Staffies are part of the pit bull family and look similar to some of their 'problematic' cousins so some people see them and think 'uh oh, dangerous dog' but they're generally total softies. I've known quite a few staffies are they've all been super friendly and eager to lick you to bits. They've all been really gentle with kids too.
I knew one staffy who spent a lot of time around a cat so thought she was a cat, she'd want to sit on your lap and be petted like a cat. I, being a crazy cat lady, accommodated her
The only criticism I have of staffies is that they are prone to being needy the point of neurosis and can be heartbreakers, trembling or gnawing at their skin when left alone. They have the saddest puppy dog eyes.
With some of the other more 'problematic' dogs, how they were raised definitely plays a big part. Some breeds were bred for bloodsports for centuries so it is in their blood but the bigger problem seems to be they disproportionally appeal to people who want a threatening dog for either protection or just to prove how tough they are. These people aren't always the most responsible dog owners. Their idea of obedience training is smiling proudly when their dog has a barking fit at a frightened passerby. There are also negligent breeders who'll intentionally breed dogs showing signs of aggression.
I try to avoid rottweilers, though I don't doubt that they can make great dogs, simply because I've met too many who were raised by jerky owners who want a viscous, threatening dog. The owners are the same sort of people who speed up when they see a pedestrian crossing the road to make the poor sap run (yeah, people actually do this!).
I knew one staffy who spent a lot of time around a cat so thought she was a cat, she'd want to sit on your lap and be petted like a cat. I, being a crazy cat lady, accommodated her
The only criticism I have of staffies is that they are prone to being needy the point of neurosis and can be heartbreakers, trembling or gnawing at their skin when left alone. They have the saddest puppy dog eyes.
With some of the other more 'problematic' dogs, how they were raised definitely plays a big part. Some breeds were bred for bloodsports for centuries so it is in their blood but the bigger problem seems to be they disproportionally appeal to people who want a threatening dog for either protection or just to prove how tough they are. These people aren't always the most responsible dog owners. Their idea of obedience training is smiling proudly when their dog has a barking fit at a frightened passerby. There are also negligent breeders who'll intentionally breed dogs showing signs of aggression.
I try to avoid rottweilers, though I don't doubt that they can make great dogs, simply because I've met too many who were raised by jerky owners who want a viscous, threatening dog. The owners are the same sort of people who speed up when they see a pedestrian crossing the road to make the poor sap run (yeah, people actually do this!).