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Whilst searching for your new dog you will probably notice that 90% of dogs
up for rehoming are Staffordshire Bull Terriers. The reason this breed gets such bad press is
because some
people that own Staffies will neglect them, fail to train them, show aggression
toward them, or sadly even abuse them...
Who can blame them for learning from their owners....?
The Staffie is a powerfully built dog who has left his fighting
past behind him. With proper training and socialization, the Staffie can be
a loving, loyal companion who will stop at nothing to show his devotion to
his family.
Staffies are intelligent and active little dogs,
that get on well with
children and adults alike. The Staffie is a hardy dog full of stamina,
not quick to pick a fight, but more than able to defend themselves if necessary.
They are affectionate, much preferring human company to that of other dogs. With their great sense of humour, intelligence and the fact they are
boisterous, life is never dull with a Staffie around.
It's the
Staffordshire's misfortune that, of all dog breeds, it most closely resembles the
fearsome Pit Bulls which, in the 1980s, were the favoured side-arm of drug
dealers, hard men and general riff-raff alike. And, even though if treated kindly and
properly trained, Staffies are good with young children, they are today
unnecessarily feared.
The Staffie loves his family
with a passion, especially the juvenile members. This breed’s devotion to
children is legendary. However, such devotion does not always include other
dogs, particularly not strange ones.
Staffies are very sensitive animals
who suffer tremendous stress in kennels - when they are
lucky enough to make it there! Any reputable rescue shelter will think carefully
before rehoming any Bull breed dog and will never let you have one if they
feel it is unsuitable for you. Please do consider adopting a Staffie
regardless of their undeserved bad press. By adopting a Staffie or Bull breed,
you are doing the equivalent of adopting two of most other breeds and you will
be contributing to
rescue shelters keeping up the good work!
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Just a Staffie Cross
Today is just another day - to me they're all the same
I have the worst of genes you see, I bear the "Staffy" shame.
The shame is in our numbers, there's thousands with no home.
Thousands just like me you'll find, in kennels all alone.
My mum was "just a Staffy", my father - well who knows?
Mum, too, became unwanted, as the last puppy goes.
And then begins the process, of money-making deals
A life of "moving on" unfolds, who cares how the Staffy feels?
If you have the cash to hand, the Staffy pup is yours
But that pup is getting bigger now, just look at those big paws.
You brought me for your image, thought I'd make you look more tough
But you'll find my boisterous nature has already got too much.
If you had thought to train me, with kindness and with praise
You would have had a faithful friend to share your darkest days.
I would lay down my life for you, but you simply cannot see
You make sure you get your money back on what you paid for me.
And on it goes, until one day, I'm no longer worth a dime
The retail on an adult staff - not worth the waste of time.
So what happens to a Staffy now? Do you really want to know?
Do you care what will become of us, when we leave our final home?
Have you ever thought to wonder, "Where is that Staffy now?"
The "Staffy" has another name; he's become a "stray" somehow.
Me, I was put into a car and driven far away
The door held open, I jumped out, I thought to run and play.
It was with joy and happy heart I turned to look for you
You drove away with all my trust and a piece of my heart too.
I wandered round for many days before I was brought here.
Now I wait with heavy heart, trepidation and with fear.
Seven days is all I have you see, seven days for you to claim
The little dog that you threw out, for which you have no shame.
This is my last goodbye now my seven days are up
If only more thought had gone into the future of that pup
As the needle empties to my veins I lay down with one last sigh
I'm sorry I was born a Staffy, because it means that I must die.
By Trudie James of Doris Banham Dog Rescue
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Unlike at many dog sanctuaries in
the UK, we at South Bucks do not endorse euthanasia.
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