What is the difference between a pit bull and a Staffordshire terrier?
The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) and the American Staffordshire Terrier (AST) are both muscular, loyal dog breeds with similar physical traits and a common ancestry. However, there are some differences between the two breeds:
Differences. They are both considered medium-sized dogs, but the American Pit Bull Terrier is taller and more slender, whereas the American Staffordshire has more of a shorter, stocky build. American Pit Bull Terrier males can weigh 30 to 75 pounds and stand 17 to 22 inches tall.
Having bred UKC American Pit Bull Terriers for over 40 years, MOST UKC breeders have worked to breed aggression OUT of their dogs through bloodlines and genetics. They are PASSIONATE about their breed. The media hype is fake news.
Because a lot of dogs are labeled PIT BULL when, in fact, they “look” like an American Pit Bull Terrier but are crosses of Bulldog, mastiff, lab, whatever; face it, mention Pit Bull, and you’ll have every media channel there to film.
That being said, The AKC American Staffordshire Terrier can be dual REGISTERED with UKC REGISTRY for show purposes. However, the UKC American Pit Bull Terrier cannot be dual-registered as an American Staffordshire Terrier. So, they are the same breed.
First, I will examine five different types of pitbull dogpitbulle: the APBT, the Am Staffordshire terrier, the American Bully, and the large pitbull. There are also other types within the Bully and the large Pitbull. I will explain the difference between the Am Staffordshire terrier and the APBT.
Breeders of the Am Staffordshire terrier are trying to create a show dog out of this breed. In other words, breed out the dog’s aggressiveness from them. And the APBT is bred to be a game dog. A game dog is a more athletic dog. Now, the Am Staffordshire terrier should be heavier and taller from the shoulders than the APBT. The APBT should be more athletic and energetic than the Am Staffordshire terrier.
From these eight men, the first APBT bloodlines were created. My Blue is a 2-year-old APBT from Mr Bourdreaux’s bloodline. He had a fighter named Eli, who won many dog fights from his bloodline. People breed their best fighters, creating many different bloodlines, a few hundred or so.
Blue isn’t dog-aggressive, but he will not back down If another dog attacks him. (I am against dog fighting and do not use Blue for fighting). Now Payton is my 5-year-old Am Staffordshire terrier and wants to be alpha with any dog she meets, but if another dog attacked her, she would defend herself until she could run away.
She doesn’t like to get hurt. And she is a bit bigger than blue. Here is a picture of Blue and how well he represents APBTs and a picture of Payton and how she represents a Staffordshire terrier.
Very little. Until recently (past 10–20 years), they were considered two names of the same breed by different kennel clubs – the AKC registered the American Staffordshire Terrier, and the UKC registered the American Pit Bull Terrier. Still, many dogs were registered with both registries and, therefore, as both breeds.
Today, the AmStaff has a lot less variation and is generally larger and stockier:
The APBT is sliding into sketchier territory (along with the UKC), with many clearly mongrel dogs being “individually registered” and a smaller percentage of the breeders seeming to care about the standard and instead going to extremes. The APBT standard is still describing a smaller, lighter, very muscular working dog: But also with a lot more variation…
The American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier are breeds of common ancestry. They were initially bred for bull-baiting and later developed as working and companion dogs. The main difference between the two breeds is their historical purpose and breeding standards.
The American Pit Bull Terrier was bred for performance, while the American Staffordshire Terrier was bred for conformation. In terms of appearance, the American Staffordshire Terrier is often slightly larger and has a more stocky build than the American Pit Bull Terrier. However, it’s important to note that individual dogs within each breed can vary in temperament and physical characteristics.
What is the difference between a pit bull and a Staffordshire terrier?
What I have learned about the difference between the Staffordshire terrier and the pit bull terrier is that the Staffordshire terrier is a purebred, and the pit bull terrier is a mixture of different bull terrier breeds. Sadly, many pit bull terriers have been used and trained for fighting, but the purebred Staffordshire terrier is gentle.
I know one Staffordshire terrier trained as a working dog and is a “volunteer” in a hospital, visiting patients, making them smile, and helping encourage them on their road to recovery.
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a specific breed. The American Staffordshire Terrier is a different specific breed.
