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Is an American Staffordshire Terrier a "Pit Bull?"

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Question by Peggy
Submitted on 7/30/2003
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Is an American Staffordshire Terrier a "Pit Bull?"


Answer by Asprindog
Submitted on 8/10/2003
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No, the Staffordshire Terrier is not a "Pit Bull." They have many similar qualities but they are not the same dog.

 

Answer by Dizzy
Submitted on 8/10/2003
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no, The Staffordshire Terrier is not a Pitbull, but they are closely related. there are many kinds of Terriers, Jack Russel Terrier, Pitbull Terrier,Staffordshire Terrier, ect. So the reason why a Pitbull and a Staffordshire look so much alike is because, they are both Terriers!

 

Answer by database4
Submitted on 8/11/2003
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NO,they are not the same dog.Is a Schiller Hound and a Smaland hound the same dog?They look nothing alike but they're both hounds.NO! Is a miniature chow and a pomeranian the same dog.They look alike?NO!So the Pit bull and the Staffordshire terrier are not the same dog.There are 37 breeds of terriers.Is it only because the Staffordshire looks similar to the Pit that it too gets a bad name.If you descriminate against Staffordshires and call them Pit bulls then call your Jack Russels and german Hunting Terriers Pit Bulls too.

 

Answer by JaniKay
Submitted on 8/15/2003
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It depends on who you talk to.  I own a male AmStaff and a female Pit Bull Terrier and for all intense purposes they are he same dog.  American Staffordshire Terriers have been selectively bred for the last 65 years or so to posess certain physical characteristics (black nose and eyes) and to ensure a good temperament.  They are the show dog version of a pit bull.

 

Answer by chrissy
Submitted on 8/18/2003
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the akc has classified the breed as an american staffordshire terrier

while the ukc has classified the breed as an american pit bull terrier

so yes, they are both the same dog.  

what people dont understand is that the breed gets a terrible reputation but they can be the most loving and friendly animals in the world.  there is no such thing as bad breeds, only bad owners.  

 

Answer by tracey
Submitted on 8/22/2003
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NO, staffordshire terriers are not the same as a pit bull...they have many of the same qualitys but they are a totally different dog...people have givin them the bad name because some seem agressive to people, but really it is only the owners fault, because of how they bring the dog up...some people want staffys to look and be agressive, coz they want them to be like the pit bull...as i said before they are not the same dog the just have the terrier in there names! So stop givin these beautiful dogs a bad name even though the pitty'sshouldn't get a bad name either...coz really they are just like and other dog, beautiful, gentle and loveable...it's just the owners fault the way they turn out! SO people stop giving all these dogs a bad name. i have always wanted a staffy, but at the moment i am a bit young (not enough money to but 1) but the minute i move outta home i will get 1...@ the moment i have a pomeranian and it would be so so so funny if some one game her a bad name all because of something stupid! STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIERS ROCK!!!

 

Answer by scooter
Submitted on 9/2/2003
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American Staffordshires and Pit Bulls are from the same lineage, Staffordshires was the name given by AKC, and American Pitt Bull Terriers by UKC. Staffordshires have maintain a certain breed look, where as the Pitts have been selected more for their agility and teniacity. Both Breeds can be very good dogs.  


 

Answer by Mark Washington
Submitted on 9/4/2003
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I have three.  One of my females is a Staffy, one is an APBT, and my male stud is an APBT.  To be honest with the world, and to clear up all of the confusion and misconceptions, the only real difference in the two breeds is 6-8" in height and 25 to 35 lbs in weight.  The APBT tends to be the larger of the two.

 

Answer by SWE
Submitted on 9/8/2003
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pitbull is not a breed, it is a crossing of several strong dogs to produce ultimate fighting dogs.

 

Answer by Great Dane Lover
Submitted on 9/14/2003
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Go here to find out
http://www.canismajor.com/dog/amerpit.html
read the whole page, especially the part about Petey

 

Answer by JMAN
Submitted on 9/19/2003
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If they are the same breed then why is it that insurance companies refuse to provide coverage to home owners of APBT, while home owners of American Staffordshire terriers are given full coverage? I also want to know is there any difference in their demeanor to children (which one could you trust more when alone)?

 

Answer by myles
Submitted on 9/19/2003
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Yes they are the same only breed in two different ways. staff are breed for show but so are pit the only thing is pits are still fought and staffs arent

 

Answer by Andy McCook    [ baldy]
Submitted on 10/3/2003
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Pit bulls are not a bad dog unless you treat them bad. I have three staffs of my own and they are not bad at all. They are full of life and great with children.  So there is not alot of difference in the two breeds unless there ability and looks.

 

Answer by peterbilt2919
Submitted on 10/3/2003
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I have a staff and is 95lbs. All my friends with pits rarley get one to weigh more than 75lbs. I think that staffs are a bigger breed.

 

Answer by mamadiehl
Submitted on 10/5/2003
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I dont believe there the same.i have a male staffordshire and he is a great dog.Hes never bitten or even thought about it.He sleeps and plays with our 2year old grandaughter.he is very loving but the state i live in considers him a pit and i have to go to court over him because my neighborer let him off his cable and then called the dogwarden because hes an ass!!!

 

Answer by Phamous
Submitted on 10/16/2003
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I'm not sure if they're the same or not but I work for an insurance co and we will not write a policy for either in any state.

 

Answer by Owner of  Both
Submitted on 10/18/2003
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Pit Bulls and American Staffordshire Terriers are genetically the same breed of dog and there are several instances in which a particular dog has dual registration.  In fact, the UKC was founded for the express purpose of allowing registration of the breed.  If you don't believe me, look at the bylaws of the UKC which set forth the 12 rules of pit bull fighting.  Over time, the UKC also became the registry for hunting dogs which is its main focus today.  The AKC eventually began allowing the breed to be registered under the name of American Staffordshire Terrier.  What we currently have is a situation in which one group (the UKC) has been breeding the dog for "performance" and the other (the AKC) has been breeding the dog to maintain specific physical standards.  Selective breeding over many generations have produced two strains of the same dog with pit bulls having the tendency to be more aggressive.  Since only an idiot would want to fight a dog, I prefer the temperament of the American Staffordshire Terrier.

 

Answer by Tanieca
Submitted on 10/18/2003
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Pit bulls and Stafforshire terriers are not the same dog.  They do look a lot alike but Amstaff'stend to be shorter than Pits.  I have a purebread pit and know he is a pit, not an amstaff. They are both equally able to be lovable dogs if treated well.  Any dog can be bad if you treat it badly.  Pit bulls are such a great dog to get if you have kids because they can take the roughness of kids with animals.  It is sad that they get a bad rep (both dogs) because of stupid people and bad breeding.

 

Answer by Devil
Submitted on 10/21/2003
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They are essentially the same breed,however the best pit bulls were chosen and raised in a more  subtle way. Staffordshire are more quality dogs and have a better temper when, that is if trained they it is easier to train them to loyal and predictable. However pit bulls can be raised in the same way and become really good dogs. One more thing, in most countries Pit Bulls are illegal while Staffordshire are recognized as all the other dog's breeds

 

Answer by Belliemonster
Submitted on 10/29/2003
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The American Pitbull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier are one and the same. They carrier to different names due to the fact that the AKC doe's not register the pitbull by its chosen name Pitbull Terrier. This is because they do not want to be associated with a dog who has a bad rep or the people who tend to own these dogs. The Colby book of Pitbull Terrier's explain the different names for the to clubs which register the breed. The AKC standard for the AmStaff is based on a dog named Primo who was a full blooded pitbull bred by the Colby family during the turn of the century. I tend to believe that no dog is bad, but because of the love it has for its owner, its actions are misunderstood.

 

Answer by bo
Submitted on 10/29/2003
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i have an american staffy and he sleeps in be with and he is the biggest sook and i think they are the best dog you could have

 

Answer by pitbully
Submitted on 11/2/2003
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staffs. are of the pit family,although less aggressive and smarter they do not lack in agility and quickness.am staff is my first pick,,,,family dog,loveable and protective.

 

Answer by Cassie
Submitted on 11/6/2003
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I am an insurance agent who owns 3 pit bulls. I couldn't insure myself if I wanted to, and it is SO unfair... HOWEVER, I do understand why they get picked on, so I'll try to pass that on. The only reason insurance companies pick on them is because of the "lock-jaw" trait they are born with. Whether they ever use it or not, its the gene within that could cause an intentional death by the dog. But it is unfair they get singled out.

 

Answer by Eleddo
Submitted on 11/6/2003
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First off SWE is a total eidiot who has never owned a pit or pit-like dog. I think that they're about as close as you can get to eachother without being the exact same dog. Pits tend to be a little bit skinnier. The thing that that I hate most is when people like SWE say pits are killers or ultimat fighters. They'rer actually great dogs but there are always gonna be dumba*$@ like SWE sayin that there killers or ultimate fighters or whatever.

