Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier
The two published breed profiles side by side: size, energy, grooming, lifespan, temperament ratings and health.
| Staffordshire Bull Terrier | American Staffordshire Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Size class | Medium | Medium |
| Adult weight | 10.9 to 17.2 kg | 18.1 to 31.8 kg |
| In pounds | 24 to 38 lb | 40 to 70 lb |
| Adult height | 36 to 41 cm | 43 to 48 cm |
| Energy | Very high | Moderate |
| Grooming | Moderate | Low |
| Coat | Short smooth | Short smooth |
| Shedding | Moderate | Low |
| Lifespan | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 16 years |
| Good with children | Reliably good | Fine with supervision |
| Good with other dogs | Fine with supervision | Fine with supervision |
| Country of origin | Great Britain | United States |
The main differences
- The American Staffordshire Terrier is the bigger dog: 18.1 to 31.8 kg against 10.9 to 17.2 kg for the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
- The Staffordshire Bull Terrier needs more exercise: very high energy against moderate for the American Staffordshire Terrier.
- The Staffordshire Bull Terrier takes more grooming (moderate) than the American Staffordshire Terrier (low).
- Life expectancy is similar: 12 to 15 years for the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and 12 to 16 years for the American Staffordshire Terrier.
- With children, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is rated reliably good and the American Staffordshire Terrier fine with supervision.
Temperament
Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Bold, fearless and totally reliable, highly intelligent and affectionate especially with children.
American Staffordshire Terrier: The American Staffordshire Terrier is a stocky, muscular bull and terrier breed that is good natured and confident with their family and highly aware of their surroundings. They are trainable and enjoy mental and physical challenges.
Health worth asking about
Conditions each breed is reported to be predisposed to. Predisposed does not mean inevitable: it means ask the breeder for the parents' test results.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Hereditary cataract (HC-HSF4-2), detectable by DNA test on both parents
- L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria (L-2-HGA), detectable by DNA test on both parents
- Elbow dysplasia, which breeding stock should be elbow graded by x-ray before mating
- Hereditary eye disease screened under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme
American Staffordshire Terrier
- Cerebellar ataxia, also called neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis 4A, which causes a loss of coordination from three to five years of age, detectable by DNA test
- Hip dysplasia, screened by hip evaluation of breeding stock
- Cardiac disease, screened by a cardiac exam
- Thyroid disorders, screened by a thyroid evaluation
- Skin and coat allergies, diagnosed by a vet once parasites and infection have been ruled out
Common questions
Which is bigger, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier or the American Staffordshire Terrier?
The American Staffordshire Terrier. Adults weigh 18.1 to 31.8 kg, against 10.9 to 17.2 kg for the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, going by the published breed profiles.
Which lives longer, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier or the American Staffordshire Terrier?
The published life expectancy is 12 to 15 years for the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and 12 to 16 years for the American Staffordshire Terrier. These are typical ranges across the breed, not a promise about one dog.
Is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier or the American Staffordshire Terrier better with children?
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier scores higher for children (5 against 3 out of 5). Any dog needs supervising around young children, whatever their breed rating.
Related comparisons
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Not veterinary advice. Breed information is general. Your own dog, and your own vet, always win.
Sources
Every figure on this page comes from the two breed guides, which cite:
- akc.org for adult weight and height, life expectancy, energy, grooming, shedding and the temperament ratings, coat type and health notes
- fci.be for country of origin
- ontario.ca for the legal status notes
- akc.org for adult weight and height, life expectancy, energy, grooming, shedding and the temperament ratings, coat type and health notes
- fci.be for country of origin
- ontario.ca for the legal status notes