Have you ever owned one or are you reading too deeply into media hype surrounding the breed?

I've owned two in my lifetime and neither the previous Staffie nor the current Staffie, has ever shown any aggression whatsoever towards any person, and I've no reason to believe that's going to change. I can safely say there's not a more friendly breed of dog and they're great with children - they're not called the 'nanny dog' for nothing. Maybe around other breeds they come out of their shell, but they're certainly great around humans.

In contrast, the JR has attempted an attack on persons more than once. They're what I would class as a 'nasty dog' and I certainly wouldn't own another.

I love all dogs, but its correct your more likely to get bitten by a JR than a staffie, GSD, rotty etc.......by their nature JR's are more 'defensive'.......JR's are also great dogs, its just our lack of understanding of them that causes the issues.....

If you want a more reasoned and open minded discussion about dog behaviour, without the risk of 'unhelpful' advice then try this dog forum....

http://dog-behaviour.niceboard.net/forum.htm

I've tended to believe the hype about staffies too and have always been put off owning one because of it. Then a couple of weeks ago an escaped staffie came bolting towards me, complete with his lead, and proceeded to try and lick my face off. His owner had made the mistake of thinking it was ok to tie him to a post in the garden and of course he'd chewed through his lead and come looking for adventure. The poor little chap nearly got hit by a car when he ran toward me. Fortunately I managed to find his owner after knocking on several doors. Beautiful dog with a lovely temperment. Shame about the owner.

OP if this behaviour continues after the bitch is past her season you should really consider rehoming one of the dogs. It's just not fair on them, especially as one is young and this could go on for years.

While a Staff could probably knock over a large plant pot I do wonder if it adds more weight to my 'Big, Bad, Hansom Dog'* theory. Might be worth asking the vet for a mis-mate jab just incase. Though the jab has been known to alter a bitches behaviour with other dogs for the worse - but again (like being in heat) temporarily. Better than a litter of pups - especially if the father is much larger as it could lead to a costly C-Section.

(*Appologies to all Imelda May fans there I have been drinking and I have been listening to Imelda May. Again.)

[quote=yorkiegal;40251035] His owner had made the mistake of thinking it was ok to tie him to a post in the garden and of course he'd chewed through his lead and come looking for adventure. [quote]

To be honest I would have thought twice about taking a dog back realising it was being tied up in a garden by an unsovory character (owner) for maybe more of the same.

But I am glad his escape seemed to have changed your view of the breed somewhat

His owner did say it was just a very temporary solution due to them having visitors for the day so fingers crossed that was the case. And he did look to be in very good condition too and had a tag saying he'd been microchipped. But if it wasn't for me having a cat at home I'd have been very tempted to take him.

That does sound positive then

I have a staffie bitch (spay) whom I love to bits. She is great with all humans and disciplined enough to only approach if encouraged.

She does not get along with other dogs but again, will not make any attempt to approach a dog. If I see a dog approaching her (I.E. galloping accross the field towards her) I have learned to "down" command her. This she does (reluctantly) and diffuses any potential aggresion.

Staffies are great dogs but they are inherently more aggresive to other dogs (especially other breeds) than most so would not recommend keeping staffies with other dogs. (She lives with 2 cats and knows her place).

I can understand why you would want to keep both but you should consider keeping them segregated while unsupervised.

I've kept staffs and bull terriers all my life but wouldn;t get another staffie now. Too many back street breeders means you can no longer guarantee any dog's temprement.

My first thought reading this was - a staffie won;t often start a fight but will sure as hell end one. The staffie must have been fairly restrained as it could kill at JRT with ease. Sorry to sound harsh but that's the reality. Sounds like your JRT had a narrow escape and I'd never ever leave them alone together again - season, or no season, neutered or not, etc etc. It's not fair on the JRT or the staff who'd end up being put down if it did harm the smaller dog.

Yes a JRT is a feisty terrier but - staffs have jaws that can end any fight they get involved in. Not being alarmist just - that is the case.

we have two dogs one of which is a Staffie ( bitch) the other is a Scottie (male) and he's very good at putting her in her place by sitting on her head when she's lying down

Sounds like the relationship our staffie has with one of the cats! They both dominate her and one is quite affectionate with her. (Grooms / sleeps with her. I think she quite likes having her own personal bodyguard).

Regarding you experience - I concur there will be exceptions.

Its interesting to hear views with someone like yourself who has many years experience of the breed, I do believe breeding can have a bearing on the dogs temperament, but even responsible breeders may be unintentionally causing a problem as some behaviourists share the view that breeding dogs with good temperaments only upsets the natural balance and they actually breed fear instead which can come out in the form of fear aggression, for example this happened to Labradors in the 1960's, before they were a rough and ready breed and now they seem almost slave like and some with fear aggression issues, it could be one of the reasons why Labs top the charts of a dog that is most likely to bite you in the UK....of course it could also be the sheer number of them compared to other breeds....there are loads near where I live and quite a few seem very skittish to me....

I have seen first hand what a staffie or bull terrier can do, its all over in a few seconds....which indicated to me that the staffie in question here had no intention to kill, just to discipline.....but I tend to agree with you about leaving them alone again, it would make me very nervous and would be wondering everyday if the JR would still be alive when I got home....

Labs do not top the chart for dogs most likely to bite you in the UK, it is the little dogs who come tops, labs are still considered one of the least aggressive dogs.

I cant stand people like you Its lot to do with the breader and you how dog turns out. the type of dog Has nothing to do with how vilolent a dog is. My mate got American pitbull and becuase he was stricked an taught it well it is just as friendley as my dalmation. some dogs harder to train some are really easy but you try hard you will allways be able to if you get dog put down for being viloent then its your own fault.

about the staffie is overhyped dog young ? If it is could be that both dogs are getting extreamly hyper arounf each and as lot of dog owners will know is when that happens they tend to get bit rougth. if it is serious and not just a few scratches from playing then i would advise seperating. What i would try first I would put them together make them think there alone and see how they are.