Many people are unaware that the Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier are separate breeds.
The American Staffordshire Terrier and the PitBull Terrier may appear identical in photographs, but they each have distinct features and qualities when compared side by side. Despite sharing the same Pit Bull DNA, they are classified as different breeds today.
Staffordshire Terriers are also known as AmStaff. They are descended from the Staffordshire Bull Terrier but with genetic changes that give them a bulkier look and a larger head.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is also thought to be the ancestor of the PitBull Terrier. You could call both of these canines relatives.
Make sure you apprehend what you’re getting yourself into before buying any of these adorable family dogs.
This post will go through the two ” so-called bully” breeds and perhaps give you a better sense of whether one is a good fit for your household.
Before we get into the specifics, you should realize that the Pit Bull is a catch-all term for various bully breeds.
As a result, the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bulldog, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier are all classified as “Pit Bull-type dogs.”
| American Staffordshire Terrier |
|---|
| Breed Type: Purebred |
| Lifespan: 12-14 yrs. |
| Adult Height: 18 – 19 inches |
| Adult Weight: 57-67 pounds (average) |
| Origin Country: The United States |
| Origin Year: 1890 |
| Traits: Confident, trustworthy companion, and smart |
| Friendly with other pets: Yes, but they need to be taught socialization |
| Exercise: 1 hour plus moderate exercise daily |
| Trainability: Yes, intellect breeds |
| Pitbull |
|---|
| Breed Type: Purebred |
| Lifespan: 12-14 yrs. |
| Adult Height: 16 – 22 inches |
| Adult Weight: 30-66 pounds (average) |
| Origin Country: The United Kingdom |
| Origin Year: 1898 |
| Traits: Best role models, active, playful, and mimic |
| Friendly with other pets: No |
| Exercise: 1.5 hours of moderate to high energy exercise daily |
| Trainability: Yes, eager to please the owner and intellect |
Table of Contents
History of American Staffordshire Terrier Vs. Pit Bull
American Staffordshire Terriers were bred in England to labor on ranches, handle bulls, and capture wild boar.
This urge to work implies that individuals now have a strong desire to satisfy and succeed for their bosses. Regrettably, they were quickly proven helpful in some pretty savage sports.
But as these bloodstained chores were forbidden, the breed’s strength, energy, and persistence made it a good choice for dog-fighting rings, which regrettably still occur today.
Pitbulls, like their cousins, AmStaffs, were initially used as bait dogs in blood sports. When the baiting games were made illegal in the early 1800s, they were rapidly drawn into dog fighting rings.
Because they were more commonly employed in dog fighting rings, one of the distinguishing characteristics bred into this dog was an aversion to biting people – as the controllers did not want to be wounded if they needed to reach into the ring.
These characteristics persist today, demonstrating the breed’s ability to protect and affectionate its owners.
Size comparison: American Staffordshire Terrier vs. Pit Bull
Both the Amstaff and the Pit Bull are intermediate-sized dogs with aggressive appearances. Both breeds have well-built physiques, defined muscles, huge square heads, and snouts.
- American Staffordshire Terrier weight: 57 to 67 lb (26 to 30 kg)
- Pit Bull weight: 35 to 66 lb (16 to 30 kg)
- American Staffordshire Terrier height: 18 to 19 in (46 to 48 cm)
- Pit Bull height: 16 to 22 in (43 to 56 cm)
What is more Intelligent, American Staffordshire Terrier Vs. Pit Bull?
Not all Pit Bulls are intelligent, just as not all AmStaffs are intellectual when opposed to other dogs of the same breed.
Because of the variances within each breed, IQ levels must be evaluated on individual dogs to get a realistic estimate.
However, on average, both these breeds have similar intelligence levels. From puppyhood, owners may assist their dogs in acquiring intelligence by giving engaging toys and performing various mind-stimulating activities with their pets.
Temperament: American Staffordshire Terrier vs. Pit Bull
We can’t discuss these dog breeds without mentioning their reputations. Many people have said that these canines are violent and hazardous to society. They are prohibited in several places around the United States and other nations.
Fighting dogs in the past, American Staffordshire Terriers and Pit Bull have numerous temperamental similarities. Both breeds are courageous and loyal, as well as clever and sensitive.
AmStaffs and Pitbulls are protective of their owners and can be violent if not socialized correctly from an early age. Both of these strong-willed dog breeds exhibit determination and willfulness in their personalities.
Research by the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare in 2011 discovered that Pit Bulls were no more likely than other breeds to strike their owners.
Behavioral Issues: American Staffordshire Terrier vs. Pit Bull
Both breeds will display issues such as barking, gnawing on objects other than toys, clawing or shredding furniture, and other problematic dog habits when unhappy or left alone.
Many behavioral concerns that dominant breeds like AmStaff and Pit Bulls may acquire in the wrong hands may be encountered by novice owners.
Some dogs may develop aggressiveness due to their fighting history, especially if they are not socialized appropriately from an early age.
