A Detailed Comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

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American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the American Pit Bull Terrier and for the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized dog while the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are Terrier Dogs. This means both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Pit Bull Terrier to the Staffordshire Bull Terrier based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Factor American Pit Bull Terrier Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 16 years 12 to 14 years
Height 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Weight 30 to 85 pounds 24 to 38 pounds
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1140 $1890
Price Range $400 – $1200 $1000 – $2425
Temperament Score 87.4 percent 90.9 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination – min age 1 year
  • Hereditary Cataracts DNA Test
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • L2HGA DNA Test
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the American Pit Bull Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 75 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is 75 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is not better or worse than the American Pit Bull Terrier. So, you can get the Staffordshire Bull Terrier or the American Pit Bull Terrier!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    American Pit Bull Terrier versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

    Below is a list of where the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are most different:

  • American Pit Bull Terriers are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • The Similarities Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

    The American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are most similar:

  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are very easy to groom.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

    American Pit Bull Terriers weigh 30 to 85 pounds when fully grown. American Pit Bull Terriers are 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Staffordshire Bull Terriers weigh 24 to 38 pounds when fully grown. Staffordshire Bull Terriers are 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier

    The lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is 14.0 years.

    The lifespan of Staffordshire Bull Terriers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Staffordshire Bull Terriers is 13.0 years.

    American Pit Bull Terriers live longer than Staffordshire Bull Terriers.

    American Pit Bull Terrier versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier

    Temperament of the American Pit Bull Terrier Versus the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

    The Staffordshire Bull Terrier has a better temperament than the American Pit Bull Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is 90.9 percent while the temperament score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 87.4 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 87.4 percent, the American Pit Bull Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 90.9 percent, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 931 American Pit Bull Terriers and 143 Staffordshire Bull Terriers.

    Price of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Price of Staffordshire Bull Terrier

    The average price of the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy is $1140. The price of the American Pit Bull Terrier typically ranges from $400 – $1200. However, the price of a American Pit Bull Terrier can be as low as $100 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 877 American Pit Bull Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy is $1890. The price of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier typically ranges from $1000 – $2425. However, the price of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier can be as low as $300 and as high as $6500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 56 Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is more expensive than the American Pit Bull Terrier.

    American Pit Bull Terrier Staffordshire Bull Terrier
    Average Price $1140 $1890
    Price Range $400 to $1200 $1000 to $2425

    The charts below show the price distribution for the American Pit Bull Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many American Pit Bull Terrier puppies or how many Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of American Pit Bull Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of American Pit Bull Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Staffordshire Bull Terriers

    A breakdown of the prices of Staffordshire Bull Terriers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy or the Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    American Pit Bull Terrier versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier

    Adopting the American Pit Bull Terrier versus Adopting the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many American Pit Bull Terriers and many Staffordshire Bull Terriers are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male American Pit Bull Terrier named Hank that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable American Pit Bull Terriers like Hank on pefinder.com.

    Also, like American Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are also available for adoption. For example, Hunter is a Male Staffordshire Bull Terrier that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Staffordshire Bull Terriers like Hunter that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Ned 373028 is the name of another American Pit Bull Terrier (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Gallagher is an adorable Male Staffordshire Bull Terrier on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    American Pit Bull Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more American Pit Bull Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier

    American Pit Bull Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do American Pit Bull Terriers shed more than Staffordshire Bull Terriers?

    American Pit Bull Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

    American Pit Bull Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Does the American Pit Bull Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

    American Pit Bull Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do American Pit Bull Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Staffordshire Bull Terriers?

    American Pit Bull Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Staffordshire Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    American Pit Bull Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Pit Bull Terrier vs. Staffordshire Bull Terrier

    American Pit Bull Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Staffordshire Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    American Pit Bull Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

    American Pit Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are American Pit Bull Terriers good family dogs? What about Staffordshire Bull Terriers?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are American Pit Bull Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers?

    American Pit Bull Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Easier to Train than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to train.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers are not easy to train.

    Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

    American Pit Bull Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the American Pit Bull Terrier:

  • American Staffordshire Terrier (76 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier.
  • American Water Spaniel (74 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs American Water Spaniel.
  • German Shepherd Dog (77 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd Dog.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Staffordshire Bull Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier:

  • Boxer (71 percent match with Staffordshire Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier vs Boxer.
  • Schipperke (72 percent match with Staffordshire Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier vs Schipperke.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the American Pit Bull Terrier and how the Staffordshire Bull Terrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier and of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier to other breeds:

    American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    American Pit Bull Terrier versus Dutch Shepherd     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Goldador     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Bluetick Coonhound     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Kuvasz     American Pit Bull Terrier versus King Shepherd     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Barbet     American Pit Bull Terrier versus German Pinscher     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Chinese Crested     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Whippet     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Bich Poo     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Bolognese     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Pomapoo     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Collie     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Norwich Terrier     American Pit Bull Terrier versus English Setter     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Shiranian     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Collie     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Sealyham Terrier     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Standard Poodle     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Bolognese     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Great Dane     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Afador     

    Staffordshire Bull Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Sheepadoodle     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Great Pyrenees     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Papipoo     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Akita Chow     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Norwegian Lundehund     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Patterdale Terrier     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Great Dane     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Cockapoo          Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Bichon Frise     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Sloughi     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Clumber Spaniel     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Norwich Terrier     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Norwegian Lundehund     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Australian Cattle Dog     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Kuvasz     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Frenchton     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Pomsky     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Siberian Husky     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Welsh Terrier     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Pomapoo     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Lakeland Terrier     

    Conclusion: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier better suits you and your family.