What were Staffies bred for – Staffie history explained. Due to unresponsible breeding, SBTs are often part of mixed breeds or mongrels, but the offspring still strongly resemble the Staffie. Although today training dogs to fight is not only illegal, but UNETHICAL, many people have exploited these dog’s instincts. The English Staffy is descended from bulldogs used for bull baiting in the 18 th and 19 th century. Yes they could be taught to be aggressive and go after everyone and all, but in general these dogs are very gentle loyal companions. You must be the leader of that dog and train it. "Staffies do have a particularly bad reputation, but it is important to recognise that those we hear about represent the minority of the breed. They are actually the best nanny dogs due to … Staffordshire bull terrier has a nickname of a ‘nanny dog’ which does not come in vain. Therefore, a dangerous dog may only be part Staffie but because of their appearance, the Staffie breed gets a bad reputation. The bad reputation is based on the owners handling and treating the dogs. Asking a Staffy owner will tell you that staffies are the best dogs for your children. I have 2 dogs, one is a 5th generation pedigree blue staffy girl, shes stunning, very calm and well behaved, listens like a dream and is very good with obedience, I take my time to train her and keep her looking immaculate, I hate that chavs have ruined these beautiful dogs. We have all seen upsetting headlines concerning Staffordshire Bull Terriers. It is often identified incorrectly. Both breeds have a bad reputation for their history in dogfighting. Of … However, much of the breed’s bad reputation still persists to this day, even though many organizations and owners are working to change that. I have had two Staffies now from rescue. It’s never a good idea to get a dog if you think you will fear it. One came from Battersea Dogs Home in 2004 aged about 3 or 4, he was a staffy vizla cross who had a bad start but was a wonderful dog without any of the problems Battersea claimed he had, he sadly passed away from liver cancer in 2013. Why do you think you should be afraid? Let’s find out! But how much of their bad reputation is true? Are Staffies good pets? Traditionally, staffies have a bad reputation as fighters but not anymore. In reality, they are generally good with children when provided with proper training. 9. Both breeds are very loving towards people but do require effective training and socialization in early life. Their Curiosity Might Get Them Into Trouble. On the way it looks rather than the way it acts. And how do you go about finding the right one? That’s the reason why Staffies, unfortunately, have a bad reputation. Thank you for a beautiful piece about a wonderful breed. 3 Bad Press. Get ready to keep your Staffie … In reality many of the dogs that show aggression are bull breed crosses. Animals are individuals and I think it's very much about nurture over nature." The Staffie's (Staffordshire Bull Terriers) reputation is built on hearsay rather than fact. Animal shelters are spilling over with abandoned Staffies because their reputation as gangland enforcer dogs makes people think twice about adopting them. They are much more even-tempered than Pit bulls. In 2018, in the UK, PETA tried to have the Staffie added to the Dangerous Dogs Act, but this was denied. Staffies are tenacious, intelligent, trustworthy, courageous, and loving to their family. Staffies’ bad reputation is a result of irresponsible owners 80% of the public recognises that the breed’s bad reputation is to be blamed on irresponsible dog ownership. I think it's as much to do with the owner.