About us
Dogs has been a part of my lives for several years, and i can not think of a life without them. . I had one dog when i was little, and the last 15-16years i have owned dogs on my own. First there was an gordon setter, a male dog. And after that a replacementdog, a mix of labrador and golden retriever, the kindest dog who followed me everywhere.
After her, and when our first son was born, we didn`t have any dogs, but where looking for a breed who would suit familys with small children.
Time went, and one day i met a staffie for the first time. It was at my friends sisters house. i remember when i came inside the door, a beautiful red staffie came running down the stairs towards me, over the moon of happiness to have visitors :-)
First i thought she looked a bit scary, but when she reached me, i was attacked with a lot of staffiekisses and she was jumping of joy. I think she was sitting by me for the rest of the visit, and when i left, i had totally fallen in love with this breed. It was like the staffie had known me for many years, and over the moon to see me again. and that feeling, i believe most people gets when they meet a staffie for the first time.
Then it was just to go home and convince my boys and their father.. We asked the owners of the staffie to come visit us, so that my family could meet her. So they did, and my family also fell in love with this breed immediatly, and they got a good laugh and enjoyed themselves, when this little staffie, digged a big hole in my garden, just where my nice flowers used to be :-) To say it this way, i have put my "wannabe green finger" on the rack, since we got staffies in the house, hahaha.
So at the end of 2006 we finally got our first staffie, Tyron, who was a little wild thing i must say :-) But we had a lot of fun, and i relly got to see what breeders ment when they called staffies for nannydogs. Of all the dogs i know who get a long with children, this was a little different. Staffies are very sosial with the kids also, everything the kids does, a staffie wants to do with them. From sled down a hill when it is snowing, or playing fotball, my kids says the dogs are very good attackers in football ;-) The dogs can be quiet some teezers also, steeling the kids caps, to make them come get it. Thats really fun!! And if the smallest kid does not like it and shout, you can see the dogs are much softer with them, and drop the cap or toy immediatly. And if the smallest kid started to walk on his own when we where on walkings, Tyron run after him, just to make sure he did not walk away on his own. And so affectionate when the oldest kid who is 8 years old train the dogs..
But this is not a dog for kids to walk alone with, even if they are just 15-18 kg, they drag several times their own weight.
We should not forget about their past, even if it does not act that strong, as in the old times, a lot of staffies can not resist a fight.
It is of most importance, to well sosialize the puppie early on, and for the rest of his life. Let the dog get used to live among other dogs, they do not have to like everyone, but exept to live side by side, be a good citizen :-) It will be a lot more easier in the daily life or when you attend competitions.
After a while we wanted to have more staffies, they say if you first got one, there are more to come. And that is right for sure :-) Summer 2008, Tia came to us, she was born in South Wales, UK. She was the calmest, most beautiful girl you could ever imagine, so unbelievably loving and good, she also talkes :-) And she is very happy when she knows we understand what she is saying ;-) She and Tyron loved each others company, and lived very harmonically. No one was really bossy, but Tyron was the boss of the toggles outside, and Tia was the boss of the nylabones inside of the house. If they was waiting for some of this things, the other one, let the other get their first.
After a while, after learning a lot, we wanted to breed from our girl, and we are planning our first litter in the summer 2010, we really look forward to that :-) Our goal with breeding is to breed for type, and with a sound temper, puppies that have selfconfidence and fit well in the sosiety. A lot of this work, lies within the puppy buyers, but the start and selection of good animals to breed from, will have very high prioritary with us. The puppies will be well sosialized, growing up in our livingroom with us, after 3-4 weeks of age, and until they leave us. They will have get used to people, kids, other dogs, all kinds of noises.. expirienced grass, sand and so on... exploring in the garden, house, driving cars..
The dogs we are going to use, will be tested for illnesses.. like L2hga, hc, eyechecked, and for elbow and hip dysplasia in Norway.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is generally a healthy breed compared to a lot of other breeds.. But the number of puppies and imported animals the last couple of years has exploted. And there has been quiet a few dogs, with allergy, skin issues, elbow and hip dysplasia and mental problems. It is not good for the breed, and something that should be worked on.
Other than this, the staffie is an imazing breed, you can use it for anything if you likes, long trips in the mountains, agility, obediance, tracking, showing or just a day with relaxing on the coach, the staffie is happy as long as he will be with you and your family. This is not a dog, who will be laying alone in the hall, or tight up outside the house. They are to sosial for that! They are full of fun, and they can also smile :-) It is an active breed, and needs regular walkings and stimulation.
If you have any questions feel free to call or send me an e-mail :-) And we love to have signature in our guestbook :-)
Linda
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