Ambassadors campaign to show the softer side of the breed
They were once known as 'nanny dogs' due to their affinity with children – but rescue centres are reporting a huge increase in the number of Staffies coming into their care.
Battersea Dogs and Cats Home says a third of the dogs it takes in are Staffies, while Mount Pleasant Kennels in Doncaster says it has taken in 365 Staffies in the past year, representing a quarter of its dogs.
In 2011, Battersea launched its "Staffies. They're softer than you think" campaign aimed at challenging the negative perceptions people have about the breed and show their true, softer character.
Three years on, Battersea and Mount Pleasant are working with Staffie owners to show the positive side of the breed.
One such Staffie ambassador is Janine Grayson and her family who rehomed Mike, a Staffie from Mount Pleasant Kennels. She said: “We have three children aged six to ten years, and because we know what a Staffie’s real nature is, rather than the bad press, we were determined to stick to this breed.
"We arrived at Mount Pleasant Kennels and were saddened by the number of Staffies there. Then we met Mike, a four-year-old Staffie and fell in love with him straight away. He had been there for months, probably due to the stigma they have.
"Four months on and he is now very much part of our family. I really wish more families would consider Staffies, they give so much love.”
Gillian Fletcher, owner of Mount Pleasant Kennels said: “We see a large number of Staffies and Staffie crosses coming into our centre. Any dog can be trained to be aggressive, and sadly Staffies are the victims of a minority of irresponsible dog owners.
"Staffies adore human company and we are determined to show that they make fantastic family companions.
“Thousands of proud and responsible Staffie owners will tell you that Staffies are gentle, friendly dogs and a million miles away from the hard image they have been unfairly tarnished with.
"We have some great local residents who have rehomed Staffies from us who are tremendous ambassadors for the breed.”
Laura Jenkins, Battersea's head of animal services said: “Like Mount Pleasant Kennels, Battersea has seen a huge increase in the number of Staffies coming into its care and around a third of the dogs we take in are Staffies and Staffie crosses.
"We know what wonderful family pets they can be and it’s great to have the chance to work with Mount Pleasant Kennels to spread the word and give Staffies the second chance they deserve.”
If you can give a Staffie a second chance please contact Mount Pleasant Rescue on 01302 722748 or Battersea Dogs and Cats Home on 020 7622 3626.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
