Are my beauties Staffies!

We have recently been on holiday in the UK and every other dog owner we came across insisted Roxy & Henri were Pit-bulls.
We bought them as staffies, Mom was blue/grey and Dad was brown and there was all colours in the litter.
They are 5 1/2  months old in the pictures. I'm now concerned about the implications of a pit bull.
What breed would you think they are and should we be concerned?

Excuse the shaved patches on their legs they'd just been castrated and spayed a few weeks before the pics.

Where did you get them & did you see the parents? Are they (the parents) registered with the Kennel Club?

It's so difficult, especially at such a young age to say - most Staffords grow upwards until about 12-18 months, and then fill out.

However, at this moment in time, they don't look pure staff - gorgeous, but possibly crossed with something?

theyre definitely not Staffies.


staffies grow upwards before outwards, and can look leggy at times. but these dogs arent staffies.. 100%. theres no ifs or maybes.

far too leggy, and no staffy comes in those colours, especially brown.

What you need to remember about the BSL (breed specifid legislation) in the UK is that pit bulls aren't a breed but a type. They are defined not on breeding, not on what's in their blood, but by what they look like. Police officers who have been specially trained take measurements - yes, it comes down to a tape measure - and that's the main basis of their decision. Most people who tell you your dog is a pit bull will have no idea of that, nor would they really be able to identify one.

In other words, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks a dog is, or how it was sold, or what's written on any papers or what anyone you meet things they are. If for some reason your dog is assessed, it comes down to whether the individual police officer who assesses your dog thinks it meets the definition.

I have seen quite a few pit bulls (I volunteer in a rescue centre). Your dogs clearly have some growing and filling out to do but it is not impossible that they could meet the definition, I'm afraid.

There is nothing you can do at the moment. You can't get a license in advance or anything like that. The only thing I would advise is to ensure your dogs are beautifully behaved and that no one has any cause for concern, in other words so that no on feels the need to involve the authorities.

If, big if, you do ever have a knock on the door, do not sign anything, do not let anyone do anything. Instead, call DDA Watch who will be the best people to advise you. They also have links to all the relevant laws on their website:

http://ddawatch.co.uk/index.html

I know that sounds scary but it's better to be well informed just in case, even those it's likely you'll never need it.

Thank you LizP and everyone, you've confirmed our thoughts really.
We love them whatever breed they are. I was told by family I was overthinking BSL and not to worry but I'd rather know what implications maybe ahead.

They are absoutely beautiful. Absoutely gorgeous pair! Completely agree with Liz, make sure they are well trained and hopefully you will have nothing to worry about.
Hopefully one day dogs will be judged on behaviour and not looks.

Whatever breed they are, they’re both lovely.
And welcome

dawnjns wrote:Thank you LizP and everyone, you've confirmed our thoughts really.
We love them whatever breed they are. I was told by family I was overthinking BSL and not to worry but I'd rather know what implications maybe ahead.

You can't afford to 'overthink' BSL. But you DO need to be fully aware. I would repeat what Liz has already said - DDA Watch will be your best friend if you ever get a problem!

They are beautiful dogs and may look more staffy like when they fill out. I wish the idiotic BSL law could be abolished. How can a well behaved dog be judged as illegal by its looks. So unfair.

A beautiful pair of furbabies I've had people ask if Katy is x pit & she's full staffy Liz has given great advice for you so don't worry yourself too much