Is a Staffy Right For Your Family?
Posted on April 18, 2022

Choosing the right dog breed for yourself is a big decision, and it’s even more important to choose wisely when you have a family. Everyone has different preferences when it comes to dogs, and it can be a challenge to find a breed that will suit everyone’s tastes. One of the most popular dog breeds for Australian families is the Staffy. What makes this breed so well-suited for such a wide range of households?
We’ll answer that question, as well as give a rundown of the breed’s traits and temperament so that you can see whether a Staffy is right for your family.
Staffy Appearance
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or Staffy, is classified as a medium-sized dog, but has the appearance and physical stature of a much bigger dog. They stand only 14 to 16 inches tall, and generally weigh between 25 to 40 pounds. Their frame is well-balanced and athletic, despite their heavy weight for their height.
Their muzzle is short and their cheek muscles are pronounced, giving them the broad head and strong jaw which can also be seen in other bull-type terriers. Their coat is short and sleek, coming in a variety of colours.
Staffy Temperament
The Staffy was originally developed as a bull-baiting and pit-fighting dog in the 19th century. The idea was to combine the power and strength of a larger Bulldog with the agility and speed of a Terrier. Hundreds of generations of breeding mean that the modern Staffy is far removed from these origins, but it still retains some of the bravery and tenacity that were the key traits of these fighting dogs.
The Staffy can be described as curious, trusting, and playful. In England, the breed is called the nanny dog because of how well it does with children. They enjoy the company of people, almost to a fault. The Staffy isn’t a dog that you can leave alone for extended periods – they need a lot of interaction and mental stimulation. The Staffy looks like a working dog, but is a companion dog at heart. A responsible dog breeder should be able to breed gentle, well-behaved Staffies with no health problems.
Should You Get a Staffy?
Staffies typically only want two things in life – to be close to their humans, and to play around. Since the Staffy is a companion dog, they thrive on the attention of their family and want to be around them at all times.
Their high energy level and intelligence mean they crave physical and mental stimulation. Expect play sessions to last around an hour at least for the average Staffy, with exceptionally energetic dogs having almost boundless energy. Despite their desire to play, they also love comfort and cuddling, and will gladly join you on the couch for a nap.
Staffies are very affectionate towards their human family members, and are always on the alert for anything that may be a danger to them. However, they don’t make the best guard dogs, as they don’t care much about their humans’ property. Even children generally get along very well with properly-bred and socialised Staffies, though all interactions should still be supervised.
A well-socialised Staffy will do well in just about any home, so long as they’re properly trained. Training a Staffy should begin as soon as they’re brought home, and they require a patient and confident trainer who also has a firm hand. Because Staffies are intelligent, they frequently have their own way of doing things. A trainer must be able to motivate the Staffy to use this intelligence to do things the proper way.
You should get a Staffy if all these traits sound like a good fit for your lifestyle and you think you have the experience and knowledge to be able to cater to a Staffy’s training and exercise needs. Getting a dog is a lifetime commitment, and seeing a dog thrive is one of the most rewarding experiences for a dog owner. Setting your Staffy up for success will ensure that they turn out to be the most loving, affectionate, and gentle dogs for your family.
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Staffy Toys
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Bite Resistant Solid Dog Ball Toy A$39.99 - A$45.99
Bite Resistant Solid Dog Ball Toy Tough Rubber Chew Ball – Built for Dogs That Play Hard Some dogs chew through toys in minutes. This one fights back. The Bite Resistant Solid Dog Ball is shaped from thick natural rubber that takes the pressure of strong jaws while still being safe in the mouth. It’s made for chewing, fetching, and everyday play that keeps dogs busy, fit, and happy. Why Owners Reach for This Chew Ball: • Holds Up to Heavy Chewers - Made from puncture-resistant, non-toxic rubber that keeps its shape even after rough sessions. • Helps Teeth and Gums - The textured surface scrapes away tartar as they bite and presses against the gums to keep them healthier. • Bounces Back with Energy - Springs off the ground and brings life to fetch, turning an ordinary throw