However, the general term “pit bull” is a generic concept that peothatgnorantly applies to pretty much any muscular, blocky-headed medium o or large-sized dog. APBTs, AmStaffs, English Staffordshire, American Bulldogs, even Cane Corsos, boxer and Labrador mixes, and other dogs get erroneously called “pit bulls.”
Ironically, many people would not recognize an APBT as a “pit bull” because it is not the heavy-jawed brute they associate with that term. This is why “pit bull” bite statistics seem so outrageous – you have to understand that any time a large, muscular, blocky-headed dog bites or kills someone, it gets lumped into “pit bull” more often than not. FAR more often than not. Regardless of its actual breeding
Why can’t dog breeds like American Pit Bull Terrier, American Bully & Staffordshire Bull Terrier play and socialize with other dogs? According to several owners I have talked to, they must not interact with other dogs. Is that natural?
I own an American Bully named Galaxy. They are less dog-reactive than the other breeds listed but still prone to dog reactivity. An owner of any dog breeds that the public and the media identify as a pitbull must take precautions around other dogs. There are a few different reasons for this.
Anyone who is educated about pitbull breeds knows the origins of the breeds. They were created to fight. First, they fought bulls, and then each other. Because of this, all current breeds that descend from those original fighting breeds are at least somewhat prone to dog reactivity.
Further, the Staffy and APBT are terriers. Almost all terrier breeds tend to be territorial, energetic, dog reactive and have a high prey drive. The American Bully is in the Companion group, and the prey drive is less common or quite as intense, but the potential is still there. Bullies came from the same place the Staffy and APBT did, after all.
There are exceptions and no shortage of dogs that are not dog-reactive. Case in point, my XL American Bully at the dog park, while a Black Lab/Terrier mix gets up close and personal: And her buddies at a Pitbulls on Parade outing: She is a therapy dog and a titled CGC, which means she had to pass dog reactivity tests.
But you notice only one other dog in that photo at the dog park, and the interactions with the three pit bulls were carefully controlled. Not all pit bulls are dog-reactive. Training and socialization carry more weight than breed traits in this regard.
But even if a pit isn’t dog reactive, two things make me refuse to take my dog to a crowded dog park or let her play unsupervised with other dogs. The first is a muscular, solid build with a low center of gravity. This means they are more robust than other dogs of the same height.
The second is tenacity. This is why pit attacks are more severe than Lab Dalmatian or pick-a-breed attacks. Once pit bulls start, they don’t stop. My dog doesn’t start fights, but I found out the hard way that she has no problem finishing them. We were at a public park (not a dog park) in a city with mandatory leash laws.
And yet, for some reason, a man had this massive longhaired dog off-leash, playing fetch.
But then the dog noticed us. He stopped, turned to face us, and then he charged. He didn’t slow down, even when I pulled Galaxy behind me and planted myself between her and the charging dog (which is dog language for “I’m the boss, and what’s behind me is mine. Back off.”).
He plowed right through me, like he didn’t even know I was there, and went after Galaxy. She could listen and stay behind me when the dog was charging, but her instincts took over as soon as he made contact.
She’s 70 pounds, and he was quickly 100 or more. And just viciously ripping into each other. I couldn’t get them apart independently, even when I tried to wedge my body between them. They just pushed me out of the way like I weighed nothing.
The reactive dog’s owner ran up, and we separated the dogs before either was seriously injured. But if he hadn’t gotten there in time, I’m 100% sure Galaxy would’ve killed his dog. And what would the headline have said? Which one is more likely?
“Therapy dog is attacked and defends against a much larger dog.” “Vicious, out-of-control pit bull kills another dog at a park.”
The rules are different when you have any breed that the public identifies as a pit bull. It doesn’t matter that Galaxy didn’t start the fight or that the guy was a moron for bringing a reactive and untrained dog to a public park and letting it off-leash (or that he broke the law by allowing his dog to run off-leash in the first place).
Suppose you have a pit bull, and it ever shows aggression, even in self-defense. In that case, it’s always automatically your dog’s fault, and it’s always automatically “just another reason pit bulls should be banned.”
You can’t control idiots who bring unpredictable and reactive dogs to dog parks. You can’t control idiots who let their dogs run off-leash.
