Monday 4 July 2011
Give Staffies a Chance
Wood Green has launched a campaign to highlight the plight of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
The Charity is seeking to change public opinion of this once-loved breed and ultimately encourage people to at least consider a Staffie when rehoming a dog through their ‘Give Staffies a Chance’ campaign.
Last year, the Charity took in 2,140 dogs, of which 288 (13%) were Staffies or Staffie crosses. Many of them were underweight, pregnant or showed evidence of being attacked by humans or other dogs.
Shockingly 43% of the Staffies (124) came to the Centres as strays.
A recent survey carried out by the Charity to 1,400 people revealed 31% of people wouldn’t own a Staffie because they believe them to be dangerous, unpredictable and intimidating.
It also revealed that 76% of people describe Staffies as being ‘misunderstood’ and the most unpopular colour of Staffie is brindle.
Wood Green is urging people to support the ‘Give Staffies a Chance’ campaign by watching and sharing their new video below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_profilepage&v=d1gM1fdIP4w
They have also produced a second video in which owners and Wood Green staff tell us why they would 'Give Staffies a Chance'. And are encouraging everyone to create their own video and upload to their Facebook page.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VgJQgR4_-w
You can also take part in their questionnaire and download their Truth about Staffies leaflet.
Ultimately the Charity hopes people will simply consider rehoming a Staffie when rehoming a dog in the future.
53 Comments
Staffies are brilliant, great campaign!
I work at a stray rehoming kennels where around 60-70% of the dogs in the kennels at one time are Staffy types. In my opinion Staffies are intelligent, loyal, and the most affectionate breed i have come across. Its a shame a certain proportion of Staffy owners are irresponsible and cause the breed to have such a bad reputation. They are such an intelligent breed and so keen to please that if someone wanted to bring them up 'wrongly' then it is easy to do so. Likewise, it is just as easy to bring them up to be gentle family pets. They need to ban the breeding of these dogs for a limited time to aim to reduce the huge population of them. If people want Staffies that much then they will be more than willing to rehome one. However there would be issues with enforcing such legislation. Its great to see Wood Green doing something specifically for this very misunderstood breed.
Having had many breeds, I would definitely have another Staff.I have an 11year old Staffie bitch who is the love of my life.You could not wish for a kinder more faithful pet.When she eventually goes I will re-home another one.I also have a fantastic recycled cat!!!
Went to Godmanchester on Sunday (yesterday) with no intention of taking on a staffie. Fell in love with Ozzie and, provided home visit OK, will be taking him home end of this week. He is so affectionate and so deserves a good home, I hope I can live up to his expectations!!
A staffie came into my life 5 years ago..I would never have wanted one,due to the stigma and having had an aggressive dog in the past(dominant over dogs/bitches)I always said I would not want anything that would be unpredictable as I love to socialise with other dog owners..How wrong I was..Max was brought up by my partner and socialised,taught good behaviour and is a fun,loving happy Staffie that mixes with all dogs with no problems..I think castration/spaying is helpful with this breed and many others if you are not going to breed.We also have another Staffie bitch stay at weekends as her owners work..she is a bit bossy over bitches so we take a ball and she is totally focused on that rather than other dogs..where there's a will,there's a way!!!I didn't want her to give the breed a bad name where we walk,so we worked out her behaviour problem and she is perfect now! Will always have a staffie in our lives now!
Over the years I have owned many dogs and I have been lucky enough to own two Staffie type dogs. Staffies were know for generations as the 'Nanny Dog' because they are so good with children. These dogs make excellent, loving and loyal pets and are no more aggressive than any other breed. It's heartbreaking to see how their reputations have suffered in the press due to a small minority of misguided owners using them as the latest weapons. We must remember that the Staffordshire Bull Terrier hasn't changed - sadly, it's society that has changed.
I always have rescue dogs and when my lovely dog Domino goes to the great doggy heaven in the sky, I will serioulsy think about having a staffie or staffie cross resuce dog. I also believe that breeding should be controlled not just for staffies but for a number of dogs such as rotties, german shepherds and jack russells.
Once one has been a part of your life, there is no going back! They are faithful, soft, loving, protective, obedient, chewing, trustworthy, amazing dogs, that are ALL heart!
About 4 years ago i went to Wood Green. I saw Jasmine a lovely staffie. I was told she was the nicest dog there, but i thought they probably say that about all the dogs. She was 8 years old and had been there a while. I found myself soon taking her home.
They were right, she was a really lovely dog, the best friend and companion you could ever wish for. Sadly she left this world a few weeks ago. She was lively when you wanted her to be and docile when you wanted to relax. I know what breed i want my next dog to be.
