Staffordshire Terrier vs Pitbull: What Are The Differences
Last Updated on: 18th October 2023, 11:15 pm
Is the American Staffordshire Terrier a pitbull?
While the American Staffordshire Terrier and Pitbull look similar, there are some differences between the two breeds.
The main difference between Staffordshire bull terriers and Pitbulls are their size, color, temperament, and shape of their faces.
Difference between Staffordshire and Pitbull: Key Takeaways:
- American Staffordshires are shorter and stockier than APBTs and are heavier. APBTs are more athletic and lean.
- American Staffordshires are calmer, APBTs are more energetic.
- Staffies are recognized by both the AKC and UKC, the APBT is not recognized by the AKC.
When it comes to telling these two dogs apart, or you are looking for which of the two to buy, note that there are several key differences to watch for which makes it easier to tell them apart.
Those differences are what we have discussed in more detail in this article.
American Pit Bull Terrier vs Staffordshire Bull Terrier: History
The history of the two breeds is quite different.
History of the American Pit Bull Terrier
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a descendant of the British bull-baiting dog and originates from terriers that were crossbred with bulldogs to create agile and strong dogs for fighting purposes.
These dogs were trained to participate in a cruel sport that tethered bulls to a post and dogs were set on them.
Matter of fact, the term “pitbull” is loosely translated and describes several dogs that were used for dog fighting like the Staffordshire terriers, Staffordshire bull terriers, and American Pitbull terriers.
Although the mauling of tethered bulls by dogs was outlawed in 1835, these dog breeders still turned to dog fighting as a way to continue.
Due to their dogfighting and bullfighting history and being used today for illegal dog fights, American Pitbull Terriers have earned an unfair reputation as aggressive dogs and have been completely banned in some countries.
History of the American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier also knowns as Stafford, AmStaffy, or Staffie is a descendant of the British Bull Terrier, used for bull-baiting and dog fighting.
After these activities were outlawed, the breeders of these dogs used them for ratting and rabbit hunting as a way to continue their work.
Although their cousins the American Pit Bull Terrier, when raised and reformed by loving owners, could be sweet, gentle, and generally friendly, they still find it impossible to shake their reputation as being vicious fighters.
Breeders and Kennel clubs such as the United Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club brought on the American Staffordshire Terrier to save this noble breed and separate themselves from the Pit Bull Terrier’s bad press.
They made some changes, by shifting the focus of the breeding programs, removing ill-tempered dogs, and refusing to train dogs that were previously trained to fight or show aggressive behaviors.
Amstaff vs Pitbull: Physical Differences Between The Two Breeds
The physical difference between these two breeds is size.
- The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a medium-sized dog, while the American Pit Bull Terrier is a large dog.
- Both pit bulls are bully breeds and have short, stiff hair and strong jaws. However, the American Staffordshire Terrier has a longer head and body than the American Pit Bull Terrier.
American Pit Bull Appearance
| Average height (adult): | Average weight (adult): | Gender |
| 18-20 inches | 35-60 pounds | Male |
| 17-18 inches | 30-50 pounds | Female |
- The American Pit Bull is the slightly taller dog of the two, measuring 17 to 21 inches from paw to shoulder. It weighs less than the American Staffordshire Terrier and looks more slender.
American Staffordshire Terrier Appearance
| Average height (adult): | Average weight (adult): | Gender |
| 18-19 inches | 55-70 pounds | Male |
| 17-18 inches | 40-55 pounds | Female |
- The American Staffordshire is shorter and more stocky than the Pitbull, it weighs between 40 and 70 pounds.
Temperament and Personality Traits
The temperament of these two breeds is quite different. The American Pit Bull Terrier is a friendly and energetic dog, while the American Staffordshire Terrier is a more reserved and calm dog.
Both breeds are loyal and loving to their families, but the American Pit Bull Terrier is more likely to be friendly with strangers than the American Staffordshire Terrier.
American Pit Bull Terrier Temperament And Personality
An American Pit Bull Terrier can easily be integrated into your family because they are friendly and engage well with adults and children.
