Latest news with #Staffordshirebullterriers
Wales Online
28-06-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
These two dog breeds are in danger due to health problems
These two dog breeds are in danger due to health problems There is a new top dog on the list as some of the most popular breeds fall out of flavour due to concerns A third preferred the face of a cockapoo over other breeds when given a choice (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto ) People appear to be falling out of love with flat-faced dogs as awareness grows about the health problems of pugs and French bulldogs. Research conducted for Burns Pet Nutrition suggested the new designer dog of choice is the cockapoo. The crossbreeds topped a poll of 2,000 dog-lovers who were asked to select their favourite face of a pooch. A third preferred the face of a cockapoo over other breeds when given a choice – while just a handful opted for French bulldogs (6%) and pugs (4%). Huskies were the second most popular breed, with their face chosen by a fifth of respondents while Staffordshire bull terriers were the third at 15%. The findings follow a Frenchie winning the Utility Group at Crufts this year – a result that left many dog-lovers unhappy that a breed with many known health problems claimed the title. French bulldogs are predisposed to problems with their eyes, skin, bones and breathing, and pugs are equally associated with a raft of health issues. A poll in June last year placed Frenchies joint top of the table with Cockapoos as the nation's favourite breed. Article continues below But the new research suggests the popularity of flat-faced breeds could now be on the decline. Laura Crotch-Harvey, Nutrition Manager at Burns Pet Nutrition said: "While they may look very cute, in reality French bulldogs and other flat-nose breeds can be prone to more medical issues than the majority of breeds. "The majority of these problems have been made worse by backyard breeders and people who don't health test – but there are many good breeders who do care and do health test their dogs. "If you're considering bringing a dog into your home, make sure you do your research on the breed and the breeder, ensuring they are health tested. "And it's also vital to make sure you have the funds for any medical conditions that may not be covered by your pet insurance. "This is commonplace with short-nose breeds. When it comes to crossbreeds, unlike pedigrees, where you know what type of coat, temperament and mental stimulation your dog needs, it can be more of a gamble with what you get. "The temperament of a cocker spaniel is very different to that of a poodle. Article continues below "However, mixing breeds together has its benefits. Crossbreed dogs can be healthier as they are not as likely to be bred just for their appearance. Moving towards breeding for health and not the appearance of the dog is what we want in an ideal world. "When considering getting a crossbreed puppy or dog, it is important to do your homework on both breeds and be prepared for the best or worst of both to make sure it suits your lifestyle, and you can cater to that dog's needs. "It's essential to thoroughly research any breeds and consult with breeders and rescue centres to find the most suitable dog for you."
Otago Daily Times
26-06-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Tree planted to honour Cleaver's life
A memorial was unveiled for Geraldine local Gillian Cleaver in a public ceremony last Wednesday. To honour her life and the charity she had shown, there was a memorial and tree planting at the Memorial Walk on Wednesday morning, recognising the large sum of money bequeathed to charities in Geraldine after her death in November 2023. Mrs Cleaver (nee Dence) was born February 9, 1933 in Norton, Shropshire in the United Kingdom. She emigrated to New Zealand in the early 1960s and married John Cleaver at Woodbury. The couple lived in Fairlie, where Mrs Cleaver worked as a school bus driver, before they moved to Geraldine in the early 1980s where she took the job as a postie. Mr Cleaver died in 1995. During her time living in Geraldine, Mrs Cleaver was known as a strong, independent woman, not frightened to speak her mind, an excellent organiser and a hard worker. She gained a reputation for being involved in the community, and always being willing to lend a hand. She was a key member of several local groups, including being a life member of the Geraldine Vintage Machinery Club, and a foundation member of the Geraldine Kennel Club. In her spare time, she used to pick up old furniture destined for the tip, restore it and then give it away for others to use. Mrs Cleaver loved nature and spent a lot of time in her gardens, working tirelessly on her land. She was an expert propagator, growing fruit. Every year she was able she gave apples to McKenzie HealthCare and Waihi Lodge. She was devoted to her animals and loved her little farm at Templer St. Mrs Cleaver reared bobby calves and bred Staffordshire bull terriers. She was often being seen walking the dogs around the streets of Geraldine. She also bred horses, including racehorses, and raced them all over the South Island. Mrs Cleaver also owned a Welsh cob horse called Taffy who competed in various events. They participated in many street parades over the years and had the very important job of transporting Santa in the Geraldine Christmas parades. The five charities that received funds were Geraldine Community Vehicle Trust, Geraldine Vintage Machinery Club, Geraldine Volunteer Fire Brigade, Senior Care Geraldine, and Hato Hone St Johns. Representatives from all five of these groups were at the unveiling last week. — APL
Newsweek
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Baby Learns to Crawl, What Dog Sibling Does Next Leaves Mom in Hysterics
