Active Staffy?

Hi everyone, I’m planning on getting a 3-month-old Staffie in a few days. I’m not really a big sporty type, so will he be unhappy? Obviously, I’ll take him out regularly so he can have a run. But I’m not sure if just letting him run around on his own in a park will be enough for him... I really need some advice urgently, please!

If you're looking for an active dog to go running with, a Staffie is a brilliant choice. You just need to wait until they’re fully grown and build it up gradually with them. The breeder I bought my Staffie from—mine is the ‘balanced’ type—does nearly 12 miles on his bike with my girl's parents and they keep up with him just fine (with rest breaks, of course).

Thanks a lot. Yes, terrier types are exactly what I’m looking for. Bully breeds aren’t very active—how much does yours weigh?

Hi, You’re right, you definitely shouldn't confuse a "Staff" (AmStaff) with a "Staffy". The build isn’t the same, and neither is the legislation regarding them, for that matter. I have a male Staffy who is 2 and a half. I’m not very sporty myself, but I’ve started jogging and doing canicross with him. We do about 5km (around 3 miles) twice a week. No trouble for him at all! When my husband runs with him, it’s more like 10km (about 6 miles), and he has no issues with that either. In fact, there are Staffies far more fit than mine who even go out with their owners on bikes. So yes, they are athletic dogs :) However, I would give a few warnings: - The dog needs to be properly conditioned, so you have to build up the distance gradually. - Staffies are short-legged and quite heavy for their size, so they won’t have the same endurance as a sheepdog or a gundog, for example. - It’s better to choose a "leggier" terrier-type Staffy rather than a "bully" type, which will be less athletic. - And watch out, because Staffies really suffer in the heat, so in the summer you have to avoid exercise during the hottest hours. As soon as the first heatwave hits, mine is useless lol. Basically, the Staffy is a dog full of energy and vitality, very athletic… but not THE most athletic dog. It all depends on what you’re looking for. That aside, they are exceptional dogs: cheerful, affectionate (real "velcro dogs"), sensitive, total clowns, and they fit in anywhere. Ours follows us everywhere: canoeing, hiking, to the restaurant… he’s the perfect size! ;-)

Yes, I know Staffies—or Staffs, as they’re also called. My neighbours have two and they’re certainly very active. They are quite stocky dogs though and they love to get stuck into everything, so it’s best to get one as a puppy so you can handle the training yourself. Other than that, they’re incredibly affectionate and love a good cuddle. You wanted to know if they can keep up with you? Yes, they can easily do 12 to 15 miles, but when they’re still pups they need time to build up their muscles. You’ll have to wait a bit before taking them on a 9-mile hike, but they can manage about 6 miles even when they’re young. They really are the ideal dog and they adapt to any situation, whether you’re in the city or the countryside. They’re very clean, make excellent family pets, and are confident and brave. A Staffy puppy is just like any other: absolutely adorable. But don’t be fooled into thinking they’re fragile little things. They’re very observant and will definitely test you or look for any loopholes they can find. You need to be firm from the word go so they quickly learn what’s off-limits (the sofa, armchairs, the bed... whatever you decide), but without ever being harsh or unfair.