Pitbulls who are dog reactive or have a strong prey drive should not be allowed around other dogs unsupervised. But even with ones who are okay with other dogs, all it takes is one idiot, and your dog is on the evening news, and BSL supporters are using your dog as more ammo in their fight against pit bulls.
The American pit bull terrier is more of a landrace breed than anything, bred to fit a purpose without any care to retain the breed or to fit a standard. It has retained most of its original working characteristics: genetic dog aggression.
Why did “Courage the Cowardly Dog” end?
The AKC American Staffordshire terrier is a carefully refined strain of the dogs that created both the Amstaff and the APBT. The staff differs from the APBT in that they were bred to fit a standard and no longer retain the dog aggression of their ancestors.
What is the difference between a pit bull and a Staffordshire terrier?
Those dogs are all registered ADBA American pit bull terriers. Due to a loose studbook and a lot of paper hanging, many different breeds have been mixed into the ADBA APBT, from mastiffs to American bullies.
UKC and AKC dogs are nearly identical, regardless of the breed name under which they go. I consider American Staffordshire Terriers the only true American Pit Bull Terriers registered under the ADBA. And at the end of the day, the APBT is just a catchall name for any mutt with a smooth coat, big head, and ADBA papers.
Is a Staffordshire terrier the same as a pitbull? Are Staffordshire Terriers an aggressive breed?
I have rescued (personally) and lived with various miscellaneous dogs over the last few decades. Each was an individual, but all were easy to understand and work with.
Then – for no reason I can recall, even though it was only a few months ago – I took in a rescued dog that the rescuer identified as a Staffie. Rufus is 90 pounds of solid concrete, four years old, has teeny killer eyes, no neck, and looks like a sumo wrestler in a thoughtful mood.
He lived his first two years alone on a property the owner had abandoned, but he stayed there and survived on handouts from passers-by. His eventual rescuer, a neighbor, wanted to find him another home since her husband loves to rescue kittens, and they couldn’t figure out how to teach him not to kill them.
When she brought him to visit me, he hopped out of her car, looked around, spotted my two teeny terrier mixes, and one could see the question marks rising from his head. He stalked toward them, sniffed at them, and then turned and as much as said aloud, “Oh! They’re DOGS! Well, okay then.” And everybody got along perfectly after that.
A few weeks later, one of my neighbor’s cats strolled down the driveway. Rufus was sunning himself by the front porch. He raised his head and looked toward the cat. The cat – used to my other sissy dogs – gave an arrogant swish to its tail and kept strolling. Rufus stood up.
The cat looked again …. and in no more than three seconds, it was thirty feet across my front yard and fifteen feet up a tree. I swear to this day that its paws never touched the ground. Even so, Rufus was right there under the tree a half-second later. I have no doubts that he would have killed it. It stayed up there for at least half an hour, and neither it nor its buddies have come through my fence again.
A few weeks ago, my two grandchildren visited for a week. When Rufus spotted the eight-year-old boy, he barked ferociously and wouldn’t stop. I did what I had to do – put him in Dog Jail (a roofed and floored chain-link pen) for the first two days of the visit.
But then, I let him out carefully when he had calmed down. He went to the grandson, sniffed him, and looked at me like, “Oh! It’s a human!” They were inseparable after that. Rufus seemed to want to make up for his earlier misunderstanding by snuggling the boy at every opportunity.
Is Rufus aggressive? I wouldn’t say that he is aggressive, exactly. But he spent his first years feral. Then, his rescuer fed and watered him, but he learned everything else from her old collie. So, he didn’t get a puppy’s usual training from its owner. Anything new troubles him, and he’s out of sorts until he figures it out.
Could he be aggressive? Ask the cat. He has a different way of thinking, so it takes me a while to get through to him in a way that makes sense to him. He doesn’t – like most dogs – shrug and accept instructions. He needs to understand why and how.
But once he understands, it’s for good and forever. He remembers individual people: my cleaning lady, the plumber, the fence guy, the neighbor. When the plumber brought a different assistant, they had to be formally introduced. Yet his smile, with all those teeth, is heart-melting.
I am now trying to teach him to walk on a leash, and I anticipate his first vet visit next week. He doesn’t get it —- yet. At least Rufus is not a dog for the casual dog collector.
