Should we get a Staffy? Your views please x

Hi all, me and my husband are looking to introduce a dog to our family. Just a bit of background - We have 4 children (10, 4, 2, 3m) and live in an extended semi with large secure garden. Space isn't an issue. The children are well behaved and respectful of animals. I work from home so it wouldn't be left alone all day. We're an active family and days out and holidays consist of walks in the dales and camping. Our other pets include 11 birds of various sizes from canary to ringneck parakeet. I've only had 1 dog before and he was a staffy, he was great with my eldest growing up and still is but lives with her dad. DH was wanting a GS (for security) but has no experience of keeping dogs and as he's out at work for 4 full days a week the main work will be done by me. I think a GS would be too big for me to handle as well as the children. I've had a staffy and baby before so fairly confident I can cope with that. What do you think?

My only concern would be the birds. Staffies often have a high prey drive & birds fluttering around might be too much of a Stafford. If the birds are in cages & you watch the dog like a hawk when they're flying around, then I don't see why not!

Welcome to the forum by the way!

I would be concerned with the birds as well but other than that I don't see why not.

I'd not let the birds out with a dog in the room, I'd be more worried for the dog lol. We have a little parrotlet we call Birdzilla (like the staffy of the bit world, a massive bird in a tiny body haha) who we can't let out around the children. I'd not have any out while a dog was in the room. But I was planning on putting the dogs bed in the conservatory there our ring neck lives. He has a massive solid metal cage though so should be fairly safe. I also work 12 hours a day most days from that room so they'd be well supervised. Im hoping having a dog from pup would get him used to it :-D

Don't see why not. Staffs are brilliant dogs and when it comes to that, you're best getting a dog you're confident about, rather than one you're unsure whether or not you could handle well. Regarding the birds, definitely would need supervision, but then, Loki loves chasing birds, but I've taught him not to if I tell him to leave them, so certainly possible to train them out of it, just that I'd never completely trust them just to be on the safe side

Hehe good name choice, my ringneck is called Loki too

hello and welcome from me and the kids

You're experienced with staffs anyway, so you know their little ways! It'll be a great playmate for your children!

Hello and welcome

Hi and welcome to the forum from Rocky and me

So long as the birds and the dog do not mix they should be OK

Hi and a big welcome from Kia and me

Thanks everyone, it's not a decision we've made lightly. We've discussed getting a dog for months and months. Now we just need to find a reputable breeder We've been down and bought some books today to sit and paw through and priced up some bits. Ooh hopefully we'll have a little boy with us by xmas >.<

Have a look at the Champdogs website. There might be a good litter looking for homes there. If you're not sure if it's a good one, just ask here & we'll happily have a look for you & throw in our two penneth!

Hello and welcome from me and Dexter, good luck with your staffy journey!!

welcome

Hiya from me and Moo, what fun is ahead?!

hia from me and sasha
good luck on your search for your pup

hi from me and the boys

Hi & welcome to the forum

Hi and Welcome from Me n Steffi

Hi from Skye buster and me

I had gsds before my two with kids and they were brill but I was forever hovering up their fur I'm so glad my oh convinced me to go for staffs as I would not be without my 2 now

Good luck in your staffy hunt (maybe look around some rescues as they have pups as well as older ones)

Hi from Bruce and I !
GL with your search. We grew up with staffies , they are lovely

Hi and welcome, good luck with your search. I agree, sounds like the only issue is the birds (and I wouldn't know much about), your kids and your lifestyle sound well-suited to a Staffy.