American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier
American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier? A side-by-side comparison of size, lifespan, temperament, care needs and observed prices, from our Animal Library.
At a glance
| American Pit Bull Terrier | American Staffordshire Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | UKC and ADBA, not AKC | Terrier |
| Size | Medium · 30–60 lb | Medium · 40–70 lb |
| Lifespan | 12–14 years | 12–16 years |
| Coat | Short, smooth, sheds | Short, stiff, glossy |
| Temperament | Eager, tenacious, affectionate | Confident, loyal, affectionate |
| Best fit | Experienced, active owners | Experienced, active owners |
| Energy | ●●●●● 1 hr exercise daily | ●●●●● 1 hr exercise daily |
| Trainability | ●●●●● Eager, needs structure | ●●●●● Smart, needs consistency |
| Grooming load | ●●●●● Quick weekly wipe | ●●●●● Quick weekly wipe |
| Beginner fit | ●●●●● Needs a committed owner | ●●●●● Strong, needs training |
| Observed price | $450 median (154 prices) | $500 median (21 prices) |
How they differ
- Energy: about the same (4 of 5 each).
- Trainability: the American Pit Bull Terrier rates higher than the American Staffordshire Terrier (4 of 5 vs 3).
- Grooming load: about the same (1 of 5 each).
- Beginner fit: the American Staffordshire Terrier rates higher than the American Pit Bull Terrier (3 of 5 vs 2).
The American Pit Bull Terrier
An American bull and terrier breed descended from British fighting dogs and later kept as a farm and family dog, the APBT is athletic, tenacious and people-focused. It needs exercise, training and careful management around other dogs.
Many APBTs are intolerant of other dogs, and they are strong and persistent. Breed-specific laws, landlords and insurers restrict them in many places.
American Pit Bull Terrier breed profileAmerican Pit Bull Terrier for sale
The American Staffordshire Terrier
An American breed descended from British bull and terrier dogs, the AmStaff is muscular, confident and deeply affectionate with its people. Well bred and raised, it is a loyal family dog, but it needs training, socialization and a careful owner.
AmStaffs are strong and can be dog-selective, so leash training and careful introductions matter. Some insurers, landlords and cities restrict the breed.
American Staffordshire Terrier breed profileAmerican Staffordshire Terrier for sale
Questions
Is an American Pit Bull Terrier or an American Staffordshire Terrier better for a beginner?
The American Staffordshire Terrier rates higher for beginners (3 of 5 vs 2). American Pit Bull Terrier: Needs a committed owner. American Staffordshire Terrier: Strong, needs training.
What is the main difference between an American Pit Bull Terrier and an American Staffordshire Terrier?
Many APBTs are intolerant of other dogs, and they are strong and persistent. Breed-specific laws, landlords and insurers restrict them in many places. By contrast, amStaffs are strong and can be dog-selective, so leash training and careful introductions matter. Some insurers, landlords and cities restrict the breed.
Which costs more, an American Pit Bull Terrier or an American Staffordshire Terrier?
On the prices we observed, the American Pit Bull Terrier median is $450 (154 prices) and the American Staffordshire Terrier median is $500 (21 prices).