Should we buy a house with aggressive dog next door?

How would the little dog react to hearing a large dog barking next door? Even if it were not actually threatening, would it sound frightening to the little dog? - in which case there could be stress issues for it.

Staffies like people but hate other dogs

I agree with you eazybee
A close family member has a staffie cross she is absolutely wonderful with people the kindest dog you could meet but cannot tolerate other dogs even on the television she goes mad trying to get to them very aggressive towards other dogs of all sizes

That doesn’t bode well. The neighbours sound unpleasant and could make their life unbearable.

eazybee

Staffies like people but hate other dogs.
The neighbours' remark would give me cause for concern.

I don't think so. A friend of mine has three staffies and my very little dog gets on fine with them. Has even been to stay with them on couple of occasions...

I had wondered about it being said in jest, too.

That would give me pause too. The attitude of the neighbours doesn't bode well for the future.

Why do people keep aggressive dogs anyway? - well said blinko

The estate agent has a duty to disclose such things - so they are the people to ask - they won't want to lose the sale so treat what they say with a pinch of salt though.

Bear in mind too that an elderly woman not too far from here was killed by aggressive dogs breaking into her garden and attacking her. It was on the national news.

Why do people keep aggressive dogs anyway?

Is it possible they have issues with the vendor & out of spite are trying to put purchasers off?
If your DD has exchanged she stands to lose her deposit.
If she has exchanged & will complete, new and very strong fencing will be a priority.
However, that's fine for the back yard, but what's to be done if caught with her dog in the street? What a worry.
Ask advice from current vendor about dog/neighbour issue?
Maybe it was jest or just a sick sense of humour? Revisit & have a quiet chat to see if they're really really serious?
You can't be too careful .....

It makes me wonder what was really behind the comment. Why would someone be so negative to prospective new neighbours it’s very odd. Maybe they don’t want the neighbours to sell for some reason. If there have been disputes they do have to be disclose the information when selling property.

Staffies like people but hate other dogs.
The neighbours' remark would give me cause for concern.

I would also feel worried about the neighbours’ attitude after saying their Staffie would kill their little dog, they may have been joking but it’s in bad taste and I wouldn't take a chance TBH.

I've never popped round to meet the neighbours when I've bought a house. Is this a thing now? If they like the house then put up a strong fence. The dog won't be around forever

I would make further enquiries PDQ. That kind of attitude often means there could soon be other issues.

An aggressive dog next door could make your life miserable. Would you be worried every time the little dog was out in the garden or just walking past their house?
The owners of the Staffie don't sound very responsible to me.

I'd say no absolutely not. Even if they didn't have a little dog, the fact that those neighbours said what they did would put me off. Why on earth would they think it's ok to say it, even if it was an exaggeration? Aren't vendors supposed to reveal any issues with neighbours these days?

No, no, no, if the dog is in any way aggressive. It spells danger for their dog, danger for them, and very much danger for any children visiting.

Blimey I d pull out of that sale, don’t like the sound of them at all
Not a good beginning, Staffies are usually nice dogs and if it’s aggressive then they have made it aggressive so that doesn’t bode well

I would worry if I was doing the best thing by moving in next door to them. I would have sleepless nights. It may have been said as a joke but it's not funny. I think I would ask the neighbours if they have any concerns about the dog. On the other hand, if you moved house, who knows whether the neighbours with the Staffie would move house in a few years anyway . Do they have young children too?

Were they warned by the sellers about any difficulties with neighbours? I think it’s supposed to be disclosed. I wouldn’t like to live next door to a vicious dog. If it was supposed to be a joke it’s a very stupid one.

H194, crossed posts - thinking along the same lines as you ?

I have a little dog & I’ve had owners of large dogs say to me, jokingly, “my dog would eat yours for breakfast”, when actually there was no danger of any such thing, it was just intended as a comment on the contrast in size.

The use of the word “kill” suggests otherwise, but perhaps it was said in jest?

This may have been said in jest...........they may have looked at the small cute dog and casually mentioned that their Staffie was much bigger, feisty and stronger. We don't know the context of the conversation so I don't see the need to pull out of the house sale tbh.

I'd be more concerned about the neighbours, never mind the dog!

Neighbours who take pride in having a killer dog? What else will they think is acceptable behaviour?

I would have asked why the need for such a dog.