Is American Staffordshire Terrier a Pitbull? Detailed Comparison
Both the Pit Bull and the Staffordshire are descended from Bulldogs and Terriers. As a result, you may be thinking, ” is American Staffordshire terrier a pit bull?”.
Staffordshire bull terriers and Pit bulls are both well-known for their not-always-good reputations. They have many similarities in appearance and personality, making them easily confused. However, there are major differences between the Staffordshire terrier and the pit bull that make identification simple.
What Makes Staffordshire Terriers Unique From Pit Bulls?
A Staffordshire’s look, temperament, and personality differ slightly from those of a Pit Bull. A Pit Bull is much larger and more aggressive than a Staffordshire Terrier. Pit Bulls, unlike Staffordshire Terriers, are not officially recognized by the American Kennel Club.
Is American Staffordshire Terrier a Pitbull? A Comparison
Bulldogs were mated with terriers to create the pit bull’s heritage to generate a dog with superior fighting qualities. Because they are all used in dogfighting, several different breeds of dogs are usually referred to as “Pitbulls.” Staffordshire, Staffordshire bull, and American Pitbull terriers are examples of this breed.
Pit bulls have a tumultuous history that includes dogfighting, bullfighting, and illegal dog fighting, which still occurs today. As a result, they are regarded as dangerously violent canines and are prohibited in some countries.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers, or Staffies, are a breed of dog that developed as a fighting breed. These huge dogs (sometimes weighing 100 to 120 pounds) were once utilized in dogfighting and bullfighting. However, over time, the terrier was introduced into the mix, resulting in the smaller dog known as the Staffordshire bull terrier.
Pitbull vs Staffordshire Bull Terrier Regarding Physical Appearance
The most obvious differences between Staffordshire terriers and Pitbulls are in their size, color, and general look of the face.
Pitbulls are larger and more powerful than Staffordshire terriers. They are available in a wide range of colors and patterns, and their bodies are slender and sturdy. Staffordshire terriers have more consistent coat colors than Pitbulls.
Pitbull vs. Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Height & Weight
One of the most noticeable differences between the two breeds is the size of a Staffordshire terrier vs a Pitbull. Pitbulls are much larger than Staffordshire terriers, weighing 24 to 80 pounds and standing 17 to 20 inches tall. Staffies come in a variety of sizes ranging from 24 to 38 pounds and 13 to 16 inches in height. Males in both species are frequently larger than females.
Pitbull vs. Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Build Comparison
Staffordshire terriers and Pitbulls have slightly different forms despite sharing a robust, muscular physique. Pitbulls have a slim build with well-developed muscles. They also have a short, strong tail that is frequently compared to a whip. Despite their small stature, Staffies are powerful dogs. Their big and robust chest sets them unique.
Pitbull vs. Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Face
Pit bulls, despite their name, do not have flat face. They have a rather round one with pronounced ears instead. Their nose is slightly tilted up, and their jaw is broad. They don’t have any creases on their faces. Staffordshire bull terriers have rounder heads than Pitbulls. Their skull, like the rest of their body, is small but wide, particularly across their broad forehead. They have lower ears than Pitbulls.
Pitbull vs. Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Coat Color
Pitbulls can have any coat color or pattern, and there is a wide range of possible appearances within the breed. Staffordshire terriers, on the other hand, differ significantly. Black, white, fawn, red, and brindle are common solid coat colors. However, white with any of these colors is possible.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Vs Pitbull: Personality and Temperament
Pit bulls have a low tolerance for other animals and are brave but stubborn. These dogs have a high prey drive and a tendency toward aggression because they have historically been used in dogfights. The result is that they are more likely to be hostile toward cats, dogs, and other small animals because they mistake these species for prey.
Despite its reputation as a vicious fighter, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier may make a wonderful pet.
They are devoted family members and as lovable as any other kind of dog. However, their stubbornness and impulsivity may make them unsuitable for first-time owners.
Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers aggressive? Most Staffordshire Bull Terriers aren’t aggressive.
But there are always “bad eggs” and dogs that have been mistreated or don’t know how to get along with other people.
A confident Staffordshire Bull Terrier may have trouble getting along with other dogs. You can help your dog get along with people by starting socialization early on. Male Staffies can be neutered to reduce the likelihood of aggression amongst male canines.
Pitbull vs Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Training
Training Staffordshire Bull Terriers to obey from a young age is very important. Consider putting them in group classes so they can learn how to act around strangers and other dogs.
