Comparator

Staffordshire Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier: which breed to choose?

Staffordshire Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier are two dog breeds often compared by future adopters. Here is a point-by-point comparison to help you decide: size, temperament, purchase price, monthly budget, and compatibility with your lifestyle.

Key takeaways

  • American Staffordshire Terrier is larger: 25–30 kg vs 10–17 kg for Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
  • American Staffordshire Terrier is cheaper to buy: 500–1,000 € vs 1,300–1,800 € for Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
  • Monthly budget is similar for both breeds: about 119 € per month.
  • Both breeds need a similar level of daily activity (4/5).
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier is rated higher for “Family & children”: 4/5 vs 3/5 for American Staffordshire Terrier.
  • For “Apartment living”, both breeds are tied (3/5).
  • American Staffordshire Terrier is rated higher for “First-time owner”: 2/5 vs 1/5 for Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
  • Both breeds have a similar life expectancy: 12–14 years.

Our verdict

Choose Staffordshire Bull Terrier if you’re looking for…

  • Active owners : He thrives with people capable of ensuring outings, games, and regular training.
  • Committed families : Well supervised, he can become a very close and playful companion on a daily basis.
  • Adopters already familiar with dog training : A household familiar with socialization and managing the dog's strength starts with a clear advantage.

Choose American Staffordshire Terrier if you’re looking for…

  • Experienced owners : They will know how to manage his strength with consistency, calm, and positive methods.
  • Active households : He enjoys long outings, games, and suitable sporting activities.
  • Responsible families : Good organization and attentive supervision help highlight his affectionate temperament.
  • Available people : A regular presence makes his training, socialization, and daily exercise easier.

Detailed comparison

General information
Origin United KingdomUnited States
FCI group 33
Size MediumMedium
Height at withers 33–40 cm43–48 cm
Weight 10–17 kg25–30 kg
Coat Short, smoothShort, hard, close and glossy
Life expectancy 12–14 ans12–14 ans
Average price 1,300–1,800 €500–1,000 €
Monthly budget ≈ 119 €≈ 119 €
Compatibility
Family & children
Very good
Good
Daily activity required
High
High
Apartment living
Good
Good
First-time owner
Limited
Fairly good
Other pets
Good
Good
Tolerance for being alone
Fairly good
Fairly good
Guarding instinct
Very good
Excellent
Pros & Cons
  • Low escape risk
  • Robust health
  • Easy grooming
  • Sheds little
  • Not very obedient
  • High exercise needs
  • Not very adaptable
  • Tends to destroy
  • Barks a lot
  • Drools a lot
  • Obedient
  • Low escape risk
  • Robust health
  • Easy grooming
  • Drools little
  • High exercise needs
  • Not very adaptable
  • Tends to destroy
  • Barks a lot
  • Sheds a lot