The Myth of "Dangerous Breeds"
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is often confused with other "bull" type breeds and wrongly labeled as dangerous. In reality, the Staffy was bred as a companion dog and is known for its exceptional gentleness with children - hence the nickname "nanny dog".
Italian Legislation
The 2009 Ordinance
The 2009 Ministry of Health ordinance abolished the previous list of "dangerous breeds" and established that:
- No breed is inherently dangerous
- All dog owners have the same responsibilities
- Individual dogs may be evaluated if involved in incidents
Current Rules for All Dogs
In Italy, ALL dog owners must:
- Use a leash (max 1.5m) in public places
- Carry a muzzle (not necessarily worn, but available)
- Have civil liability insurance (recommended)
- Clean up after their dog
- Prevent the dog from causing harm to people or animals
Staffy Temperament: The Truth
The FCI breed standard describes the Staffordshire Bull Terrier as:
"Traditionally of indomitable courage and tenacity. Highly intelligent and affectionate, especially with children. Bold, fearless and totally reliable."
Studies and temperament tests consistently show Staffys to be stable, people-oriented dogs with lower aggression levels than many popular breeds.
Insurance and Housing
While not legally required, civil liability insurance is recommended for all dog owners. Some considerations:
- Many homeowner policies include pet liability
- Specific dog insurance is available
- Having a pedigree and documented history helps with insurance
- Some landlords may have breed restrictions - check before renting
📋 Documentation Matters
A Staffordshire Bull Terrier with ENCI pedigree clearly establishes breed identity. This can be important for insurance and housing. At Del Piccolo Diavolo, all our puppies come with official pedigree documentation.
Responsible Ownership
The best way to prevent problems is responsible ownership:
- Proper socialization from puppyhood
- Obedience training
- Adequate exercise and mental stimulation
- Neutering/spaying if not breeding
- Supervised interactions with children and other animals