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

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.

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

The American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier shed a similar amount (medium).

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

The American Staffordshire Terrier is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is American Staffordshire Terrier or Staffordshire Bull Terrier bigger?

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

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

Both bark a similar amount (low).

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

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

American Staffordshire Terrier vs Staffordshire Bull Terrier

American Staffordshire Terrier vs Staffordshire Bull Terrier: full comparison

Trait	American Staffordshire Terrier	Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	High	Medium
Friendliness	High	Very High
Good with children	High	Very High
Grooming needs	Very Low	Very Low
Shedding	Medium	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 Staffordshire Terrier is a medium-sized dog that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. By comparison, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a medium-sized 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 Staffordshire Terrier needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The American Staffordshire Terrier is about as low-effort to groom as dogs get and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is about as low-effort to groom as dogs get and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The American Staffordshire Terrier learns quickly and enjoys the training process, speaks up only now and then and suits families with children particularly well. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, speaks up only now and then and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. On guarding instinct, American Staffordshire Terrier announces visitors but stops short of guarding, whereas Staffordshire Bull Terrier announces visitors but stops short of guarding.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Staffordshire Bull Terrier has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, American Staffordshire Terrier has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the American Staffordshire Terrier if you want an easier dog to train.

Choose the Staffordshire Bull Terrier if you want the more child-friendly companion or you want a more outgoing, sociable dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the American Staffordshire Terrier or the Staffordshire Bull Terrier better for families with children?: The Staffordshire Bull Terrier tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
Which sheds more, the American Staffordshire Terrier or the Staffordshire Bull Terrier?: The American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the American Staffordshire Terrier or the Staffordshire Bull Terrier?: The American Staffordshire Terrier is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is American Staffordshire Terrier or Staffordshire Bull Terrier bigger?: American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, American Staffordshire Terrier or Staffordshire Bull Terrier?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, American Staffordshire Terrier or Staffordshire Bull Terrier?: For apartment or apartment living, American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier are an even match — either can work well.