The History of the American Pit Bull Terrier. Many wealthy people and prominent politicians could be found at dog fights, betting on their dogs, which went by several names: Pit Bull, Yankee Terrier and half-and-half dog — a reference to their origin as a cross between Bulldogs and Terriers. The American Staffordshire terrier, sometimes called the "Am Staff," is a medium-large dog with a muscular build and square head. The Pitbull is slightly taller measuring 17 to 21 inches in height, measured from paw to shoulder, whereas the Am Staff is shorter at 17 to 19 inches in height. Pit bull terrier and American Staffordshire terrier are two extremely loyal and popular dog breeds that exhibit some interesting differences between each other and those would be important to discuss. First of all, there is no breed called a pit bull. However, the term Pit Bull is broad and is used to describe dogs that were used in the now illegal sport of bullfighting. This is a fairly smart dog breed that can be stubborn, following its own will if permitted. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. The breed was accept Overall, the American Staffordshire terrier is deeply affectionate, intensely friendly, and joyfully energetic. The American Staffordshire Terrier comes from a genetic heritage of pitbull-types according to the AKC . However, American breeders wanted an animal heavier than the British breed, hence the name American Staffordshire Terrier. Pit Bulls, Where to Adopt or Buy an American Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Terriers (Bullies): Dog Breed Profile, American Cocker Spaniel: Dog Breed Profile, Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Stafford): Dog Breed Profile, Miniature Bull Terrier (MBT): Dog Breed Profile, Parson Russell Terrier: Dog Breed Profile. American Staffordshire Terrier: 5 Things To Know, Owning A Pit Bull – Information You Need, Universities Federation for Animal Welfare, the International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, Golden Retriever, Silly Baby That Get Along With Everyone. So the winner of the American Staffordshire Terrier vs. PitBull battle is?… The person who is the guardian of either one of these hard… Pit Bull – What’s The Difference? Conversely, the American pit bull terrier is more often bred as a companion dog and has greater variances in size (a range of 30 to 90 pounds) and other physical traits. The result was an agile and energetic terrier with bulldog-like perseverance and confidence. While the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is an AKC recognized breed, with a detailed breed standard, the Pit Bull isn’t technically a breed unto itself or recognized with a breed standard with a kennel club registry. The lack of understanding around this breed should come as no surprise. What are Pit Bull Terriers Like? The American Staffordshire terrier is not an American Pit Bull Terrier, but it is a type of dog commonly known as pitbulls, or bully breeds. Contrary to its tough appearance, the Stafford is a gentle dog breed. All Pitbull breeds, including the Amstaff, should be socialized and trained to reduce any potential for aggression and disobedience as adults. On the AKC website, it states that the Amstaff comes from the British line of “Pitdog” and “Pitbull” breeds. Today, the two are completely separate dog breeds. In early times they were generally used as helpers in farms, guards and for dogfights. The breed was originally called the bull-and-terrier Dog, half and half, or pit dog. Therefore, obedience training is essential in order to manage your Am Staff. The Pitbull is taller and more slender, whereas the Am Staff is shorter and more stocky. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1936 as the Staffordshire terrier. The breed can become a loving companion for many types of active households. Characteristics of the American Staffordshire Terrier, History of the American Staffordshire Terrier, American Staffordshire Terriers vs. Generally speaking, the American Staffordshire terrier is nearly the same breed as the American pit bull terrier. The Pitbull, also called the American Pitbull Terrier, was developed from the American Staffordshire Terrier in Great Britain. As with any dog breed, proper training is a must. Th… The bull-and-terrier dogs came to the United States towards the end of the 19th century where they became known as pit bull terriers and then American bull terriers. Generally speaking, the American Staffordshire terrier is nearly the same breed as the American pit bull terrier. Though there is some disagreement on the details, it is said that these dogs were not widely used for dog fighting like their ancestors but were more commonly used for general farm work, hunting, and companionship. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between American Staffordshire Terriers and American Pit Bull Terriers. The American Staffordshire terrier, or "Amstaff," weighs between 50 and 80 pounds and is good-tempered. The Staffordshire is slightly shorter than the pit, reaching shoulder heights of around 19 inches high. If the dog has a red nose, it is more likely to be an American pit bull terrier. Because of the fact that pit bull-type dogs are commonly misunderstood and even wrongly portrayed, some people will fear an Am Staff. It is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, but it is recognized by the Continental Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club. Amstaffs with a red nose are not considered desirable, so that trait has been bred out. It goes on to say that American breeders wanted a heavier version so the American Staffordshire Terrier was born. During a period of American history, dog fighting was a legal and popular activity. However, shedding does tend to increase seasonally. Technically, the Staffordshire Terrier is a Pit Bull. The American Staffordshire terrier is known to forge a strong bond with its family; it can become a loyal family pet and friend for life. However, expect their diet needs—including the amount and frequency with which you feed them—to change as they age. Although with many similarities, it is separate and distinct from its cousin breed, the American Pit Bull Terrier. The American Staffordshire Terrier (affectionately shortened to Am Staff) is considered a “pit bull”. All rights reserved Much like other so-called “pit bull breeds“, the American Staffordshire Terrier has come to