American Pit Bull Terrier vs Staffordshire Bull 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
Already selected. Please make another selection.

Breed Snapshot

Life Expectancy:
12 to 14 years
Size:

Medium

Maintenance Level:

Medium

Shed Level:

Low

Best For

Boisterous and playful, Staffys are family-friendly dogs who are eager to please. They can adapt to almost any situation if they're properly socialized and trained at a young age, making them good companions who can...

Boisterous and playful, Staffys are family-friendly dogs who are eager to please. They can adapt to almost any situation if they're properly socialized and trained at a young age, making them good companions who can thrive in an apartment or a house (as long as they get plenty of exercise).

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Temperament

Dedicated, steadfast, true—a whole thesaurus’ worth of synonyms for loyal couldn’t fully describe the level of commitment your Staffy will show you. Yes, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier does has an unfortunate history as a fighting dog, but these days, they’re better known as a fiercely faithful com...

Dedicated, steadfast, true—a whole thesaurus’ worth of synonyms for loyal couldn’t fully describe the level of commitment your Staffy will show you. Yes, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier does has an unfortunate history as a fighting dog, but these days, they’re better known as a fiercely faithful companion dog. These dogs are beyond devoted to their humans and would do anything to please them.

A Staffy’s temperament is boisterous and funny—they’re highly entertaining and love to make you laugh! They even have a distinctive “laugh” of their own; whenever they get excited, you’re likely to hear them erupt in a very noisy chortle.

Staffy dogs are extremely bright and practically vibrate with energy, so they need an abundant amount of both mental and physical stimulation. They’re great companions for active families and thoroughly enjoy training games, playing fetch and daily walks with plenty of sniffing opportunities. Just make sure to always keep them on a leash. With that strong prey drive, any passing critter could send them running.

If there are already multiple pets in your home, feel free to bring home a Staffy puppy; with training and socialization, they’ll be able to adapt in no time. But keep in mind that adult Staffy dogs may be more possessive, so they’re better suited as an only dog.

Staffy dogs rarely meet a person they don’t like—one of their predominant traits is that they adore human attention, whether from a family member, friend or newcomer. If you have kids at home, you’ll be happy to learn that they’re no less friendly than any other breed. In fact, their nickname in the UK is “The Nanny Dog” because of their affection for children.

The Staffy’s gentle character didn’t develop overnight; it’s the result of good breeding and a structured upbringing. Their instinct is to love, but if they’re left untrained and unsocialized, you’ll end up with Staffy ruled by undesirable behaviors.

Staffordshire 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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