Is the American Staffordshire Terrier Better than the Coton de Tulear as a Pet? Our Answer.

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American Staffordshire Terrier Versus Coton de Tulear: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Coton de Tulear 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 Coton de Tulear. 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 Coton de Tulear.

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 Coton de Tulear.

American Staffordshire Terrier versus Coton de Tulear: Overview

A very important difference between the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Coton de Tulear is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The American Staffordshire Terrier is a medium-sized dog while the Coton de Tulear is a tiny-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 Coton de Tulear belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

American Staffordshire Terrier versus Coton de Tulear: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Staffordshire Terrier to the Coton de Tulear 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 Coton de Tulear

Factor American Staffordshire Terrier Coton de Tulear
Life Span 10 to 15 years 14 to 16 years
Height 16 to 19 inches 8 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Weight 40 to 60 pounds 8 to 13 pounds
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 15.0 years
Average Price $1340 $2060
Price Range $575 – $2000 $1745 – $2500
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 Exam
  • Eye Examination
  • 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 Coton de Tulear. 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 Coton de Tulear is 94 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Coton de Tulear is a better pet than the American Staffordshire Terrier. So, you should get the Coton de Tulear!

    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 Coton de Tulear 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 Coton de Tulear

    Below is a list of where the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Coton de Tulear are most different:

    • American Staffordshire Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Coton de Tulears adapt well to apartment living.
    • American Staffordshire Terriers do not get along well with other dogs. However, Coton de Tulears get along well with other dogs.
    • American Staffordshire Terriers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Coton de Tulears do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.

    The Similarities Between the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Coton de Tulear

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

    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Coton de Tulear do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Coton de Tulear cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Coton de Tulear do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Coton de Tulear are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Coton de Tulear are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Coton de Tulear get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Coton de Tulear are very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Coton de Tulear are very easy to train.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Coton de Tulear are highly intelligent.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Coton de Tulear are very playful.

    Size Comparison of American Staffordshire Terrier versus Coton de Tulear

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Coton de Tulear.

    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, Coton de Tulears weigh 8 to 13 pounds when fully grown. Coton de Tulears are 8 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of American Staffordshire Terrier versus Coton de Tulear

    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 Coton de Tulears is between 14 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Coton de Tulears is 15.0 years.

    Coton de Tulears live longer than American Staffordshire Terriers.

    Price of American Staffordshire Terrier versus Price of Coton de Tulear

    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 Coton de Tulear puppy is $2060. The price of the Coton de Tulear typically ranges from $1745 – $2500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 127 Coton de Tulear puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Coton de Tulear is more expensive than the American Staffordshire Terrier.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the American Staffordshire Terrier and Coton de Tulear. For different price points, the charts show how many American Staffordshire Terrier puppies or how many Coton de Tulear 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 Coton de Tulears

    A breakdown of the prices of Coton de Tulears

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the American Staffordshire Terrier puppy or the Coton de Tulear 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 Coton de Tulear

    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 Coton de Tulear 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 American Staffordshire Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Coton de Tulear.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the American Staffordshire Terrier than for the Coton de Tulear.

    7 health tests are recommended for American Staffordshire Terrier while 3 tests are recommended for the Coton de Tulear.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in American Staffordshire Terriers and in Coton de Tulears.

    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.

    Coton de Tulear Health Problems

    Coton de Tulears are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Coton de Tulear 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 Coton de Tulear puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Coton de Tulear 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 Coton de Tulears for:

  • Cardiac Exam
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Coton de Tulears here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: American Staffordshire Terrier versus Coton de Tulear

    American Staffordshire Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Coton de Tulears do not like to be left alone.

    Do American Staffordshire Terriers shed more than Coton de Tulears?

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

    Coton de Tulears do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the American Staffordshire Terrier or the Coton de Tulear

    American Staffordshire Terriers drool moderately.

    Coton de Tulears do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the American Staffordshire Terrier or the Coton de Tulear?

    American Staffordshire Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Coton de Tulears 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 Coton de Tulear?

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

    Coton de Tulears 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 Coton de Tulears?

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

    Coton de Tulears are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can American Staffordshire Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Coton de Tulears Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Coton de Tulears can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Staffordshire Terrier vs. Coton de Tulear

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

    Coton de Tulears 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 Coton de Tulears Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Coton de Tulears 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 Coton de Tulear?

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

    Coton de Tulears get along very well with other dogs.

    Are American Staffordshire Terriers good family dogs? What about Coton de Tulears?

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

    Coton de Tulears are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are American Staffordshire Terriers and Coton de Tulears?

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

    Coton de Tulears get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the American Staffordshire Terrier Easier to Train than the Coton de Tulear?

    American Staffordshire Terriers are very easy to train.

    Coton de Tulears are fairly easy to train.

    Is the American Staffordshire Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Coton de Tulear?

    American Staffordshire Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Coton de Tulears adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Staffordshire Terrier or the Coton de Tulear?

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

    Coton de Tulears are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: American Staffordshire Terrier versus Coton de Tulear. 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 Coton de Tulear better suits you and your family.