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 | |
External differences
Over time, breeds, as well as their purpose, were subject to changes.
Which of them is the more worthy representative of the canine family?
The appearance of the dogs is not very different; the difference in height can reach no more than 6 cm.
The pit bull grows in height up to 40-42 cm, and the staff - up to 44-48 cm.
The situation is exactly the same with the masses. An adult pit bull gains on average up to 12-28 kg, and a Stafford - up to 20-32 kg.
And even the color of the breeds is very similar, but Amstaffs have an exclusively black nose.
Also, in the latter, the chest area is wider, the muscles are more pronounced, the jaws are more powerful, and have a square shape. The Pit Bull has shorter legs.
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.
Price per puppy
You only need to purchase a puppy of both breeds with documents from a trusted nursery!
Staffordshire Terrier and Pitbull
The dog's pedigree contains information about the baby's ancestors and provides a guarantee of its quality. Puppies with defects are also given documents with special marks about the disease. Such babies are also suitable as a pet that they do not plan to breed. Their cost is usually much lower than that of show-class representatives.
The final cost of a pit bull and staff depends not on the breed, but on the quality of the puppy, the title status of its parents and the fame of the kennel where it is purchased.
The initial cost of a purebred puppy is about 20,000-25,000 rubles, it can reach up to 60,000-70,000 rubles.
| Position | Pit bull terrier | Staffordshire Terrier |
| Date and place of appearance | USA, 1921 | USA, 1936 |
| IFF recognition | Not recognized | Recognized in 1971 |
| Height | 42-44 cm | 46-48 cm |
| Weight | Up to 28 kg | Up to 32 kg |
| Body type | Squat, with short legs, less massive | Stronger, paws higher, chest wider |
| Character | More aggressive | More flexible |
| Purpose | Working qualities | Exhibition career |
| Training | Amenable, training with a professional is recommended | Suitable, recommended only for experienced dog breeders |
| Content | In urban environments | In urban environments |
| Care | Minimum | Minimum |
| Price | 20,000-70,000 rubles | 20,000-70,000 rubles |
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.
Types of Pit Bull Terrier Mixes
Not all dog handlers and breeders are positive about the idea of mixing several breeds. In their opinion, the result can be completely unpredictable. After all, there are no guarantees that mestizos will inherit only the good qualities of their parents.
Other experts believe that competent selection can improve the livestock and give the pit bull new properties. For example, make him a protective guard dog. This is indeed true if targeted work is carried out and individuals with anomalies are culled.
For your information. Puppies obtained as a result of random mating, especially with mongrels, may have less than ideal appearance and character. Therefore, only professional breeders should breed dogs.
A few words about the pit bull terrier breed:
- Pit bulls are divided into 3 types. The bulldog type is strong and stocky, the terrier type is dry and lean, the mixed type combines the characteristics of the two types.
- The height at the withers is 46-56 cm.
- Weight is not limited. It usually ranges from 12 to 36 kg.
- The Pit Bull Terrier can be any color.
These dogs are not yet recognized by the FCI. The international organization ADBA is responsible for registering litters. She and the United Kennel Club (UKC) approved the current standards.
Depending on the purposes, animals are crossed with certain breeds. This explains the variety of pit bull crosses. It is worth talking about each of them in more detail.
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 is the difference between a pit bull and a Staffordshire terrier?
The Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier are quite similar breeds, many people confuse them or mistake them for one, but there are differences. However, there are slight differences between these dogs. In the article I will look at how these breeds differ: American Stafford and Pitbull, who is who, and how to tell the difference. I will consider the advantages and disadvantages of each of them.
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 comparison
Many people are interested in who is stronger: a pit bull or a bull terrier. The aggressiveness of an individual largely depends on the environment in which the dog grew up and the amount of attention given to it. Let's look at the characters separately.
A pit bull can become a true friend, a faithful companion, a home guard and a bodyguard for its owners. A pet can live comfortably in an urban environment, or in a private house in the suburbs, provided that it is not chained. This animal will be an excellent companion due to its energy and activity.
By nature, pit bulls are hard workers, so they try to be useful to their owner always and everywhere. They need an active lifestyle, and if the dog’s needs are met, it will always be positive, flexible, and good at communicating. Despite numerous reviews of the breed as aggressive, pit bulls are friendly animals. If the dog was initially raised and trained, and it is sufficiently socialized, it will not pose a threat to members of its family, other animals and strangers.
