chuckandsteve Posted November 5, 2012 Share Posted November 5, 2012 great, this is why I've sought the opinions of this forum. Thanks everybody, and I'm staring to get a better Idea. I think Amstaff is off the list now for me, the above points all suggest that it may not be as suitable for my needs. also i think male will be better suited. I do have a question for the SBT breeders that have so kindly offered their opinions; I have been doing all the above things with a young (2y) old blue SBT male for the last two years and he has been perfect. He comes running/walking with me in the evenings, is stable when people approach us to pet him, and never gets into trouble with other dogs. when it is quiet i absolutely trust him to have a run off lead and he always comes back when called. he has been ideal really; is this not indicative of the norm ??? really appreciate your responses, if this is not the case with most staffords then yes, perhaps I do need to be looking more towards a boxer or otherwise. cheers, jamie. Mine would fit the bill, but you cant be sure with all which is why i say rescue so you know what you are getting. You sound like you have a lot going on uni/work and puppies are a hell of a lot of work and honestly i dont enjoy them so i am biased. Plus they become less destructive at around 2 in my opinion. I think the wont start a fight but will finish it is really because if they want to hurt a dog they can. I have far more issues with small dogs at the dog park, training and general walks but they stand no chance of hurting my big staffy so no one really cares, but if my staffy bites them its off to the vet for them. You really need a bomb proof staffy for the dog park. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salukifan Posted November 5, 2012 Share Posted November 5, 2012 One more thing to consider. What will your life be like 10 years from now. In all likelihood, he dog you buy now will still be with you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamie231 Posted November 5, 2012 Author Share Posted November 5, 2012 One more thing to consider. What will your life be like 10 years from now. In all likelihood, he dog you buy now will still be with you. Exactly; And I recall just how much my old border collie changed throughout the years i owned him; he actually if anything got worse with age; got quite snappy and towards the end I warned strangers not to approach him at all; really quite sad... My life in 10y!! Probably a hell of a lot more time on my hands, at least that is the aim ! But one thing is for sure the main reason I want a dog is to develop another best-mate relationship like the one I had previously, I should be so lucky if he is still here in 10 years. Can't really see what else will change; I'll be 37 then so perhaps will be hitched? haha, seems a lifetime away ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salukifan Posted November 5, 2012 Share Posted November 5, 2012 Most breeds of dog live over 10 years away. If marriage and a family are a possibility (and at your age I'd say highly likely) then factor that into your breed choice. I think bull breeds make fabulous family dogs but not in all situations. In larger sized dogs for families I think the Pointer is massively under rated. Not a nasty bone in most of their bodies but big enough to make anyone think twice before entering your property. And usually lovely with strangers AND very active too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest donatella Posted November 5, 2012 Share Posted November 5, 2012 (edited) or Weimaraner? Active, striking, noone is going to mug you walking one, very friendly, intelligent. I them. Edited November 5, 2012 by donatella Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raineth Posted November 5, 2012 Share Posted November 5, 2012 It's totally fine to prefer a certain look of dog, its just that its also really important to make sure that the breed characteristics suit what you want to do with your dog, so it's great you are doing all this research :) I don't know much about boxers. But I thought I'd just put some links up of some other dogs that have a masculine sort of look, and maybe one or two of those would suit going to a dog park and the other things you want them to do. Although I don't know heaps about some of these breeds either so couldn't be certain whether they would suit you. Black labrador (pic below). A black labrador especially can look quite masculine. They are also known for being social towards everybody, dog and human. But I've found them to be protective when the time comes. They do aslo tend to bark quite a bit if someone knocks on your door etc, which i think you might like? http://www.happyblack.com.au/album.asp#photo100 German Shorthaired Pointer (pic included). Maybe not masculine in a stafford kind of way, but I still think they are masculine. Chesapeake Bay retriever: http://www.dogzonline.com.au/breeds/profile.asp?dog=38920 (I don't know much about these guys). cattle dog: http://www.dogzonline.com.au/breeds/profile.asp?dog=62218 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jed Posted November 5, 2012 Share Posted November 5, 2012 Boxer (I always say that) From a reputable kennel Socialise from day 1 - let it meet lots of people and dogs Commence training from Day 1 Some of the boys are only too happy to finish fights another dog began, so train the dog, and make sure he is well socialised. A very agreeable dog, who, if properly treated, will be devoted to you, will accept another person of you get hitched, and will accept babies, if property introduced. Go to some shows, see the dogs, speak to a few breeders Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellz Posted November 5, 2012 Share Posted November 5, 2012 It's totally fine to prefer a certain look of dog, its just that its also really important to make sure that the breed characteristics suit what you want to do with your dog, :) Absolutely...but it isn't fine to want a breed of dog to make YOU look a certain way.....there's a big difference. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dame Aussie Posted November 5, 2012 Share Posted November 5, 2012 or Weimaraner? Active, striking, noone is going to mug you walking one, very friendly, intelligent. I them. Me too, they're on my list of wants...unfortunately my OH got bitten on the arse by one a few years ago :laugh: he doesn't want one... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest donatella Posted November 5, 2012 Share Posted November 5, 2012 or Weimaraner? Active, striking, noone is going to mug you walking one, very friendly, intelligent. I them. Me too, they're on my list of wants...unfortunately my OH got bitten on the arse by one a few years ago :laugh: he doesn't want one... Oh no! I grew up with two litter sisters, they were the best family dogs, so placid to deal with 4 feral kids and dad could take them hunting on the weekends. win win! