Guide on Deciding Betweeen the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Boykin Spaniel.

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American Staffordshire Terrier Versus Boykin Spaniel: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel. 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 Boykin Spaniel.

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 Boykin Spaniel.

American Staffordshire Terrier versus Boykin Spaniel: Overview

Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Boykin Spaniel are similar in size. The American Staffordshire Terrier and the Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

American Staffordshire Terrier versus Boykin Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Staffordshire Terrier to the Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel

Factor American Staffordshire Terrier Boykin Spaniel
Life Span 10 to 15 years 10 to 12 years
Height 16 to 19 inches 14 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 4/5
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 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 1/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Weight 40 to 60 pounds 25 to 40 pounds
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 1/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1340 $1110
Price Range $575 – $2000 $900 – $1225
Temperament Score 85.5 percent 100.0 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)
    		•
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•

    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 Boykin Spaniel. 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 Boykin Spaniel is 71 out of 125.

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Boykin Spaniel

    Below is a list of where the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Boykin Spaniel are most different:

    • American Staffordshire Terriers are very easy to groom. However, Boykin Spaniels require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.

    The Similarities Between the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Boykin Spaniel

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

    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Boykin Spaniel do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Boykin Spaniel are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Boykin Spaniel do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Boykin Spaniel cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Boykin Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Boykin Spaniel get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Boykin Spaniel are very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Boykin Spaniel are very easy to train.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Boykin Spaniel are highly intelligent.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Boykin Spaniel are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Boykin Spaniel are very playful.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Boykin Spaniel are prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Boykin Spaniel do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.

    Size Comparison of American Staffordshire Terrier versus Boykin Spaniel

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Boykin Spaniel.

    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, Boykin Spaniels weigh 25 to 40 pounds when fully grown. Boykin Spaniels are 14 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of American Staffordshire Terrier versus Boykin Spaniel

    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 Boykin Spaniels is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Boykin Spaniels is 11.0 years.

    American Staffordshire Terriers live longer than Boykin Spaniels.

    Temperament of the American Staffordshire Terrier Versus the Boykin Spaniel

    The Boykin Spaniel has a better temperament than the American Staffordshire Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Boykin Spaniel is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the American Staffordshire Terrier is 85.5 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 100.0 percent, the Boykin Spaniel has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Boykin Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 743 American Staffordshire Terriers and 2 Boykin Spaniels.

    Price of American Staffordshire Terrier versus Price of Boykin Spaniel

    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 Boykin Spaniel puppy is $1110. The price of the Boykin Spaniel typically ranges from $900 – $1225. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 44 Boykin Spaniel puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The American Staffordshire Terrier is more expensive than the Boykin Spaniel.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the American Staffordshire Terrier and Boykin Spaniel. For different price points, the charts show how many American Staffordshire Terrier puppies or how many Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniels

    A breakdown of the prices of Boykin Spaniels

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

    Health Problems of American Staffordshire Terrier versus Health Problems of Boykin Spaniel

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Boykin Spaniel are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Boykin Spaniel is prone to more genetic health problems than the American Staffordshire Terrier.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Boykin Spaniel than for the American Staffordshire Terrier.

    7 health tests are recommended for American Staffordshire Terrier while 8 tests are recommended for the Boykin Spaniel.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in American Staffordshire Terriers and in Boykin Spaniels.

    American Staffordshire Terrier Health Problems

    American Staffordshire Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing American Staffordshire Terrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a American Staffordshire Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your American Staffordshire Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen American Staffordshire Terriers for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • NCL-A (Cerebellar Ataxia)

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for American Staffordshire Terriers here.

    Boykin Spaniel Health Problems

    Boykin Spaniels are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Boykin Spaniel puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Boykin Spaniel puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Boykin Spaniel breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Boykin Spaniels for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Boykin Spaniels here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: American Staffordshire Terrier versus Boykin Spaniel

    American Staffordshire Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Boykin Spaniels can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do American Staffordshire Terriers shed more than Boykin Spaniels?

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

    Boykin Spaniels shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the American Staffordshire Terrier or the Boykin Spaniel

    American Staffordshire Terriers drool moderately.

    Boykin Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the American Staffordshire Terrier or the Boykin Spaniel?

    American Staffordshire Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Boykin Spaniels require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the American Staffordshire Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Boykin Spaniel?

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

    Boykin Spaniels 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 Staffordshire Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Boykin Spaniels?

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

    Boykin Spaniels bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can American Staffordshire Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Boykin Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Boykin Spaniels can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Staffordshire Terrier vs. Boykin Spaniel

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

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

    Can American Staffordshire Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Boykin Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Boykin Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Staffordshire Terrier or the Boykin Spaniel?

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

    Boykin Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are American Staffordshire Terriers good family dogs? What about Boykin Spaniels?

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

    Boykin Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are American Staffordshire Terriers and Boykin Spaniels?

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

    Boykin Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the American Staffordshire Terrier Easier to Train than the Boykin Spaniel?

    American Staffordshire Terriers are very easy to train.

    Boykin Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Is the American Staffordshire Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Boykin Spaniel?

    American Staffordshire Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Boykin Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Staffordshire Terrier or the Boykin Spaniel?

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

    Boykin Spaniels are OK for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: American Staffordshire Terrier versus Boykin Spaniel. 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 Boykin Spaniel better suits you and your family.