What do you think...

[gemi_babe]

Yep thats what I want a staffy,

Gem, do you have any good links on just staffys?

Staffy Rescue

Stafford Breeders

Staffy Rescue do a brilliant job in re-homing the dogs. Even though they are in NSW, they have sent dogs interstate. Worth giving them a call, as they are flat out and haven't been able to update the website for a few months.

Always ask breeders what they test for health wise. And never buy from back yard breeders. They are only out to make money and don't care about the health of the dogs.
Breeders should health screen and will give you support with your pooch for the life of that dog.

I will get back to you on what tests you should ask a stafford breeder. I wasn't aware of health testing when I got my girl. Just hope she doesn't come down with any.

[gemi_babe]

I'm going to have to have another word with SWMBO.

silentC the only way to educate your wife, is to go to a few breeders, let her meet the dogs. And by all means go to breeders of dogs she would like to own too.

How old are your kids? Cause they recommend that staffords are best with children 8yrs and up because of the ball of muscle they are, they tend to knock little ones down. RSPCA recommend that kids should be 8yrs and older before bringing a dog home.

My shelby girl still does this with my son and he is 5, but they have a great understanding. If she hurts him, he screams, and she runs away cause she knows I'm on my way to tell them both off. She is like a child, very naughty and cheeky most of the time!

Also silentC maybe showing your wife some bite stats on which breeds would maybe change her mind? GSD's and the Cattle Dog are up there for biting, when the Staffy and the pitty are down the bottom.

[silentC]

My kids are 3 and 5. We had 2 shepherds a couple of years ago but one was put down before we left Sydney and the other passed away a few months ago. They were both old dogs but they still had plenty of energy and knocked the kids around a bit.

Finding breeders of any kind down here is a problem. If you want to buy from a breeder it means travelling. I reckon we are probably most likely to end up with a dog from the pound or a friend or something because we will procrastinate for too long and end up having the decision made for us. I've had all sorts of dogs and I'm not really fussy about the breed, with the exception of the yappy little ones