Many people confuse Staffordshire Bull Terriers with American Staffordshire Terriers (AmStaffs). While they share some ancestry and similar names, these are distinct breeds with different characteristics. Here’s how to tell them apart.
Size: The Most Obvious Difference
Staffordshire Bull Terrier:
- Height: 14-16 inches
- Weight: 24-38 pounds
- Compact, stocky build
American Staffordshire Terrier:
- Height: 17-19 inches
- Weight: 40-70 pounds
- Taller, more athletic build
The Takeaway: Staffies are significantly smaller! An AmStaff can weigh nearly twice as much as a Staffie.
Origin Story
Staffordshire Bull Terrier:
- Developed in Staffordshire, England
- Recognized by UK Kennel Club in 1935
- Bred specifically as a companion dog after blood sports were banned
- Came to America later
American Staffordshire Terrier:
- Developed in the United States
- American variation that diverged from English stock
- Recognized by AKC separately
- Bred for different purposes in America
Appearance Differences
Beyond size, there are subtle physical differences:
Staffies:
- Broader head relative to body
- More pronounced cheek muscles
- Shorter muzzle
- Rose or half-pricked ears
- More compact overall
AmStaffs:
- Longer muzzle
- More athletic, less stocky appearance
- Taller on the leg
- Similar ear set but larger
Temperament: Subtle Distinctions
Both breeds are:
- Loyal and affectionate
- Intelligent and trainable
- Good with families
- People-oriented
However:
Staffies are particularly renowned for their patience with children (the “nanny dog” reputation) and tend to be more compact cuddle-bugs.
AmStaffs can have slightly higher energy levels and may require more exercise due to their larger size.
Recognition and Standards
Staffordshire Bull Terrier:
- Recognized by AKC, UK Kennel Club, FCI
- Specific breed standard for size and appearance
- Cannot be shown as AmStaff
American Staffordshire Terrier:
- Recognized by AKC as separate breed
- Different breed standard
- Cannot be shown as Staffie
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Choose a Staffordshire Bull Terrier if:
- You want a smaller, more compact dog
- You prefer the traditional English “nanny dog”
- You have size restrictions in your living situation
- You want slightly lower exercise requirements
Choose an American Staffordshire Terrier if:
- You want a larger, more athletic dog
- You can handle a stronger, more powerful dog
- You have more space
- You want a taller dog with more presence
The Bottom Line
Both breeds make wonderful family companions, but they’re not interchangeable. Staffordshire Bull Terriers are smaller, more compact, and distinctly British in origin. American Staffordshire Terriers are larger, more athletic American dogs.
At Santa Paws Bull Terriers, we specialize exclusively in Staffordshire Bull Terriers because we love this breed’s unique combination of strength, gentleness, and compact size. Questions about which breed is right for you? Contact us!