American Pitbull Terrier Forum:
I'm Confused......

Could someone explain the difference between the American Staffordshire Terrier, the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier? I'm confused. Thanks

TerrThe Am staff and the American Pitbull Terrier was the same dog before the early 40's. Basically the Pit was bred for performance or (fight contact) and the Am Staff was bred for looks. They look almost exactly alike but usually the Am Staff has a bigger head wider stance. The AKC standard would only allow certain characteristics like eye color, coat color and a few other ridiculous things. The Pitbull is a healthier better-tempered and more athletic dog. The Staffordshire terrier is were they both come from. He's usually smaller but Im not about his breeding history. I mean the purpose of his breeding. Later

TerrThe Am staff and the American Pitbull Terrier was the same dog before the early 40's. Basically the Pit was bred for performance or (fight contact) and the Am Staff was bred for looks. They look almost exactly alike but usually the Am Staff has a bigger head wider stance. The AKC standard would only allow certain characteristics like eye color, coat color and a few other ridiculous things. The Pitbull is a healthier better-tempered and more athletic dog. The Staffordshire terrier is were they both come from. He's usually smaller but Im not sure about his breeding history. I mean the purpose of his breeding. Later

TerrThe Am staff and the American Pitbull Terrier was the same dog before the early 40's. Basically the Pit was bred for performance or (fight contact) and the Am Staff was bred for looks. They look almost exactly alike but usually the Am Staff has a bigger head wider stance. The AKC standard would only allow certain characteristics like eye color, coat color and a few other ridiculous things. The Pitbull is a healthier better-tempered and more athletic dog. The Staffordshire terrier is where they both come from. He's usually smaller but Im not sure about his breeding history. I mean the purpose of his breeding. Later

Some still argue that the ABPT and the AmStaff are the same breed, although most accept the fact that they are not. The APBT was bred for fighting and continued to be bred for that purpose. The AmStaff however, is bred strictly for looks and show. Hence you have two seperate breeds, although they used to be the same dog. The Amstaff is lower to the ground with a broader head and with broader shoulders. The Staffordshire bull terrier is also a show dog, only smaller than the APBT and the AmStaff. It looks like a small version of the AmStaff. Out of the three the APBT is the best as far as tempermant, athleticsm, and drive go.