Dog breed comparison
Bull Terrier vs Staffordshire Bull Terrier
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Bull Terrier is the bigger breed, about 11 kg heavier on average.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Bull Terrier | Staffordshire Bull Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Terrier Dogs | Terrier Dogs |
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Height | 21 to 22 inches | 14 to 16 inches |
| Weight | 35 to 75 pounds | 24 to 38 pounds |
| Life span | 10 to 15 years | 12 to 14 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.
Background
Where they come from.
The Bull Terrier
Created in Birmingham, England, around 1860 by James Hinks from Bulldogs, terriers and Dalmatians, as a white "gentleman's companion". It has the only egg-shaped head among recognised breeds.
Some develop compulsive behaviours such as tail chasing, so mental exercise matters.
Health to watch
- Hereditary deafness (especially in white dogs)
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Lethal acrodermatitis
- Compulsive tail chasing
- Mitral valve dysplasia
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Developed in Staffordshire, England, in the 1800s from Bulldogs and terriers, originally for dog fighting. After fighting was banned it became one of Britain's most popular family dogs.
It is strong and affectionate, often wiggling its whole body when happy.
Health to watch
- L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria
- Hereditary cataracts
- Skin allergies
- Hip dysplasia
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Easy to train
The Bull Terrier is easier to train than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Good with other dogs
The Bull Terrier gets on better with other dogs than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Barking
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier barks more than the Bull Terrier.
First-time owners
The Bull Terrier suits first-time owners better than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Drooling
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier drools more than the Bull Terrier.
Energy
The Bull Terrier has more energy than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Which to choose
Bull Terrier or Staffordshire Bull Terrier?
Choose the Bull Terrier if…
- You want a dog that is easier to train
- You want a dog that gets on better with other dogs
- You want a dog that barks less
- You want a dog that suits first-time owners better
Choose the Staffordshire Bull Terrier if…
- You’d like a calmer pet (it is calmer)
- You have less time for long walks (it needs less exercise)
Questions.
Is the Bull Terrier or the Staffordshire Bull Terrier bigger, and which lives longer?
The Bull Terrier is the bigger breed, about 11 kg heavier on average. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Bull Terrier or the Staffordshire Bull Terrier?
The Bull Terrier is generally easier to train than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Bull Terrier or the Staffordshire Bull Terrier?
Both are usually good with children when well socialised. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
They shed about the same amount. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Bull Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier have?
The Bull Terrier is prone to hereditary deafness (especially in white dogs), polycystic kidney disease, lethal acrodermatitis. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is prone to L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria, hereditary cataracts, skin allergies. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
