Is the American Pit Bull Terrier or the American Staffordshire Terrier better for families with children?

Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the American Staffordshire Terrier?

The American Staffordshire Terrier sheds more than the American Pit Bull Terrier. If shedding is a concern, the American Pit Bull Terrier is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the American Staffordshire Terrier?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier bigger?

American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier?

For apartment or apartment living, American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier

American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier: full comparison

Trait	American Pit Bull Terrier	American Staffordshire Terrier
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	High	High
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	Low	Very Low
Shedding	Low	Medium
Barking	Low	Low
Protectiveness	Medium	Medium
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	13 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a moderately built dog that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. By comparison, the American Staffordshire Terrier is a moderately built dog that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The American Pit Bull Terrier demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. The American Staffordshire Terrier demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The American Pit Bull Terrier needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and sheds only lightly. The American Staffordshire Terrier is very easy to groom — an occasional brush is all it takes and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The American Pit Bull Terrier takes to training fast and works willingly, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and suits families with children particularly well. The American Staffordshire Terrier takes to training fast and works willingly, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and suits families with children particularly well. On guarding instinct, American Pit Bull Terrier will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian, whereas American Staffordshire Terrier will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, American Pit Bull Terrier has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, American Pit Bull Terrier has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.

Which should you choose?

Choose the American Pit Bull Terrier if you want less shedding around the home.

Choose the American Staffordshire Terrier if you prefer lower grooming upkeep.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the American Pit Bull Terrier or the American Staffordshire Terrier better for families with children?: Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the American Staffordshire Terrier?: The American Staffordshire Terrier sheds more than the American Pit Bull Terrier. If shedding is a concern, the American Pit Bull Terrier is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the American Staffordshire Terrier?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier bigger?: American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier?: For apartment or apartment living, American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier are an even match — either can work well.