For those who are not well informed in regards to the breed, there can be some false impressions about what a prospective Staffordshire Bull Terrier owner is to expect. All too often, the Staffie is grouped under the heading of Pit Bull along with the American Staffordshire Terrier. Although they are close cousins in the dog world, the false impressions about the breed are simply a case where the stigma of one has unfairly tainted another. Once an individual researches the breed or gets to know a Staffie firsthand, he or she will be pleasantly surprised at the praise the breed constantly reaps for its intensely loyal and genial disposition.
First and foremost, many mistakenly assume that the Staffie will be an aggressively vicious attack dog. Without the proper socialization, the breed has been known to take an aggressive stance with other dogs; however, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier simply will not take on an aggressive role with humans unless and until falling into the hands of the most unscrupulous owner. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier loves human contact and lives to dote and be doted on. While they do make good guard dogs, the Staffie does have a problem with being stolen from time to time as their friendly disposition has them assuming that everyone they see is a friend. In fact, the last reported fatal attack by a Staffordshire Bull Terrier in the United States occurred sometime in the 1940's. It should be noted that there have been three fatal attacks by Dachshunds in the last 30 years.
While the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is consistently mistaken for a Pit Bull and makes a formidable looking guard dog, the Staffie is one that should never be left alone in the yard or to languish tethered. The Staffie is superb at putting up the attack dog front. However, while they gladly guard their property and all who dwell on it, going without human interaction is unhealthy for the breed. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier not only expects but needs to be included in the daily activities of the household. They very much enjoy domestic life and though they do enjoy their outside time, total isolation will simply break their heart. Like all dogs, this can have them turning to destructive behaviors to communicate their discontent.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a vibrant breed that has tremendous stamina and loves to get out and about. They are interested in just about all that they see and are not afraid to try new things or go new places. Those who expect to keep their Staffie without much thought of taking the dog out on a daily basis will find themselves on the receiving end of destructive behaviors. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier craves variety to keep its mind and mass thoroughly worked out and on an even keel.
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