Breed comparison
American Staffordshire Terrier vs Staffordshire Bull Terrier
How the two breeds compare on the American Kennel Club's 1 to 5 trait ratings, and which one suits which home.
American Staffordshire Terrier
Staffordshire Bull Terrier5Affection with family5
3Good with young children5
3Good with other dogs3
4Openness to strangers4
3Playfulness4
3Energy level4
3Trainability5
3Mental stimulation needs4
3Adaptability5
5Watchdog / protective5
3Barking3
2Shedding2
1Coat grooming2
1Drooling3
The biggest differences
- Good with young children: the Staffordshire Bull Terrier scores 5 out of 5, the American Staffordshire Terrier 3.
- Trainability: the Staffordshire Bull Terrier scores 5 out of 5, the American Staffordshire Terrier 3.
- Adaptability: the Staffordshire Bull Terrier scores 5 out of 5, the American Staffordshire Terrier 3.
- Drooling: the Staffordshire Bull Terrier scores 3 out of 5, the American Staffordshire Terrier 1.
They score the same on affection with family, good with other dogs, openness to strangers, watchdog / protective, barking, shedding.
Which one should you choose?
Pick the American Staffordshire Terrier if you prefer a calmer dog. Pick the Staffordshire Bull Terrier if you have young children, you want an energetic exercise partner, you want a dog that is easier to train.
Ratings are general breed tendencies from the AKC. Every dog is an individual, so meet the dog, and its parents if you can, before you decide. Not sure? Try the breed selector.
Source: American Kennel Club breed ratings (compiled February 2022). How we check.