Brindle Staffies are absolutely BEAUTIFUL !
I've had two. One was a chestnut brown mix and shone like a conker, the other is dark brown with blonde streaks! How elegant is that! Brindle Staffies are covered in smooth shiny fur that really shows off their lovely sculptural shape. The brindle effect really accentuates their almond-shaped brown eyes and cute-shaped faces and neat paws.
I will rescue another staffie when my present one passes away, and although I will chose it for suitableness of personality I hope it will be another brindle.
Several people have remarked that my Brindle staffies must be pedigree dogs (I'm quite sure neither of then are!) but this is a sign of how beautiful people think they look.
AND ANOTHER GOOD THING! They hardly shed any hairs, and brindle hairs don't show up on clothing or furnishings! Less housework! The perfect dog! Lots of cuddles and laughs and hardly any grooming! You can wipe the mud off them with a damp flanel!
We have a staffie and 2 very small children! The children totally adore the dog and vice versa, he is very loving, caring and affectionate and although our children very occasionally grab his tail or pull his ears he never so much as bats an eyelid bless him. Unfirtunately he didn't have the best start in life and we rescused him when he was a few months old but with lots of love and patience he has turned out to be the most beautiful and placid dog there is and we all love him to bits!!!
ANY dog could turn out to be a bit nasty - they will only treat you how you treat them!
My wife and I have just taken on a Staffie from one our local rescue centres and she is an absolutely brilliant dog. Three days in and you'd think she had been with us for ever. Good natured, cuddly, inquisitive and intelligent and gets on well with our two other older dogs which are a collie and spaniel. One of the other centres told us that Staffies don't get on with other dogs??????Simply not true. We would definitely have another one.
Brilliant publicity for a brilliant breed. We have three, and with the correct socialisation have turned out to be invaluable members of our family who share our holidays, our Sunday lunches and every day give us so much.
We would never be without them...... go on - treat yourself, rescue a Staffordshire, you wont regret it! x
I have two staffs one male one female, they are devoted loyal and brilliant with children. With every animal its the way they are treated. They share our sunday dinner and are very loved and a big part of our family......
Staffies are loving and gentle dogs. They can look 'tough' which is what attracts bad owners to the breed who in turn make people believe the dog is viscious. Staffies have a reputation now being linked to a certain type of person and that needs to change! It is not fair. There is no such thing as a dangerous dog, it is always a bad owner!
We had a Staffie Cross, Ben, which we got from Wood Green, for 9 years and we couldn't have wished for a more wonderful. We had to have him put to sleep about a year ago and we were heartbroken. A year previous to that he had to have one of his legs amputated because of bone cancer but he dealt with it very well and we were lucky to have another year with him/
I had a staffy about 10 yrs ago and sadly had to leave her behind due to relationship split but 3 yrs ago when our beloved Alsatian Jack was put to sleep we decided to rehome a dog, and went to kennels and found a beautiful dog called Missy who was 1 yr and 3 months old and had been there for 1 yr, had had no interest paid to her at all., as soon as i saw her I knew she was the one for us, I am unable to have children, but I don't feel the emptiness any more now i have My hairy child, she means the world to me and it is beyond me why so so many fools see these dogs as status symbols and let them breed time and again creating an unbelievable amount of Staffs stuck in kennels or worse euthanased, it breaks my heart, if there is ever anything I can do to help pls do not hesitate to contact me shame you do not have the opportunity for people to post pics on here!
My two rescue staffie X's are the gentlest, lovely natured dogs you could ever wish to own. Its the people not the breed we should be wary of.....see beyond the stigma and give these great guys a chance - you won't regret it!
i lost my staffie in march he was black brindled and was adord and cherised by who new him he did not think he was a dog he thougt he was alittle boy he was ababy to me it his how you bring them up in the right hands they ar superb i miss mine so mutch there is nothing wrong with astaffie mine was 13years old 13 years of pure plesure
I was wary of the breed, but once i saw my boy rocky there was no way i could not have him, i fell in love with a beautiful breed and took on another called Doris, They love each other and they love me as i do them, the most loyal caring animals, i would not be without them now. Great campaign and i hope it raises awarness that this breed is not to be feared...embrace the staffies!