be severely misunderstood. They are strong for their size and have a large, powerful head. Today, the main difference is in appearance. ChihuLife is a participant in the Amazon.com Services LLC Associates Program. Small- to medium-sized ears … Today, the main difference is in appearance. Sadly, the dogs were most commonly used for fighting; although dog fighting was banned in the United Kingdom in 1835, it continued to flourish as the ban was difficult to enforce. It has a medium body that reaches, according to the United Kennel Club (UKC), between 45 and 53 centimeters at the withers for males or between 43 and 50 centimeters for females. The Pitbull also weighs less, at 30 to 65 pounds, whereas the Am Staff weighs anywhere between 40 and 70 pounds. This breed tends to shed at a low to moderate rate. Just like personality and appearance traits can be associated with a dog breed, certain health problems are inherited as well. The name was changed in 1972 to differentiate between the shorter, smaller English version (today's Staffordshire bull terrier). The American Staffordshire is smaller compared to the pit bull. Regardless of the type of exercise, be sure it is provided about twice daily or more. Am Staffs will especially benefit from dog sports that challenge them mentally and physically. They are originated from the Staffordshire Bull Terrier but with some genetic modifications to give them a bulkier appearance and a bigger head. American staffordshire terrier is amember of the molosser breed group, originally coming from England. Although both types of dogs sometimes get a bad rap, they can make loyal and loving pets if properly trained and socialized. Considered two distinct breeds today, there are some subtle differences between the American pit bull terrier and the American Staffordshire terrier. American Staffordshire Terrier, breed of dog, originally called Staffordshire Terrier when registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1936, that was developed in the United States and based on the smaller British Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The American Staffordshire terrier's roots can be traced back to 19th century England. Without a proper outlet for all that energy, an Am Staff may become destructive, hyperactive, or develop other behavior problems. Although the American Staffordshire Terrier is closely related to the American Pitbull Terrier, the two have gone their separate ways over the years. However, be cautious not to overdo it in warmer weather, as the breed may be sensitive to heat. Although some Am Staff will wear down their nails naturally from walking, most still need regular nail trims to keep their feet healthy. The Pit Bull has a stocky, muscular build and a short, smooth coat varying in color. However, some hereditary health problems can occur in the American Staffordshire terrier. The Amstaff stands for the American Staffordshire Terrier, which is a type of Pit Bull.Despite the name, they were first bred in England in the 19th century. The fluctuation in the size and color of the Pit Bull is due to the breed being a mix between different types of Bulldogs and Terriers. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Their American pit bull cousins, however, are slightly taller at 21 inches. The Am Staff is an athletic dog breed with plenty of energy, so routine exercise is very important. However, be aware that the Am Staff has a strong prey drive and a history of dog fighting, so it should be supervised and carefully introduced when meeting other animals and small children. Always make sure that they have clean, fresh water for drinking. Commonly called a pit bull, its history can be traced back to 1800s England, where it was used in dog fighting. The term “pit bull terrier” is generalized to describe a variety of dogs, the names of which are American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. People often ask what the difference is between the American Staffordshire terrier and a pit bull. American Staffordshire Terriers are similar to American Pit Bull Terriers, though the American Pit Bull Terrier is not recognized by the American Kennel Club. If you’re interested in similar breeds, look to these to compare pros and cons. The American Staffordshire bull terrier and pitbull belong to the Molosser breed group but both of them have distinct differences. The American Kennel Club describes the breed as "confident, smart and, good-natured." The body of the Pit Bull is long, with a short, whip-like tail that ends in a point. Another significant difference pertains to the temperament of the two dogs, and the traits they were bred for. By then, it was known as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, but by 1976, the Americans had bred a larger dog that now needed to be distinguished from the British version. The American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier have quite similar body types and silhouettes. Pit Bull. There is, however, a breed called the American pit bull terrier. Both weigh in at around 60 pounds, but it's common for the … American Pit Bull Terrier – A Gentle Bloodthirsty Beast, Belgian Malinois – A Dog That Can’t Be Insecure, Black German Shepherd – The Perfection Of Genetic Rarity. Jenna Stregowski, RVT, has more than 20 years of experience working in veterinary medicine and has been writing about pet care for the last decade. Though known for its courage and high energy level, the American Staffordshire also has an affectionate and loyal disposition. The American Kennel Club does not recognize the American Pit Bull Terrier, but does acknowledge a very similar breed, the Staffordshire terrier. Dog trainers and animal professionals often recommend that Am Staffs complete Canine Good Citizen certification as an added step in responsible dog ownership. Definitions American Staffordshire Terrier. Training will boost your dog's confidence and provide structure. The American Pit Bull Terrier is said to have also … Staffordshire Terriers are often known as AmStaff for short. The following are some conditions to be aware of: In general, American Staffordshire terriers need a high protein, low grain diet, which helps prevent diarrhea and bloat. The Am Staff is quite powerful and tends to be stoic in the face of pain. Since 2015, the American Dog Breeders Association (ADBA), which has registered the American Pit Bull Terrier since 1909, considers the American