They are affectionate and love attention, and being left alone makes them anxious and causes them to chew on items around the house. Pitbulls love having family around and like to cuddle.
Pitbulls are good with people, but when they are not socialized as puppies, they can be aggressive to other dogs.
When in public, put them on a leash to avoid fights with other dogs. They could also be around other dogs if they are socialized and trained to be this way.
American Pitbull Terriers make excellent guard dogs because they are vigilant and have a bulky look which makes them appear intimidating although they won’t hurt anyone.
They’ll alert you to strangers but aren’t very vocal dogs. If they socialize these dogs well, they won’t make good watchdogs because they love humans too much to be a threat to them.
American Staffordshire Terrier Personality And Temperament
An American Staffordshire Terrier’s personality is friendly. They are affectionate to family members, good with children, and friendly to strangers.
Although, they are protective and should be socialized at an early age if you want to keep other family pets.
Am Staffs bark and howl a lot, so, your neighbors or places with noise restrictions may frown at this. Other than that, they are good-natured dogs who develop loyalty quickly for their families.
They are a bit territorial but this can be changed with proper training.
American Staffordshire Terriers are loyal and make loyal companion dogs for different kinds of owners because they are easy to train and can be good for first-time dog owners.
With responsible training, they can develop a docile temperament rather than an aggressive one. If you socialize them well as puppies, they’ll be good adult dogs.
Which Breed Is Better For You?
The American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier are both great breeds of dog. However, they are different in many ways. It is important to do your research to decide which breed is right for you.
If you are looking for a friendly and energetic family dog, then the American Pit Bull Terrier is a great choice. If you are looking for a more reserved and calm dog, then the American Staffordshire Terrier is a great choice. Whichever breed you choose, you will be getting a loyal and loving companion.
American Pit Bull Terrier
American Pit Bull Terriers will fit into a house where it’s just you alone or families who don’t have other pets and have lots of attention to give to them.
Although they can adapt to living in an apartment, you shouldn’t leave them alone for long hours. They are the perfect pet for someone who can give them the affection they need.
Pit Bull Terriers are good watchdogs but won’t guard you well, because they love people too much.
American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire is better suited for homes that have older children in them or singles who need a low-maintenance dog, and they are good for owners who have had practice training large breed dogs with strong personalities.
They are the perfect pet for people who are active or families that spend most of their days at home.
AmStaffs are happy when their owners are home and get anxious when left alone for long hours. They are not very good for apartment living, and because they can be noisy they won’t also work for neighborhoods with noise restrictions.
American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier: How to Train and Care for Both Breeds
Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier are intelligent breeds of dogs. They are both easy to train and care for. However, the American Staffordshire Terrier is a more independent breed than the American Pit Bull Terrier.
This means that they may not need as much attention and can be left alone for long periods of time. Both breeds need plenty of exercise and a good diet to stay healthy.
How To Train And Care For An American Pit Bull Terrier
A Pit Bull is more athletic and enjoys more physical stimulation than the AM Staff. Below are other ways to train and care for your American Pit Bull Terrier.
Training and Exercise
An American Pit Bull Terrier has a muscular stature and a strong jaw which means they enjoy playing tug-o-war with sturdy toys so their teeth won’t tear easily. Take Pitties on daily work to help them maintain a healthy weight.
These dogs love to be physically engaged and are playful. A lack of exercise can cause them to chew up things around the house to release this energy. They can be trained easily, and are happy and intelligent. They want to please their owners by following actions and commands. They learn quickly and can do various jobs.
Health & Care
American PitBull Terriers have some genetic conditions like hip and elbow dysplasia and kneecap and no dislocation. They also suffer from skin issues like mange.
They are predisposed to developing Cerebellar Abiotrophy which is when the part of their brain that controls balance and coordination is damaged, affecting their mobility.
This breed has a short coat that needs little grooming to clean it. They shed hair, so brushing or wiping them mildly with a wet cloth can reduce this.
This dog is strong when it is younger, but struggles to maintain itself when it is older. Also, their short coats predispose them to overexposure to sun and heat exhaustion.
