Petlife logo

The Misunderstandings of Staffordshire Bull Terriers

An Owner's Point of View

By Karl TwiggPublished 6 years ago 4 min read
Like
Bailey is bit nuts and hyper, but has a loving, big heart! And just look at that big smile!

So many people who hear the word “Staffordshire bull terrier” instantly think that these dogs are dangerous, unruly, and cannot be controlled... This could not be any further from the truth!

As a staffy owner myself, I’m here to tell you that these dogs, as big and mean as they can look, are absolute sweethearts. And the brief history of staffys is that, back in the early ages, these dogs were bred for looking after children in the homes and earned the name “nanny dogs.” A lot of people will argue that these were used for bull baiting but it isn’t true. You're looking at the bigger dogs, like pit bulls, etc., for this.

From the age of about 12-years-old, I’ve always had a staffy in my family and from then on, have never had any other breed. The reasons being? They have always shown unconditional love, will do just about anything to please their owners, have the best personality AND sense of humour that I have ever seen in a dog, and will, above all, protect and care for the people that they love and that have shown them love! Although all of these traits seem perfect, it does also take a certain type of person to be able to home, train, and teach these beauties the right way to behave and this is due to them being so energetic and strong.

I’m fortunate enough to live in a place that’s surrounded by 100s of acres of woodland, so everyday is an adventure with Bailey. I put his harness on, grab his lead, stick him in the back of my 4x4, and just go into the forest and walk for miles because that’s the sort of walk he needs. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to just be able to throw a ball around a field for him, but then when we get home, he would still be full of energy and driving my kids crazy because all he wants to do is play!

Before I continue, let me just say that I am a good owner and will put my dog on the lead on sight of any person or animal and it’s the best thing in the world to see him just run and bound through the trees, picking up sticks (or in his case, logs) and generally having the time of his life. He’ll occasionally meet people and children along the way and just loves to go up and say hello but sometimes (the point of my story) he will meet someone who will give him a wide berth and a filthy stare! And when I say to them “He’s ok” or “He’s really friendly,” they just give me the same look and walk with out saying a word! There is no need to be so rude in my eyes and if you don’t appreciate dogs, that’s fine but I don’t like it when Bailey is tarred with the same stereotypical brush as every other “devil dog” that we see in the newspapers.

For instance, one day I took Bailey for a walk around our local woods which is where other dog owners will go to. And whilst out walking, I saw a man with a black Labrador which wasn’t on the lead. So my instant reaction is to put my dog on a lead and stand and wait. Whilst waiting, the man shouted to me to “put my f***ing dog on a lead,” “that dog should be put down, they’re dangerous!” So whilst biting my lip, trying not to blow up at the sheer ignorance of this man, his dog (which wasn’t on a lead) started to walk over to my dog and once he got within a couple of foot, launched and started to attack Bailey! Now bearing in mind that not once did my dog show any aggression, I’m now having to protect my “dangerous” dog from an unleashed, supposedly gentle one!! And after all this had happened, the guy still had the audacity to stand there and tell me that my dog started it, at which point I told him to “politely” stop talking and keep walking!!

My understanding from dogs (not just staffys) that are aggressive to people and dogs, is that it’s the way they have been treated and raised that causes the problems. Someone once told me when I was younger that “it’s not the dog that’s the problem, it’s the idiot at the other end.”

I also understand that some people do genuinely have a fear about dogs, my nan being one of them. So I am somewhat understanding and considerate when out walking. If I can see you frightened or a bit wary, I will try to reassure you that Bailey is kind and friendly and won’t hurt you. This does work and people do then come over and say hi. And I love to see their opinions change too. Just the other day, I met a family and the husband was a bit worried, saying that he looked aggressive, but I assured him, and he eventually came around to saying hello and the best thing is, afterwards he was saying how much he loved his markings, and how friendly he is. It warms my heart!

My message to people who really are unsure about these beautiful dogs is, although they look like bullies, 99.9 percent of them are absolute sweethearts, so please don’t be afraid to come and say hello, or find out a bit about these dogs if you're looking to get one as a first pet. And most important of all, don’t believe everything you read in the papers because there is always a background to how these dogs have been treated by certain owners who, for the most part, see them as power!

breeds
Like

About the Creator

Karl Twigg

I’m 36 and work as a lorry driver. Also the parent of 2 boys and a very hyperactive Staffordshire bull terrier called bailey.

love taking walks In The forest where I live, playing Xbox and photography. Also love going to gym to lift weights

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.