Even though it looks like a small dog, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier can pack quite a punch. As a result, training in areas such as leash manners should begin at a young age. The same is true for biting inhibition. Taking steps in this direction will help avoid any future mishaps that may come as a result of a dog’s excessive enthusiasm during play.
Although Staffordshire Bull Terriers are quick learners, their impulsive habits can make them difficult to own. Dog owners should not put their entire trust in their pet’s ability to heed every command.
Pitbulls of all sizes are as strong as their larger counterparts. It also means that they will require obedience training before being strong enough to walk you.
Some Pitbulls are fearless fighters, such as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Even if they are good with other dogs and are friendly to dogs, they should never be left alone with them.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Vs Pitbull: Exercise
Daily exercise, even only short walks of 20-30 minutes, is enjoyable for this breed and will help them keep a healthy weight.
Your American Staffordshire Terrier will have fun playing fetch with you. Make sure the toy you and your dog are playing with can withstand its powerful jaws.
Pitbulls enjoy working out, too! Your Pit Bull will feel appreciated and stay at a healthy weight if you take him for daily walks and play with him inside. Playfulness is innate in Pit Bulls. If the dog doesn’t get enough exercise, it may become destructive by chewing on furniture or other household items.
Many Pitbulls, particularly the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, struggle to exercise in the extreme cold. You’ll need to take extra measures to make sure they stay warm and cozy because their short coats might not shield them from the winter weather.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Vs Pitbull: Health and Care
Some health problems are common in the American Staffordshire Terrier, although serious ones are rare.
Several health issues can affect Staffordshire Bull Terriers.
skin allergy
Cataracts
dislocation of the kneecap (patella)
Persistent Hyperplastic Primary Vitreous (PHPV)
Postpolar Subcapsular Cataracts (PPSC)
L-2-hydroxyglutaric Aciduria (L-2-HG).
Hereditary metabolic disorder L-2-HG can cause seizures, ataxia, and psychomotor impairment.
They tend to put on weight easily because of their stocky body. Maintaining your dog’s health and fitness with regular exercise and a nutritious diet is a must.
The short coat of an American Staffordshire Terrier makes them low-maintenance pets who don’t shed much. Maintaining your pet’s cleanliness and hygiene only requires a monthly grooming appointment.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers in good health can live for 12 to 14 years.
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a very resilient breed of dog. Hip dysplasia and kneecap dislocation are inherited disorders to watch out for. Minor skin problems, such as mange, are also possible in this breed.
In contrast to long coats, the American Pit Bull Terrier’s short coat requires only occasional brushing to stay at its best. However, they can shed. You can get rid of dog hair throughout the house by brushing your dog or wiping them down with a damp cloth.
The average lifespan of a Pitbull breed is over 10 years.
Feeding guidelines are generally consistent across breeds. Feed your dog a high-quality diet appropriate for his or her age. Depending on their weight and degree of activity, you may calculate the appropriate amount of food to feed them.
Which Breed is The Best Pet?
American Pit Bull Terriers do best with people who don’t have any other pets and have a lot of time to spend with them during the day. Pit Bulls can live in apartments, but don’t leave them alone for long. If you have the time to give this dog the attention it needs, it will make a wonderful pet.
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a great pet for people who are very active or for people who spend most of their time at home. This dog type thrives in human company and suffers from separation anxiety if abandoned for too long. It’s not ideal for people who live in small spaces like apartments. The American Staffordshire Terrier is best suited for locations without noise restrictions due to the dog’s predisposition to be a bit boisterous.
FAQs About Is American Staffordshire Terrier a Pitbull
Do Pitbulls and Staffordshire bull terriers have a locking jaw?
Contrary to popular belief, jaw-locking does not occur. Despite their reputation for possessing a locking jaw, their jaws are identical to those of any other dog in shape, structure, and formation. Which means they can’t or don’t have a locking jaw.
The locking jaw argument, on the other hand, stems from the fact that both dogs have powerful bites and a predisposition to be stubborn, making them more likely to cling to objects for longer than other dogs. Dogs and bulls were historically used for combat, which explains their ferocity and determination.
Are Staffies stronger than Pitbulls?
While Staffies’ biting force is far stronger than that of a pit bull (328 pounds vs. 235 pounds), they are not classified as vicious breeds. They haven’t been shown to be any more aggressive than other dog breeds.
