Are you elderly, infirm or disabled?
• Do you have other dogs?
If you have answered ‘yes’ to any of the above, think carefully before choosing a Stafford as your breed. These dogs thrive on company, lots of exercise, an energetic family and plenty of room to call their own.
However, if you have taken this into consideration and feel that you can surmount any possible problems, then a Stafford may still make a wonderful companion for you.
Why choose a Stafford?
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a breed that is noted for its loyalty and devotion, as well as its deep affection for children; for this reason, it is also known as the Nanny Dog. The Stafford is a smooth-coated dog which makes him relatively easy to care for and, as a responsible owner, you will be rewarded with a companion who lives for his family and whose reason for being will begin and end with you.
This dog is extremely energetic and you must be aware that it is essential that you provide above-average exercise and establish a regular routine from an early age for your dog’s mental and physical development – if you are a couch potato, then this breed is probably not right for you. Your dog will thrive on companionship and love and is not a suitable pet if you are away from him for long periods, as this will inevitably lead to difficulty in maintaining the level-headedness required in this physically strong breed.
A Stafford puppy will reward you with his fun-loving personality and deep love of humans, especially children.
Make sure that you see the prospective puppies with their mother. They should always be in clean and warm surroundings and should play well together.
You must also bear in mind that this cute puppy – and they are adorable – will grow into a strong and powerful animal who will require a strong arm to control him and will probably remain a juvenile in his outlook and behaviour. This breed is boisterous and friendly, and age and maturity will do little to diminish this. If you feel ready for this wonderful breed, you have taken your first step to owning a Staffordshire Bull Terrier just by buying this book.
It is important to remember that the history of the Stafford means that although he is a wonderful companion, his tolerance of other dogs is low. Good breeders will keep a number of Staffords together from puppyhood, but their potential aggression towards other dogs means that socialization from an early age is essential.
The first steps
First things first now that you have taken the decision to look for a Stafford. There are hundreds of reputable breeders of Staffordshire Bull Terriers and, initially, you will need to make contact with several and talk to them. Lists of these breeders are readily available from the Kennel Club (see page 126) or from breed clubs countrywide and they will be only too happy to give advice and point you in the right direction.
The most important thing you should remember when acquiring a puppy is that it is never a good idea to buy from certain people or places, and that the following should be avoided at all costs:
• Buying over the internet
• Buying from one of the free ad papers, particularly where the breeder has several different breeds on offer
• Buying from a person who wants to hand the puppy over anywhere other than at their home, e.g. if they offer to meet you in a car park, supermarket or motorway service station
• Buying from pet shops or supermarkets.
More often than not, the above methods are used by people who may not be accustomed to breeding correctly and they might disregard certain aspects of their dogs’ welfare and health. These puppies may have had little or no early socialization, which is a recipe for trouble in a breed where this is essential.
Talking to breeders and owners
When you telephone breeders to make contact, don’t be offended if they ask you more questions than you ask them. They will be anxious to establish that their puppy is going to an environment where he will be happy, well cared for and brought up sensibly. This is a good opportunity for you to find out about anything that may be worrying you, so don’t be afraid to ask, no matter how silly you think it sounds. Any good breeder will always be there to offer you help and advice and even to take back a puppy if things don’t work out in his new home.
It is a good idea to spend some time talking to other Stafford owners and maybe attending dog shows where you can meet the breed. Don’t just look for a local dog – you may have to venture further afield to find the right puppy for you with a good temperament so be prepared to travel several hundred miles if necessary; it will definitely be worth it. When you locate the right breeder, they may not have a suitable puppy available immediately and you might find yourself on a waiting list. If this is the case, be patient and use the time to read about the breed and prepare your home for the new arrival.
Choosing a puppy
When you have researched the breed and spoken to owners and breeders, you will be in a position to choose your puppy. Breeders often breed dogs whose temperament and conformation to the Breed Standard make them eligible as potential show dogs. If you feel that you may be interested in showing your dog, you must mention this to the breeder right at the start. They will then be able to make sure that you have what they consider to be a ‘show quality’ Stafford. However, no breeder is clever enough to see into the future and therefore you must not be disappointed if your showing success does not stretch to Best in Show at Crufts!
This young Stafford looks a picture of health, with a shiny coat and eyes. His interest in his toy indicates a good disposition.
Once you have made contact with a suitable breeder and a litter of puppies is available, you will be asked to visit the puppies at home. Be prepared to see them at about four to six weeks even though they will not be able to leave their mother until they are at least eight weeks old, or sometimes a little older.
What to look for
Always make sure that you are offered the opportunity to see the puppies with their mother. This will not offend a good breeder and will give you the extra peace of mind that they really are home-bred. You will also be able to use this visit to gauge the mother’s temperament, so always look for signs of a happy and very friendly dog.
This is your chance to ascertain that the puppies’ environment is a loving and suitable one. Check for things like clean bedding, fresh water, toys and space for the puppies to move around in. If the litter is being kept in a kennel, make sure that it seems warm and accessible. All these factors will indicate whether the breeder is genuine and caring, which, in turn, helps create a well socialized and healthy litter of puppies.
The puppies’ coats should look
