The differences between a pit bull and a stafford are not significant. These breeds are often confused. Both dogs were bred for the purpose of participating in brutal fights. But the first appeared earlier, by crossing a white terrier with an English bulldog.
Later the world saw the Staffords. They are descended from the same ancestors, so the differences are minimal. But when choosing a pet, every detail matters.
Description of breeds
Brief characteristics of the dogs are presented in the table.
| Index | Pitbull | Staff |
| Height of an adult at the withers (boy/girl), cm | 49/44 | 48/46 |
| Weight, kg | 20-30 | 22-30 |
| Wool | Short, shiny and tight-fitting | |
| Acceptable colors | The color can be any: from solid to brindle with small inclusions | The standard allows from cream to black; spotted, brindle, tan, piebald |
| How long do they live on average, years | 13 | 12-15 |
| Character traits | Loyalty, possible aggression, impulsiveness | Fearless, loyal, trainable |
| Ears | Standing or semi-standing | Set high, docking acceptable |
| Health | Strong, rarely get sick | |
Staffordshire Terriers
Staffordshire Terriers are a breed of dog bred by breeders in the 30s. XX century based on pit bull terriers.
Photo and description
Staffies are stocky, hardy, proportionally built and muscular dogs, in which even at a quick glance one can see impressive strength, combined with mobility and elegance.
To meet the breed standard, these dogs must have:
- short back, with a slight slope from the withers to the croup, convex loin;
- deep, medium-length head;
- rounded muzzle with a pronounced under-eye area;
- large nose with well-opened nostrils and a black lobe;
- scissor bite;
- ears set high and wide;
- low and wide-set round eyes with dark irises;
- well defined withers;
- wide and deep chest;
- low set, straight and short tail.
The coat of representatives of this breed can have different colors. Most often there are individuals with fur of black, black and white, blue, and brindle colors.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of these dogs include:
- intelligence;
- learning ability;
- endurance;
- fearlessness;
- easy care;
- lack of specific odor;
- ability to get along with children.
The disadvantages of the breed are that its representatives:
- stubborn;
- strive for dominance;
- cannot stand loneliness;
- need socialization and education.
IMPORTANT!
The disadvantage of Staffordshire terriers for many is their unsuitability for street and especially chain keeping.
Character traits
Staffordshire Terriers can be described as good-natured, sociable and inquisitive dogs, with a gentle and cheerful disposition. They are characterized by devotion to their owner and the need for his constant attention and care. These dogs cannot be ignored or kept alone - due to being in isolation, their character deteriorates, they become angry and unbalanced.
Representatives of this breed are not prone to displaying unreasonable aggression towards people; such behavior can only be the result of improper upbringing. Staffords' anger can only be directed at other dogs who, in their opinion, claim to be their leader.
Differences
Despite some similarities between the Staffordshire Terrier and the Pit Bull Terrier, there are differences in appearance and character.
By appearance
Pit bulls have slight disproportions (unlike Stafford) in their physique:
- the head is large;
- paws are short;
- the back is domed.
The Amstaff is characterized by a deep and powerful chest. The paws fit tightly to the body, they are longer and more muscular. Pitas have a wide chest, but less developed. The muzzle muscles are not as clearly defined as in the first breed, and the cheekbones are less square, but they are larger in appearance.
Expert opinion
Anna Abramenko
An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.
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A Stafford's nose must be black (a Pit's nose must be brown). This is the only difference in color.
If we consider the physical capabilities of these breeds, then the pit bull is stronger.
The nature
Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Terrier are known as "brutal killers", with the former considered the most dangerous. Glory stems from their bloody battles in the past. But with proper upbringing, puppies grow up to be affectionate, loyal and playful.
The animal is suitable for an owner who is willing to devote a lot of time to its upbringing without developing (even unconsciously) cruelty in the pet.
Some personality differences:
- the staff is more flexible and more willing to carry out commands and remembers them quickly;
- The pit bull's level of aggressiveness is higher;
- Amstaff is more diligent in training, as it always tries to please its owner.
But both breeds are not intended for guarding, rather for protection, they are companion dogs.
Pit bull terrier: brief description
The Pit Bull Terrier is a dog genetically programmed to fight with its own kind, but is friendly towards people; it is indifferent to other animals, but can show aggression towards representatives of its own species. Pitas are medium-sized, smooth-haired, with excellently developed muscles throughout the body and jaws. Use for security is not recommended. Pete will become a wonderful friend and faithful companion to both a single person and a large family.
The general impression of a pit bull according to the ADBA standard: “sociable, interested in everything around him. Not without aggressiveness towards other dogs. Focused and collected all the time. It is impossible to disturb his mental balance. He is distinguished by his friendliness and loyalty." Timid, fearful, distrustful individuals are considered breeding grounds.