into an active chase indoors or outside. • Keeps Dogs Occupied - Takes the edge off boredom, lowers stress, and gives them a safer outlet than chewing shoes or furniture. • Sizes for Every Breed - Available in small, medium, and large so pups of all sizes get the right fit. Product Details: • Material - natural rubber, thick and pet-safe • Sizes - Small, Medium, Large • Design - quiet bounce, flexible build, strong enough to last • Best use - chewing, fetch, training, and enrichment games • Features - durable, non-toxic, helps maintain oral health A Toy That Lasts Longer Safe, sturdy, and more fun to chase than most balls—the Bite Resistant Solid Dog Ball quickly becomes a favourite. Add to Basket today and give your dog a ball that won’t quit before they do. -
Interactive Dog Flying Disc Toy for Training & Play A$23.99 - A$48.99
Interactive Dog Flying Disc Toy A Play Partner Made for Dogs That Never Run Out of Energy Bring it outside and even a calm walk can turn into a chase game in no time. Designed for speedy breeds such as Border Collies, Labradors, and German Shepherds dogs that thrive on long runs and fast games. Firm to handle chewing, yet bends in the hand, and shaped so it cuts through the air with a steady flight. Throw it in the park, across a field, or over the sand; your dog burns off energy and you get the fun of playing along. Why Owners Pick This Flying Disc: • Tough but Kind on Teeth - Shaped from rubber that resists chewing. The surface grips easily so dogs can catch and hold it without scraping gums. • Good for Agility and Recall - Great for a straight fetch, a jump-and-catch, or recall drills. Keeps dogs sharp, quick, and burning off energy. • Sizes and Colours to Suit Different Dogs - Made in three sizes 15cm, 18cm, and 22cm so small, medium, and large dogs all get a disc that feels right for them. Available in Blue, Green, Orange, Pink, and Purple bold colours that stand out so it’s easier to see where the disc lands. • Good for Training or Just a Casual Throw - Handy for obedience drills or agility runs, but just as good for a relaxed throw in the yard, field, or on the beach. Product Basics: • Material - flexible rubber strong enough to put up with chewing, yet soft on teeth and gums • Sizes - pick from 15cm, 18cm, or 22cm depending on your dog’s build • Colours - Blue, Green, Light Blue, Grey, Black, Navy, Orange, Pink, Purple • Included - 1 × Interactive Dog Flying Disc Toy What Makes It Worthwhile • Gets the whole body moving for better fitness • Sharpens reflexes and speed • Strong enough to handle biting and tugging • Shaped to sail through the air in a steady line, making mid-flight catches easier for your dog Play That Stays Fresh This disc keeps play lively and fun each time you throw it. Dogs run it down, leap to catch, bring it back, and push for the next throw. Add one to your basket and bring home a toy your dog will keep asking for. -
Chew Toys for Dog Chewers A$40.99 - A$47.99
Chew Toys for Dog Chewers Tough, Safe & Earth-Friendly – Built for Dogs That Love to Gnaw Finding a toy that won’t fold under strong jaws can be tricky. The Tough Dog Chew Toy is pressed from reinforced bamboo fibre, giving it the strength to stand up to hours of chewing. It satisfies natural chewing urges, eases teething pains, and helps keep teeth in better shape—while staying eco-conscious and safe for pets. From pups cutting teeth to adults that grind with force, this chew holds their focus and keeps them busy. Why Pet Owners Trust This Chew Toy: • Built for Strong Chewers - Dense bamboo fibre holds up to gnawing sessions, whether it’s a young pup teething or an older dog that bites with power. •Sustainable and Safe - Made from non-toxic, renewable bamboo—tough on wear, but kind on teeth and gums. • Saves Shoes and Furniture - Gives dogs a place to chew so they leave household items alone. A solid outlet that keeps them occupied and calmer. • Helps Teeth and Gums - Textured ridges work over the teeth, scrape away buildup, and press against gums to improve oral health. • Eases Teething and Fuels Play - Soothes sore gums in puppies while offering older dogs a chew that lasts longer than most. What Makes This Chew Toy Different: • Strong enough to feel close to indestructible • Eco-friendly and toxin-free • Cleans teeth while massaging gums • Keeps dogs entertained and less destructive A Chew That Holds Up Durable, safe, and made with the planet in mind—the Tough Dog Chew Toy gives dogs a reason to chew without wrecking what’s in your home. Add to Basket today and let your dog sink their teeth into a toy that can take it. -
Dog Chew Toys for Aggressive Chewers A$28.99
