Guide on Deciding Betweeen the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Australian Kelpie.

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American Staffordshire Terrier Versus Australian Kelpie: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Australian Kelpie? 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 Staffordshire Terrier and the Australian Kelpie 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 Staffordshire Terrier and the Australian Kelpie.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Australian Kelpie 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 Staffordshire Terrier and for the Australian Kelpie. 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 Staffordshire Terrier and the Australian Kelpie.

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

American Staffordshire Terrier versus Australian Kelpie: Overview

Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Australian Kelpie are similar in size. The American Staffordshire Terrier and the Australian Kelpie are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the American Staffordshire Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs 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.

On the other hand, the Australian Kelpie belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

American Staffordshire Terrier versus Australian Kelpie: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Staffordshire Terrier to the Australian Kelpie 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 Staffordshire Terrier and the Australian Kelpie

Factor American Staffordshire Terrier Australian Kelpie
Life Span 10 to 15 years 10 to 15 years
Height 16 to 19 inches 15 to 20 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Weight 40 to 60 pounds 25 to 46 pounds
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1340 $500
Price Range $575 – $2000 $500 – $500
Temperament Score 85.5 percent 83.3 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • NCL-A (Cerebellar Ataxia)
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the American Staffordshire 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 Australian Kelpie. 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 Staffordshire Terrier is 74 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Australian Kelpie is 72 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the American Staffordshire Terrier is a better pet than the Australian Kelpie. So, you should get the American Staffordshire 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 Staffordshire Terrier and the Australian Kelpie so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Australian Kelpie

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

    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Australian Kelpie do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Australian Kelpie are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Australian Kelpie do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Australian Kelpie cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Australian Kelpie do not get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Australian Kelpie do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Australian Kelpie are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Australian Kelpie are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Australian Kelpie are very easy to groom.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Australian Kelpie are very easy to train.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Australian Kelpie are highly intelligent.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Australian Kelpie are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Australian Kelpie are very playful.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Australian Kelpie are prone to nip and chew at things.

    Size Comparison of American Staffordshire Terrier versus Australian Kelpie

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Australian Kelpie.

    American Staffordshire Terriers weigh 40 to 60 pounds when fully grown. American Staffordshire Terriers are 16 to 19 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Australian Kelpies weigh 25 to 46 pounds when fully grown. Australian Kelpies are 15 to 20 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of American Staffordshire Terrier versus Australian Kelpie

    The lifespan of American Staffordshire Terriers is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of American Staffordshire Terriers is 12.5 years.

    The lifespan of Australian Kelpies is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Australian Kelpies is 12.5 years.

    Temperament of the Australian Kelpie Versus the American Staffordshire Terrier

    The American Staffordshire Terrier has a better temperament than the Australian Kelpie.

    This is because the temperament score for the American Staffordshire Terrier is 85.5 percent while the temperament score for the Australian Kelpie is 83.3 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 85.5 percent, the American Staffordshire Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 83.3 percent, the Australian Kelpie has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Australian Kelpie by measuring the temperaments of 743 American Staffordshire Terriers and 6 Australian Kelpies.

    Price of American Staffordshire Terrier versus Price of Australian Kelpie

    The average price of the American Staffordshire Terrier puppy is $1340. The price of the American Staffordshire Terrier typically ranges from $575 – $2000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 125 American Staffordshire Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Australian Kelpie puppy is $500. The price of the Australian Kelpie typically ranges from $500 – $500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1 Australian Kelpie puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The American Staffordshire Terrier is more expensive than the Australian Kelpie.

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

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Australian Kelpies

    A breakdown of the prices of Australian Kelpies

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the American Staffordshire Terrier puppy or the Australian Kelpie 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: American Staffordshire Terrier versus Australian Kelpie

    American Staffordshire Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Australian Kelpies do not like to be left alone.

    Do American Staffordshire Terriers shed more than Australian Kelpies?

    American Staffordshire Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Australian Kelpies shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the American Staffordshire Terrier or the Australian Kelpie

    American Staffordshire Terriers drool moderately.

    Australian Kelpies do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the American Staffordshire Terrier or the Australian Kelpie?

    American Staffordshire Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Australian Kelpies are very easy to groom.

    Does the American Staffordshire Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Australian Kelpie?

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

    Australian Kelpies have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do American Staffordshire Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Australian Kelpies?

    American Staffordshire Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Australian Kelpies are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can American Staffordshire Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Australian Kelpies Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Australian Kelpies can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Staffordshire Terrier vs. Australian Kelpie

    American Staffordshire Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Australian Kelpies have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can American Staffordshire Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Australian Kelpies Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Australian Kelpies can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Staffordshire Terrier or the Australian Kelpie?

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

    Australian Kelpies get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are American Staffordshire Terriers good family dogs? What about Australian Kelpies?

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

    Australian Kelpies are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are American Staffordshire Terriers and Australian Kelpies?

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

    Australian Kelpies do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Is the American Staffordshire Terrier Easier to Train than the Australian Kelpie?

    American Staffordshire Terriers are very easy to train.

    Australian Kelpies are very easy to train.

    Is the American Staffordshire Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Australian Kelpie?

    American Staffordshire Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Australian Kelpies do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Staffordshire Terrier or the Australian Kelpie?

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

    Australian Kelpies are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: American Staffordshire Terrier versus Australian Kelpie. 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 Staffordshire Terrier and the Australian Kelpie better suits you and your family.