The American Kennel Club recognizes the American Staffordshire Terrier, and the less prestigious United Kennel Club recognizes the American Pit Bull Terrier. Essentially, they’re the same breed but bred to different standards.
For example, American Staffordshire Terriers meeting AKC standards are bred for conformation and temperament, ideally between 18-19″ high for males and 17-18″ for females, and weigh a proportionate 50-80 lbs. They have been bred away from their fighting dog ancestors for many generations.
American Pit Bull Terriers meeting UKC standards can be any height, weight, or color except merle or albino. Red noses are acceptable, whereas this “fault” would disqualify an AKC dog from the show ring. UKC dogs have not been bred away from their fighting dog ancestors and may be fighting dogs. But they may, instead, be working dogs on farms or companions.
The UKC American Pit Bull Terrier standard is more concerned about maintaining “working” characteristics, and the AKC standard leans toward show-ring standards. Both are muscular, determined dogs. To register a dog in either kennel club, one has to present proof of parentage.
In other words, if both parents are registered AKC American Staffordshire Terriers, the pup qualifies to be registered as an AKC American Staffordshire Terrier. If both parents are registered UKC American Pit Bull Terriers, the pup qualifies to be registered as an American Pit Bull Terrier.
But the reality is that it is possible to tell the difference with paperwork. Even a genetics test couldn’t distinguish between them. They are the same breed.
Why can’t dog breeds like American Pit Bull Terrier, American Bully & Staffordshire Bull Terrier play and socialize with other dogs? According to several owners I have talked to, they must not interact with other dogs. Is that natural?
A far better question would be why you think they can’t. This is my best friend’s English Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Her name is Boo, and this picture was taken around 10 mins after I first re-met her.
I genuinely consider her to be one of my best canine friend There isn’t a bad bone in her body! In all truth… But then again, she is also highly trained and correctly socialized also…
Why does the Bull Terrier have such a unique-looking muzzle?
They have been bred that way. I can’t tell you why (oh, why!?) anyone thought/thinks that was a good idea. Here are two cabinet cards of bull terriers, taken around 1890. Today’s bull terriers look like mutant clowns. It’s such a shame. These photographs are from the Bendale collection.
Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers affectionate dogs? Do they make good family pets?
The following pictures are of me and my Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Blue. She was rescued in 2010. The second picture is from her first night with us, and she clarified that she liked to cuddle right from the start. We have the same grin on our faces. As I type this, she is snuggled against my leg, fast asleep.
What is the difference between a pit bull and a Staffordshire terrier? Are both pit bulls and Staffordshire terriers considered dangerous dog breeds?
My dog is 75% American pit bull terrier and 25% American Staffordshire terrier, so I did some digging into the Breeds when I got him. There were American pitbull terriers, or APBT, for short. They’re of dogs, but the American kennel clKennel Club acknowledges them as a breed due to their connotations with dog fighting.
What happened to the rooster on the ranch in real life?
(Which is not their fault) So they made a deal with some reputable breeders who chose the most nonviolent of the APBT stock, and they started breeding them separately. They renamed this new dog the American Staffordshire terrier.
It was initially just Staffordshire terrier, but the English bull Staffordshire terrier breeders got their panties in a bunch, saying the name was too close, so American Staffordshire terriers they became. The American Kennel Club acknowledged them as a breed.
Now, they were at one point the same dog, but since the ’60s and ’60s (I think), they’ve been bred as 2 different breeds (if you get a purebred). So they have developed some differences. Honestly, I can’t tell them apart. And they are often interbred (as is the case with my pitbull). Both dogs are considered “pit bulls,” the broad term for any bully-type dog, including American pitbull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers, bull Staffordshire terriers, and American bullies. Any one of those breeds is a “pit bull.”
Back to the main question, the breeds have developed some differences over the years. I can’t tell them apart if you showed me a picture of them. From what I’ve seen, they tend to be taller and slimmer. Am staff tend to be shorter and stockier.
This is an American pitbull terrier. This is an American Staffordshire terrier. I don’t see many differences, but maybe that’s just me. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
As to if they’re dangerous? I don’t believe so. They are calm and gentle breeds for the most part. My boy is the gentlest dog I’ve had. However, if treated wrongly, have a bad owner, or have no training, they can become dangerous, but that is true of any dog breed. I hope this helps answer your question.