Dog Chew Toys for Aggressive Chewers Durable Wooden Deer Antler – Natural, Tough & Safer Than Real Bone Finding a toy that doesn’t crumble under heavy jaws is harder than it looks. The Durable Wooden Deer Antler Dog Chew Toy is pressed from real wood fibres, giving it the grain and density of natural antlers. Dogs get the grind and gnaw they’re built for, without the danger of splinters. It’s safe, earth-friendly, and made to last, giving determined chewers something solid to sink into. Why Dogs Keep Chewing This Wooden Antler: • Natural & Earth-Friendly - Formed from compressed wood fibres, a non-toxic choice that avoids plastic. A hint of pine scent lingers, enough to keep scent-driven dogs interested. • Splinter-Free Safety - Carries the feel of a real antler but won’t shatter into sharp pieces, sparing teeth and gums from injury. • Helps Teeth and Gums - The roughened surface scrapes plaque, breaks down tartar, and works the gums while your dog chews. • Made for Heavy Chewers - Dense enough to take the pressure from big breeds with jaws that don’t quit. • Keeps Minds and Mouths Busy - Draws chewing away from shoes and table legs, giving restless dogs a safer way to burn energy. What Makes This Chew Different: • Lets dogs follow their natural urge to chew • Cleans while it’s chewed, freshening breath and working gums • Free of chemicals, built only from wood • Strong enough for long chewing bouts A Better Choice Than Real Antlers Hand your dog a chew that satisfies their need to gnaw, spares their teeth, and holds up longer than cheap substitutes. Add one to your basket and give your dog a chew that feels real but keeps them safe. -
Indestructible Octopus Plush Dog Toy A$48.99
Indestructible Octopus Plush Dog Toy Built to Endure, Made to Entertain The Octopus isn’t just another plush toy—it’s stitched strong for dogs that bite, tug, and thrash their toys apart. Inside the head you’ll find a squeaker, and the tentacles hold a crackly layer that dogs love to crunch. With no stuffing hidden inside, it means no clouds of fluff scattered across your floor. Why Pet Owners Go for This Octopus: • No Stuffing, No Mess - Nothing for your dog to pull out, nothing for them to swallow. That means safer play and less mess around the house. • Squeaker & Crackly Tentacles - A squeaker in the head and crinkle sewn into the tentacles give off sounds and textures that keep dogs coming back. • Sturdy Build - Made from plush polyester with reinforced stitching, ready to take on chewing and tug-of-war games. • Good for Teeth & Gums - The coarse fabric rubs against teeth, scrapes off buildup, and presses into gums as they chew. •Safe & Easy to Wash - Non-toxic materials with food-safe colouring. When it’s dirty, just throw it in the washing machine. What’s in the Pack: • 1 × Octopus Plush Dog Toy • Head squeaker + crackly tentacles for multi-sensory play Key Traits: • Stuffing-free - no fluff, no mess • Squeaky head and crackly tails - keeps play interesting • Reinforced seams - tougher than standard plush toys • Textured fabric - helps teeth and gums stay cleaner • Non-toxic plush - safe for everyday play A Toy That Lasts Longer This Octopus combines noise, crunch, and tugging strength in one toy. Dogs chew it, shake it, and carry it around, and it holds up far better than a normal plush. Add one to your basket and give your dog a toy they’ll keep dragging out for more play. -
Dog Pull Ring Toy for Training & Biting Resistance A$29.99
Dog Pull Ring Toy for Training & Biting Resistance Made for Tug, Training and Dogs That Never Slow Down The Pull Ring takes a dog’s energy and gives it direction. Good for tug, fetch, and training, it can handle the pull of breeds like German Shepherds, Border Collies, and Labradors. Dogs get the resistance they want, and you get a way to guide that strength while building trust. Why Owners Reach for It: • Built for Heavy Chewers - Reinforced plastic, thick and solid, stands up to long chewing and hard pulling. • Training Tool - Helps with basics like fetch, drop, and release. Keeps dogs tuned in while you run the drill. • Better Outlet for Energy - Takes chewing, barking, or digging and turns it into play you can both enjoy. • Grip That Holds - It holds firm in your grip so you can stay in control during tug play, even when the dog pulls hard. • Indoor or Out - Fine for the living room or garden. Just as good at the park or down by the beach. Product Notes: • Material - reinforced plastic that resists chewing • Size - works best for bigger, active dogs • Uses - tug, chase, fetch, training What Makes It Worthwhile: • Keeps dogs busy and sharp • Builds trust through shared play • Handles long chewing and tugging bouts • Works as a simple training aid Train Hard, Play Hard This ring brings shape to play. Strong enough to take pressure, plain enough that dogs keep coming back for it. Add one to your basket and see how your dog runs with it. -
Indestructible Squeaky Plush Dog Toy A$24.99 - A$25.99
