Question 7

What if I don't feel a Staffy is suitable for me?

Answer: The RSPCA’s aim is to ultimately match the right owner with the right dog, regardless of breed. When visiting any of our rescue centres, you will be asked many questions about you, your family, your lifestyle and circumstances. From this information, the RSPCA will identify dogs which they think are suitable. The RSPCA is likely to have several dogs which you could provide the right home for; this may or may not include Staffies.

However, before adopting any dog it is really important to think carefully about the responsibility and duty of care that you have to make sure that the welfare needs of your dog are met. For example, can you provide your dog with a suitable environment and appropriate company? It is your responsibility to ensure that you can provide your dog with everything it needs to be happy and healthy. To illustrate just how important it is to think carefully before adopting a dog, in 2009 over one fifth of the Staffies and Staffy crossbreeds that came into RSPCA regional animal centres did so because their owners were unable to cope.

You should also be aware that many of the Staffies in our care will need very special owners. Please read question five: Where do the RSPCA dogs come from?

We have lots of dogs and other animals that need adopting, search all our animals across England and Wales.