Which is Better Between the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro?

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American Staffordshire Terrier Versus Fila Brasileiro: Introduction

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

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

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 Fila Brasileiro.

American Staffordshire Terrier versus Fila Brasileiro: Overview

A very important difference between the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The American Staffordshire Terrier is a medium-sized dog while the Fila Brasileiro is a giant-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 Fila Brasileiro belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

American Staffordshire Terrier versus Fila Brasileiro: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Staffordshire Terrier to the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro

Factor American Staffordshire Terrier Fila Brasileiro
Life Span 10 to 15 years 9 to 12 years
Height 16 to 19 inches 24 to 30 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 2/5
Weight 40 to 60 pounds 90 to 180 pounds
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 10.5 years
Average Price $1340 $1800
Price Range $575 – $2000 $1800 – $1800
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 Fila Brasileiro. 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 Fila Brasileiro is 62 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the American Staffordshire Terrier is a better pet than the Fila Brasileiro. 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro

    Below is a list of where the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro are most different:

    • American Staffordshire Terriers are very friendly towards strangers. However, Fila Brasileiros are not very friendly towards strangers.

    The Similarities Between the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro

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

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

    Size Comparison of American Staffordshire Terrier versus Fila Brasileiro

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro.

    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, Fila Brasileiros weigh 90 to 180 pounds when fully grown. Fila Brasileiros are 24 to 30 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of American Staffordshire Terrier versus Fila Brasileiro

    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 Fila Brasileiros is between 9 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Fila Brasileiros is 10.5 years.

    American Staffordshire Terriers live longer than Fila Brasileiros.

    Temperament of the American Staffordshire Terrier Versus the Fila Brasileiro

    The American Staffordshire Terrier has a better temperament than the Fila Brasileiro.

    This is because the temperament score for the American Staffordshire Terrier is 85.5 percent while the temperament score for the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro by measuring the temperaments of 743 American Staffordshire Terriers and 14 Fila Brasileiros.

    Price of American Staffordshire Terrier versus Price of Fila Brasileiro

    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 Fila Brasileiro puppy is $1800. The price of the Fila Brasileiro typically ranges from $1800 – $1800. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1 Fila Brasileiro puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Fila Brasileiro is more expensive than the American Staffordshire Terrier.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the American Staffordshire Terrier and Fila Brasileiro. For different price points, the charts show how many American Staffordshire Terrier puppies or how many Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiros

    A breakdown of the prices of Fila Brasileiros

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

    American Staffordshire Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Fila Brasileiros can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do American Staffordshire Terriers shed more than Fila Brasileiros?

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

    Fila Brasileiros do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the American Staffordshire Terrier or the Fila Brasileiro

    American Staffordshire Terriers drool moderately.

    Fila Brasileiros drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the American Staffordshire Terrier or the Fila Brasileiro?

    American Staffordshire Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Fila Brasileiros are very easy to groom.

    Does the American Staffordshire Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Fila Brasileiro?

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

    Fila Brasileiros 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 Fila Brasileiros?

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

    Fila Brasileiros bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can American Staffordshire Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Fila Brasileiros cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Staffordshire Terrier vs. Fila Brasileiro

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

    Fila Brasileiros 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 Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Fila Brasileiros 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 Fila Brasileiro?

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

    Fila Brasileiros do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are American Staffordshire Terriers good family dogs? What about Fila Brasileiros?

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

    Fila Brasileiros are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are American Staffordshire Terriers and Fila Brasileiros?

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

    Fila Brasileiros get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the American Staffordshire Terrier Easier to Train than the Fila Brasileiro?

    American Staffordshire Terriers are very easy to train.

    Fila Brasileiros are not easy to train.

    Is the American Staffordshire Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Fila Brasileiro?

    American Staffordshire Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Fila Brasileiros do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Staffordshire Terrier or the Fila Brasileiro?

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

    Fila Brasileiros are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: American Staffordshire Terrier versus Fila Brasileiro. 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 Fila Brasileiro better suits you and your family.