Breed comparison
American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier
American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier? These closely related bull-and-terrier types are often confused, and some people use the label pit bull for both. The short answer: on temperament, exercise and care they are nearly identical. On our profiles the American Pit Bull Terrier is a little lighter, sheds slightly more and rates better with kids, while the American Staffordshire Terrier is a little heavier, a better watchdog and the one the AKC lists as a breed. Both need experienced handling and early socialization.
Photo: https://www.flickr.com/people/geoggirl/ · CC BY 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Trougnouf (Benoit Brummer) · CC BY 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
| American Pit Bull Terrier | American Staffordshire Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Height | 17–21 in (43–53 cm) | 17–19 in (43–48 cm) |
| Weight | 30–60 lb (14–27 kg) | 40–70 lb (18–32 kg) |
| Life span | 12–14 years | 12–16 years |
| Group | Terrier | Terrier |
| Coat | Short, glossy, close-lying coat | Short, stiff, glossy single coat |
| Lower-allergen coat | No | No |
| Energy level | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Good with kids | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly to strangers | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| Tolerates being alone | ||
| Good for first-time owners | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Grooming needs | ||
| Barking | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Trait scale 1–5. Shedding, grooming, barking and drooling: 5 = more. Highlighted rows are where the two breeds differ.
The key differences
Size
The two are very close in size. The American Pit Bull Terrier stands 17 to 21 in (43 to 53 cm) and weighs 30 to 60 lb (14 to 27 kg), while the AmStaff stands 17 to 19 in (43 to 48 cm) and weighs 40 to 70 lb (18 to 32 kg). PetMD lists male pit bulls at 35 to 70 lb. Both are muscular, medium-sized dogs.
Energy and exercise
Both score 4 out of 5 for energy and for exercise. PetMD recommends 45 minutes to an hour of exercise a day for the pit bull and at least 60 minutes of vigorous activity for the AmStaff. VCA says the AmStaff is calm indoors when regularly exercised. Both need mental work and secure fencing.
Coat and grooming
Both have short, close coats and score 1 out of 5 for grooming. The American Pit Bull Terrier sheds a bit more (3 versus 2 out of 5), and PetMD says it sheds moderately year-round, heavier in spring and fall. VCA recommends brushing the AmStaff about once a week. Bathe either dog only as needed.
Temperament and training
Both score 5 out of 5 for affection, 4 for trainability and 2 for other dogs. VCA warns the AmStaff is not friendly toward strange dogs and is not a good candidate for dog parks. PetMD calls the pit bull friendly and outgoing but strong-willed and reactive in unfamiliar situations without socialization, and prone to separation anxiety. The pit bull scores better for kids (4 versus 3) and the AmStaff as a watchdog (4 versus 2).
Health and life span
Both score 4 out of 5 for health. Our profiles list 12 to 14 years for the pit bull and 12 to 16 for the AmStaff. PetMD lists allergies, hip dysplasia, cataracts and obesity for the pit bull. For the AmStaff it lists hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism, cerebellar ataxia and allergies, so ask a breeder about the parents' hips and DNA tests.
Cost and care
Costs are similar, with food, sturdy gear, training classes and a secure fence as the main items. Check your local rules before you commit, because some cities, rentals and insurers restrict pit bull-type dogs. PetMD says the AmStaff is best reserved for experienced owners, particularly in homes with small animals or young children.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the American Pit Bull Terrier if you want a slightly lighter, family-oriented athlete and you are prepared to manage its reactivity with other dogs and its tendency toward separation anxiety. Choose the American Staffordshire Terrier if you want a slightly heavier, more watchful dog from a breed the AKC lists, and you will commit to socialization and training. For either dog, plan on an hour of exercise a day, avoid dog parks, supervise play with children and check local breed rules first. Both are strong dogs that reward patient, consistent owners and punish casual ones.
American Pit Bull Terrier profile American Staffordshire Terrier profile
Frequently asked questions
Are American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers the same breed?
No, but they are closely related and similar in build and temperament. PetMD notes that pit bull is often used as an umbrella term, so ask for a dog's documentation.
Which is better with other dogs?
They tie at 2 out of 5 on our meters. VCA says the AmStaff is not a good candidate for dog parks, and the same caution applies to a pit bull.
Which is better with kids?
The American Pit Bull Terrier scores 4 out of 5 and the AmStaff 3. Supervise play with children and teach kids how to treat a dog.