Staffordshire Terrier to be a different separated breed. Generally speaking, the American Staffordshire Terrier is nearly the same breed as the American Pit Bull Terrier. Give your Am Staff baths as needed to keep the skin and coat clean and healthy. Staffordshire bull terriers and American pit bull terriers -- commonly known as pit bulls -- may look similar at first glance, but they're two distinct breeds. The bulldogs and terriers of the time were crossed to create a dog that possessed desirable attributes of each breed. The four Pitbull type breeds are the American Pitbull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the American Bully. The Am Staff and the Pitbull are very similar in their appearance, they are impressive looking canines who are both considered to be a medium sized dog. The American Staffordshire Terrier, also known as the AmStaff or American Staffy is a medium-sized, short-coated American dog breed. American Staffordshire Terrier has a strictly defined breed standard In short, they are almost the same dog, except American Staffordshire Terrier has a strictly defined breed standard whereas Pitbull allows variations. Both the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) and the American Staffordshire Terrier (AST) descended from a group of old style Bulldogs and old style terriers that were present in the 1800s both in the UK and in the United States. Sometimes it is seen as a type of pitbull. As the name suggests, this is a mixed breed between a bulldog and a terrier. As the breed moved to America, the names Pitdog and Pitbull Terrier stuck. Pit Bull is a description for a type of dog, but American Pit Bull Terriers are a breed. Responsible breeders take care to maintain the highest breed standards as established by kennel clubs like the AKC. Compare the American Staffordshire Terrier to the American Pit Bull Terrier. First off, the AmStaff is a registered breed under the American Kennel Club; the Pitbull is not. American Staffordshire Terriers have much in common with American Pit Bull Terriers, even though they have been bred separately for more than 50 years. The standard size of the American Pit Bull Terrier varies from medium to large, with a weight range of 30–90 lbs. Coat and Colors: The short coat appears in a variety of colors, including black, brown, blue, fawn, red and liver. Its widely accepted the AKC wanted to distance itself from looking like it was endorsing dog fighting, so the name American Staffordshire Terrier was born. These dogs include the American Pitbull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bulldog, and even the American Staffordshire Terrier. Dogs bred by these standards are less likely to inherit health conditions. The very short, smooth coat of the Am Staff requires little more than routine grooming. The term ‘Pitbull’ is not a dog as such, but a general label given to a few dog breeds with similar origins, appearance and temperaments. The American Staffordshire terrier is bred in part for AKC conformation and conforms to a stricter standard, particularly in size range. He is about 40–50 pounds and 17–19 inches in height, whilst the pit bull is 18–22 inches in height and 22–110 pounds in weight. Hence, the American Staffordshire Terrier. Other breeds that rightfully fall under the term “Pit Bull” include the American Staffordshire Terrier, the American bulldog, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Eventually, it became known in England as the Staffordshire Bull terrier. The breed thrives in a family environment, is very protective and loyal and is at its best when given a job and when it is properly exercised. pit bull-type dogs are commonly misunderstood, American Staffordshire Terrier Dog Rescue Group Directory. Are American pit bull terriers dangerous? There is, however, a breed called the American pit bull terrier. It is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, but it is recognized by the Continental Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club. Choose a meat-forward pet food that’s formulated for a mid to large size dog. However, with proper training and socialization, the breed can get along very well with children and even other pets. American Staffordshire Terrier vs. American Pit Bull temperament Although some people feel there are distinct differences, most professionals within the animal field feel that the temperaments of the American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull terrier … Are Staffordshire terriers smart? It’s important to note here that they don’t see the Staffordshire Bull Terrier as a Pit Bull outside of America. A number of nationwide rescue groups for Am Staffs provide online resources to find a dog, including: Before you decide if the American Staffordshire terrier is the right dog for you, be sure to do plenty of research. Work with your veterinarian to figure out an individualized diet plan for your dog. The American Staffordshire Terrier, just like every other Pitbull breed needs plenty of socialization as a puppy. Are English Bulldogs Born With Tails Or Docked? Today, the main difference is in appearance. The American Staffordshire Terrier is bred in part for AKC conformation and conforms to a stricter standard, particularly in size range. The UKC is the only kennel club at the moment to accept to register American Staffordshire Terriers as American Pit Bull Terriers. Talk to other American Staffordshire terrier owners, reputable American Staffordshire terrier breeders and American Staffordshire terrier rescue groups to learn more. Similarities are many between them, but the differences are important to know, as any unfamiliar person could easily misidentify these two. There’s a whole world of potential dog breeds out there—with a little legwork, you can find the right one to bring home! The height of an American Staffordshire Terrier is 17-19 inches tall and weighs between 40-70 pounds. American Staffordshire Terrier vs. Brindle pattern and or white markings are also seen in combination with these colors. Check your local animal shelter and rescue groups for American Staffordshire terriers in need of homes. As time went on, the breed was developed into taller dogs with larger builds than their English counterparts. What To Look For When Buying An English Bulldog? There's a lot you need to know to make things go smoothly with your new friend. 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