You'd run the risk of any puppy being destructive (IMO) if left alone. I have a Basset Hound that has destroyed more things in my house than any of my others put together. A crate is a big help with destructiveness curbing.

a crate is invaluable BUT it is not a tool to keep the pup or your house safe while out of the house for long periods of time it is great for night times, and for an hour or so while you pop out, but no longer (IMHO )

Ems...

LOL! Your HO and mine differ slightly.

I work 8 hours a night. 4 hours in (or so) I come home and let everyone out. Probably lucky that I can do that. However...if I felt the same as you, Dudley would have eaten through the walls because I didn't want to crate him for more than an hour. I'd much prefer crating a dog than coming home to a dead dog.

Also...if it's ok for them to sleep in for a night (let's say 5-8 hours) what would the difference be in keeping them in for longer than an hour during the day? Mine sleep when I'm gone.

i dont have mine closed up at night, and i dont work so i am very lucky i do understand about house eating, our 1st staff ate through a concrete wall while we were both at work, so i guess a crate (had i had known about them then) would have been a great thing to have, every has their own opinions on crates, as long as the dog/s are happy and comfortable to me that is the most important thing

I had a lab when I was a kid that ate straight through a wall because he didn't want to be kept in a small utility room. After that...crates crates crates! LOL!

Staffords can be so destructive, Cassy in one hour managed to chew through my wall from the hallway to the bedroom. She is very clingy and hates being left alone, even for short periods of time though as she has gotten older she gew out of it. All I will say is do as much research before you go ahead and purchase a pup. So many people I hear buy a pup then 10 months down the line come back saying all sorts when really you begin to realise the dog is just being a typical Staffiord and more likely the person is not suited or able for the breed. Not saying you are not able, it's just taking on any puppy is a huge task taking on a Stafford puppy is even bigger and it is one breed that is always in high numbers in rescue centres over the country. But it is also very rewarding, you could not find a more loving & loyal breed they are comical and silly but also intelligent and brave.

Wish someone would tell Jas he's meant to be intelligent
When we did the 'Test your Pets' thingy last year he was proven to be a numbskull lol

A stafford is a very rewarding dog to own when it's socialised and trained. The other thing you will have to be aware of is the stigma attached to owning such a breed. The comments and looks I get when out with my Jas are totally unbelievable but it comes as part and parcel of owning a stafford.

You should be able to get a list of breeders from the Kennel Club website. They also have a 'Puppy Sales Register' where you can see if any breeders in your area have litters available. You could also try the Breed Clubs, they can normally put you in touch with breeders.

The only thing left to say now is.....
Good Luck in your search