Dogs are man’s best friend. It is a fact that they can be trained to help you in various ways. They can be used as security guards, and can also be trained to sniff out drugs or narcotics. They are generally friendly animals but some breeds of dogs are a little bit aggressive than others. However, the role of a dog in our life cannot be denied. They can also be trained to protect you from any kind of danger. Some dogs have been trained to do certain tasks, such as finding drugs or explosives and many other things. There are different breeds of dogs that perform these tasks differently, and it is important for you to know what the difference is between these breeds. You need to know which one is the best for you and how they differ from each other.
The Pitbull and American Staffordshire Terrier are two of the most popular breeds that have been used for a variety of purposes. There are different types of Pitbulls and American Staffordshire Terriers that differ from each other in many ways. These dogs are known for their tenacity and aggression. But are the two breeds really that different?
What is a Pitbull? What is an American Staffordshire Terrier? What are the differences between them? This article will give you an overview of the differences between these two breeds. We will also look at their behavior, size, and many other things. So, read on to find out more about the differences between Pitbulls and American Staffordshire Terriers.
Summary Table
| Pitbulls | American Staffordshire Terriers |
| A powerful dog originated in the United States | The name was first used in England, but was stuck in America |
| Smaller | A medium-sized dog |
| Known for their aggression and energy | Not aggressive by nature, usually calm and friendly |
Definitions
What is a pitbull?
A pitbull is a very powerful dog that originated in the United States. The first known pitbull was a dog named “Pit” who was owned by a man named John Money around the year 1820. Pitbulls were used for bull baiting during this time period. They were also used as watchdogs and for fighting.
Pitbulls are powerful dogs that have short coats, stocky builds, and muscular bodies. They are also known to be very loyal to their owners. This is why they were bred for bull baiting during the 19th century. The American Kennel Club (AKC) now recognizes the American Pit Bull Terrier as a separate breed.
What is an American Staffordshire Terrier?
The American Staffordshire Terrier (or Amstaff) is a terrier type dog that originated in England. They were first used for hunting small game such as rabbits and foxes. Similar to pitbulls, in the 19th century, they were also used for bull baiting. They were also used as guard dogs for farms and other places during this time period.
American Staffordshire Terriers are also known as Amstaffs, Staffordshire Terriers, and Potbellied Dogs. These dogs are sometimes referred to as “pits” in America. This is because the name of the breed was first used in England, and they were also used for fighting. So, this name stuck with them in America.
In America, American Staffordshire Terriers are commonly seen as pets or family dogs. However, they are also used for protection and as working dogs.
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a sturdy dog that can be very active. They are often described as having “an overbite” because of their square muzzle. They have strong jaws, and their ears are folded over.
Pitbulls Vs. American Staffordshire Terriers:
While the pitbull and the American Staffordshire Terrier (also known as Amstaff) are two very similar breeds, there are still some major differences between them. Let’s look at the most important differences between the two breeds.
- The size
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a medium-sized dog. They can grow up to be as tall as 30 inches, and they weigh anywhere between 40 and 80 pounds. Pitbulls, however, are not that big. They are usually between 24 and 26 inches in height, with an average weight of 50 pounds.
- The behavior
Pitbulls are known for their aggression and energy. This is why they are often used as guard dogs or as pets in dangerous situations, such as prison. They can be extremely loyal to their owners, but they can also be very aggressive when needed. This makes them perfect guard dogs.
The American Staffordshire Terrier is not aggressive by nature. They are usually calm and friendly, making them perfect family dogs. The pitbull is often a great companion for kids because of their playfulness and energy, but they can also be very intimidating to children because of their size and strength.
- The training
The American Staffordshire Terrier is not that difficult to train. They are quite intelligent and easy to teach new tricks. This makes them a great dog for beginners and for families with children who want a dog that can learn new things easily. Pitbulls, on the other hand, are very difficult to train. They can be aggressive and can have a strong prey drive, which makes them difficult to train.
- The coat
The American Staffordshire Terrier has a double coat. The outer coat is long and coarse, while the undercoat is soft and fluffy. Pitbulls, on the other hand, have a short-haired coat that is often not easy to maintain. They also shed quite a lot during their lives. The American Staffordshire Terrier has a reddish-brown coat. The pitbull, on the other hand, has a brindle coat. It is also not that uncommon for them to have different colors and patterns on their coats. Pitbulls are usually black, tan, and white.
5. Training & exercise requirements
Both the Pitbull and American Staffordshire Terrier are intelligent dogs. However, they both require consistent training and mental stimulation to be happy, healthy dogs.
In addition, early socialization is also necessary for both dog breeds. Socialization is the process of training a dog to be well-rounded and friendly. The dog learns how to act in different situations and with different people and other dogs.
Positive reinforcement training is also required for both the Pitbull and the American Staffordshire Terrier. Rewards, praise, and fun are used to train the dogs. In addition, obedience training is also needed by both dog breeds. All training and socialization need to start when the dogs are young.
Both dog breeds also need plenty of mental stimulation, which consists of mental exercises to keep their minds occupied. Dog toys that provide mental stimulation include:
- Dog puzzle toys
- Interactive games
When combined with training sessions, Pitbulls and American Staffordshire Terriers will not become bored or develop destructive behaviors.
6. Health & lifespan
Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and Pitbull are prone to some health issues, including:
- Hip dysplasia
- Allergies
- Heart disease
- Arthritis
- Autoimmune diseases
- Cancer
When it comes to lifespan, both dog breeds live between 12 to 14 years of age.
7. Legal considerations
In some areas, the American Staffordshire Terrier and Pitbull face breed-specific laws. These laws have come about to protect people and protect these dogs from being used in dog fighting. In some places, laws have been created that restrict ownership or that require additional requirements from pet parents.
These dog breeds are also sometimes not allowed in certain housing, such as rental units. So, be sure to check the regulations in your area before adopting one of these beautiful dogs.