 

Answer by kmw1977
Submitted on 11/7/2003
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I've been hearing a lot of opinions about these two dogs being different.  My opinion is that long time ago these two dogs were once the same.  But now they're totally different.  A true Pitbull has been breed for hundreds of generations to be a fighter.  The owners cared about two things One being that the  dog was not a man biter.  Ones that where found out to be man bitters were often killed.  Two that they be a total fighting machine(gameness,ability, bite, etc..)  And when you breed for standards like that you lose out on things that would be important for a show breeder.  Being able to determine a dog's size, color, etc.. was not important for Pit breeders.  So now if you have 10 different pit bulls from 10 different lines of pits you will see a different looking dog  most of the time.  Some may be heavy, so may be short, some make be rail thin, but if breed correctly all will be dog stoppers.  The Staff in my opinion is nothing more the a repersentive of the pit that was breed for show standards.  So today some staffs and pits look a lot alike.  But all things being equal they are not the same dog..  That's my two cents...   kmw1977@yahoo.com

 

Answer by Lucky Luciano
Submitted on 11/8/2003
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The Staffordshire is not a pit bull, it is a closely related breed.  The Staffordshire looks like a pit bull but it's about the size of a cocker spaniel.  The American Staffordshire has the same appearance but it is much bigger, about the size of a true pit bull.  Some people list them as the same breed, but the true pit is actually a beefed up version of the American Staffordshire.

 

Answer by Nica
Submitted on 11/8/2003
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Let's clear this up- for good!!  I have a Staffy.  I did a lot of research on this BEFORE I bought the dog.  The Pit Bull and Amstaff have a different genetic make up.  The are scientifically different dogs.  They look alike because they are in the same "terrier" group, but their very chemical makeup is totally different.  Not to mention the breeding!!  Staffys are shorter, stockier, and are very trust worthy and show no aggressive traits when raised correctly.  The true reason the AKC has not been able to recognize the "Pit Bull" as a breed, is because they are bred indiscriminately and many times bred for all the wrong reasons- you know- those "aggressive" traits.  The AKC can't find a group of "Pit Bulls"  that have the same GENETIC make up to call that group a breed.  Furthermore, the AKC'sresearch has found to get a "Pit Bull"  someone had to mix a Staffy and a Bull Terrier(the Spud's McKenzie dog) to get the dog known as the Pit Bull today.  The Staffy'slineage has been carefully watched for years and will never be tainted with cross breeding.  It's a shame really for the Pit Bull; some one should care enough to find a "perfect specimen" so that they can call it the Pit Bull officially with AKC and the breed could be controlled from stupid people who think it's a good idea to breed the aggressive "junk yard pit".  I hope this helps!!

 

Answer by LOTUS
Submitted on 11/9/2003
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I OWN A SHOW QUALITY AMSTAFF AND I USE TO OWN A PITBULL THEY DID NOT LOOK THE SAME MY AMSTAFF IS BIGGER THEN MY PITBULL BUT THEY BOTH HAD SWEET TEMPERMENTS AND ANY ONE WHO BELIEVES PITBULLS AND AMSTAFFS ARE VISCIOS THEN BLAME THE OWNER NOT THE DOG.

 

Answer by Eddie H
Submitted on 11/13/2003
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Actually I'm pretty sure that they are a little bit different. Like some people said the staffy is a show dog and the pit is a sporting dog. But if you really want to you can easily make the pit a family dog and the staffy  a sporting dog. For example my grandma's staffy was found at a park near her home in L.A. and it used to be a fighting dog, and a friend of mine has a pit bull that is a perfect pet. Another thing is that I don't think people should go around sayin that all pits and staffy's are mean I think if you really wanna blame someone for the way that a dog act's you should blame the owner. What i'm trying to say is that pits and staffy's are definatly not born mean it's your choice on how you raise it.

 

Answer by Here
Submitted on 11/13/2003
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Then a small group of pit bull fanciers decided that their "Grand Old Breed" needed full American Kennel Club recognition in order to distance itself from its baiting/fighting heritage. A standard was drawn up and application made to the AKC. [John Colby's dog "Primo" was one of the dogs used to formulate the AKC standard, and Primo's picture illustrated the idea of perfection for many years. Those wanting to know what a real American Staffordshire is supposed to look like should study a picture of Primo.]

The dogs were accepted, but the AKC would not allow the word "pit" in the name, and so the rather dubious designation of Staffordshire "terrier" was chosen. Only the AKC could come up with a name like that! Staffordshire was a place in England noted for its harsh way of life and its fighting animals, however, it could hardly claim to be the place of origin. And placing this bulldog in the terrier group was simply ludicrous. Terriers, named for the Latin "terra" meaning earth, are smallish dogs which "go to ground" after small prey. They are noted for their quick tempers and sharp intelligence. True terriers are "hand spannable", meaning a man can grasp the dog behind its shoulders and have his fingers touch. Dogs larger than this are of doubtful use in ground work. To consider a breed which has always worked above ground, whose original purpose was the gripping of large wild game, then later wayward bulls, and then later still combat with a variety of animals, a "terrier" defies explanation.

The word "American" was added to the name of this very British breed in the 1970's when pit bulls began being imported to the US under the name Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Most registries simply lumped the two dogs together, since they were the same breed. The AKC and UKC did for many years. Yet the two lines of the same breed had changed in some important physical ways. The pit bulls developed in the UK after the turn of the century had been bred strictly for show and pet. Emphasis had been put on a stocky, "bully" look and small size. Top weight for the breed was 35 pounds - in reality the bottom weight for most pit bulls. Because of these differences, the AKC created two breeds where before their had been one (this has been done several times, as with the Norwich and Norfolk terrier to name one example). Because of this division of the same dog, there were now three distinct "breeds" all originating from the good ol' pit bulldog. The American pit bull terrier as registered by the ADBA and UKC, the American Staffordshire as registered by the American Kennel Club (and by the UKC, but as an American pit bull terrier) and the Staffordshire bull terrier as registered by the AKC and now the UKC.


 

Answer by jonuk
Submitted on 11/14/2003
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I own a staff, as pit bulls have been banned here in england since the 90s, he is big 95lb and much taller than the average staff here in UK,people are always asking me is he a pit?i have seen many photos on web sites of A.M.P.B and can say there is very little difference if any in the two breeds,he is a great dog ,though the average staff here is quite small and stubby,so maybe the American ones were crossed with bigger breeds,to increase there size,I remember reading an article,about when the staffs were first taken over to America,there ability to withstand pain etc led many to self destruction ie when fighting mountain lions,as they wont back off

 

Answer by Craig
Submitted on 11/15/2003
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the reason why they look so similar, is because they are both descendants of the Staffordshire bull terrier. although almost identical, the reason for the difference in appearance and temperament, is because of what they were breed to do. look at it this way...there are two different kinds of Irish setters. there are the show and sporting breed. the sporting breed is much smaller, has a shorter coat, and has a much lighter chestnut color than the dark mahogany color of the show breed.

 

Answer by MR PROPHETE
Submitted on 11/18/2003
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le pit bull et l'americanstaff sont issu des memes chien, pour l'un qui a eut moins de chance( l'americanpit bull terrier) qui na pas ete reconnue et donc qui est en dange d extinction et pour l autre(l'amstaff) qui lui a ete reconnu et qui,pour l instant n'estpas mis en danger! de toute maniere, avan que le staff obtiene son nom actuelle, il se nommai aussi pit bull terrier.

 

Answer by novice
Submitted on 11/19/2003
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The apbt and amstaff are the same breed of dog bred for different porposes.The pit bull is bred for ability and the staff is bred for looks.These days many pitbull breeders are breeding for conformation so I suppose more than ever are the two variations becoming more alike than different,also many of these dogs are dual registered as pitbulls and as am staffs making my answer yes other than the fact that the gamebred pitbull is the only true reprosentation of the dogs of old they are the same breed.

 

Answer by cluedevil
Submitted on 11/22/2003
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The pitbull and the amstaff are two different breeds of terrier.  The pit is shorter and stockier while the amstaff is a little taller and slender.  Both posses great physical attributes as well as intelligence.  The amstaff was more for companionship than was the pit.  I dont know if the amstaff has the ability to lock its jaws either.  What it boils down too is the pit retained the bulldog look and the amstaff more of the terrier look.  Just about all terrier breeds where pulled out of an old english bulldog to calm them down.  

 

Answer by ROXY25
Submitted on 11/23/2003
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All of you guys saying that they are not the same breed, are just idiots. Can you guys please read the history of the American Pit Bull terrier (APBT) where in the heck do you think Amstaffs come from? you can take an amstaff pedigree and a UKC APBT and go all the way back in their pedigree and see that they came from the same dogs. You guys keep saying APBT look different the American dog breeder association ADBA registers APBT there standard is different from the AKC,and UKC. If you would read the AKC and the UKC standard you will see they are similar with little differences.
The person that said they look alike because they are terriers is an idiot. Ok you are basically saying that all terriers are alike by saying that dumb statement. Second to the insurance man with 3 pit bulls you are the stupidest person here. you wonder why people can't get insurance is because people like you throwing these myths about APBT having locking jaws!
All of you guys need to please visit www.purebredpuupy.com and get real answers from real breeders. I will say this can be debated because some breeders feel they are different because AKC dogs have been bred for 60 years without open stud book. well I disagree because that didn't change the AKC dogs genotype there was no out-crossing to make AKC amstaffs different from UKC/ADBA APBT please even read what AKC said about Amstaff they state they changed the name because they didn't want the word "pit" in it, AKC is just snobbish and didn't want controversy. please all visit that site I gave you can learn alot about the breed instead of these myths filling your head on this website!!!!!!!!