I have a staffie and like everyone else posting think she is great BUT
these dogs are strong and intelligent and learn bad behaviour as quickly as good. Mine seems to have a slight case of OCD so I let her take that out on a large indestructible ball and it is hilarious to watch and hear!!! They are sensitive dogs and harsh treatment/smacking is not the way to train them. They need confident,educated owners who understand that without specific training they can get themselves/the owner into trouble. Mine is not great with cats;in fact would kill them if she got the chance but she is great with my own cat under "supervision" as she tends to play rough. She is great with big confident dogs but can be a bully with small,cute lapdogs or over submissive types. They need fair,consistent and black and white handling but because they are so strong and powerful they are NOT like any other dog. Basic competency with regard to their "special needs" is a must before being placed in new homes.I think wood green should make sure the homes they go to are not dog novices or people who think staffs are like any other dog...they are but they are NOT also and the NOT part is very important to the happiness and welfare of all concerned.
We have a rescue staffie bitch - Clo-JO- at the farm where my horse is kept. Out of all the dogs at the farm (8 at the last count) Clo-Jo is the one that I'd love to bring home. She's either 11 or 12 now, and was given up at the age of 10, coz her old owner had a new man in her life.
Clo-Jo is the most loving, loyal, sweet dog you could wish for. She's brill with the other dogs, cats, horses, cows, sheep and most of all people.
Come on people, give them a chance.
My husband and i adopted o staffie, extremely nervous as i have 2 small children, especially due to the stigma surrounded by these dogs. Tye has appeared to settle in well, especially loving my husband. Tye is loving towards the family and gentle with the children, they all play well together. Its a shame that a few people have said they dont like that breed of dog following the stereo typical ideas of society. Although after meeting tye they have fallen in love with his energetic beautiful soft caring and inteligent personality. It breaks my heart to comprehend that people can mistreat such dogs and its them that need the lesson in life not poor inocent creatures. My tye is very cute and loyal. Thanks tye for bringing happiness to our family a 5th member.
My staffy is the love of my life
Had my rescue Staffie for just over a month now and completely besotted with him. Such a gentle, loving and downright daft boy - makes me so made that they are always demonised because they became status dogs for the mindless.
I have previously fostered a staffie, when she was rehomed i fely a massive loss in my life. We have since rehomed a staffy x, which was advised she wasnt to live with children under 8 because she had bad anxiety problems, i have 5 children 3 of which are under 8. You will be hard pushed to find a more laid back doggy than our Sherburt, she is approx 2-3 years old, she has not once done any damage to my home which the previous owners said she destroyed their home hense why they felt the need to rehome her. She loves her cuddles & her treats as well as her toys.
Its great to see woodgreen doing an active campagne to help these much understood dogs. Keep up the good work
One of our neighbours has a beautiful brindle Staffie called Misty. She is well trained and therefore a joy to interact with. She lives in a home with an 18-month-old toddler and, although they are never left alone together, Misty has never shown the slightest aggression to the child. Misty is obedient, affectionate and loving, and she has the sweetest 'smile'.
We got our staff a year ago now from woodgreen and we couldnt see our life without him he is our baby! He is the most loving boy you could get and its a shame people have the wrong view of them spec when you see them with a young person but its the owner not the breed
I have a staffie cross from WoodGreen as a 5 month old and you could not ask for a better more loving and amazing dog she now has a little friend from your shelter and has the most amazing temprement with a little terrier (who likes to bark...alot!) and with two young boys - she is a welcome addition to our family and we will definately have another staffie in the future - without a doubt, brilliant campaign!
Our staffie is a beautiful brindle and White dog that's 8 years old. All he wants in life is lots of cuddles, food and sleep. As a puppy he did chew almost everything but he did grow out of it pretty quick, his great with kids - although you do need to watch him with smaller ones as he will just knock them out of the way. He has had a few issues with other dogs, I think of him as a bully as he does tend to pick on the small and vulnerable ones if he gets the chance, but is fine with bigger dogs - but he does hate other staffies! He gets on great with my mum's dog and cat, and our cats, he would chase other cats if they run but never hurts them. He NEVER barks, even when the neighbours dogs start which is great. Max is the most predictable dog and loves his daily routines, and is so affectionate towards everyone. When we first told people we were getting a staffie they were horrified, but he soon won everyone over with his adorable nature and everyone loves him. We would definitely get another one when he goes, but hopefully that won't be for many more years yet.
I cared for my daughters Staffie and have to say she was a fantastic dog to have around. She was intelligent, willing, faithful, friendly, loved children and other animals. My 6 year old and I had great fun teaching her tricks and taking her to dog school!
As I already have an older dog of my own now is not the time to have a puppy running around however I will be the proud owner of one when the time is right
Mac found me at a time when I was very sick and recovering from major surgery. He was abandoned and was presented to me by someone who knew that I loved animals, (mainly cats). I looked at this tiny animal and my first reaction was HORROR. Absolutely no - he was a Staffordshire Bull Terrier!!! It was a bitterly cold January day and as he was leaving my house to spend the night back on a freezing unknown street, I called my friend back to say I would keep him for 1 night, buying him some time to find an owner.
That was 7 years 8 months ago!!!! I am 100% converted to dogs, thanks to Mac! He has bought me and my family years of fun and pleasure. He is loyal, remarkably intelligent and adores everyone. He has an amazing understanding of words and will go to the correct family member when he is told "where's so and so". We have to spell C.A.R if we want to avoid him getting too excited at the prospect of a drive!
He is a big boy and people often cross the street to avoid him. If only they could see him going all soft and gentle (read stupid!) around small children and smaller dogs and turning the other cheek if he comes across an unfriendly dog!!
STAFFIES ALL THE WAY!!!
Our staffie cross Boz was rehomed from RSPCA and we had him for nine years. He was the most wonderful character, a true and loyal friend who was always looking for, and returning four fold, love and affection. He's been gone for 18 months and we still miss him each and every day. I'd recommend a staffie to anyone and would love to have another some day.
I brought Lola (was Bluebell) home from Woodgreen in May and have had the most wonderful time with her. She is a clever little black/brindle staffie who loves running around the local nature reserve with her dog friends. some people are a little nervous of her boisterousness but once they've had the chance to get to know her they relax with heer and realise that shes just an energetic and friendly girl. once she's home she loves nothing better than curling up beside me. If you have time to walk them for at least 1-2 hours a day to get rid of their energy then you will have a lovely dog BUT you do have to be firm with them at times and you have to put the effort in as they are intellegent animals and can get quite bored.
great idea, not all staffys are dangerous, mine hasnt been in 18yrs.
I love dogs ALL dogs (well all animals really) and it makes me very sad to read about so many staffies in shelters and being abandoned. We visit Wood Green in Godmanchester quite frequently and always say "hello" to all the guests and it is evident that greyhounds and staffies make up a large percentage. My parents have a staffie x bassett hound and she is the funniest thing on four legs. She is bassett shaped, long and solid with short, stocky legs but brindle and with a large staffie head, and she waddles when she walks. She is still quite young and bouncy and can knock you off your feet if she takes you by surprise, but that's part of her charm. She doesn't know her own strength! And I've never known a dog that gets so excited to see you.....she's insane but very funny. There's not one aggressive bone in her body, she hardly ever barks, she loves everyone and every dog she meets and everyone loves her.
my staffy, jesse ,was rescued from abusive owners, she was the most loving dog i ever owned, sadly she passed away two weeks ago, due to an illness. she was 10yrs old and never showed any aggression to human or other animal. i will definately have another staffi, they are brilliant dogs.
What a great initiative!! They should do something like that in Belgium as well!! I am a volunteer in a local pet shelter and indeed there are many people with a totally wrong idea about this great breed ! I have to admit that I used to be scared of Staffies, but getting to know them in the pet shelter changed my opinion totally. They are great, loving dogs whom love to be cuddled and just deserve to get loving owners!! I have become a huge Stafford fan and hope this campaign will result in more and loving owners for Staffords !
im getting a staffy from woodgreen hes called eric so cute people should give staffies a chance there loveley
Bindle staffies unpopular?? HOW!! my Sasha is 9 years old and the most amazing brindle furbaby!! I love my staffies, wouldnt havent any other breed now i think... they are just big babys that crave so much love and attention and in return will be your life long companion.....i have2 staffs and 1 staff cross... they love people, all ages, sizes, colours and love dogs too!! i do get alot of people cross the street when they see me walking them and i hurts my feeling and my dogs because all they want is a stroke :( but i see it as their loss to miss out a a staffie hug.... YOUVE NEVER FELT LOVE UNTIL YOUVE HAD THE LOVE OF A BULLY!! :D STAFFIES ROCK!!
My staffy Brando is now 2 1/2, he is the greatest dog I could have asked for. He loves to play & have lots of cuddles. Its awful the reputation that these dogs have, they are so loving & loyal. I remember the first day he came home, he ran round the house exploring everywhere then jumped onto the sofa & onto my knee & snuggled in, that was the moment I fell in love with him ... he is now very spoiled...well he is my furry baby!!!
i have three staffies all abandoned rescue dogs.
two love other dogs and just about every human and are the most popular dogs in the local park
my youngest one is nervous of people and dogs and likes to run away rather than stand up for herself.
but she can sing and talk and is the most cute mini staffie you ever saw and she competes at obedience trials
love staffies. naughty but cute and full of laughs.
