Should we buy a house with aggressive dog next door?

chardy that’s not even relevant We probably all know lovely staffies but this particular household have a not only aggressive dog but have said either joking or in earnest that it could kill the new neighbours dog
Their silly comments would put me off for a start what sort of neighbours would they be?
My family member who has a staffie, loving and kind with people but so territorial with dogs that it barks at the wind when out in the garden much less smelling a tiny dog over the fence The possible noise let alone the threats would put me off
What do your son and family think about it pigsmayfly

It could have been said in tongue and cheek.
If not i wouldn`t want to live in fear of a dog attack.
I know loads of staffies and never had a problem with one tbh.

Actually, the most aggressive dogs we have ever lived next door to were two dachshunds. They actually broke the fence between our two houses, when they were trying to get to our dog (collie x - placid as anything)

We were quite relieved when their dogs finally died. But lo and behold, they've replaced them with another two. Fortunately, these two are not aggressive, but oh my! do they bark! The neighbours both work full time, and from the minute they go out in the morning until the minute they come back in the evening, those dogs are yap yap yapping.

maybe she should ask the other neighbours what the dog owners are really like .?.... this would give me cause for concern ...

BlueBelle they were so excited about buying their first home and this has knocked the wind out of their sails. They are undecided between putting up a strong fence and not going ahead. The majority view on here seems to be not to go ahead. I really think Gransnetters have a lot of credibility due to their collective life experience. I’m waiting to talk it over with them

I can see where the strong fence could be fine but what if it’s a barker too and as others have said are they nice neighbours to have?
How many people would introduce their dog by telling their new neighbours its aggressive most people would try to tone it down
I think neighbours make or break a house and it’s a shame their dream has been tarnished because if they move now they will be on tenterhooks and wary of these people
If you take the dog and the ‘joke’ (if it was one) out of the equation did they feel at ease talking to these people ?

The problem is that, if they are on the point of exchanging contracts, could they stand to lose money?

I think I'd try to find out whether this was just a ridiculous joke or if the dog really is aggressive. If they could ask or find out via their solicitor it might be a sensible move.
Even if they moved in and put up strong fences, the dog could cause a problem if it was aggressive and the neighbour may be unpleasant too, or just someone making an unfortunate joke.

It is possible that the neighbours were being open and genuine and ensuring that they notified your DD and SiL of the danger.

Often, accidents happen when two unexpected events occur simultaneously.

A high wind damages the fence, DD and SiL don't notice.

Inquisitive little dog explores small hole and meets other dog in other dog's own garden.

Far too risky for me.

If they find their dog injured or worse, how would they feel about the move then?

Time machines to go back in time and do something different are not available.

It might be worth trying to have a word with the vendor although he may well deny any knowledge especially as it was his father's house.
Apart from the comment, did your DD get any other impression of the neighbours? I think that must be taken into account too....
If they love the house and it's right for them, they could look at fencing or possibly a wall being built.
There's also the issue is that even if they bought another property, who can tell if someone with an aggressive dog is living in that location or buy's the next door house in the future?
I'd also be curious about how the topic of aggression came up...did the neighbours say it, did your DD witness / hear anything?

Sounds as though the dog has learned it’s aggression from its owners. I think I’d cancel the move. Did the sellers mention this dog on the long questionnaire you have to complete when selling a house?

How old is the aggressive dog? If it is over 10 it will probably die within 2 years. But it would put me off buying the house.

I lost my staffie after 16.5 years on Xmas Eve. She was sweet natured and adored humans and children, but she hated other dogs I never let her off the lead when there were other dogs around. Some staffies are like this with other dogs. My advise would definitely not move to that house, honestly the staffie will sense and smell straight away your DD dog and it will for ever be barking or growling at the fence. Can you imagine what summers in the garden will be like, it will be stressful. I’m aware they have a bad reputation but in general they are loving loyal breed. But she has already warned your dd so I’d take heed if I was her.

eazybee I don't agree with your statement at all. Every staffie I've known (quite a few) have been very friendly with other dogs! And people.
These neighbours sound like they may be a problem though....
If you don't feel happy about the situation are you able to speak to the sellers about these people? Or the neighbours the other side of the staffie owners for a unbiased view?
Good luck with your decision ?

Dogs aren’t created aggressive. Dogs want to give love and be loved. If their dog is aggressive they have encouraged that. Much like humans....generally...not born bad....it’s how they are treated that creates that.
We can’t chose our neighbours....but we can ignore them or be receptive to them.
Also.....they may move, their dog may pass on....anything can happen in time.
I would certainly ensure their dog can’t get into your garden and would, also, ensure you’re lovely isn’t left alone in the garden.
Good luck... I’m sure it will all sort itself.

To be honest without knowing the context and tone of the conversation, it would be difficult to suggest that anybody pulls out of the sale at this late scale, not least because there will be a bill to pay. Presumably there is also a "chain" involved so other people will also be let down. I think it would be better for the buyer's solicitor to check with the sellers that there is no trouble with a barking, vicious dog and the neighbours first.

I would cancel the purchase. I had a kitten killed by neighbours aggressive dog many years ago. Also I don't think they would be good neighbours with that sort of attitude.

I’ve just moved but not because of this. Our old neighbours had two elderly staffies who
used to snarl, growl and bark at the fence which made me see a different side to my Bichon Frise. My two hated these staffies despite never meeting them, they used to bark and growl back. Bichon Frise are so soft and friendly personality wise so I was really shocked by their reaction to these staffies next door.

When my cousin was getting divorced and the house had to be sold, her ex was really rude to prospective buyers and he would have sucked the joy out of any transaction.

If thats what the prospective new neighbours said then I would definitely NOT go ahead and buy that house ! Having said that of course, they could find another and then their new neighbours could go out and buy a huge dog .....that may then be a problem, but with no crystal ball who can tell !

What impression of the neighbours did they get? Were they pleasant to talk with? Unsociable and aggressive? I’m surprised that your family didn’t follow up their comment with some serious questions about the dog, and their security measures. Perhaps they should knock on a few of the other neighbours’ doors and find out, first hand, what the people and dog are really like. Only then can they make a rational decision.
When I walk my daughter’s two small dogs the owners of larger ones often jokingly remark that they would make a tasty snack for their own dog. Your family should do some research before losing the house, the money they have spent, and having to start searching all over again.

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

If they say their dog will kill their smaller dog what are the chances if a toddler being in the garden if the neighbour's dog got in? An old lady has just been killed by dogs that got out of their garden. Solicitors get paid to make sure their are no problems with neighbours etc when buying a house. I would go back to them in the first place to find out the true nature of the dog (and the neighbours!!).

There are few bad dogs, just bad owners.
Watch Graham Hall on "Dogs Behaving Badly"

Putting in a word for Staffies; we had one. He was a wonderful affectionate, but fiercely loyal dog. Had an enormous zest for life and fun.
Never picked a fight, but woe betide anyone who looked likely to threaten any family member. His stance and his steady bark was a good deterrent.

As an ex Staffie owner it appals me that they keep a dog who could be a danger to anyone. Our lovely girl was gentle & loving & totally bullied by our cats. I would have trusted her never to hurt anything. She adored our 6 grandchildren who were young at the time & I was never worried she might hurt anyone or anything. We got her from a rescue centre where her previous owners had sent her as they were too old to give the the long walks she needed & they made a mistake in buying a puppy.
All dogs need love & affection & good training.

I wonder if it’s a registered dangerous breed.......... perhaps have word with local police as it maybe being kept illegally