American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier

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 (thanks to their herding history), 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.

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.