Working Staffordshire Bull Terriers

[ferret20 1]

hi i have a question about working staffies for foxes and rabbits, are they any good for working or taking foxes single handed

[gnipper 6,763]

I wouldn't completely dismiss one but it won't be any better than a more normal bushing terrier, a more common working terrier has the ability to follow a fox to ground though.

[BGD 6,437]

If you're looking for a bit of craic while exercising your pet staff bashing a few rabbits and foxes would be ideal but if you're looking for a serious worker there's literally 100s of breeds/types that would do a better job at it

[ferret20 1]

i was just thinking would a staffy not be stronger and tougher than a patterdale correct me if im wrong

[mushroom 14,052]

Correct ferret but getting the right one is like finding hen's teeth. Get the right one though and it all comes together, you'll have one hell of a hunting companion but you will need a shiit load of luck mate.

[neil cooney 10,416]

If we're talking about anything other than "proper" working bloodlines then a staff in no way would make an ideal dog for running loose in the countryside working alongside other dogs or ferrets in the proximity of livestock.

If a staff is safe among livestock and other dogs and has a good nose (which they do) then is it a good example of a staff ? And would it be as useful and as obedient as , let's say, a springer or a teckle.

And for anyone to think for one second that a staff would have a tougher constitution than a black terrier (a well bred one I mean) is silly.

Makes you wonder what's some folks idea of a proper working terrier ?

I know from experience what I'm talking about. I've even used a pit bull for bushing alongside terriers.

[mushroom 14,052]

Directing the dogs drive from an earley age is all that's needed

[Cleanspade 3,324]

nothing wrong with useing a staffy. but it wont compare with a terrier bred for the job. bigger and stronger may have its benefits . however it will have its drawbacks also. if your set on a big strong dog there will be plenty oversized terriers up for grabs they will have all the benefits of a staff ans a few less drawbacks. good hunting

[neil cooney 10,416]

I disagree Mushroom.

I've had strongdogs that could be left loose around the yard with other dogs or exercised with other dogs with no problems.

It was when some excitement came along that generations of selective breeding kicked in and the result was always ugly and stressful to all involved.

That's if we're talking here about staffs bred from ancestors who were bred like staffs should be bred. I'm talking about gameness.

But if we're talking here about staffs that have been bred from ancestors who have been bred from the same breeding methods as poodles and pugs etc. (which probably covers 99% of staffs) then there's dozens of breeds / types that would be better for beating cover etc.

So what I'm saying is that the staff for hunting loose off a lead with other dogs would be either way too much dog or not enough dog.

But IMO it's definitely not the polished article.

Edited October 27, 2014 by neil cooney

[liamdelaney 2,587]

A well bred staff running loose has to be watched closely at all times by an experienced staff man,for a green horn to be running one loose is a recipe for disaster,stick with your springer or teckle.As for directing drive there is no directing drive in a well bred staff,he was bred to fight nothing more or nothing less and without the slightest hesitation he will kill the dogs working beside him and come back to you wagging his tail.

[tinytiger 872]

A well bred staff running loose has to be watched closely at all times by an experienced staff man,for a green horn to be running one loose is a recipe for disaster,stick with your springer or teckle.As for directing drive there is no directing drive in a well bred staff,he was bred to fight nothing more or nothing less and without the slightest hesitation he will kill the dogs working beside him and come back to you wagging his tail.

not too many of them ones left id say liam,,a friends of mines father used have show staffs about 20 or more years back-couldnt be within sight of another dog..he still has 1 or 2 but they are like a different breed altogether(no relation to the ones he had before()

[mushroom 14,052]

Well I disagree from my limited experience