Which is Better Between the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Catahoula Leopard Dog?

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American Staffordshire Terrier Versus Catahoula Leopard Dog: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog. 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog.

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 Catahoula Leopard Dog.

American Staffordshire Terrier versus Catahoula Leopard Dog: Overview

A very important difference between the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Catahoula Leopard Dog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The American Staffordshire Terrier is a medium-sized dog while the Catahoula Leopard Dog is a large-sized dog.

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 Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Staffordshire Terrier to the Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog

Factor American Staffordshire Terrier Catahoula Leopard Dog
Life Span 10 to 15 years 10 to 14 years
Height 16 to 19 inches 20 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Easygoing 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 2/5
Weight 40 to 60 pounds 50 to 90 pounds
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 12.0 years
Average Price $1340 $580
Price Range $575 – $2000 $350 – $700
Temperament Score 85.5 percent 78.6 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog. 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog is 70 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the American Staffordshire Terrier is a better pet than the Catahoula Leopard Dog. 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog

    Below is a list of where the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Catahoula Leopard Dog are most different:

    • American Staffordshire Terriers are very friendly towards strangers. However, Catahoula Leopard Dogs are not very friendly towards strangers.

    The Similarities Between the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Catahoula Leopard Dog

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

    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Catahoula Leopard Dog do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Catahoula Leopard Dog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Catahoula Leopard Dog do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Catahoula Leopard Dog cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Catahoula Leopard Dog do not get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Catahoula Leopard Dog do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Catahoula Leopard Dog are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Catahoula Leopard Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Catahoula Leopard Dog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Catahoula Leopard Dog are very easy to groom.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Catahoula Leopard Dog are highly intelligent.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Catahoula Leopard Dog are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Size Comparison of American Staffordshire Terrier versus Catahoula Leopard Dog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Catahoula Leopard Dog.

    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, Catahoula Leopard Dogs weigh 50 to 90 pounds when fully grown. Catahoula Leopard Dogs are 20 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of American Staffordshire Terrier versus Catahoula Leopard Dog

    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 Catahoula Leopard Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Catahoula Leopard Dogs is 12.0 years.

    American Staffordshire Terriers live longer than Catahoula Leopard Dogs.

    Temperament of the American Staffordshire Terrier Versus the Catahoula Leopard Dog

    The American Staffordshire Terrier has a better temperament than the Catahoula Leopard Dog.

    This is because the temperament score for the American Staffordshire Terrier is 85.5 percent while the temperament score for the Catahoula Leopard Dog is 78.6 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 78.6 percent, the Catahoula Leopard Dog has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Catahoula Leopard Dog by measuring the temperaments of 743 American Staffordshire Terriers and 14 Catahoula Leopard Dogs.

    Price of American Staffordshire Terrier versus Price of Catahoula Leopard Dog

    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 Catahoula Leopard Dog puppy is $580. The price of the Catahoula Leopard Dog typically ranges from $350 – $700. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 137 Catahoula Leopard Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The American Staffordshire Terrier is more expensive than the Catahoula Leopard Dog.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the American Staffordshire Terrier and Catahoula Leopard Dog. For different price points, the charts show how many American Staffordshire Terrier puppies or how many Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dogs

    A breakdown of the prices of Catahoula Leopard Dogs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the American Staffordshire Terrier puppy or the Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog

    American Staffordshire Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do American Staffordshire Terriers shed more than Catahoula Leopard Dogs?

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

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the American Staffordshire Terrier or the Catahoula Leopard Dog

    American Staffordshire Terriers drool moderately.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the American Staffordshire Terrier or the Catahoula Leopard Dog?

    American Staffordshire Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Does the American Staffordshire Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Catahoula Leopard Dog?

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

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs 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 Catahoula Leopard Dogs?

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

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can American Staffordshire Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Catahoula Leopard Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Staffordshire Terrier vs. Catahoula Leopard Dog

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

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can American Staffordshire Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Catahoula Leopard Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Staffordshire Terrier or the Catahoula Leopard Dog?

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

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are American Staffordshire Terriers good family dogs? What about Catahoula Leopard Dogs?

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

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are American Staffordshire Terriers and Catahoula Leopard Dogs?

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

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the American Staffordshire Terrier Easier to Train than the Catahoula Leopard Dog?

    American Staffordshire Terriers are very easy to train.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs are not easy to train.

    Is the American Staffordshire Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Catahoula Leopard Dog?

    American Staffordshire Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Staffordshire Terrier or the Catahoula Leopard Dog?

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

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: American Staffordshire Terrier versus Catahoula Leopard Dog. 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog better suits you and your family.