The pit bull is very patient, but due to its developed hunting instinct, if another animal or person attacks it, it is unlikely to retreat. Fans of the breed who want to have two animals at once should know that same-sex animals do not get along well together.
The Bull Terrier, raised in a peaceful environment, has a calm disposition. If this is a fighting dog, then you should never walk it without a muzzle; it tends to show its aggressive character in any case. The animal is highly trainable. At the same time, the owner should present tasks clearly and consistently, without going to extremes. It is worth noting that bull terriers are extremely difficult to tolerate loneliness, striving to spend as much time as possible with their family members. They are distinguished by devotion and are able to sacrifice their lives to save their owner.
Despite the fact that information about the ferocious nature of the dog is widespread among the masses, most breeders unanimously convince that these are friendly and playful animals that love to play with toys and get along well with children. Giving a brief description of the representatives of this breed, we can highlight several main qualities:
- powerful grip;
- agility characteristic of all terriers;
- endurance;
- pursuit of one's goal;
- bravery;
- low pain threshold;
- absolute submission.
Bull Terriers are intelligent and quick-witted, but sometimes their intelligence leads to disobedience. Proper training of the animal helps to avoid possible resistance of the pet and turn all the disadvantages of the character into advantages. Since they are physically strong dogs, they need to maintain their physical condition. They will undoubtedly be good running and training partners. If you don't keep active, they will start to misbehave or become lazy and fat.
As you can see there is a difference. Pit bull and bull terrier differ in weight, body shape, colors
Dogs are the same in one thing - they all need the attention and care of the owner, otherwise the animal will grow up aggressive
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.
Who is better?
So who is better to have? Of course, no one will give you a definite answer to this question, since it all depends on the breeder and the goals he pursues. For example, if a dog must perform official tasks, then a pit bull is optimal for this purpose. Such a pet will do everything to complete the task assigned to it. Moreover, both Pit Bull and Stafford, if necessary, will give their lives to protect the owner.
But if you need an excellent bodyguard, who is also smart, and you also want to get a well-mannered pet dog, then it is better to give preference to Amstaffs. Such pets are more intelligent and sociable, they feel a person perfectly. With proper socialization, the animal will always be able to get along with other pets; this trait is unusual for pit bulls. No matter who you decide to get, always remember that if you want to get an intelligent individual, in any case you will have to raise and train her.
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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.
Character
The dog of this breed is large, resilient and very strong. However, despite his threatening appearance, he has a surprisingly flexible character. Staff puppies are cheerful and charming. Adults are calm and have excellent self-control. Loves children and gets along well with families. Unexpected outbursts of anger are completely unusual for him.
However, the staff must undergo proper education and training. In general, the breed is obedient and quickly remembers everything its owner teaches it. Due to its obedience and good obedience, the breed is often used in search and rescue types of work.
One of the main qualities of the staff is activity and mobility. The breed simply cannot imagine its life without long walks filled with running, jumping and other various physical exercises. Therefore, in addition to daily walks, it is necessary to exercise him additionally, gradually increasing the dog’s load.
It is for this reason that the breed is not suitable for people leading a sedentary lifestyle. If you do not allow your dog to splash out the energy that is constantly accumulating in him, he can cause a real pogrom at home.
Staffords love to swim, so this can be a good physical activity for the dog, thanks to which it will become even more resilient and develop muscles.
Contrary to popular belief, the Staff is not an aggressive dog at all and does not rush at people. On the contrary, she is very sociable, loves children and is good with other animals living at home or encountered on the street. All owners of the breed say that it is loyal and peaceful. However, whether a Stafford puppy will turn into an aggressive dog largely depends on the owner himself, on how he will raise his pet. The dog obeys orders without hesitation. With proper upbringing, the Stafford turns into a loyal friend and the best protector of the family.
A dog's fighting genes only appear in combat. The dog is very aggressive towards the enemy and if he rushes to attack, it will not be easy to stop him. But during the selection process, all individuals that showed even the slightest signs of aggression towards humans were immediately removed from breeding. This was done so that the dog would not snap at a person, and people at dog fights could fearlessly tear the fighting dogs away from each other with their bare hands.
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.
