Staffords...

Those of us who have already owned a Staff obviously already know this!

http://www.lifedeathprizes.com/animal-lists/reasons-why-staffies-staffordshire-bull-terrier-are-great-dogs-to-own-46673

Ah, thanks Caryll!

I must admit that when into my later years, and after 20 years of having Dobermanns, I never wanted a Staff, never mind a boy Staff. Not from any media influence but I wasn't keen on their squat appearance and broad heads. But really, I had had little to no experience of Staffs at all and didn't want another dog. But my son was aching for another dog in his life and had seen a postcard in a shop window and saved up his money for a puppy, and there was no denying him. At least, I thought, the dog would have a short coat.

This sounds terribly cold, but I knew within the heart of myself that so long as I had the dog from a puppy, I would love him.

What won me over more than anything was No.1 on the list - affection, I've never known anything like it. Kuchar is the MOST loving dog I've ever known.

The only point I'd differ with personally is No.5 - eager to learn. Kuchar is definitely intellectually challenged - he knows quite a few words in various contexts, but will only respond when it suits him.

But I love him to bits.

We have our fair share of Staffords passing through the kennels at work. They are the most loveable and cuddly of dogs, I love their way of talking, as only a Stafford can. I also love watching the Staffie wriggle, on their backs, waving their legs in the air in a patch of sunshine on the grass.