 

Answer by stafflover
Submitted on 12/8/2003
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it's obvious that most of the talk on this site is from hear-say. no one wants to do some research on these 3 breeds. the term "pit bull" is a generic, street name given to this breed during it's development. it is used way too loosely. they all have the same lineage and roots. they've just taken diff't paths over time. staffordshire bull terriers were "pit fighting' dogs but since the sport was outlawed, they were bred for show and conformity and have strictly followed it's breed standard. everyone has their own opinion about each breed but one thing is undeniably true; apbt's, amstaffs, staffords& bull terriers are all related. they are just bred for diff't qualities or traits. some are bred for show, some for sport/work. some of the breeds are more consistent in their breedings and some are done irresponsibly. c'mon people...lock jaw??? that's nonsense that ignorant people believe. they were bred to fight relentlessly to the death which may account for that stereotype.they are very determined dogs and they all possess the same traits instilled in them for the purpose of fighting.there are noticeable differences between the breeds but they are all related.staffords and amstaffs are bred for show but still possess the same qualities as apbt's that's all there is to it. if you read their breed standards, you will discover the differences between them but only in appearance. all in all, they are a great breed who have been exploited for their capicity and ability to inflict harm onto others for the selfish desires of their owners. punish the deed, not the breed.

 

Answer by stafflover
Submitted on 12/8/2003
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i'mgoing to steal an exerpt from a book on staffords to further clarify my previous response. sorry for beating this to death but i'mpassionate about the breed and enjoy clarifying things.
Walk a staffordshire bull terrier down the street and you're bound to be asked "Is that a pit bull?" Most Staffordshire owners are quick to answer no and say the name of the breed over and over again. However, the complete answer is not "no" but "not anymore". At one time the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was so-called Pit Bull- a dog bred and conditioned to fight other dogs in an enclosure called a pit. In fact, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was the orignal pit fighting dog, from which others have descended. But that was over a hundred years ago. Today the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, both here and in England, is a family pet.
now, that covers the stafford. as for apbt'sand amstaffs, they are very close cousins, only different in the breed standards that each adheres to since they are registered in diff'tkennel clubs. you will never, ever see a stafford w/ his ears or tail cut, for the record. apbt'sare typically bred to retain more of it's gameness as opposed to amstaffs and staffords which are bred for show and companionship, abandoning it's fighting past.

 

Answer by bino
Submitted on 12/10/2003
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the are both good dogs? it's how jou creat them!
bad dog= bad owner

 

Answer by pure colby
Submitted on 12/12/2003
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stafs and pits were once the same for the most part breed.but like anything raise two kids difrent you will have a difrent result. the only leg staf people how want there dog to have a now popular vibe is that the akc asked the colby family to give a standerd for ther new popular pay check aka amstaf. not a problem for a breed facing such harsh critics .so is a pit the same as a staf it depends on who you bought your dog from and what you wanted to here

 

Answer by Bug
Submitted on 12/16/2003
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The american staffordshire terrier is not the same as the pit. I used to work for pets mart and over 1/2 the dogs that came in were pits and the staffordshire's they look the same but the temperments are diffrent. we are supposed to pet the animals and show intrests and i noticed the staffordshire'stemperment are better, they seem nicer... i will be getting one soon.

 

Answer by stafflover
Submitted on 12/19/2003
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just keep this in mind when trying to put all of this in perspective...the staffordshire bull terrier was the first, original pit fighting dog from which the american staffordshire bull terrier and american pit bull terrier were bred from. i guess you can consider them all as distant cousins, no two are the same. regardless, they are all great dogs when bred responsibly and raised correctly.

 

Answer by Neika William
Submitted on 2/12/2004
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yes, because there dogs and they can breed so there probly known as a staffordshire.

 

Answer by amused
Submitted on 2/12/2004
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To Stafflover, you are wrong about amstaffs never having ears and tails clipped!!I know a breeder in So. MN who shows her dogs and they have ears and tails clipped!
I feel there are only size differences between the two.They obviously come from the same lineage. I have owned an amstaff and plan on getting another staff/apbt.

 

Answer by beans
Submitted on 2/12/2004
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its all about the gameness of the breed. gameness is a quality that allows pitbulls to fight to the death, whereas an amstaff while being tough does not posses the same life or death killer instinct. not all pits are geam and not all amstaffs arent its uptp the dog its just an inate thing

 

Answer by kel
Submitted on 3/13/2004
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i have a am staff he is the biggest baby
he sleeps on my bed i have people say that he looks like a Pitt bull, people that teach their dog to be aggressive will get an aggressive dog my am staff has a good nature
just like my other dog the golden retriever.
and no i think he isn't like a Pitt bull at all.

 

Answer by Romeo
Submitted on 3/15/2004
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The Staffordshire or Irish Staffordshire's were the first pit dogs.  In the UK staffy bulls are the champion pit dogs.  American pitbulls and amstaffs hardly ever win matches there.  The pit is too skinny and the amstaff is too big, but staffy bulls are short stocky and are the toughest when gamebred.  All of these dogs can be gamebred.  The only dog with the longest fighting line is the original fighting dog which makes the staffy bull the most game.  The word "pit" is a generalization that people use as clarifying a fighting type.  All fighting types branch from the strong roots of the staffy bull.  You'd have to find the underground fighter in UK to see real dog fighting.  The american champ looses every year in the UK.  The champion always brings in an american pitbull terrier.  The pits long legs dont give him the leverage to win against a stockier dog.  They are always rolled and severely mangled.  People produced both spin-off dogs for looks.  The staffy wasn't made for looks, but only for fighting.  People that dont gamebreed their dogs dont have true pitbulls.  The true pit bull is the staffy bull.  And the ampit and the amstaff have only been separated lineages for 60 years.  They haven't had time to vary in looks.  Anyone who owns a pit nowadays breeds thier dog to the way they want it to look.  Staffy bulls are gamebred, not for looks, but for fighting.  So they are the same breed.

 

Answer by jab2
Submitted on 3/20/2004
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  I can't help but laugh at how mis informed 99% of you people are. Whoever said the word lockjaws should be banned from AMPBT or amstaff ownership, your ignorance is the reason we are subject to our unfair breed laws in the first place. I dont have to repeat as there are correct answers on this board E.G. Roxy.. Staff lover Im sure your a great staff owner but where did you get your info from, Many AMSTAFFS , actually most show amstaffs have there ears done. None of the three breeds should ever have their tails docked. Both staffs and apbts are breed for conformation or work depending on what the breeders purpose is. Both traditionally, and thank god responsible breeders are lobbying back for their dogs, are bred to be the ultimate people lovers. Unfortunately pit bull bites man is news  dog bites man isnt. In reality None of these "pit bull" breeds are even close to the top of the list of reported dog bites in the country, Cocker spaniels and standard poodles are both way up on our "pit bulls" ooooh scary. Even though both of those breeds are wonderful also in the right hands. Id much rather pay higher taxes to jail some of these dog fighting felons then have my homeowners insurance skyrocket cuz my staffy bull wont stop licking the neighbor's toddler's face. You want to know what our "pit bulls" are bred for,, take them rollerblading. bottom line same original bloodlines, AKC wont register apbt but UKC will register AMSTAFFS as apbt's Oh yeah Romeo,, you should be in prison getting staffy bulled up your @#$, what place in todays society is there for a fighting dog try some evolution savage boy..

 

Answer by twinoaks2431
Submitted on 3/20/2004
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I am not sure about the difference of the breeds, but as a "pit bull" owner, I can tell you that I do not see any of the more aggressive behavior mentioned in some of these responses. My children are older, but when friends brings thier small children over, the dogs will lay down by them and let them pull their ears, lips, and anything else they can get their fingers on. I find these dogs to be extremely kind, loving gentle superb family pets. I would not discriminate between choosing an "APBT" or a Staffordshire, I love the look of these dogs, and their personality can not be beat by any other dog that I have seen.

 

Answer by John
Submitted on 3/21/2004
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This one goes out to the idiots.  1)  Cassie - I hope you know alot about insurance because you know nothing about dogs.  Everyone knows Pits can't lock their jaws: no dog can.  2)  Lucky Luciano - AmStaffs are usually bigger/heavier than Pits, not the other way around.  3)  Nica - I guess the AKC can pat themselves on the back, because they actually got you to believe their crap.  They're all Pit Bulls, they all came from English Staffies, and they are way more bulldog than terrier in every sense of the word.  True terriers don't shed at all.  Lastly, English Staffies aren't winning any illegal fights against Pits, Romeo.  You may say this to make you feel better, but we took Staffies and made them bigger, stronger and better fighters over here in America, like we do with everything else.  Take a 35lb English Staff and see what he does with a 75 lb Pit.  Nothing, that's what.  Want to see real dog fights?  Go to Central Asia where it's not only legal, but part of the culture.  Even in Japan they don't roll dogs like they used to because of "public" opinion.  In Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, it's done all the time, in public, and people who fight dogs all around the world bring their best over there to see who's really the top fighting dog.  And guess what?  It's not the Tosa, not the Fila Brasiliero, or the Presa Canrio or the Cane Corso.  It's the Pit Bull.....American version, followed very closely by the Caucasian Owcharka.  English staffies are tops for their weight class only, and size counts.  An Owcharka would pick their teeth with a little English Staffie.

