American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier

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Breed Snapshot

Life Expectancy:
12 to 14 years
Size:

Medium

Maintenance Level:

Medium

Shed Level:

Low

Best For

The American Pit Bull Terrier breed is best for active, experienced pet parents and families with older children. These dogs generally do well in larger homes with high fences as they can be climbers.

American Pit Bull Terrier Temperament

Your American Pit Bull Terrier would take a bullet for you but would still be a lousy guard dog. That’s because they tend to become BFFs with everyone they meet when they’re properly trained and socialized. Contrary to what you may have heard, this friendly—even goofy—bre...

Your American Pit Bull Terrier would take a bullet for you but would still be a lousy guard dog. That’s because they tend to become BFFs with everyone they meet when they’re properly trained and socialized. Contrary to what you may have heard, this friendly—even goofy—breed brims over with enthusiasm for humans (even strangers), and one of their strongest desires is to please their families.

With one of these pups at your side, you should be prepared for lots of sloppy kisses and a constant shadow following you everywhere you go. You couldn’t ask for a better family companion, and their well-noted love of children is a definite plus. While untrained Pitties can have a tendency to chase after small animals like cats or squirrels, aggression towards humans is uncharacteristic of the breed, and biting is no more prevalent than among any other type of dog. With the right amount of patience and training, your pet can live peacefully with any four-legged sibling at home, once you make the proper introductions.

Thanks to their high intelligence, energy and stamina, the American Pit Bull Terrier breed makes a great service or therapy dog. They’ve also been used for border patrol, detecting drugs and explosives and search and rescue functions.

American Pit Bull Terrier Traits

Friendliness
Exercise Needs
Health Issues
Barking Tendencies
Grooming Needs
Shedding Level
Training Needs
Good With Kids
Good With Cats
Good As A Service Dog
Good For Apartments & Small Homes
Biting Tendencies
Energy Level
Good With Other Dogs
Playfulness
Sensitive to Cold Weather
Sensitive to Warm Weather
Good For First Time Pet Parents
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Breed Snapshot

Life Expectancy:
12 to 16 years
Size:

Medium

Maintenance Level:

Medium

Shed Level:

Low

Best For

American Staffordshire Terriers are best for experienced pet parents who can provide them with early (and consistent!) training, socialization and plenty of exercise. A serious-but-playful breed, they thrive in single-pet homes with spacious yards where...

American Staffordshire Terriers are best for experienced pet parents who can provide them with early (and consistent!) training, socialization and plenty of exercise. A serious-but-playful breed, they thrive in single-pet homes with spacious yards where they can burn off energy through play.

American Staffordshire Terrier Temperament

American Staffordshire Terriers are not lazy dogs, but they’re not super energetic dogs, like Border Collies, either. At the end of the day, they’re content to curl up next to you. These super-smart dogs love to play with their families and let their goofy side really show. Some have...

American Staffordshire Terriers are not lazy dogs, but they’re not super energetic dogs, like Border Collies, either. At the end of the day, they’re content to curl up next to you. These super-smart dogs love to play with their families and let their goofy side really show. Some have even earned the nickname “gentle giants” because they’re so good with older children and tend not to be bothered by the hustle and bustle of a busy household.

American Staffordshire Terrier Traits

Friendliness
Exercise Needs
Health Issues
Barking Tendencies
Grooming Needs
Shedding Level
Training Needs
Good With Kids
Good With Cats
Good As A Service Dog
Good For Apartments & Small Homes
Biting Tendencies
Energy Level
Good With Other Dogs
Playfulness
Sensitive to Cold Weather
Sensitive to Warm Weather
Good For First Time Pet Parents
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