Dog breed comparison
American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The American Pit Bull Terrier is the bigger breed, about 3 kg heavier on average. The American Pit Bull Terrier tends to live about 2 years longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | American Pit Bull Terrier | American Staffordshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Terrier Dogs | Terrier Dogs |
| Size | Large | Large |
| Height | 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder | 16 to 19 inches |
| Weight | 30 to 85 pounds | 40 to 60 pounds |
| Life span | 12 to 16 years | 10 to 15 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Shedding
The American Pit Bull Terrier sheds more than the American Staffordshire Terrier.
Drooling
The American Staffordshire Terrier drools more than the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Energy
The American Pit Bull Terrier has more energy than the American Staffordshire Terrier.
Exercise needs
The American Pit Bull Terrier needs more exercise than the American Staffordshire Terrier.
Good with children
The American Pit Bull Terrier is better with children than the American Staffordshire Terrier.
Good with other dogs
The American Staffordshire Terrier gets on better with other dogs than the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Which to choose
American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier?
Choose the American Pit Bull Terrier if…
- You want a dog that drools less
- You want an active, playful companion (it has more energy)
- You’re out walking, running or hiking most days (it needs more exercise)
- You want a dog that is better with children
Choose the American Staffordshire Terrier if…
- You want a dog that sheds less
- You’d like a calmer pet (it is calmer)
- You have less time for long walks (it needs less exercise)
- You want a dog that gets on better with other dogs
Questions.
Is the American Pit Bull Terrier or the American Staffordshire Terrier bigger, and which lives longer?
The American Pit Bull Terrier is the bigger breed, about 3 kg heavier on average. The American Pit Bull Terrier tends to live about 2 years longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the American Staffordshire Terrier?
They’re similarly easy to train. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the American Staffordshire Terrier?
The American Pit Bull Terrier is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised American Staffordshire Terrier can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The American Staffordshire Terrier sheds less than the American Pit Bull Terrier. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