 

Answer by stafflover
Submitted on 3/26/2004
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hey "amused", read my submission again. i said "staffords" not "amstaffs" never have their ears cropped. that's how they are commonly referred to.
john, john, john. what are doing talking about dog-fighting??? you should be on a diff'tweb site, don't ya think? you made some good points initially which i agree to but took a turn for the worse when you went into "dog fighting". you should not have any right to comment about this breed if that's what you are into. it's like a child molester at a PTA meeting. i dont know if you participate in it but you sure seem to know an awful lot about it. enough to be associated w/ the scum who exploit this breed. who wants to hear about "my dog is tougher than your dog" crap!? they are all great! they may have been bred to fight but that was back in the 1800's. we're trying to move on here john and you're slowin' us down w/ that b/s. i hope i'mwrong about you and if i am, then i take it all back. if not, do the breed a favor and stay away from them.

 

Answer by patch69
Submitted on 3/29/2004
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Hi there, not that it really matters but if you really do a study on the differnce of the dogs, you will find that there are a few of there breeding that is different, but you dont see this much in New Zealand, a big Factor is your colours of your dogs, APBT are mainy tan with white or lighter colours with a longer legs and a head like your normal English Staffy, how ever the Amstaff if breed right have pointed tiped ears, with out being cut or made that one by humans wanting there dog to look more that it is! I have one like that, she is small but not much bigger than the English but heaps smaller than AMPT. each to themselve really, its all bout the breeder and breeding , and then the rasing of the animal! not the breed !!!

 

Answer by snipe
Submitted on 4/3/2004
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ROMEO ... you see that .. and you allow that to happen you so CRUEL .. for letting thing happen  if i was me i could have STOP IT because i am very against "dog fight" .... it seem like you enjoy it .. and brag that UK  that beat Pit bull .>OH PLEASE ... i don't even enjoy reading your post .. that CRUEL ...

i do love pit bull and i have raised them.. and they are kind PUFF .. even i look at Amstaff .. they look too SMALL and they have good name .. like their history during the war ... that soldiers had them as their heroes and stuff like that ... and make pit bull look bad .. and now many many insurance refuse to accept pitbull... and it it accept STAFFFORD SHIRE .. then what different between  them.. so it is very Obviously that Pit and AmStaff is not the SAME !

 

Answer by Fletch
Submitted on 4/9/2004
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Here is a question to that donut John. Why do Americans like you think bigger is better? it is just so typical of your arrogance which reflects badly on all decent americans. I personally have no interest in dog fighting but being an owner of fighting dogs I have an interest in the history of the breed. Serious dog fights were always matched pound for pound, only an idiot would match a 35 pound dog against a 75 pound dog, the smaller dog would have no chance no matter what the breed. Nearly all dog fights were staged at around 30 pounds at fighting weight and this includes Pit Bulls, it is only since the second world war that pit bulls have dramatically increased in size and that is for guarding and protection reasons. Genuine fighting dogs are too small to be efective protectors/guards. Staffordshire bull terriers have had their size fixed at between 24 and 38 pounds, this is ensure the current breed does not get too large and develop into a molosser (like the pit bull terrier has, which has no current restrictions).
Pit Bulls have been outlawed in Britain and the only ones you see have been imported illegally. Since this has happened pit men have develloped the 'Irish' staffordshire bull terrier which is much more like the staffords that were taken to America 100 years ago. These are true game staffords and to back 'Romeo' up I have heard that these dogs are beating Pit Bulls when matched pound for pound at illegal dog fights. KEEP YOUR BIG FAT AMERICAN EGO UNDER CONTROL!!!

 

Answer by J H
Submitted on 4/13/2004
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They are differant breeds. The Staff started out with APBT stock down from great breeders like John P. Colby. After year of breeding for look they have became a seprate breed. So in a maner of speaking they are distant relitives. To say that the Pit bull is npt a pure breed dog is a lie! The APBT has been breed for over 150 years in this country from proven stock with better records keept than any other dog in history.

 

Answer by amber
Submitted on 4/14/2004
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YES THEY ARE! IF YOU HAVE RESEARCHED CORRECTLY THEN YOU WOULD KNOW THAT THEY ARE ONE AND THE SAME,IN 1936 PETE THE PUP IN THE LITTLE RASCLES WAS A WELL LIKED APBT.THE AKC JUMPED ON THE BANDWAGON & REGISTERED THE BREED AS THE STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER. THE AKC,UKC, & ADBA VERSION OF THE PITT BULL TERRIER WERE IDENTICAL SCINCE THE ORIGIANAL AKC STOCK CAME. FACTS ARE FACTS!

 

Answer by oats
Submitted on 4/14/2004
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after reading what everyone as wrote about staffordshire bulls ,pit bulls and american bulls i have to laugh.they all come from the same breed .and john by the way as for americans making the staffordshire bulls bigger and stronger and better fighters the only thing you have done is change the breed.bigger is not always better.i know you americans think it is .take a look around mate as you are one of the fattest countries going.so i would say bigger isnt always better.if you have done that to yourselves god help your dogs.

 

Answer by jkbegnaud
Submitted on 4/15/2004
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OK.   If you really don't know what you are talking about, please keep your opinions to yourself.  1.  Technically they were the same breed until about the 50's.  The breed was then selectively bred for certain qualities.  The APBT was still bred for the sporting traits and gameness and the American Staffordshire terrier was bred for conformation and show traits.  2.  Whoever thinks that they have "lock Jaw",  I have 100 acres on the moon that I am selling for a great price.....call me.  ANY color is acceptable for the APBT breed except solid white.  The AKC"version" of the APBT cannot have a red nose.  Which by the way is a trait of the old Irish bred dogs.  4. You can register an APBT with the UKC, and register the same dog with the AKC as an American Staffordshire terrier.  I have one that is dual registered.  When it comes down to it, the dogs, unless you a expert on the two, are basically the same.  And for the idiot that said that the AM staff was a pure breed and the APBT was a mixture of a bunch of terriers..... you're stupid.  There is no such thing as a pure bred dog.  the are all mixtures of some multitude of different MUTTS of yesteryear. The wolf id the only true pure K9. The Doberman was selectively bred by Dr. Doberman,  a tax collector in Germany who was tired of getting robbed and wanted protection.  Today's rottweiler looks nothing like the rotts of the 1700's.  Those are extinct.  All of these "poo" dogs are those pure also.  I think I want to make my own breed the heinz 57.  You think the AKC will take me up on it.  I just think that it is pathetic that incapable  owners want them because they look tough.  I think that you have ego probs.  I have owned several of the dogs and would not get another breed for anything.  So to all of you idiot owners out there, Educate yourself and help out the breed instead of wearing your muscle shirts and putting ads in the local paper for"PITS ,Huge heads and weigh 120 lbs."  I applaud all of the good answers that many of you have given, you exemplify the breed.  My dogs say thank you.


 

Answer by jon
Submitted on 4/16/2004
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which one will win in a fight a pit bull or a Staffordshire bull terrier

 

Answer by manateegurl
Submitted on 4/18/2004
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Different people can have totally different views on this subject. Yes, American Staffordshire Terriers and American Pit Bull Terriers were originally the same breed, but they have branched off to perform different tasks. Pit Bulls have become a fighting breed(although they are extremely nice, and can be used otherwise,)and Staffies have become show dogs and family pets. Either breed is extremely nice, and they are very similar as pets.

 

Answer by Dell Boy
Submitted on 4/19/2004
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When bull baiting was outlawed, dog fighting, which could be done clandestinely, became the blood sport of choice, and the bull-baiting dogs gained fame in the dog-fight pits, earning the name pit bull. These dogs were bred to be vicious fighters and gentle with people.

Technically, the name, pit bull, does not refer to a specific breed. It is a generic designation for several breeds including the American pit bull terrier, which was the first breed registered by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1898; its counterpart, the American Staffordshire terrier, which was registered by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1936; and the ancestor of both breeds, the Staffordshire bull terrier.

The efforts of breeders to create a game but trustworthy companion, has resulted in dogs that are no longer bred to fight. Breeders test their gameness in weight-pulling contests. Other pit bulls compete in obedience and agility trials, and many have become gifted therapy dogs.

Pit bulls tend to weigh 40 to 70 pounds. Bull terriers weigh 45 to 65 pounds, and Staffordshire bull terriers weigh in at 30 to 40 pounds.


 

Answer by staffyboyuk
Submitted on 4/27/2004
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It all depends I have heard a lot of people say that the AKC calls them American Staffordshire bull terrirs and the UKC calls them american pit bull terriers........this is not the case! In the U.S American staffordshire bull terriers are totally different to U.K staffordshire bull terriers! So basically in the states the Am pit bull terrier and Am staffordshire bull terrier are practically the same dog but in the U.K the staffordshire bull terrier is quite a bit smaller and different than both of the american breeds........if that makes sense.......

