Staffie breed has been misrepresented (From Warrington Guardian)

Staffie breed has been misrepresented

1:58pm Thursday 19th July 2012 in Letters

I HAVE had my Staffordshire bull terrier Meg since she was seven weeks old and she is now two.

I have had several lovely dogs but I think Meg is the best dog I have ever had. She is a little bundle of energy, full of fun and love and I can count on one hand the number of times I have had to resort to smacking her.

Usually I only have to point my finger and the tone of my voice is sufficient for her to behave, although most of the time she is very well behaved.

Between the age of nine to 18 months, a dog will try to get the upper hand. I took note from a library book on the breed and learned how to socialise them from an early age with as many dogs as possible so they learn how to meet and greet and behave with other dogs, which Meg does and she is fine when she is out and meets other dogs.

I am now almost 59 and have poor hearing, and Meg always lets me know when there is somebody at my door.

With regards to why I chose a staffie, I had not got the room for a big dog and I always noticed how affectionate they are towards people. Despite their small stature they are highly intelligent and learn fast.

I got a book from the library giving details of the breed and its history and that has been a big help to me. I think they have been very badly represented by the media. It is bad owners that make bad dogs.

Obviously it is of grave concern if a dog or dogs attack a human or other dogs, but it is also important that there is a balanced view taken on the subject and in my view when people look at Staffordshire bull terriers this has not been the case.

KEVIN MANNION Orford