Features of care
There are no differences in keeping pets. The main thing is to wash and comb them regularly. For water procedures (once a month is enough), use dog shampoo (sold in a veterinary store).
Brush the coat 3 times a week. The procedure helps protect your pet from bacteria and insects.
It is worth regularly examining the ears, eyes, claws and teeth of dogs. If your dog has plaque on his teeth, you should carefully remove it with a cotton pad soaked in boric acid. Dead wool particles are collected with a rubber glove.
Who is easier to care for?
It is equally easy to care for both pit bulls and Staffords. Caring for these dogs does not require effort or special grooming and is a set of hygiene procedures that must be performed regularly.
So, these dogs need to be brushed with a brush with soft natural bristles or a special glove to get rid of dead hair and dust, as well as improve their blood circulation and bathe as needed, using shampoo according to their coat type.
It is also necessary to regularly brush your pet’s teeth to avoid the formation of plaque and stones, trim the claws as they grow, if they do not grind down on their own, and wipe the eyes and ears.
In addition, caring for representatives of these breeds involves regular deworming, treatment for external parasites and vaccination.
To maintain the physical and psychological health of Staffords and pit bulls, you need to walk them at least 2 times a day for 1 hour. Walks should be active and include elements of training, running, physical activity and games.
Training
Proper upbringing will make representatives of these breeds loyal friends and protectors. They need serious physical activity. Both the pit bull and the staff do not like too spacious rooms; they feel uncomfortable there.
Expert opinion
Anna Abramenko
An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.
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It is not recommended to keep dogs on a chain, as this leads to the development of aggression.
From day one, the owner must show that he is in charge. The favorite should understand who the leader is.
The Staffordshire Terrier is easier to train, but a pit bull can also be trained quickly if you contact an experienced dog handler.
Coercion while learning commands will depress your pet and cause aggression. This will manifest itself in the destruction of furniture, emptying the house, refusal of the muzzle, etc.
You need to start training at 1.5 months. The baby should not be allowed to growl at the owner, as this may negatively affect his behavior in the future.
Nuances of training:
- praise – makes the dog try harder;
- walks - up to 18 months the pet must be taught to behave friendly with other relatives;
- no rudeness, no raising of voice. You should look into the animal’s eyes more often so that it understands the importance of the owner;
- intransigence - you cannot follow your pet’s lead;
- elimination of aggression at its first manifestations, even when the reaction is justified (barked at a drunk, etc.). If an amstaff or pit bull is praised for such an act once, they may subsequently show unfriendliness towards everyone.
Expert opinion
Anna Abramenko
An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.
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The best time for training is when the animal is up to six months old.
What does a pitbull look like?
Pit bulls have a slightly different appearance. He is stockier, with short legs and slightly disproportionate. Characteristics:
- The head is large, wedge-shaped. Quite large in comparison with the body;
- The cheekbones are very well defined;
- The nose may be brown. In general, any shades are allowed. They should be in harmony with the color;
- The jaws are more powerful than those of the Amstaff;
- Ears are erect. Standing tall;
- The body is powerful, seems somewhat short;
- The chest is wide, resembles a barrel;
- The legs are short and muscular;
- Any solid color, except for albinism and merle.
If you compare photos of both dogs, the differences in appearance are immediately obvious.
The difference in walking and maintenance
Both breeds can be kept both in a private house and in an apartment. It is not recommended to keep such individuals outside; they do not tolerate frost well. If the winter turns out to be cold, then it is better to buy your pet a jumpsuit.
Dogs need to be walked 2-3 times a day: with games, running and training in the fresh air (there are special areas for training).
A leash and muzzle are a must-have accessory for walks.
Character of dogs
There are significant similarities in character traits; these breeds tolerate pain, are resilient and react aggressively to other dogs.
But experienced experts say that the differences in character are very noticeable, because the pit bull is a more cruel breed.
For a long period of time they were even prohibited from being kept in Europe.
After the law on this ban came into force, pit bulls were almost stopped being bred in European countries and the United States and they were replaced by a more restrained breed - Amstaffs.
The terrier has lower fighting characteristics and most often loses in a fight with a pit bull, although the Stafford has a stronger and more powerful physique.
Dogs of both breeds are often called brutal killers, especially thanks to the media, which is filled with numerous stories about their attacks on children, adults and other animals with grave consequences.
There really is aggression and mercilessness in their blood, because they belong to the fighting class.
But it should be noted that the level of danger and aggression of an animal largely depends on the upbringing of the owners.
Not every owner of a fighting dog breed responsibly understands that his pet is a so-called weapon that can be dangerous to the outside world if it is not properly cared for and raised.
Aggression for no apparent reason occurs if the dog is not dealt with, is not trained, or is severely punished using brute force.
Attitude towards children and other animals
Amstaffs and pit bulls are friendly to children, ready to endlessly protect them and forgive their pranks. They love to play with babies.