 

Answer by staffyboyuk
Submitted on 4/27/2004
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"The dogs were accepted, but the AKC would not allow the word "pit" in the name, and so the rather dubious designation of Staffordshire "terrier" was chosen. Only the AKC could come up with a name like that! Staffordshire was a place in England noted for its harsh way of life and its fighting animals, however, it could hardly claim to be the place of origin. "

You crazy yanks need to do some research I think you will find Staffordshire still IS a place in England (as I live here)and IT IS the origin of the staffordshire bull terrier..........just not the american staffordshire bull terrier two different breeds and the thread does say are staffordshire bull terriers and pit bulls the same not american staffordshire bull terriers and pit bulls!!!!!!!!

 

Answer by Ken
Submitted on 4/30/2004
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The Staffordshire Terrier is a Pit Bull, and so is a Dobie, and an Akita, a Great Dane and all other dogs. The "Pit" Bull is not a real name for the dog, it just means that they were used for Pit Fights, Pit fighting with Bulls. The American Shafforshide Terrier was the main animal used to Taim Bulls, in a Pit, thats the only reason that they are referred to as "pit bull" most of the time.

 

Answer by thebest2dogs
Submitted on 5/5/2004
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Hmmm....there are some strange people out there! Turning dog questions into American jokes...

Anyway, they are in fact the same breed of dogs, just two different names, one is more "acceptable". Take two rottweilers, for example, look at them- guaranteed, if they are not "show quality" there will be vast differences in their appearance- size, markings, etc. Just like the "APBT" and the "AmStaff". I find it amusing also that some are saying that the APBT is bigger than the AmStaff, while others say it is vice versa- you know why this happens, because it is the same breed of dog!

Raise them properly- socialize them, bring them around strangers, other dogs, take them to the pet store, the dog park, expose them to all that is around, and you will have a wonderful companion! Raise the dog right and don't let unsuitable owners have them. You raise ANY dog to be viicous, it will be vicious. And just so we are clear, chow and cocker spaniels have the most frequent bite incidents.

 

Answer by Montruexe
Submitted on 5/6/2004
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the difference in the breeds are as miniscule and prevalent as the owners who rant on there characteristics... that instinct which is nurtured most by the owner, is what will define the animal. the first pit i ever met was was on a chain with links 3/4" in diameter. he never barked growled or budged as he stared expectantly, muscles wrought with tension. i fell in love. on the other hand, my pit cuddles with my persian cat, and my 2 year old son. there is a difference in the breeds owners, not the dog. the image those owners like to portray, are the only difference in the breeds themselves. if you read any of the statements pre-cursor to mine, this is self-evident. the kennel committees got one thing right though.. this dog is all american.

 

Answer by SpencerPits
Submitted on 5/9/2004
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There is no such thing as an AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER. There is the Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, and the American Pit Bull Terrier. Bull Terriers are the smallest of the 3. APBTs that are bred to their standard are somewhat smaller than ASTs. Of course I've seen APBTs range in weight from under 20 lbs (full grown) to well over 100 lbs (this is just ridiculous). They can't lock their jaws. As others have said - no dog can. I don't personally have any experience with BTs or ASTs, but I do have 6 APBTs. They are all inside dogs and are great with me, my husband, our son (4 years old) and everyone else they meet. They are definitely people friendly. However, if they meet a dog they don't like, they make no qualms about letting the other dog know it. As for whether or not ASTs and APBTs are the same breed - I say that they are different types of the same breed. The fact that many dogs are dual-registered with the AKC and UKC should tell you something. There are even some dogs that are triple-registered with the AKC, UKC and the ADBA.

 

Answer by loves-da-pits
Submitted on 5/9/2004
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Staffordshire Terrier:                       males: 28 to 38 lbs.                         female: 24 to 34 lbs.                        both 14 to 16 inches.                        Body: Wide chest, muscular, Round broad head with distinct cheek muscles.                 American Pit Bull Terrier:                   Males: 35 to 60 lbs.                         Females: 30 to 50 lbs.                       Body: Solidly built and muscular. Wedged-shaped head with forehead wrinkles.          American Staffordshire Terrier:          Males: 40 to 50 lbs. 18 to 19"               Females: 40 to 50 lbs. 17 to18"              Body is stocky and muscular with a broad head and distinct cheek muscles.             All dogs are classified as being good with children, happy, intelligent, courageous, affectionate, stable, confident.

 

Answer by amstaff owner
Submitted on 5/9/2004
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well there is a dog called a Staffordshire bull terrier but not an American Staffordshire bull terrier.
i really don't care weather they r the same dog or not my dog is awesome and thats all that matters.
i just sit here and laugh at you guys arguing over a topic that doesn't matter, they r dogs for Christ sake.
pit bull owners want their dogs to be known as amstaffs because amstaffs aren't a restricted breed and pit bulls are
i personally see them as different breeds, closely related however but different.
i know I'm gonna get burned over what I've written but $hit happens

 

Answer by amstaff owner
Submitted on 5/9/2004
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well there is a dog called a staffordshire bull terrier but not an american staffordshire bull terrier.
i really dont care weather they r the same dog or not my dog is awsome and thats all that matters.
i just sit here and laugh at you guys arguing over a topic that doesnt matter, they r dogs for christ sake.
pit bull owners want their dogs to be known as amstaffs because amstaffs arent a restricted breed and pit bulls are
i personally see them as different breeds, closely realted however but different.
i know im gonna get burned over what ive written but $hit happens

 

Answer by La_PitBulls
Submitted on 5/10/2004
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amstaff owner:

"pit bull owners want their dogs to be known as amstaffs because amstaffs aren't a restricted breed and pit bulls are"

Wow, you are smart.
Oh, yeah, I want my Pit Bull to be known as an amstaff. Right. Whatever smartass.

 

Answer by Sensible Bull Terrier lover
Submitted on 5/16/2004
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I would like agree with Spencerpits when he says that he has no experience of Bull Terriers. Bull Terriers are probably the largest of all the Bull & Terrier breeds, not the smallest, the sire of my BT weighs 105 pounds and if you search the stud section of http://www.credetta.freeserve.co.uk/ you will see a 110 pound Bull Terrier stud, I have even heard of Bull Terriers being over 120 pounds (which is the size of a Bull Mastiff!!!) 40 - 50 years ago a very large male Bull Terrier would have weighed about 50 to 55 pounds.

The point I'm trying to make is that unless you apply restrictions on the size of the dogs, people will always try and breed a bigger dog than the one they are breeding from and the breed will evolve into larger dogs. I can see this thing happening with the American dogs, you can hardly call a dog that weighs the same as a rottweiler a terrier, can you?.

This is a request to breeders of Amstaffs and Pit Bulls, try and keep your dogs below 60 pounds in weight and dont be one of those short sighted people who thinks big is best. I think if the dogs were kept below this size the fear factor that the breed generates from the public would be greatly reduced and you would have a dog which more accurately reflects its past history as a fighting dog.

 

Answer by Doug s.
Submitted on 5/22/2004
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You "Mutton-heads" talking about Staffordshires being shorter than APBTs are
confusing staffordshire terriers with staffordshire BULL terriers, a completely
different breed of dog !!!

 

Answer by Bullseye
Submitted on 5/24/2004
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I thought I would just point something out to the flag waving Americans who have contributed with the usual US arrogance. The 'American' pit bull terrier and the 'American' Staffordshire terrier are basically the same breed of dog, a dog which was derived from the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a wholly British breed of dog. The Stafford was imported by Irish immigrants to the U.S. during the 1800's to satisfy themselves with their established sport of dogfighting, this at a time when Ireland was British. We know that these immigrants refined the Stafford using other working terriers to try and improve the fighting capability of the dogs.

As all Terriers originally come from Britain, I am wondering where does America fit into the equation? After all you have British people breeding one type of British dog with other types of British dogs. Just because the dogs were born on American soil does not make them American when all the ingredients were British. For example - if you make spaghetti bolognese in the U.S., it is still Italian food or if a dog is born in a stable it doesn't become a horse!!!

I say thank god for these wonderful British breeds of dogs that we have given to the world and if you Americans want to adopt them as your own and cover them with stars and stripes - THINK ABOUT THE INGREDIENTS!!!!

 

Answer by steven
Submitted on 5/25/2004
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It is a pit bull because you could tell that it is.

 

Answer by pacho
Submitted on 5/25/2004
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Do you love your dogs as much as you all talK

 

Answer by babyluv12
Submitted on 5/27/2004
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Romeo, you deserve to burn in the pits of hell you heartless a$$hole!!!!!!!!!

 

Answer by ozzy dave
Submitted on 5/29/2004
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the thing youve got to realize about pitbulls is theres so many different types have you heard of names like jeep reid ,tyson etc so obviously these are bread from different stock ,my last dog was a pitbull from the sorrell lines short stocky type nice fat face like a staffy ,ive just recently purchased an amstaff and it appears larger thicker set ,then again ive seen pitbulls that stand near the size of a pointer etc anyway i find the amstaff lineage has been more closely controlled and watched ,ive seen pics of amstaffs and honestly you wouldnt find any difference btween them and my friends pits ,what went into a pit well ive heard staffy,bull terrier , pointer,maybe boxer , tell me what you think went into amstaff ??

