Tips when choosing a puppy, (particularly a staff), lay the puppy on its back with your hand on his chest, if he has no problem being dominated in this way, you can usually figure on getting a friendly type dog (although not saying that if the puppy is abused or beaten in any way, it won't grow to learn to be vicious) If it looks as though it has a problem with this and growls or doesn't look happy, (he'll be frowning you know ha!) I'd steer clear as he is not going to like being told what to do. In matters of life and death, for example if you see someone getting viciously attacked say e.g. a small child and other methods, i.e. stick haven't worked or there is simply no time, grab said staff by both front legs if you can, and pull them apart, fast and hard, it will split and break their breast bones and ultimately kill them quickly, awful I know, but if a child's life is at risk, things have to be put into perspective.