But you shouldn’t leave the dog alone with the child; a powerful animal can accidentally touch the baby and cause him harm. Therefore, you can trust your son or daughter with a fighting dog only when they have reached school age.
Staffordshire and Pit Bull Terriers perceive cats and other animals as prey. The owner needs to teach the dog to be friends with pets from a very early age. During the walk, attention is paid to ensuring that he does not rush at a squirrel, cat or other dog.
Other criteria
The table below shows a comparison of Pit Bull and Stafford also according to other criteria.
| Index | Staffordshire Terrier | Pit bull terrier |
| Time and place of occurrence | 1936, USA | 1921, USA |
| FCI recognition | 1972 | Not recognized |
| Character | More flexible | More aggressive |
| Purpose | Service (often used by law enforcement agencies to search for drugs and explosives) | Show career, pet |
Whom to choose
For active people who play sports, it is recommended to get a pit bull. He's more mobile. However, the dog must be carefully trained, otherwise it will become unmanageable.
For lovers of quiet leisure time, less mobile Staffords are suitable.
When deciding to get a larger individual, you should pay attention to the Amstaff, since outwardly it is more powerfully built.
Prices for puppies vary:
- a pit bull costs 4-15 thousand rubles;
- Staffordshire Terrier 5-35 thousand.
The cost is largely determined by the pedigree of the representatives, external qualities and the level of the nursery. If an animal is bred for the purpose of participating in various exhibitions, then the choice is obvious - the Staffordshire Terrier. Pit bulls are not allowed at these events, which significantly reduces their cost.
Both pets need tenderness, attention and firm discipline. In the absence of care, cruelty and connivance, any breed becomes aggressive.
Especially if this quality has been bred for years and was actively used for the purpose of bloody battles, like these representatives. Therefore, it is not recommended to take on a staff or pit bull without experience.
Expert opinion
Anna Abramenko
An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.
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Before purchasing a pet, you should carefully examine small puppies, observe their behavior and play (character traits are visible from childhood), and ask the breeder for documents.
The similarity of the breeds is manifested in external characteristics: powerful build, strong limbs and jaw, identical colors.
But the Stafford is built proportionally, unlike the Pit Bull. By nature, he is more flexible and amenable to training, and with proper upbringing he will become a friendly and flexible member of the family.
Drawing conclusions
Now you know how to distinguish a pit bull from a staff dog, why these dogs are so similar and what to look for when choosing them. Each of them has its own pros and cons. The main thing you must understand is that these are not just beautiful and strong dogs, these are pets for whose actions you take responsibility. They require serious and professional training, attention and significant physical activity. Otherwise, you may end up with an uncontrollable animal. These terriers are not suitable for novice dog owners; you must have enough knowledge and self-confidence.
Photo and video review
You can see the differences in the dogs’ external features and behavior, as well as the strength and power of the breed in the presented photos and videos.
comparison table
The main features and differences of animals are shown in the table:
| Pitbull | Staff |
| It has a more aggressive character and pressure. Considered a leader in dog fighting. | It is considered quite aggressive, but loses in a fight with a pit bull terrier, since it does not seek to destroy its opponent. |
| Has smaller sizes. | Differs in larger sizes. |
| The main purpose of the breed is considered to be service work. | Of particular interest as a show dog. |
Buy | sell
| matingKramatorskNovember 20, 2020 A young male is looking for a bitch with vaccinations and a passport. |
| Kaliningrad2 September 2020 BESO DEL TORO kennel offers STAFFORDSHIRE BULLTERS puppies! From beautiful, titled parents! D. birth : 25.08.2022 3 females for sale... |
| 80000 August 30, 2020 Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppies, 3 girls and 2 boys, born 08/25/2022. L2HCA &HC, patella 0/0 genetically pure (tests available) sir -… |
| 45000 December 19, 2019 Staffbull puppies were born on September 28, 2022. From a young titled couple. 1 male – powerful, bony, with a beautiful head, magnificent body, ... |
| I'll give it to good hands Chebarkul August 6, 2019 I'll give it to good hands, kind, affectionate. |
| 40000 Moscow20 July 2019 Black brindle English Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy for sale. D. r. 01/25/2022 Puppy card RKF, Prowormed. ... |
| 50000 Moscow18 March 2019 The Solar Wings kennel (more than 15 years in the breed) offers beautiful healthy puppies of different colors for home and exhibitions. RKF documents, vaccinations, tests for... |