 

Answer by ScotAfriKiwi
Submitted on 5/31/2004
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Hi, I have owned a breeding pair of english staffy's and a breeding Pair of Amstaff's. Many of my friends have Staffy's & Pitbulls, Marble eye Rednose Pitt Bulls in Particular.

I think you can only compare well bred examples of each of these breeds. BASICALLY, A GOOD Amstaff will be heavier than a GOOD Pitty because they are just as stocky as an english staffy and almost as tall as a pitty. Taller than English staffy of course with a slighly longer more boxy head (Like the original boxers of the 18/19th century before they got bred to have a punched up face). The pit bull is slighlty taller than an AMstaff but not as wide or muscular, generally. The eye's also show a definite difference, and I'm not just talking about a rednose, but other colours like White etc Pittys. When you look into the eyes of an amstaff, you see English staffy. But all three dogs are closely related breeding spinnoffs, and are all great dogs, but from experience i would only ever leave the Amstaff and English staffy unattended with children, especially if you have more than one in your yard. I have seen well brought up Pitty's displaying strange behaviour on occassion(very similar to that of a Rottwieler, which can also be great dogs off course) I like my dogs to be Predictably reliable, so I will now always stick with the English staffy with it's supperiorly long breeding history and track record, but will of course remain fond of the Amstaff and APBT (And english bull terrier)

 

Answer by mrJAWS
Submitted on 6/6/2004
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an amstaff is bigger and stronger and carries more muscle than a pitbull the differnce is huge and only people who have no idea of what pit or amsaff look like they mite as well think am,erican bulldogs are pitbulls because some look like a big version of a pit but nop really i dont think tey are anyway the same personality wise and physically ud have to be pretty slow to be that stupid either way all dogs have teeth and all dogs can kill so just becareful of the reallly mean looking ones

 

Answer by avguru
Submitted on 6/21/2004
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Well, I have done much research here.  In looking for a GREAT family pet, we ended up with an APBT.  We did all the research and found a quality breeder.  The pup is adoring, intelligent and we love her to death.  However in doing the research, I was negligent.  It turns out, our condo complex has a clause not allowing Pit Bulls.  So currently I am trying to convince them she is actually a Staffy.  In all of the research, it appears, they actually come from the same breeding, and it is obvious, the breeding has split around 1936, and the staffy'sare primarily bread for show.  In my opinion from the research I have done, they are primarily the same dogs with the same traits, otherwise, why would the UKC allow registration of the Staffy'sas APBT.  Thing is my insurance will allow a Staffordshire terrier and not a APBT.  Bottom line, I love our new pup and am fighting like crazy to keep her.  I will say, anybody with the desire for either one of these breeds, be prepared for a life long battle against ignorance and public opinion.  In my short venture, one needs to fear perception and ignorance of others far more than these loving family animals.

 

Answer by CarmenxElectra
Submitted on 7/12/2004
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   The reason why Pitbulls mostly get such a bad rap is because of their strength and how big and bulky they are. Many people see this and think they'd be a great fighting dog. so they train them to fight and thats what happens with so many pitbulls and people hear about how pitbulls attacked other people and think well their a bad breed but they dont realize that its because so many people bring them up to be fighting dogs because they are so strong and that leads to a vicious unsafe dog. The pitbull shouldnt be the one getting the bad rap....the people that brought them up to fight should be the ones getting the bad rap.

    and when people say which dog breed should i trust more with children?....it mostly depends on the way they were raised. any type of dog could attack, not just certain types of dogs....and any type of dog could be as sweet and loving as anything even if they are a pitbull. there are pitbulls that are just as sweet as any old golden retriever. just because there are many pitbulls that have been known to be dangerous doesnt mean that every single one is, maybe the majority of them are but its not because of the dog....its because of the people.

 

Answer by melissa
Submitted on 7/15/2004
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american staffys have been bred the same as american pittys the term pitty is the type that was named for the breed they use to use to fight and the term staffy is the dog they breed for family life but they are or used to be the same breed of dog apart from one was breed was bred to be agressive and one to be kind.. this is way back when the breed was being formed.... it was formd by mixing staffy, english pittbull, american bull dog, and lots more...

 

Answer by pitbullette
Submitted on 7/16/2004
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they are in the same family but there not the same.pits have black and red noses amstaffs only have black noses. If you dont believe me go to www.dogbreedinfo.com to see your selves.pitbulls are better

 

Answer by Sarah/Breeder of both
Submitted on 7/18/2004
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There are 3 breeds often put into the category of "pit bulls" the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.  They all look very similar.  Within the Amstaff and Ampit, they are the same and yet not.  Let me explain.  There are 3 different registries for the breed the ADBA, UKC, AKC.  The UKC was the first and the standard was taken off of a Colby dog (colby'sprimo).  The AKC then wanted to register this dog and did but changed the name.  The stock of the Amstaff was UKC registered Ampits.  And for about 20 years after they were registered the books of the AKC were open to any UKC registered Ampit. So, any dog that has AKC in the registration is an amstaff, and if not its a pit but really they are the same breed.  The ADBA pits on the other hand are true to the original pit bulls (fighting dogs) in that, when the UKC banned fighting dogs from the shows, the ADBA was formed to accomodate the registrations of fighting and working dogs.  So today the ADBA dogs actually retain more of a close connection with the original "pit bulls" while the AKC and UKC versions are showy and although some still work (not fighting but weight pull), they are the same breed, or the showy end of the pits.  You can breed a UKC/AKC registered dog with a AKC only registered dog and get an amstaff litter.  You can breed a UKC/AKC dog to a UKC only registered dog, and you get a litter of Ampits.  So, yes they are the same breed, and no they are not. the true game pit bulls are ADBA registered.

 

Answer by Lis
Submitted on 7/21/2004
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Pit Bulls and Amstaffs although similar are not.They both are loving and loyal dogs. Amstaffs are shorter and have ONLY black noses and eyes.There chests are broader as well.I have an Amstaff that is 50 lbs. that thinks she is a lap dog!!!! My 6 month old nephew grabs her face and kisses her.  She loves that!! Bad owners not dogs!!!!

 

Answer by kyser_amstaff
Submitted on 8/5/2004
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usa staffys arnt the same dogs as APBT, they have the same background and ansestors therefor verry similar in looks and size but have slightly different temperments. saying usa staffs are the same as APBT is lying simple as that. American staffys... theres nothing better!!!!

 

Answer by Aaron
Submitted on 8/21/2004
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Look, you are already on the computer, do some reserch for your self.  I read most of these answers and most are way of track.  Go to a few american pit bull terrier sites.  Most are very informative, because they want to protect the name of the breed they love.  They can tell you it's history, it's traits, and anything else you want to know.  But many of these answers on here are speculation, and opinion of people who may or may not own at best one of the breeds, and have no knowledge of it's real past, of it's breed'stemperment as a whole.

 

Answer by pit_lover619
Submitted on 8/26/2004
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As far as them being the same breed, yes but with suttle differences. either way, i love them all the same and with proper training and breeding, they are all great dogs. i have dealt with hundreds of pits, only to do research and realize that some of them were not pits, but in fact Amstaffs. If you raise a APBT and a AmStaff the same, they will act the same. Now on to my next subject, for those of you who are using this forum as a debate on which country is better, find some thing else to do. This is for the lovers of the dogs, not for boasting or bragging on your country. Bullseye, if your parents are British, but YOU were born in America, what would that make you?

 

Answer by troystaa
Submitted on 8/29/2004
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you people have no idea i have been breeding red nose pits, english staffordshireshire terriers and i know breeders of american staffs and they are all different breeds from different back ground blood lines and originated from different places. if you had the chance as i have to view two skulls of pits and amstaffs that were boiled down in a science lab by a government corp to distinguish the breeds similarities you would see there is none in skull shape ,dimensions , thickness, etc. if you look at true pure breds you would see three different dogs.

