Let’s put it this way. In a way, every American Staffordshire Terrier can technically be called an American Pit Bull terrier. But not every American Pit Bull terrier can be called an American Staffordshire terrier. Does that answer your question whether an American Staffordshire terrier is a Pitbull terrier?
Let’s go deeper into the comparison and try to answer this important question of this dog breed. The simple answer is that a Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a genetic blend of bulldogs, mastiffs, and terriers. On the other hand, Pitbulls contain the genes only of bulldogs and terriers.
Now, both breeds were originally bred for bullfighting and dog fighting. But Staffordshire terriers have energetic and good-natured personality, while Pitbulls might have a brooding personality. And they are a different breed.
Are Staffordshire Terriers As Aggressive As Pitbulls?
When people think of aggressive breeds, the American Pitbull Terrier is often in the top 5 or on the top of the list. But that is not true. Pitbulls are not aggressive dogs.
Yet, it is generally accepted that American Staffordshire terriers are a little more even-tempered. We have to remember both of them were bred for dog fighting sports and activities. But that is way back in the past.
Understanding The Pitbull Umbrella Term
The best way to understand and answer the question is American Staffordshire terrier a Pitbull is to look at the latter term. Nowadays, the term Pitbull Terrier is used as an umbrella term. Under that term, we can talk about four different breeds.
– American Pit Bull Terrier is the tallest and most athletic of pitbull-type dogs
– American Bully is a squat, stocky dog that was developed in the 1980s and 1990s, meaning he was not part of the fighting dogs history
– American Staffordshire Terrier is slightly shorter and heavier than the American Pitbull, and many consider the most playful of them all
– Last, we have the American Bulldog, a large, muscular breed of mastiff-type dog that was used as a guardian of farms and ranches
How To Spot The Difference Between The Two?
As you can see, the Amstaff terriers are different than American Pit Bull terriers. But how can you make the distinction between the two? Here are some differences.
Pitbulls are much larger and taller compared to the American Staffy. They have a lean and muscular build, and many different coat color options and markings. Staffordshire terriers, on the other hand, have solid colors and are stockier, but shorter build.
The size difference is the most easily noticeable one. Pitbulls weigh between 35 and 60 pounds while growing between 18 and 21 inches. Staffies, on the other hand, weigh between 45 and 70 pounds, while standing between 17 and 19 inches.
Now the other difference is the build. Pitbulls are lean and muscular, but also well-proportioned. They have a short and muscular tail, often described as a whip. Staffies are medium-sized dogs with a stocky and muscular build. They have a wide and muscular chest.
Speaking of appearance, the last difference is in the face of the canines. Pitbulls have a rounded face with high-set ears, a wide jaw, and a slightly tapered upwards nose. They do not have any facial wrinkles. Staffies have a more rounded head, which is short but broad, and their forehead is much more noticeable. They do not have as high-set ears as Pitbull terriers.
Now let’s talk about coat colors. Pitbulls can have any color or pattern. But Staffies are different. Their coat is usually in solid colors like black, white, fawn, red, or brindle.
Which One Is Recognized By The AKC?
Here is now the main difference between the two. Only one of them is recognized by The American Kennel Club. Initially, the AKC didn’t want to recognize either. Mainly because the Pitbull was linked to dog fighting sports in his history.
But because there were many lovers of the breed and even clubs, The American Kennel Club recognized the American Staffordshire Terrier in 1936. Nowadays, most pitbull-type dogs fall into that group by the AKC. That includes the American Bully, American Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bull Terrier, and many more.
Pitbulls or pit bulls are not recognized by the AKC. They are, however, recognized by the United Kennel Club as a separate breed. The same goes for the American Bully, with many different sizes.