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raineth Posted November 5, 2012 Share Posted November 5, 2012 It's totally fine to prefer a certain look of dog, its just that its also really important to make sure that the breed characteristics suit what you want to do with your dog, :) Absolutely...but it isn't fine to want a breed of dog to make YOU look a certain way.....there's a big difference. definitely! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clyde Posted November 5, 2012 Share Posted November 5, 2012 I wouldn't describe Boxer temperament as being like the other two breeds. What sort of temperament DO you like in a dog - can you describe it? Hard question to answer, but I'll try. I like a (dare I say it) "masculine' type dog, I like the appearance of a muscular dog and I like a dog that is willing to defend it's owner and property. In terms of temperament, I would say I prefer a dog that is CAPABLE of holding it's own in a fight, but takes a lot of pushing to do so. I'd like to think a stranger could approach me and my dog and be able to pat it. i hope that helps ! Cheers Sorry, but after reading this post, I don't think any Bull Breed or large breed is for you. Why not? I also have the same preference in dogs. I like big, boofy and protective. There is nothing wrong with that provided you research well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandra777 Posted November 5, 2012 Share Posted November 5, 2012 (edited) Hard question to answer, but I'll try. I like a (dare I say it) "masculine' type dog, I like the appearance of a muscular dog and I like a dog that is willing to defend it's owner and property. In terms of temperament, I would say I prefer a dog that is CAPABLE of holding it's own in a fight, but takes a lot of pushing to do so. I'd like to think a stranger could approach me and my dog and be able to pat it. i hope that helps ! Cheers Everything is pointing at Stafford except the bolded bit. Never met a Stafford who had the slightest interest in defending their owner's property. Defend the owner against a genuine threat - absolutely, property nope. If you are a normal non-physco person and can't approach and pat a Stafford in public then that Stafford should have a one way trip to the vet. Edited November 5, 2012 by Sandra777 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandra777 Posted November 5, 2012 Share Posted November 5, 2012 (edited) I do have a question for the SBT breeders that have so kindly offered their opinions; I have been doing all the above things with a young (2y) old blue SBT male for the last two years and he has been perfect. He comes running/walking with me in the evenings, is stable when people approach us to pet him, and never gets into trouble with other dogs. when it is quiet i absolutely trust him to have a run off lead and he always comes back when called. he has been ideal really; is this not indicative of the norm ??? The two bolded bits - well come back and give us an update when he's a mature adult :laugh: Nothing you describe is unusual for the breed - coming when called, stable when people approach him, enjoying a run - all normal stuff and I don't believe one person has said otherwise. Edited November 5, 2012 by Sandra777 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamie231 Posted November 5, 2012 Author Share Posted November 5, 2012 Overwhelmed by the responses on this thread! Leaning more towards a Stafford, the bolded bit above about defending property is not important really, i can deal with that. Thanks all :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuckandsteve Posted November 5, 2012 Share Posted November 5, 2012 I do have a question for the SBT breeders that have so kindly offered their opinions; I have been doing all the above things with a young (2y) old blue SBT male for the last two years and he has been perfect. He comes running/walking with me in the evenings, is stable when people approach us to pet him, and never gets into trouble with other dogs. when it is quiet i absolutely trust him to have a run off lead and he always comes back when called. he has been ideal really; is this not indicative of the norm ??? The two bolded bits - well come back and give us an update when he's a mature adult :laugh: Nothing you describe is unusual for the breed - coming when called, stable when people approach him, enjoying a run - all normal stuff and I don't believe one person has said otherwise. The good thing about this is mine bark and charge at the door which is enough to scare most people. Never mind that once the door is open he will merely lick the person to death. Maybe I should have discourged it but I like the warning someone is coming especially when hubby is away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandra777 Posted November 5, 2012 Share Posted November 5, 2012 I do have a question for the SBT breeders that have so kindly offered their opinions; I have been doing all the above things with a young (2y) old blue SBT male for the last two years and he has been perfect. He comes running/walking with me in the evenings, is stable when people approach us to pet him, and never gets into trouble with other dogs. when it is quiet i absolutely trust him to have a run off lead and he always comes back when called. he has been ideal really; is this not indicative of the norm ??? The two bolded bits - well come back and give us an update when he's a mature adult :laugh: Nothing you describe is unusual for the breed - coming when called, stable when people approach him, enjoying a run - all normal stuff and I don't believe one person has said otherwise. The good thing about this is mine bark and charge at the door which is enough to scare most people. Never mind that once the door is open he will merely lick the person to death. Maybe I should have discourged it but I like the warning someone is coming especially when hubby is away. Why would you want to discourage it? The dog is not actually protecting your property - people only believe this to be so :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamie231 Posted November 5, 2012 Author Share Posted November 5, 2012 A further question: If looking for a SBT, can i search Australia-wide or am i best off sticking to Victorian breeders? Thanks guys Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rainy Posted November 5, 2012 Share Posted November 5, 2012 Aus wide is fine you just factor flights in to purchase price, like i said im happy to give you a few websites to look at if you want an idea of where to start :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teebs Posted November 5, 2012 Share Posted November 5, 2012 My sbt does the door thing, she sounds scary but she is just barking for pats. As for being tough. I had my niece here tonight, kaos walked in and saw the school bag in the middle of the room, took her 10 mins to get the courage to walk up to it :laugh: Crawled over on her belly growling at it lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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