Indestructible Squeaky Plush Dog Toy Strong Enough to Chew, Soft Enough to Cuddle Give your dog a toy that mixes toughness with comfort. The Indestructible Squeaky Plush Dog Toy is built from sturdy corduroy with a soft fabric layer, making it bite-resistant yet still gentle enough to curl up with. It holds up through games of fetch, tug matches, and long chewing sessions, a go-to for pups of all shapes and sizes. Why Dogs & Owners Like This Toy: • Creature-Inspired Shapes - Fun animal designs catch a dog’s eye and get tails moving. • Hidden Squeaker - A squeaker inside gives off noise that keeps dogs chasing, biting, and wanting more play. • Helps Teeth and Gums - The fabric’s rough weave brushes teeth and presses against gums as they chew, scraping away plaque and helping mouths stay fresher. • Tough Build - Corduroy with reinforced seams holds together under strong jaws and rough pulling. • Made for All Dogs - Available in several sizes for small, medium, and large breeds. Easy to clean, and ready for round after round of play. Why This Plush Toy Stays Useful: • Gets dogs moving and playing • Fabric is soft on gums yet firm enough to chew • Works for bonding, training, or simple playtime • Keeps boredom down and chewing focused on the toy Tough but Still Cuddly This isn’t just another chew toy. It’s a playmate that keeps dogs busy, a comfort piece they’ll carry around, and an outlet for chewing energy that saves your shoes and furniture. Add one to your basket and give your dog a toy they’ll come back to again and again. -
Interactive Dog Football Training Ball & Chew Toy A$34.99
Interactive Dog Football Training Ball & Chew Toy A Football Made for Dogs Who Chase and Chew More than something to boot across the yard, this football is made from heavy leather and shaped for tug, chase, and fetch. It gives dogs a way to use up energy and stay occupied. Kick it through the park, roll it over the lawn, or pull it down a dirt track—wherever it goes, the game changes shape. Why Owners Reach for It: • Leather That Lasts - Dense hide holds strong against chewing and pulling but still feels safe on teeth. • The Bounce Keeps Them Alert - Because of its shape, the roll never looks the same twice, so dogs need to stay sharp on their paws. • Play With a Purpose - Good for recall, fetch, or tug sessions. It works both body and mind, while steering chewing away from shoes or furniture. • Takes the Outdoors in Stride - It takes on grass, sand, and dirt without giving in, ready to follow you anywhere you play. • Picking a Size - Comes in 15cm for small breeds and 19cm for the larger ones, so every dog ends up with a size that fits. The Basics: • Material - tough leather built to cope with chewing • Sizes - 15cm and 19cm • Best Use - fetch, chase, tug, training games • For - small through large breeds What Makes It Handy: • Keeps dogs moving and fit • Sharpens focus and balance • Holds up to long chewing spells • Strong build that’s still safe on teeth Time to Play A football that ties together exercise, training, and fun in one toy. Drop one in your basket and see how your dog takes to it. -
Bite Resistant Dog Rope Toy A$38.99
Bite Resistant Dog Rope Toy A Rope That Can Cop It All Dogs chew, yank, and chase until toys are in pieces. This rope hangs in there. Thick cotton strands twisted together take on sharp teeth, tug battles, and fetch runs without giving way. While the dog’s busy working it over, your chair legs get a break, and their teeth get a bit of a scrub. Works for pups easing sore gums and for little dogs that chew like it’s their main job. Why Owners Keep Coming Back: • Built to Handle Chewers - Tough cotton fibres stay put even after hours of gnawing, dragging, and pulling. • Burns Off Energy - Some dogs chase it across the yard, others rope you into a tug on the rug, and plenty just sit and chew—whatever the style, it drains that extra energy and often leaves them sprawled out. • Helps Teeth Stay in Shape - The rough threads slide between teeth and press on gums, scraping off muck and freshening breath as they chew. • Knots That Work - Chunky knots are easy for dogs to clamp down on and give you something solid to - grab when you jump in. • Nothing Added - Plain cotton rope, that’s it. Soft on the mouth, tough enough to stick around long after cheaper toys snap. Product Details: • Made with - strong cotton rope • Length - 18cm – suits puppies and smaller breeds • Style - made for tug games and chewing sessions • Good match for - pups cutting teeth, small dogs, and determined chewers • Features - light to carry, long-lasting, teeth-kind What Makes It Different: • Stays in one piece after daily play • Cleans teeth while they chew, no extra effort needed • Turns play into something shared, not just watched • Fits small dogs with oversized chewing habits Ready for Real Play It does plenty—soothes sore gums, holds its ground in tug contests, and doesn’t give up mid-game. It keeps the dog busy, gives their teeth some care, and spares the sofa legs from becoming a target. Pick one up today and let your pup chew, chase, and drag this rope around the house. Better this than your slippers.