Saw the most GORGEOUS staffy today!!

I was out today and while at the park came across this amazing little staffy. She was off lead chasing the football her owners were kicking for her. She then picked up the ball and brought it to me and dropped it at my feet to kick for her. After a couple more kicks I made a big fuss of her and she was just so loving and gentle and I had my 13 month old son with me who was stroking her and again there was no boisterous behaviour, she just kept nudging his had to get him to fuss her again!

However another dog appeared in the park and things suddenly changed. The owners quickly put her back on lead and said it was because she really didnt get on with other dogs and it was only becuase her recall was so good and that she was obedient that they could let her off lead at all. She would go for any dog that got close enough. I just couldnt get my head around the fact that this little bundle of love at my feet could change and attack another dog. The owners said they have had her from 8 weeks and socialised her and she had never been attacked nor had any disasterous enounters with dogs in the past but still she was DA.

I would love a staffy but we do have a labrador and go on off lead walks all over the place so the DA issues worry me

what have u got a now male or female?

it would depend on if you wanted a puppy or to rescue an older dog how they would get on.

If you were to rescue then take along your current dog with you when you go to choose the second dog. The rescue centre can then select a dog that will get on with your lab. You can then see how well they interact before you get the dogs settled at home.

Bear in mind that rescue centres also have younger dogs too.

Sorry I cannot comment on getting a puppy from a breeder as I have never done it. Sure somebody will have though and can guide you in the correct direction. Good luck and have fun.

if you dont have 2 the same sex i cant see a problem at all

this story doesn't seem to add up to me - you say the Dog is DA, yet still has perfect recall and obedience - that's a first in my book.

my aunt had a bitch staffy and a male lurcher, they got on well, i tend to see if they brought up together they usually fine x

Sometimes it just depends on the dog. I had one that fit this staffy's description. He was great with us and did as he was told, but he would go for any other dog. My current three however, seem to love anybody and any dog so far. It isn't going to happen necessarily, so if you are careful about temperments and training, you will have a good chance at success.

Thanks for the replies. Our lab is a 3yr old female who gets on with every dog. Shes a little bit of a wimp to be honest! Do rescues let you take your dog with you to see if they get on with a potential adoptee?

i would get a male staffy then, only time u have a problem if you have both sex but that is with all dogs not just staffys.

We got our dog Rocky from Woodgreen Animal Shelter and yes they do let you take any dogs you already have there to see how they get on. Sorry I cannot vouch for other rescue centres but it would make good sense for them to let you do this.

Before I got Ledger we took my parents springer/collie cross to Dogs Trust to check they got on as they would undoubtably be spending time together. The centre will also go through a general questionnaire with you surrounding your home set up as some dogs are listed as advisable only to families with children over 8 for example. I can not vouch for all centres but they certainly got it right matching Ledger to me (he wasn't in the viewing kennels) based on my home situation and work commitments

Sorry what is DA?

DA = dog aggressive

I would also advise to take your current dog with you if you are looking for a second dog. Rescue shelters can advise you on how the dog will interact with other dogs and help you find the right fit.