Are pit bulls and American Staffordshire Terrier the same?

So while every American Staffordshire Terrier can technically be called an American Pit Bull Terrier, not every American Pit Bull Terrier is an American Staffordshire Terrier.)

The American Staffordshire Terrier, also known as Am Staff, is referred to as a “pit bull.” “Despite having many similarities to its cousin breed, the American Pit Bull Terrier, it is separate and distinct from that breed.

Diet and Nutrition

Offer your dog a quality, nutritionally balanced diet. Most owners feed two meals per day. However, talk to your veterinarian about the types and amount of food, as these can vary based on things like age and activity level. Always keep an eye on your dog’s weight and consider treats when calculating their daily food intake. Make sure your dog has access to clean water at all times.

Click Play to Learn More About the Friendly and Trainable American Staffordshire Terrier

Most Am Staffs have a confident and friendly temperament. Generally speaking, they don’t bark excessively, and they manage to be both energetic dogs and couch potatoes in equal measure. But they do have a protective side to them that needs to be controlled through training and socialization.

Affection Level High
Friendliness Medium
Kid-Friendly Medium
Pet-Friendly Medium
Exercise Needs Medium
Playfulness Medium
Energy Level Medium
Trainability Medium
Intelligence Medium
Tendency to Bark Medium
Amount of Shedding Medium

Visual Differences

  • Average height (adult): 18-19 inches (male) / 17-18 inches (female)
  • Average weight (adult): 55-70 pounds (male) / 40-55 pounds (female)
  • Lifespan: 12-16 years
  • Exercise: Moderate energy level; 1+ hours of exercise daily
  • Grooming needs: Mild; monthly coat grooming
  • Family-friendly: Yes; playful and affectionate
  • Other pet-friendly: Mostly friendly to other pets; needs some socialization
  • Trainability: Easy to train; intelligent
  • American Pit Bull Terrier

  • Average height (adult): 18-20 inches (male) / 17-18 inches (female)
  • Average weight (adult): 35-60 pounds (male) / 30-50 pounds (female)
  • Lifespan: 12-16 years
  • Exercise: Moderate to high energy level; 1.5+ hours of exercise daily
  • Grooming needs: Mild; monthly coat grooming
  • Family-friendly: Yes; loving, affectionate, and friendly
  • Other pet-friendly: No
  • Trainability: Easy to train, eager to please, and intelligent
  • FAQ

    What is the difference between a pitbull and an American Staffordshire Terrier?

    Pitbulls and Staffordshire terriers differ primarily in size, color, temperament, and facial structure. Pitbulls are much larger and taller than Staffordshire terriers. Additionally, they are lean and muscular, and they have a variety of colors and markings.

    Is American Staffordshire Terrier mix a pitbull?

    Although the United Kennel Club in England and the American Kennel Club in the United States now recognize the American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier as two distinct dog breeds, respectively, their respective breed standards are written in such a way that some people may find it difficult to distinguish between the two.

    Is an American Pit Bull Terrier the same as a pitbull?

    The American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize the term “pitbulls or pit bulls” as a breed. The American pit bull terrier is a breed recognized by the United Kennel Club, but the term “pit bull” is frequently used to describe mixed-breed dogs with particular physical traits, such as a muscular body and broad head.