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Hearts have melted over a dog who has started copying his human baby brother as he learns to crawl. Smokey the Staffordshire bull terrier lives in England with his owner Georgia, 29, and her 1-year-old son, Crue. "They have been best friends since the moment we bought Crue home," Georgia, who gave her first name only, told Newsweek. "Always sitting and watching him when he was a newborn—and now they can play together, it's so sweet." A video of Smokey playing with his baby brother has now gone viral after being shared to his dedicated TikTok account, @smokeythebluestaffy, on March 27. It shows the pair on the floor of a room covered in baby toys, with Crue crawling slowly across the carpet. And while first Smokey lies beside him, keeping a close eye, he then starts crawling along the floor in the same way, using his front legs to pull him across, his tail wagging as he keeps up with his brother. Smokey follows baby boy Crue on the floor, both of them crawling. Smokey follows baby boy Crue on the floor, both of them crawling. TikTok @smokeythebluestaffy Georgia wrote across the video: "POV your little brother is now crawling and appears to be getting more attention than you so suddenly your legs have stopped working." She told Newsweek that Smokey is "obsessed" with the baby, and "is a big baby himself." "So he started crawling like this when he realized the attention Crue was getting," she said. TikTok users loved it, watching the clip more than 92,000 times, as one laughed Smokey appeared "so pleased with himself. Even checks to see if mom's watching!" "The side eye as he crawls off," another pointed out, as another wrote: "So funny, my dog used to limp to get attention, a cuddle and a treat then she was running around like a lunatic again!" One user shared their own story: "I have arthritis and my late staffy would limp up the stairs exactly like I do on my bad days, I'm still not sure if it was sympathy or taking the mick out of me." Smokey crawls across the floor, then looks back to see what the baby is doing. Smokey crawls across the floor, then looks back to see what the baby is doing. TikTok @smokeythebluestaffy Another said Smokey's breed is "so great with kids," as another called Staffordshire bull terriers "the most silly, softest, caring dogs in the world." Georgia told Newsweek that Staffies like Smokey "can have such a horrible reputation, so it's nice to show TikTok their relationship, and what loving dogs they really are." Staffordshire bull terriers are described as being clever, brave, affectionate towards family and good with young children, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). In 2024, Staffies were named the 63rd most popular dog breed in the U.S. by the AKC, while the French bulldog, Labrador retriever and golden retriever held the three top spots. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
The Guardian
27-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Guardian
Which dog should I get? How to choose the best pet for families, city living or people with allergies
At the risk of pleasing a handful of the dog owning population and annoying the vast majority, we asked Graeme Hall, AKA The Dogfather, a dog trainer, presenter of TV's Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly and author of Does My Dog Love Me? to suggest the best breeds for different contexts. 'It would be really funny if for every category I said labrador,' laughs Hall. However, his recommendations do come with a caveat: 'Dogs are individuals. All Yorkshiremen are smashing, but every now and again you might meet one who's not. Dogs are a bit like that.' FamiliesA labrador is a good bet for a first family dog. They are pretty calm around children. But also, and this might raise a few eyebrows, Staffordshire bull terriers have always been known as the 'nanny dog'. Normally they are very good with families. Urban livingSmaller dogs are best, so: companion breeds (a dog whose purpose is to provide companionship for humans, unlike a working dog). If you've got time to groom, pomeranians are quite cute. Or pugs, but you've got to be thinking about health issues, because some of the dogs with very short noses can struggle to breathe. Country livingWorking breeds, generally speaking – if you've got a lot of room to let them run and time to exercise them, go for spaniels and border collies. Older peopleSmaller dogs, typically, because you don't want a lot of weight on the lead, and not too energetic. So one of the terriers. We often think of a yorkshire terrier as an old person's dog. Or the right kind of jack russell can be a really sweet dog. People with allergiesThere is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog, despite what some breeders have been saying for years. But some breeds shed less, such as curly coated breeds. As much as I love boxers and rottweilers, they are more slobbery, and some people are affected by the saliva. The officeIf you work in an office in the city and you are travelling by public transport, something smaller is better. I have seen big dogs on the London Underground, but they take up a lot of space. You also want a dog who is happy to sit around for long periods while you are sat in meetings, and is not too barky. A poodle cross or a cockapoo is a safe bet. Emotional supportYou want a really calm, steady dog, so that tends to be a bigger dog. Labradors are a good option in general and of course they've been used around the world as assistance dogs. Or try a St Bernard. SecurityThe obvious choice is a German shepherd, as used by police and the military. If you don't like the barking and hair shedding that comes with those, a rottweiler can be a much calmer companion. But I think there needs to be a bit of a caveat, which is if you want to train a dog to be a guard dog, have a word with yourself. A swimming companionPoodles, which were bred to retrieve game across water, or a Spanish or Portuguese water dog. A running buddyBorder collies – they will run for ever.