Families with small children sometimes lack the time required to integrate, coach, and maintain a demanding breed such as the AmStaff or Pit Bull, which can result in various problems in a dog.
What needs more Exercise, American Staffordshire Terrier Vs. Pit Bull?
If you choose one of these dog breeds, you should be prepared to live an exercise regime if you don’t already. They have virtually limitless energy and will excel in athletics.
One of the explanations they make such terrific playmates for kids is that they may exhaust each other with their boundless activity.
Try to commit at least one hour to exercise daily, with various training sessions and brief walks to keep them engaged. In public places, always keep your dog leashed.
Grooming: American Staffordshire Terrier vs. Pit Bull
Compared to the typical puppy, these canines are incredibly simple to groom. A wash every two months or so would suffice, and weekly brushing will keep them looking lustrous and bright.
Other primary grooming duties, including tooth brushing and ear washing, are the same for all medium-sized puppies.
Both breeds sweat quite a little. Because Amstaffs and Pit Bulls have a single coat, their shedding will be consistent and negligible throughout the year.
Trainability: American Staffordshire Terrier vs. Pit Bull
When it concerns trainability, AmStaff and Pit Bull-type dogs are nearly comparable. Don’t make the erroneous assumption that security dogs don’t require socialization.
On the flip side, you will discover that socializing is crucial to guarding jobs. If you want a well-adjusted dog, both breeds require early socializing.
Their eagerness to obey and love for tasty rewards make them great recruits for loyalty.
When presented with uncertainty, these dogs can have their minds. They require owners who are knowledgeable and diligent in their training.
Novice dog owners or prospective buyers with little familiarity with a headstrong and aggressive dog breed may encounter several challenges. They may endanger themselves or others by failing to handle a strong and potentially hostile dog.
Health Concerns in American Staffordshire Terrier Vs. Pit Bull
The AmStaff and the Pit Bull are both healthy breeds. They both live between 12 and 16 years. They are both susceptible to Elbow and Hip Dysplasia in later life, as are most breeds.
The Pitbull is more prone to Cerebellar Abiotrophy, a condition in which the brain region that governs coordination and equilibrium is injured, causing him to battle with movement. This is something that usually shows up later in life.
The AmStaff is also reported to have more cardiac difficulties than the Pit Bull at a later age.
Many Terrier dogs are known to inherit skin disorders, and while this is something they may face throughout their lives, it is readily treated with medicine and diet.
Price of American Staffordshire Terrier Vs. Pit Bull
A quality breeder will charge $1,000 or more for the AmStaff and the Pitbull. If you want a puppy from a particular bloodline, pup prices will be much more.
Many things influence the cost of a puppy. For instance, dogs with a well-known pedigree might cost hundreds of dollars per puppy.
Fun Facts of American Staffordshire Terrier and Pit Bull
- AmStaffs excel at canine activities such as weight pulling, whereas Pit Bulls excel at agility training.
- The Staffordshire Terrier is bred for show and performance purposes, but the American Pit Bull Terrier is not.
- Did you know the Pit Bull Terrier served in the military throughout World War I and II?
- The illegal dog fights today highly use American bully Canine breeds, often regarded as High-Energy dogs. Bull and terrier canine aggression has given a bad reputation to these excellent companion dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which breed is more common, the American Staffordshire Terrier or the Pit Bull?
While the AmStaff is the 85th most popular dog according to the AKC, data reveal that Pit Bulls account for 20% of all dogs in the United States.
Which dog breed has a more powerful bite, an American Staffordshire Terrier or a Pit Bull?
In the end, both breeds can generate a force of 235 PSI, deemed typical. Bull and Terrier breeds have few but very few animal bite incidents. The prospective owner should provide proper obedience training to these good-natured dogs.
How do you recognize a Pit Bull?
Examine your dog’s appearance; American Pit Bull Terriers have solid, muscled bodies and short coats. The head should be exceedingly broad, with rose-shaped or clipped ears and a relatively thin snout.
Are Staffordshire bull terriers good pets?
Staffordshire bull terriers are good family pets as they are gentle and adorable nanny dogs with various coat colors. Their smooth coat makes them satisfying to groom.
What problems do Staffies have?
Cancer, Arthritis, cardiac issues, and Cushing are common illnesses prone to Staffordshire bull terriers. Besides, skin allergies and urinary tract infections are more susceptible in terrier breeds.
Are Bull dogs good therapy dogs?
Bull dogs are indeed an excellent therapy dogs and can be beloved companion besides their tough reputation.
It all boils down to individual preference when picking between the Staffordshire Terrier and the Pit Bull.
These are both beautiful canines that want to please their human owners. Both dogs will reciprocate as much love and care as you give them.
Many people like the muscled look of an AmStaff, so it all is a matter of subjective taste.
Get an AmStaff if you enjoy showing your dog or participating in activities such as weight pulling. Consider Pit Bull if you want a loving family buddy.
Now, do you have a fondness? Perhaps, this essay has given you a better understanding of these dogs.
(Last Updated on August 11, 2022 by Sadrish Dabadi)
