Dog breed comparison
Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The American Staffordshire Terrier is the bigger breed, about 9 kg heavier on average.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Staffordshire Bull Terrier | American Staffordshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Terrier Dogs | Terrier Dogs |
| Size | Medium | Large |
| Height | 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder | 16 to 19 inches |
| Weight | 24 to 38 pounds | 40 to 60 pounds |
| Life span | 12 to 14 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.
Easy to train
The American Staffordshire Terrier is easier to train than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Exercise needs
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier needs more exercise than the American Staffordshire Terrier.
Intelligence
The American Staffordshire Terrier is quicker to learn than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Good with children
The Staffordshire 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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Friendly with strangers
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is friendlier with strangers than the American Staffordshire Terrier.
Which to choose
Staffordshire Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier?
Choose the Staffordshire Bull Terrier if…
- You’re out walking, running or hiking most days (it needs more exercise)
- You want a dog that is better with children
- You have lots of visitors (it is friendlier with strangers)
- You want a dog that is easier to groom
Choose the American Staffordshire Terrier if…
- You want a dog that is easier to train
- You have less time for long walks (it needs less exercise)
- You want a dog that is quicker to learn
- You want a dog that gets on better with other dogs
Questions.
Is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier or the American Staffordshire Terrier bigger, and which lives longer?
The American Staffordshire Terrier is the bigger breed, about 9 kg heavier on average. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier or the American Staffordshire Terrier?
The American Staffordshire 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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier or the American Staffordshire Terrier?
The Staffordshire 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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
