Bull Terrier

Differences between American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers

 
Sara
By Sara . Updated: September 9, 2024
Differences between American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers

Most people don't realize that the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier are two different dog breeds, because at first glance the two breeds can look somewhat similar. This resemblance in looks and names is due to the fact that they are related; both are pit bull breeds. Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Terrier can be loving and loyal pets, but their physical appearance and temperament are different from one another.

Keep reading this oneHOWTO article to learn the differences between American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers.

You may also be interested in: How Much Do Pit Bulls Weigh?
Contents
  1. What are the other names of these pit bull breeds?
  2. Differences in shape between American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers
  3. Differences in size between American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers
  4. Differences in coat color between American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers
  5. Differences in adaptability between American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers
  6. Differences in temperament between American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers
  7. Differences in life expectancy between American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers

What are the other names of these pit bull breeds?

As they are different breeds, the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier get different nicknames.

  • American Pit Bull Terrier: Also called "American Bull Terrier", "APBT", or simply "Pit Bull", "Pit" or "Pitty". Take a look at how to tell if a pitbull is purebred if you're not sure.
  • American Staffordshire Terrier: Also nicknamed "Amstaff" or "Stafford".

To make matters more complicated, these two dog breeds can easily be confused with the similarly named Staffordshire Bull Terrier (or "Staffy"), which is a much smaller pit bull breed.

Differences in shape between American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers

The American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier have quite similar body types and silhouettes. Both breeds have strong muscles, but in general the American Staffordshire Terrier looks a bit more muscular than the American Pit Bull Terrier.

Another difference between the two breeds is that the American Staffordshire Terrier has a longer muzzle in comparison to the American Pit Bull Terrier, which is more flat-faced.

Differences between American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers - Differences in shape between American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers

Differences in size between American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers

There isn't a great difference in size between American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers.

  • Male American Pit Bull Terriers: 15 to 30 kg (35 to 63 lb), 45 to 48 cm (18 to 19 in).
  • Male American Staffordshire Terriers: 18 to 30 kg (40 to 63 lb), 45 to 48 cm (18 to 19 in).
  • Female American Pit Bull Terriers: 13 to 26 kg (30 to 57 lb), 43 to 45 cm (17 to 18 in).
  • Female American Staffordshire Terriers: 18 to 30 kg (40 to 63 lb), 43 to 45 cm (17 to 18 in).

As you can see, females are slightly smaller than males in both breeds. APBTs and Amstaffs are of the same height, but Amstaffs tend to be slightly heavier and stockier. APBTs, while still solid and muscular, have leaner silhouettes.

Differences in coat color between American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers

Both pit bull breeds have short, smooth and shiny coats that can come in different colors, more specifically the following:

  • American Pit Bull Terriers: All colors, brindle combinations, spots, points, patches and masks are allowed, except for merle patterns.
  • American Staffordshire Terriers: Black, blue, blue fawn, bronze, fawn, liver, red, red sable, seal brown, white. All brindle combinations, spots, points, patches and masks are all allowed.

In the picture below you can see an American Pit Bull Terrier.

Differences between American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers - Differences in coat color between American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers

Differences in adaptability between American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers

The American Staffordshire Terrier wins in the adaptability category. This breed can adapt to environment change as it does not require as much indoor and outdoor space and activity as the American Pit Bull Terrier. Amstaffs are a bit more accommodating when it comes to living in an apartment.

Differences in temperament between American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers

Both pit bull breeds are known for being intelligent and extremely loyal. The APBT is confident and alert, but also friendly, sociable and enthusiastic, so it's not recommended as a guard dog. On the other hand, the Amstaff is also affectionate but not as outgoing.

Differences in life expectancy between American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers

American Pit Bull Terriers have a life expectancy of 8 to 15 years; they have a tendency to suffering from skeleton problems such as hip dysplasia, heart conditions and thyroid dysfunction.

The average life expectancy of a healthy American Staffordshire Terrier is of 12 years. As a breed, they tend to the same diseases and conditions as APBTs, and also to autoimmune diseases and allergies. In the picture below you can see an Amstaff.

Differences between American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers - Differences in life expectancy between American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers

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Differences between American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers