, more Staffies will be intolerant with other dogs , than tolerent.

that does not mean they will go around attacking all they see, many a Staffie is just not interested in other dogs company and will just ignore other dogs they see.

A member of my family has a young Staffie, he is now 2, and the most adorable dog you could wish to find.

He loves every one and everything, people, dog s, cats, anything .

Annestaff, hopefully will see this, as she will be able to give you a lot more info.

I do know that experienced Staffie peopel, will have strict rules they implement when they have multiple Staffies, ,

But on the whole if you buy a well bred one , were temperament is forefront in the breeding ..

Ensure you socialise (nature v nurture) then you should have a wonderful pet to share your life

My male Staffy is a bit of a babe, he's always the first to welcome any newcomers into the house. He put in so much effort with my rescue Dobermann he brought tears to my eyes. He is easy to distract from situations when out on walks too as he has a healthy ball obsession and I use it to my advantage. For some reason other dogs do seem to home in on him a bit when out, I dunno why when they have 5 to choose from, but with training and effort he is so well behaved and socialised he's an absolute star. He's learnt no matter what happens, he has me to sort it out and he doesn't have to. He will let another dog have his ball rather than start a ruck, he knows I always have another one. Once when attacked by a very persistant JRT, he legged it back to me with the other dog hanging off him. I can't praise him enough tbh. Like most things in life you get out what you put in.

I have owned a staffie for a while now. What I find with my dog is she's not aggressive (she doesn't bite) but she is very bossy. She will challenge dogs she doesn't know and if they don't submit she will try to pin them down.

Not that I let her do that all the time - it's happened in the past though. Like Trouble's Staffy, mine also has a ball obsession (and stick obsession) so it's very easy to get her attention.

She is brilliant with my other dog, lets him do anything to her and they've never had a fight (touch wood).

I think with any dog you just need to be aware of the personality and the potential for harm.