Hello, non owner considering staffie - advice please

Hello,

I am considering getting a dog and researching which breed would be ok with me.
One of the breeds I like is the staffordshire bull terrier, mainly because of what I read about their personality.

I have been researching online and reading up and called a few local breeders (I am in Belgium).
The result is I am still really confused about the breed, and would like to hear from people who have a staffie.

If I am in the wrong thread or perhaps this chat has already happened with another user, do tell me!

My main question is with regards to the exercice needs: could i get more specific answers than what i find online (medium need does not mean anything). I called a local breeder and she said one hour walk a day is fine, really?

Other questions I have are what do people think about novice owners and this breed? it is my 1st dog. I have never trained a dog. Would that be a problem?

I live on my own in a city appartment. I work during the day but I could occasionally take the dog to work if she behaves well.

If i could a few answers that can help me assess please!!

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Hi ya Liz, welcome to the forum from Flo & me. Your post is fine where it is

Well done on doing your research before buying a Dog, knowing what you'll be getting in to before you buy is so much better than realising you've made a heartbreaking mistake.

Staffies do well on 2 walks a day of 45 mins plus. That doesn't mean they have to be exactly 45 mins but lets say 45 mins in the morning to burn off some energy and then in the afternoon it could be 45 mins plus depending on weather and where you are I guess. Some older Staffies will do fine on an hour a day but with a younger Staffy you'll be wanting to use up some of that energy.

As a first Dog Staffies are a good fit provided you socialise him/her well with other dogs and instil some good training, so I would always advise puppy classes or obedience classes. Staffies are quick learners and will always try to please their owners, this makes training a lot easier.

Living in an apartment isn't such an issue if you have easy access to let him/her out to do what needs doing. I would urge caution on leaving a Staffy home all day alone though. It can be done if you build up to it say adding a few mins extra each day, however, they are very human orientated and thrive on human contact. We were lucky in that our girl was an older rescue and was used to being left a while whilst we were at work though always home at lunchtime to let her out and interact.

Taking him/her to work can work well as there is sure to be many people to be in contact with but I guess that would depend on what your job is (a high rise crane operator probably wouldn't be so good)

I'm sure there will be others that will comment here but remember, we are all slightly biased to the best breed ever

Staffys are intelligent, quick to learn and love people. They don't make good guard dogs because they love everyone! But I don't think a puppy of any breed should be left alone for longer than 2 or 3 hours on a regular basis, but an older dog might be ok for longer.
As for exercise, staffys are very energetic dogs! They need long walks and a lot of playing with to burn up their energy.
Having said that, once tired they will just flop down and sleep for hours! They are very vocal and demand a lot of attention. Lovely dogs, but quite demanding!

Hi and welcome from me and mine!

Where in Belgium are you? I lived there for years, wonderful country!

I agree, I'm not convinced that a staffie puppy is ideal for your situation. Any puppy or even young dog left alone for long periods can get bored, and you end up with problems of chewing and barking. It's then not fair on the dog or the neighbours, and it's stressful for you. I'm also not convinced that a young staffie is ideal in a work environment. They can be very high energy and are prone to the zoomies!

Have you thought about adopting from a rescue? I'm not sure what rescue centres are like in Belgium but a quick google has brought up a French staffie rescue.

http://www.secondechance.org/animal/list/refuge_id/1476

There's a dog called Roxy who might fit the bill and she's not too far away. Puppies are cute but they are hard work sometimes. An adult, more settled dog will give you just the same amount of pleasure and rescues can be immensely rewarding.

hia from me and Sasha  , well done you on doing your research!!a lot less dogs would be in rescue centres if owners did more research like you,adult staffies do well on 2 walks a day for at least 45 mins each,there's a saying that is said a lot on here and that is a tired dog is a good dog and that is very true.you'll never find a better dog than a stafford,i hope your search brings you the right dog 

Hi from me & Katy, I think the others have covered everything that I could of said. All I can say is staffies love company so don't want to be left too long!

Staffies need 2-3 hrs exercise a day it varies between each dog tbh. i can tell you the staffy is one of the most loyal easy to train dog you will ever have. Eager to please they are great with children . Ànd other dogs as long as you socialise them from day one they are great companions greqt dogs.

I apparently forgot to hit reply in my previous replies!

So belated thanks for all the replies and information.
really appreciate the input, it helped.

I was very tempted to get a staffie but i realise I wouldnt be able to provide the necessary exercise needs in my current situation, so not fair on the dog.
Though apart from me not matching the energy criteria, sounds quite like a perfect doggie!!

So for now I am going to look for a 'lazier' breed that loves to sleep and just wants the company. Either a puppy or a rescue dog, looking on both fronts.


Thanks again for the guidance.
All the best from brussels!!

Much as I love staffies, being realistic about your situation I think I might go for something else. There's a greyhound rescue in Antwerp that could be worth a thought? Much bigger dogs but they are generally happy with a couple of walks a day with snoozing in between.

I wish you all the best in your search

I bought this book along with some others before becoming an owner. I highly recommend it.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/cka/Staffordshire-Bull-Terrier-Best-Breed-Alec-Waters/1906305196/ref=pd_sbs_14_img_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=14E3MJANY5JYYS38RTHG

There is a lot of information regarding the breed and it will still be useful in the future, should you commit to becoming an owner. I would always recommend owning a staff they are great dogs, however as others have already mentioned i would be reluctant to leave he or she alone for long periods of time especially as a pup. They need exercise, but also a lot of mental stimulation too which in my opinion is probably just as important, if you would like to keep your sofa intact Best of luck with your decision.