Cheers, Decks.
I recall our earlier discussion on your son’s Shiba-Inus. And from further reading, I realised that they generally dislike being picked up/touched, etc. Very independent, but not the most sociable breed.
I want more of a family-oriented dog that enjoys the attention & is more sociable within our family, etc. A staffy is a good size - given our lack of land.
They are not tall - but they are ‘big’ if you know what I mean. They have a presence, are built like a tank, can easily bowl a child over, etc. English Staffy?
Thanks kindly for sharing your intimate experience, Miss Ellie. Very loving & with a desire to hang out with us & be a member of the family is exactly what we are looking for. Will be kept indoors o/n, so will be toasty.
17, hey? That’s a long life for the breed. No doubt, being much loved has helped.
Here is a pic of the almost three month old puppy I spotted today via a breeder. A boy. English staffy. Waiting on the breeder to return my call.
I’ve looked after quite a few staffies, and the comments already made sum them up well. Loyal, dependable, protective, and adore being part of the family. Very strong, be aware that if they decide “THAT’S the path I’m taking!” they can easily knock someone over - not just kids, a lot of adults can cop it too - be particularly careful if people have leg issues - have seen an ACL get done for a second time when a staffy detoured unexpectedly chasing a frisbee!
@JohnRain, having read @Koala’s post, it is correct and something for you to take on board re walking. They are strong and can get over excited when being out and about and take you for a walk rather than you taking them for a walk.
I have found a harness and lead much better for this breed rather than a collar and lead. They don’t like much having a collar and if they are excited about going out and about will pull you along so have found a harness much better, you have more control (the body of the dog) and the dog won’t choke.
Of course you will not have worry about this at puppy stage and as they get older with a bit a patience the dog will learn how to behave when being lead. One more thing start socialising your dog when you think it’s old enough. They love playing with other dogs, especially chasey.
Thanks kindly, Koala. Have taken your helpful advice on board and have just mentioned it to my wife & boy (and will also keep it in mind).
@miss_ellie - cheers for the harness hint. I grew up with German Shepherds and trained them using collars and leads, however, I will definitely switch to a harness with the staffy. And thx for the great tip re: socialising with other dogs. There are heaps of dogs in our neighbourhood (mainly Shiba-Inus), so I will make the call when he is ready.
A concern I have (from the literature) is leaving a staffy alone. I hear that they can develop separation anxiety issues. He will have company for a full 4 days, however, there will be at least 3 days during the week that he will be home alone. I am thinking of using a dog-sitter and there are also plenty of dog nursery schools near our home as well. Just trying to work out the best strategy.
Yep that’s very true, my girl still suffers from separation anxiety however my previous girl didn’t as she was with us as a puppy. They can develop it big time, especially when they are young, so reckon your idea re dog-sitter or nursery school is a good one.
Oh and dog toys are good to keep them entertained but they have be the tougher ones as they can chew through almost anything especially when young.
an aside, when I got my first Staffy girl, I asked a friend what is the best toy/s to get, she to me a bowling ball attached to a heavy chain. 
You’ll work out the nature of your dog with time and patience, am sure all will be well and you will be most pleased you got a Staffy 
.
It happened with my mate’s female staffy.
For the first few years, his wife worked PT (only a few hours/days a week) & their staffy was fine. After his wife went FT, the staffy was home alone all week & developed massive anxiety issues. They had a lot of trouble early doors. They tried resolving it with the help of family members (at first), but later on, my mate’s wife had to take their staffy to work with her. I’ll start off with a dog-sitter, but use the other services available if/when necessary.
Funny story about the bowling ball. 
I have electrical cables running around in several rooms that I may have to deal with in advance. I’ll find some solid chewable toys as well.
Thx again for all your info. Much appreciated.
https://www.kongcompany.com/kongsolutions/
These can be great for boredom & chewing alternatives. Lots of great advice here already.
Good luck - you’ll love your puppy whatever you choose.
Thanks kindly, L&P. Some great products & info available through that site. I last trained a dog in ‘93, so 25 years ago. Need a refresher course. 
BTW, was in contact with the breeder earlier today re: the above staffy (pic posted). Still available, but is attracting interest. Interestingly, was told that mainly Aussie & American expats living in Japan have been buying them (from this breeder) recently. I refused to pay the deposit they were asking (to hold him), but am planning to visit the breeder (6 hour commute from here) on the 28th. Fingers crossed that no one swoops in & buys him over the next 4-5 days. If not & if he checks out OK, I’ll report back here next weekend (hopefully with the good news of welcoming a new fam member). Cheers.
Get their hips checked, early, by a vet who knows what they’re doing. There’s a lot of bad dogs being bred, in Aus anyway.
How big and old are your household? Staffies have waaaaay too much energy to be house dogs. Need a bit of attention.
English Bullies are a bit more sedate. Bit bigger though. Just as intelligent (ie not).
Oh yeah and collars don’t always stay on bull breeds, their neck is often thicker than their head and they can wriggle out. Halti is the way to go for walking.
Solid advice, Haps. Cheers.
Yeah, he costs 3K & they wanted 1.5K up front to ‘hold him’. Given the heavy Yakuza involvement in the unregulated breeding industry, I wasn’t gunna pay up without checking him over/having him checked over first. I’ve been researching the breeder & he seems legit, though. Saying that, he wanted me to deal with a middleman, but I refused. Instructed him to bring the puppy, paperwork, etc & himself when I arrive there. While inspecting the pup, I’ll keep an eye out for the irezumi & any missing pinkies.
Three of us. 4BR, 2-storey home, tiny garden, but live in the hills - with plenty of parks, hiking courses & the sea only 10 mins away by car. Walking him will be fine.
Cheers. Harness it is.
Is cultural differences an issue?
The expat thing makes total sense as Staffys really are a best friend. By best freind I mean 20kgs of muscle sitting on your lap licking your face, a dog that will eat of your plate and follow you to the toilet.
Perfect dog for aussies but will your wife and her friends like it?
More a case of an aging population, most younger people living in tiny apartments in urban areas (and unable to manage such a breed), breed perception (as dangerous) & so on.
Aussies, Americans, Brits, etc also seem to be better educated about the breed & prepared to put in the time & effort to train a staffy. Am generalising, but Japanese tend to prefer small/tiny breeds such as Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, etc.
My wife is fine with it (she is tougher than me, PP2, & works FT anyway) 
& I don’t really care what others think.
Not harness.
Halti.
Halti (that’s the first brand, there’s plenty of others) is designed to control and lead the animal.
Harness is what you put on a dog if you want it to pull a load: aka you.
You misread me, Haps. I know what a halti is, but I’m gunna go with a harness. And, no, he will not be pulling me.