 

Answer by Staffy lover
Submitted on 9/6/2004
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No they are not the same dog,the staffy is the cousin to the pit,but if i were you i would get a staffy not a pit,even though it's not the dogs falt when they do fight or bite,but when they turn 1 yr. old it's called "click on" they atomaticly turn mean so if you do get a pit train them and spend a lot of time with them


 

Answer by Some Dude
Submitted on 11/13/2004
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I'm no breed expert,but from what I've read not too many who have submitted answers are  either, so here goes. I own 2 American Staffordshire Terriers neither of which have their papers ,so as I said I'm no expert but unlike some of you, I can read, and after reading several books and articles my answer is this, NO, they are not the same breed. Because PIT BULL is not a breed, it is class of dog breeds, all of which were ORIGINALLY bred for ...you guessed it, pit fighting. The breeds in alphabetical order, so there's no confusion, are as follows;AMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIER, AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER,BULL TERRIER, and STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER. None of these breeds are considered fighting stock any longer, since dog/pit fighting was banned almost everywhere in the civilized world. And that's my opinion,...PEACE OUT

 

Answer by C-SMITH
Submitted on 11/19/2004
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BEING A PITBULL OWNER FOR OVER 2 YEARS, EVEN THOUGH THE DOGS ARE IN THE GAME GROUP (TERRIER)THEY HAVE DIFFERENT CHARACTERISTICS, MAKING THEM 2 DIFFERENT DISTINCT DOGS. AMSTAFFS ARE MORE SHOW AND LEGGY, AS THE PITBULLS HAVE MORE GAME AND GRUNT TO THEM.THE FACT THAT PEOPLE CALL THEM THE SAME DOG EVEN THOUGH THEY HAVE DIFFERENT DISTINCT FEATURES, ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY CLAIM THEMSELVES LOYAL PITBULL OWNERS REALLY KILLS ME. WHY WOULD THEY CALL ONE AMSTAFF AND ONE PITBULL IF THEY WERE THE SAME DOG. RED AND BLUE IS A DIFFERENT THING, BUT THEY ARE PITBULLS. NOT AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIERS.

 

Answer by matt
Submitted on 11/23/2004
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i have owned & breed amstaffs, staffy bulls, apbt, & now american bulldogs. just like most poeple that know something about them would say they were once the same breed,but after selective breeding mainly for show the  amstaff really bacame a diffenret breed. the apbt on the other hands was just breed for fighting & in the south used for cathing hog& other live stock. as for the stuffy bull of today not to many of them are gamebreed& most of the are breed for show. i'vehad some that would match with any GAMEBREED apbtor pitdog it's size& would catch hogs. all these breeds are great dogs& very smart. so are good breed dogs other are poor breed dogs. most good breeders wouldn't breed a dogs that's not up to pur with the standards. a good breeder would never breed a dog that's cur or a man biter. most of ya'llare going to hate me for saying this but i believe & still breed my dogs as match dogs. i'mnow starting to breed them for hog cathing. just like the TRUE BREEDERS OF old like john& luo colby, don myafiled, tom garren, ed crenshaw, earl tudar, Maurice carver, the McCoys, pat patrick,howard heinzle& so forth. i breed my apbt'sto try to produe dogs like the ones of old. like  ch. galvin pups, ch. eli, ch. homer,gr. ch. art., gr.ch. zebo,ch chinamen,ch. blakjack,ch. indian bolio, ch.jeep,& many many more great dogs.i breed my american bulls to get dogs like sure grip, rattler, jdj tank& ect. i know some well most of you are gone just flip when you read this but i'mgone keep breeding the abpt,staffybulls,& now americna bulldogs as there were in the dogs of old. i wouldn't do anyhting to my dogs that i wouldn't do. i to am a fighter& a soldier in the army. so i understand how my dogs feel in the pit & in the woods catching hogs. i don't breed for color or size.. i try to stay as close to the ukc& akc standards.  but outcrossing to other lines can make your dogs  gains size & change the standard. anyhow, i like to see that people know the true history of these great dogs& are sticking up for them. on time for the old timers colby,lightner,harvey,wallace,McCoy, trahan,hemphill

 

Answer by valepitbull
Submitted on 12/12/2004
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I was in England about two years ago i thoght i saw a really short "pit" but it was an Amstaff  i reallize thaT THERE IS A DIFFERENCE PITS ARE TALLER I HAVE A PIT his name is jawsey  

 

Answer by tybrax
Submitted on 2/7/2005
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I found this an interesting old letter: if anyone's interested..

> From the Staffordshire Standard-Bearer, Vol.1, No.10, Dated October 1,
> 1958. Reprinted in STCA'smag, 3rd qtr 95, submitted by Mrs.
> I.N.Stinson and Jennifer Cullison
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
> AN OPEN LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT TO MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF THE
> STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER CLUB OF AMERICA:
>
> The Constitution of the Staffordshire Terrier Club of America
> says: "The object of this Club shall be to encourage the breeding of
> purebred Staffordshire Terriers, more commonly know in this country
> as "Yankee Terriers" or "American Pit Bull terriers"; to develop and
> bring to perfection their naturally high qualities;...."
>
> Please note that our Constitution recognizes that the
> Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull terrier as one and the
> same. Also, that one of the objects of the club is to develop and bring
> to perfection their NATURALLY high qualities.
>
> The American Pit Bull terrier is one of the oldest American
> Breeds. It was popular in this country before either the United Kennel
> Club or American Kennel Club was founded. A hundred years ago my
> grandfather referred to it as Brindle Bull dog; as such it was the
> foundation stock of the Boston Terrier. Fifty years ago when I first
> became acquainted with the breed it was known as the American Bull
> Terrier. This name was popularly adopted to distinguish it from the
> then recently imported (white, English) Bull terrier which had been
> developed by crossing the English prototype of our breed with an all-
> white English Terrier about 1860. Later the UKC inserted the word "Pit"
> into the name and my first registered dog was a Pit Bull Terrier. Still
> later the AKC classified them as Staffordshire Terriers.
>
> Throughout its history, regardless of its name, the naturally
> high qualities which it is the object of the Parent Club to develop and
> bring to perfection, have been typical of the breed. during the past 22
> years we have tried to breed the best traditional type. The physical
> characteristics of this type as expressed in our official Standard were
> set by over a century and a half of selective breeding for the perfect
> Pit dog. The temperamental characteristics were set by untold centuries
> of selective breeding for a trustworthy guard dog and companion. The
> Staffordshire Terrier is not a new breed. If it is purebred all its
> ancestors a few generations back were American Pit Bull terriers, and
> all of its characteristics should be typical of the "natural high
> qualities" of the American Pit Bull terrier.
>
> The name Staffordshire Terrier is of recent origin. When the
> American Kennel Club decided to recognize our breed they already had a
> breed registered simply as "Bull terrier" with a parent club known as
> the "Bull terrier Club of America". Any combination of American and
> Bull terrier was thought to be confusing. THE NEW NAME WAS NEVER
> INTENDED TO INDICATE A NEW BREED. (emphasis present in letter as
> written)
>
> During the negotiations for recognition our people encountered
> considerable opposition, chiefly from the well entrenched Bull terrier
> group. It was claimed that our breed, the American Pit Bull terrier, was
> vicious and mean, suitable only for pit fighting, unreliable and not a
> fit companion of man or beast. After considerable work involving
> countless hours of conference and research our people were able to
> persuade the AKC that the American Pit Bull terrier was a loyal and
> affectionate companion, fit to be accepted into the best human and
> canine society.
> >
> In the past several months this smear campaign against our
> breed has been resumed. This time it is being carried on
> by "Staffordshire Terrier people". Although they cannot deny that only
> a few generations back all our stock was UKC registered American Pit
> Bull terriers, they seem to think they can increase the popularity of
> our breed by claiming American Pit Bull terriers are vicious, have to be
> fed through a heavy wire fence with long handled shovels, etc.
> >
> One kennel advertising in a dog magazine says that their
> kennel "added a quality that is indispensable if a dog is to be a
> companion and make his home with his master rather than to be chained
> to awaiting his death in the pits". This they have done in about 15
> years, having bred a few generations? Teddy Roosevelt, who owned and
> loved one of our dogs for its loyal companionship before these people
> were born would say "Bosh!"
> >
> Another "friend" who is more vitriolic started out to buy a
> bull terrier two years ago and ended up with a Staff. Since then he has
> become an expert on the breed and its bloodlines. None of the enemies
> of our breed were ever so vicious in their attacks on it. His diatribes
> are filled with references to neurotic, escapee(s) from the couch and
> denunciations of UKC registered dogs. I wonder how he would classify
> himself if in his truth-seeking he learned that both the sire and dam of
> his dogs are registered with UKC as American Pit Bull terriers.
> >
> I have a Staffordshire Terrier - American Pit Bull terrier who
> talks. The other night, before he started his supper, he bowed his head
> and I heard him say: "Protect me from my friends, I can protect myself
> from my enemies."
>
> W.M.Whitaker
> Sept.11, 1958


 

Answer by Champ
Submitted on 2/8/2005
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No, They were the same dog until they were sepersted into two different breads. However thry do have many similar qualities because the are both Terriers

 

Answer by rottie_girl_pit_2
Submitted on 2/21/2005
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no becuase pitbulls,
are know as the "american pitbull terrier" and an amstaffs looks kinda the same but has a totally different attitue . and both of them have diffrent nose types (colors).

 

Answer by sunny
Submitted on 2/28/2005
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I think many of you are confusing American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and American Pit Bull Terriers.  AmStaffs are essentially the same as Pit Bulls, but were bred through somewhat different lines (AKC, UKC) Staffordshire Bull Terriers, however, are much smaller (only 40 lbs max for males) but very similar looking.  I have a Staffordshire Bull Terrier and get frustrated when people say "Look, it's a mini pit bull!"