it's been two weeks know since i got eric my staffordshire bull terrier and he is the friendliest dog ever allthough he can be a bit jumpy he is very loving and is enjoying his lovely new home thankyou soooo much wood green for letting us has him we all love him lots please every body give STAFFIES A CHANCE !!!!!!!!
just another update on eric the staffy he is doing very being good as usual i cant belive how many staffies youve got woodgreen it makes me cry how lots of people hate this breed there intelgent kind and very loving ill put an update soon eric says love u woodgren xx
I've had a staffie for 10 years since he was a babe and he has been the perfect dog. He is a total comedian and as loyal and loving as only a dog can be. I swear he can understand every word I say, (I've had/have other dogs too and although they are lovely they understand commands not what I'm saying) and is the cleverest little dog. He was a bit stroppy when he was younger but we were always consistent with pack position (gently!) and he was always in control. He adores my little girl and is endlessly patient when she's shoving things at him and sitting in his basket. I don't know what we'd do without him. Give staffies a chance, they're the best dogs!
heey people it has been just over a month since i got my staffie eric he is great fun loving and energetic woodgreen i am 13 is there any thing i can do to help ? email me the answer :)
Staffies are the most loving, affectionate dogs who have been given a bad name over the years. They are known as the nanny dog who are great with children, very loyal. All the staffies I know are lovely dogs and all they want is a cuddle and a fuss. I do believe its how they are brought up makes all the difference, its when they fall into the wrong hands its sadly then they get the bad reputation. And thats what we need to STOP!
i have one staffie and one staffie X labrador (well thats what i guessed it was, the breeder just said she was an "old tyme staff") and she attracts a lot of negative attention since she looks like a pitbull but with a slimmer frame. That video is so right. people always cross the streets when im walking them. one woman even started screaming in my face to put my dogs on a lead (i was throwing a ball for them on the field) because her "precious baby" was terrified of staffies....yeah right..i think its YOU whos scared of them.
there is nothing wrong with them. i am a teenage girl who is (admittedly) weak and yet i can handle, train, play with these dogs like it was nothing. they are the most sensitive, gentelest dogs in the whole world.
although..dont leave them alone with food on a low table...there will be o trace of it when you get back :P
I rescued my brindle staff from harpurhey dogs home in manchester 3 years ago she was one year old when i got her and she is amazing understands every word that we say to her. i would never have any other breed only a staff after having this one has opened my eyes. She is like a big baby holds her blanket in her mouth to be covered up going to bed. She also pulls at my hand if i am in bed to let her out. So clever it is unbelievable. And we moved from manchester to northern ireland and brought her with us and before this she came on holidays to ireland before we moved. She goes all over with us and is no problem so clean. Now this dog has a country life and she loves every minute of her new home. Their is a stream outside my back gate and she loves nothing more than to have a swim in it. Don't ever hesitate to reholme a staff .
Myself and my partner rehomed a Staff in 2008 called Bernie. Everyday since we have had him he has made us laugh. We even have an 18 month old little boy and they are inseperable. The sleep together, play together and Lucas even walks Bernie and that proves how well Staffs can be. We also have two cats who adore Bernie, they even all eat out of the same bowl sometimes!!
At the end of the day everything you hear about staffies is stereotypical and I think people should stop being so judgemental on the breed as well as others.
You should never judge a book by it's cover and you should never judge a dog by it's breed because that dog could complete your life just like Bernie did ours.
I have a 2yr male staffy! I found while a pup he learnt things quickly however on reaching a year old teaching new tricks exams hopeless! That said he is extreamily well behaved and answers to all commands first time everytime. Even on walks he has my full faith both on and off the lead as no matter what's around he does as I say. As for temperament, I work in a care home for learning difficulties and challenging behaviour- baily cones with me. He knows how to aproach each resident ( some he can jump over, others just sit by them exc this I haven't taught him he done it from day one). I couldn't of asked for a better dog in any way possible!
Ive always loved this particular breed for their fun loving and eager to please characters. and like many dog lovers im always upset to hear the latest peice of anti staffy news or gossip" it seems that the media in general really has it in for this breed . it makes me mad the journalists are all to keen to slate the staffy while failing to look at the dimwitted owner who didnt have their dog under control ... we need to educate people how to care for staffies and also the wider population to dispel some of the myths " what a dog is like is not down to the breed its down to the owner . as a mother of three and a responsible owner of two staffordshire bull terriers i have no desire to look hard . i have staffies bacause they are the most delightfull company very loving and loyal dogs and who are truly amazing with my kids
i have a 9 month staffe male,who is lovely,and ive had him from a pup,i also have a 4yr old daughter who thinks the world of him