Hi everyone, this might be a bit of a daft question, but I’d like to get some confirmation.
Basically, a friend of mine is expecting a litter of American Staffy cross Rottweiler pups. Since both breeds are restricted and have to be registered, will the puppies need to be as well, or will they just be classed as mixed breeds?
Translated from French
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A vet will be able to talk you through the legal requirements, but at the end of the day, it's down to you to decide if you're actually up to the task. No one else can make that call for you.
You're young, and I don't know where you are in life right now, but I honestly don't think it's a great choice for a first dog. Getting him for free and knowing the mum's owner might make it look like a bargain, but any savings you make on the initial cost will be swallowed up in no time—and your friend won't be there to help you out if things go pear-shaped...
That’s exactly why I’m asking! I’d much rather be fully prepared than have to rehome them – that’s the last thing I want. Can a vet give me some advice?
Unfortunately... I just hope she learns her lesson and is more careful in future, because this really isn't an ideal situation at all.
As for you, you need to prepare yourself for the worst-case scenario (the dog being classified as a banned type), even though we don't know for sure yet. Ask yourself if you’re ready for the hassle of finding insurance, spending extra money on training and behavioural assessments, and being 100% committed to socialisation and training. With this type of dog, there is absolutely no room for error. You’ll have to deal with being turned away from almost everywhere (including boarding kennels when you want to go on holiday), getting dirty looks in the street, and never being able to let your dog off the lead for a run—or doing it secretly in the middle of nowhere with your heart in your mouth.
If you’re truly ready to give this pup your all, then go for it. But if you have even the slightest doubt, it’s better he goes to a specialist rescue now. It’s much easier for them to rehome a puppy than an adult, and we all know the sad fate of so many restricted breeds when their owners can no longer cope...
The crossbreed might actually be quite decent, but you’ve just got to be clued up on the breeds, because two headstrong breeds will produce more headstrong dogs. Other than that, it’ll be fine; they won't be ticking time bombs if they’re well-trained.
She could have had her spayed as soon as she realised the ***** had been caught... and to be honest, it’s probably not too late yet. It might be better if these pups aren't even born, especially if they turn out to be a banned breed. They won’t be welcome anywhere—rentals, holidays, parks, public transport... they'd need a muzzle and a lead every single time they're out, special insurance, and the whole works. It’s no life for them.
The parents can be seen, and the mum is a Staffy. I’ve got no idea what that mix will turn out like, which is why I’m asking. As for my friend, there’s no point blaming her; it was an accident. Her dog got caught by a local Rottie and she’s been kicking herself enough about it as it is. The pups haven’t actually been born yet. I’m looking for a dog and she’s not planning on keeping them, so I’ve asked if she’d set one aside for me, but I wanted to do some research before I commit to anything, especially before they’re born.
It’ll all depend on their build, like you’ve been told, but that’s only once they’re fully grown—it’s impossible to tell before they’re 10 months old. It’s a proper gamble...
Just for the record, what the vet writes in the vaccination record doesn’t actually carry any weight. All it takes is running into one overzealous police officer—it’s happened to me before with my Cane, and thank goodness she’s KC registered, let me tell you.
And while you’re at it, tell your friend from me that what she’s doing is absolute madness.