Pit Bull Terriers suffer from allergies too, they develop skin allergies because they don’t have much to protect them from insects, dust, or pollen. They also have food allergies.
They should be brushed once a week, and use a rubber brush to clear old hair from their body.
How To Train And Care For An American Staffordshire Terrier
American Staffordshire Terriers have a lot of energy you can channel with games like fetch or agility courses. They also require mental stimulation so that they don’t become bored and destructive.
Training And Exercise
Am Staffs are intelligent and want to please, making their training easier. They respond best to training when you give them treats or rewards.
They like to exercise daily and take 20-30 minute walks to maintain a healthy weight. Avoid long intense cardio for them and 60 minutes of light activities like running or walking long stretches for them is enough.
Play games like fetch to keep these dogs entertained. As you train them, be sure to include positive reinforcement to show them that they have done something to please you. If these dogs bond with you emotionally, they’ll likely repeat desirable actions.
Note, being harsh or getting violent during training sessions, can encourage AmStaff to show unnecessary aggression.
Health & Care
The American Staffordshire Terrier is predisposed to minor health issues like elbow dysplasia and hypothyroidism but rarely develops major illnesses like progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and hip dysplasia. Due to them being stocky, they can gain weight, but exercise and a balanced diet keep them fit and healthy.
Their short coats mean you don’t have to groom Am Staffs often, weekly grooming is enough for this breed. Although, their short coats expose them to health issues like skin allergies and heatstroke.
Am Staffs can also develop urinary tract infections and autoimmune diseases more than other breeds, and bone and joint issues as well because of their different body types. Annual vet checkups ensure their continuous health.
Nutrition for American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier
Both dogs can eat up to 2 1/2 cups of food daily, although some of them might require more based on activity level. They should be fed recommended foods for Pitbulls or bull terrier breeds.
Foods with omega fatty acids are good for their skin and coat health. You could also get a formula that supports sporting breeds, with a high-calorie count and supports muscle growth, depending on the activity level of your Pit Bull or Am Staff.
These two breeds suffer from sensitive stomachs, meaning you should consider limited dog food ingredients. Dogs that are allergic to protein, should eat formulas with alternate protein sources. You can check out this list of recommended dog food for pitbull.
Pros and Cons of Owning an American Pit Bull Terrier or an American Staffordshire Terrier
What are the pros and cons of owning an American Pit Bull Terrier or an American Staffordshire Terrier?
Pros and Cons of Owning An American Pit Bull Terrier
The pros of owning an American Pit Bull Terrier include that they are friendly, energetic, and easy to train. The cons of owning an American Pit Bull Terrier include that they need a lot of exercise and may be too friendly with strangers.
The pros of owning an American Pit Bull:
– they are friendly
– they are energetic and active
– they are easy to train
– Loves children and people
– Natural athletes
– Loyal to families or single owners
-Smart
The cons of owning an American Pit Bull:
– they need a lot of exercise
– they may be too friendly with strangers.
– Subject to breed-specific legislation (BSL) that outlaws them in some states and countries.
– Prone to skin diseases and allergies
– Not good for inexperienced children
-Require a lot of time and attention
-Require a lot of training time
Pros and Cons of Owning an American Staffordshire Terrier
The pros of owning an American Staffordshire Terrier include that they are loyal, loving, and easy to care for. The cons of owning an American Staffordshire Terrier include that they may be too independent and may not need as much attention.
The pros of owning an American Staffordshire Terrier:
-Easy to groom due to its short coat
-Great family dog
– Natural protector of its family
– Muscular and powerful
– Usually not aggressive toward people
– Does well in sports like weight pull
– Loves and respects its owner
– Loves and takes care of babies
– Compact-sized enough to be raised in a small home.
The cons of owning an American Staffordshire Terrier:
-Not good with all dog breeds
-Requires constant socialization
-Not good for inexperienced dog owners
– Faces legal liabilities
– Strong-willed
– Overly persistent
-Can be destructive if not engaged enough or bored
Summary
Now that you know the difference between the American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier dog breed, it is time to choose based on your own preference, and remember, always purchase your pit bulls from a reputable pit bull breeder.