| Naberezhnye ChelnyFebruary 14, 2019 Kennel “CheerNika” offers male Staffordshire Bull Terrier for sale. Date of birth December 12, 2022 L2HGA & HC – genetically pure. ... |
| 10 mating Irkutsk February 11, 2019 Well-mannered, kind male. Age – 5 years. We are looking for a female for mating. Vaccinated |
| matingOmskNovember 22, 2018 We are looking for a girl for Staff named Zeus, 9 months old, kind, active athlete with a balanced psyche. |
| 35000 Kaluga1 August 2018 Staffbull puppies from Champion parents (certificates available), healthy, with exhibition and sports prospects. Free from genetic... |
| 3000 Kaliningrad24 July 2018 I will give into good hands a puppy born from an English Staffordshire bull terrier. There is only one puppy left, he is 3 months old. Smart, affectionate and playful... |
| I'll give it to good hands Moscow May 25, 2018 A young, very beautiful dog is in the kindest and most caring hands! Age – 2 years, treated for all parasites, vaccinated, has a veterinary... |
| I'll give it to good hands Krasnoyarsk April 2, 2018 A 2.5 year old girl eats everything, loves to play, walk, run, jump! Knows a few commands, very obedient! |
| buyBishkekMarch 3, 2018 I'll buy it urgently! |
| 40000 February 7, 2018 Staff bull puppies with RKF pedigree, from Champion parents. The ideal combination of beauty and performance qualities. Free from pedigree genetic... |
| Naberezhnye ChelnyDecember 7, 2017 Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppies! For sale 2 black and brindle females. Date of birth July 23, 2022 L2-HC health tests are genetically pure!… |
| 15000 LipetskNovember 10, 2017 Beautiful staff terrier puppies born on 10/16 are offered for reservation. All puppies are of strong build, with good anatomy. Children are red and white, black… |
| 4500 Sterlitamak24 July 2017 Selling due to circumstances. 3 months, vet. Passport, all kinks done, active male dog waiting for his owners. Loves children. Friendly with other dogs... |
| buyBelgorod27 June 2017 I will buy a staff puppy |
| matingSurgutMay 10, 2017 We are looking for a purebred male to breed a girl. |
| 5000 NovokuznetskDecember 23, 2016 Staff puppies, purebred, eat on their own, there are girls and boys, parents are pictured. |
| 4000 AstrakhanSeptember 19, 2016 Staff puppy, bitch. Age 1.5 months. Without documents. Playful, active, very cute dog. He eats everything. Negotiable. Selling due to moving to... |
| 100 IvanovoJune 12, 2016 For a nominal fee of 100 rubles. We offer a girl Amstaff or Staffordshire bull terrier Nick, the goal of her life is to make her owners happy. |
| Astrakhan6 June 2016 We offer Staffordshire Terrier puppies (born May 19, 2016) with beautiful colors, good genetics, and a stable psyche. will be an ideal companion for sports... |
| I'll give it to good hands St. Petersburg May 13, 2016 Guy is 1.5 years old, completely adequate in communicating with an adult, follows commands, and loves toys very much. But in relation to animals there is... |
| 3000 CherepovetsApril 1, 2016 I’m selling a Staffish Terrier dog, 7 months old girl. Playful, kind, loves children. The reason for selling is not the dog. Call me any time of the day... |
| 15000 VologdaFebruary 25, 2016 English Staffordshire Bull Terrier from titled parents (not to be confused with the American Staffordshire Terrier) An excellent companion dog, good… |
| I'll give it to good handsMoscowJanuary 27, 2016 The Staffordshire Terrier mix fits into the caring and strong hands. ZARA. . . the most loving and obedient dog, not making excuses at all... |
| I will buy January 21, 2016 |
Feeding
Pit bulls and Staffordshire terriers are absolutely not capricious when it comes to food: dog experts consider these breeds to be practically omnivorous.
A similar diet is recommended for Petes and Staffs. They can be fed both natural products from the table and high-quality industrial feed.
The diet must be balanced and include all the necessary vitamin complexes. The nutrition of pit bulls and Staffordshire terriers must correspond to the age of the pets and their state of health.
Pit bulls have allergic reactions to a number of foods.
Harmful to pitas are:
In addition, pit bulls should not be “treated” to various cereals, unlike other dog breeds. Grains cause rapid obesity in pets.
The exception is puppies during their active growing up period.
Today's AmStaff
Today, it's been almost a century since AmStaff parted ways with its pit bull brethren. Generally speaking, the two breeds look very different, which is no coincidence: since pit bulls were bred for one elusive quality - playfulness or refusal to give up even in the most excruciating pain - their breeders did not attach much importance to them. appearance. Even today, pit bulls vary greatly in size and shape, from small whippet-type dogs to robust bulldog imitators.
American Staffordshire Terriers, on the other hand, did not have pit requirements to drive their evolution. Instead, their breeders focused on similar appearance and sound minds. And if there's one relic of his fighting days that AmStaff stubbornly refuses to give up, it's his unabashed love for people - the species that brought him into the fighting pit and then ripped him off with the same thing.