That’s my boy. He’s part American pit bull terrier, part American Staffordshire terrier. And he’s the sweetest, happiest dog.
The world of dog breeds is rife with captivating canines, and two breeds that often find themselves in the spotlight are the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) and the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff). Let’s unravel the subtle yet significant differences between these breeds.
American Pit Bull Terrier: Athletic Powerhouses with a History
The American Pit Bull Terrier, renowned for its athleticism and strength, has a rich history. Initially bred for bull-baiting and later as farm dogs, APBTs are known for their tenacity, agility, and intelligence. They are recognized for their compact yet muscular build and distinctive appearance with a broad head and powerful jaws.
American Staffordshire Terrier: A Gentle Strength
On the other paw, the American Staffordshire Terrier, often confused with its Pit Bull counterparts, exhibits a similar muscular physique. Recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as a separate breed, the AmStaff is characterized by its friendly nature, loyalty, and adaptability. They share a history with the APBT but have been selectively bred for a slightly different temperament.
Distinguishing Characteristics
While both breeds may share physical traits, a few nuances set them apart. The American Pit Bull Terrier might showcase a more diverse range of appearances, as they are often bred for performance rather than adherence to a strict breed standard. The American Staffordshire Terrier, a recognized breed with established standards, tends to appear more uniform.
Temperament: Nature vs. Nurture
Temperament plays a crucial role in understanding these breeds. The APBT and the AmStaff are known for their affectionate and loving nature towards their families. However, due to its historical roots, the American Pit Bull Terrier might have a slightly higher prey drive. At the same time, the American Staffordshire Terrier is often described as more gentle and adaptable.
Responsible Ownership: A Common Thread
Regardless of the subtle differences, responsible ownership remains a constant theme. Proper training, socialization, and a nurturing environment are key factors that influence a dog’s behavior, regardless of its breed. Understanding the unique needs of each canine companion fosters a strong and positive bond between humans and their four-legged friends.
While the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier share a common ancestry and some physical traits, they are distinct breeds with subtle differences in appearance and temperament. Embracing responsible ownership ensures a harmonious and fulfilling relationship with these incredible canine companions.
Remember, each dog is an individual, and with love, care, and understanding, they become cherished members of our families.
How do I select the right American Staffordshire Bull Terrier for me and my family?
You need to select the right dog based on their personality. I went to the shelter almost 8 years ago. I didn’t want any more dogs after losing a great sheltie and a great mutt to old age within months of each other.
My family said that I needed another one and forced me to go. My wife said I needed to get a dog, BUT NO PIT BULLS. We looked at and played with several dogs. I was okay with one of them, and my adult son asked me to look at a 3-month-old Staffordshire terrier before I decided.
How do I prevent my toilet’s tank water to keep running after flushing?
We brought the dog into the playroom, and she was SO HAPPY to play with my kids and me.
My wife, who didn’t care about dogs, sat off to the side. The staff would go and sit by her and look longingly at my wife, who would eventually laugh and pet her. Then, the staff would come back and play with the rest of us. And again, my wife would laugh at her. She told me it was the best dog we’d seen.
I knew then and there that this would be the right dog. Everything went well, and we adopted her on the spot. Yes, my wife found out on the way home that Staffordshire terriers are pit bulls, and ….. 8 years later, Stout is her favorite dog ever. Everyone in the neighborhood loves her, all the young kids and parents.
What is the difference between a pit bull and a Staffordshire terrier?
She is the friendliest dog I have ever owned And yes, I love her as well. Find a dog whose personality you love.
The term pit bull is thrown around loosely to refer to a dog with a blocky head, compact, muscular body, and short fur. The breeds typically lumped under the pit bull umbrella are the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the American Bulldog, and Bull Terrier.
The difference between an average APBT and an Amstaff would be hard for the untrained eye to detect, and even a mediocre breeder may not produce dogs that conform to the specific breed differences. Theoretically, the Amstaff sheds more, is more independent, watchful, and less gamey.
The stock is the same, but they diverged based on purpose. The Amstaff has been bred more for show/family pet qualities, whereas an APBT was bred for work. For this reason, the APBT will generally be slightly more muscular and a little larger.