 

Answer by lewis goodison
Submitted on 3/3/2005
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have staffordshire bull terriers got lock jaw

 

Answer by Kirsty
Submitted on 3/14/2005
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hi
i reckon that a pit bull and American Staffordshire terrier are not the same because i have a American Staffordshire puppy so yeah
from Kirsty

 

Answer by mrsmarinepit supporter
Submitted on 4/2/2005
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it is so insane to me that people can judge these dogs as if one is better then the other, they are both wonderful.  a dog is a dog...a small dog could be raised to fight people or other animals, he just wouldnt have the ability as a larger dog would have to hurt someone.  regardless the breed, if a dog has a mature and responsible owner the dog will be raised to be a lover and not a killer.  no matter what the breed a dog can be taught to misbehave or to behave.  to me these dogs are family...to not like one would be like saying you didnt like your own cousin,  that could be the case, but you cant deny them being family.  stop comparing them and point out good and not bad qualities, not all pits can be put in the category of a bad dog. there are more good pits then bad.

 

Answer by BluePitLover
Submitted on 4/20/2005
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I don't believe I remember the name of the book, but I read in black and white that the AKC would only register the APBT under a name of their choosing, which happened to be the American Staffordshire Terrier, mainly as stated above, to avoid association with a bad rep bully breed. Size and weight doesn't make them different either. A friend of mine has a Blue Brindle male pit that stands about 25 inches high, has a weight of close to 110lbs and a head bigger than a basketball, yet its dual ADBA-UKC registered. Have you ever seen one like that? Size and weight solely depends on diet and exercise. House dogs tend to be shorter than outside dogs. Dogs on high protein diets and working with weights and plenty of exercise tend to be extremely massive. Temperament really depends on how they are treated when they are young. I have a blue fawn male that would prefer to lay around and lick you in the face or play with a cat than to be aggressive with another animal.

 

Answer by AK
Submitted on 4/29/2005
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I live in London  and i want to know where i can buy a American Pit Bull Terrier?

 

Answer by smakalot
Submitted on 5/16/2005
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I just adopted an American Staffordshire terrier thismorning from the local animal shelter where I volenteer. I named her Teylynne and she was listed as a cross between a pitbull and a staffy and untill I got to school and looked up the difference I didn't know there was one. There is defently a big difference. Staffys don't have pink noses and are shorter and stockyer.I dont remember witch one, but one or the others breed standard dosen't have pink around their eyes. Either way both have a bad wrap but its hard to see why when you have never lived a day in you life without waking up to lots of love and kisses from both breeds.

 

Answer by Dan
Submitted on 5/16/2005
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I don't believe Pit Bulls and AMStaffys are same. I own an AMStaffy and he is the best dog ever, he is the biggest sook. He loves sleeping in our bed with us. I would never trade him for the world. I would recommend him as a family pet. He loves humans and other animals. I think people should watch there mouth before they speak bad about the American Staffy. Again "Bad Owners not dogs".

 

Answer by Shaun
Submitted on 6/15/2005
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No, the Am. Staff and the Pit Bull Terrier are not, nore have they ever ben. If one were to look, I mean really look, one can and will be able to tell the differance.
Plus American Staffordshieres have a whole
different/better lot about them.

 

Answer by alex
Submitted on 6/16/2005
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AMPT and stafford terriers are evil man eaters

They suck and so do you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Answer by kerry
Submitted on 6/23/2005
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Ok i have a pitbull which is also an amstaff! a pitbull and a staffshire terrier not the same! so you should listen to me because i know what is the smae and what is not!

 

Answer by Staffy Owner
Submitted on 8/22/2005
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From everything I have read and experienced with these two breeds, they are not the same dog.  Why would there be two different names for the same breed? They can both be the sweetest dogs ever and it is terrible when people make comments about "Scary Pit Bulls or Staffordshire's". Staffy's are my favorite breed because of their fun personalities and beautiful looks but I am also partial to Pit Bulls because they can look and act very similar. Before anyone purchases either of these types of dogs, they should do some research on them first so they how to raise and train them properly.

 

Answer by Diesel
Submitted on 8/24/2005
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i dont believe anyone who has answered this question has showned any validity in their response nor has anyone shown even a fraction of class.  judging from the variety and emotion behind the answers not to mention how stupid and snobby all of you sound, not one response can be taken seriously.  just answer the question with facts not opinions.  leave the emotion out of it.  it simply sounds ugly, childish, and just plain dumb.

 

Answer by Ignorance
Submitted on 8/30/2005
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  It is ignorance that keeps such beautiful animals bad names. Even owners of these two breeds are ignorant enough not to know the real history of the dogs they own. With some time and research you may find that these two dogs are not just similar but come from the same line. A pitbull was a mud that eventually was breed enough times to become a pure dog. And while your at it, look up the difference between the Stafforshire terrier. We need to be more knowledgeable about the breed we supposebly love and care for, because it is the ignorant people that give these dogs an infamous name.

 

Answer by spiritwolf68
Submitted on 10/17/2005
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The American Staffordshire Terrier is a unique breed, and has one of the richest and most well documented histories in the family of dogs. The American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull are NOT ONE AND THE SAME DOG, and we feel it is time to clear up this misconception.


True, the American Staffordshire Terrier did spring directly from the American Pit Bull Terrier roots, but since 1936, the breed has been bred along completely different lines than its predecessor, the Pit Bull. Thus, while many Pit Bulls have continued to be bred for "performance" the American Staffordshire Terrier has been bred as a pet, family dog, child's guardian, show dog and for obedience competition. Today, almost 67 years after his acceptance by the A.K.C., he has, like his cousin the Bulldog, emerged from his past history as one of the most reliable, trustworthy and loyal of all dogs.


Probably one of the most famous early American Staffordshire Terriers was "Pete" of the Little Rascals movies. His trainer stated that Pete was one of the brightest, easiest to train dogs he had ever worked with. Also, the current Buster Brown dog is an American Staffordshire Terrier.


The famed dog trainer, William Koehler, regards the American Staffordshire Terrier as one of the finest and most reliable of all breeds of dogs.


The American Staffordshire Terrier is proud and noble of bearing. He combines power with grace and agility. He is bright and alert and has boundless courage. He is Intelligent, outstandingly amenable to training and discipline, and adaptable to almost any conditions. He is superbly gentle with children and the elderly, intensely loyal and affectionate, has the striking good looks of a natural athlete, and his sleek short coat requires a minium or care. In no other breed is there present such a remarkable combination of gentleness, comaraderie, and reliability.


Today, the American Staffordshire Terrier is used for many purposes. He is an excellent family pet, companion and watchdog, and by just appearing on the scene, he will deter most intruders. He is doing well in the show ring and is an able competitor in the obediance ring.


So, while on the outside the American Staffordshire may "look" almost exacatly the American Pit Bull Terrier, there actually are important differences between the two breeds, and they are NOT one and the same dog.


U.K.C. has registered Staffordshire Bull Terriers as Pit Bulls in the past. U.K.C. also registers American Staffordshire Terriers as Pit Bulls. The A.K.C. does NOT recogonize Pit Bulls nor would A.K.C. register American Staffordshire/Staffordshire Bull crosses.


We breed to a different standard and for different reasons. We have purebred dogs. Nothing hurts worse than to be at a dog show and be addressed as Pit Bulls. We are NOT the same breed of dog.


If you do not understand what the difference is in these two breeds you should read the Standard for breeding published by the A.K.C. for the American Staffordshire Trriers and by the U.K.C. for the Pit Bull Terriers.












  


 

Answer by spiritwolf68
Submitted on 10/18/2005
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The American Staffordshire Terrier is a unique breed, and has one of the richest and most well documented histories in the family of dogs. The American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull are NOT ONE AND THE SAME DOG, and we feel it is time to clear up this misconception.
True, the American Staffordshire Terrier did spring directly from the American Pit Bull Terrier roots, but since 1936, the breed has been bred along completely different lines than its predecessor, the Pit Bull. Thus, while many Pit Bulls have continued to be bred for "performance" the American Staffordshire Terrier has been bred as a pet, family dog, child's guardian, show dog and for obedience competition. Today, almost 67 years after his acceptance by the A.K.C., he has, like his cousin the Bulldog, emerged from his past history as one of the most reliable, trustworthy and loyal of all dogs.
Probably one of the most famous early American Staffordshire Terriers was "Pete" of the Little Rascals movies. His trainer stated that Pete was one of the brightest, easiest to train dogs he had ever worked with. Also, the current Buster Brown dog is an American Staffordshire Terrier.
The famed dog trainer, William Koehler, regards the American Staffordshire Terrier as one of the finest and most reliable of all breeds of dogs.
The American Staffordshire Terrier is proud and noble of bearing. He combines power with grace and agility. He is bright and alert and has boundless courage. He is Intelligent, outstandingly amenable to training and discipline, and adaptable to almost any conditions. He is superbly gentle with children and the elderly, intensely loyal and affectionate, has the striking good looks of a natural athlete, and his sleek short coat requires a minium or care. In no other breed is there present such a remarkable combination of gentleness, comaraderie, and reliability.
Today, the American Staffordshire Terrier is used for many purposes. He is an excellent family pet, companion and watchdog, and by just appearing on the scene, he will deter most intruders. He is doing well in the show ring and is an able competitor in the obediance ring.
So, while on the outside the American Staffordshire may "look" almost exacatly the American Pit Bull Terrier, there actually are important differences between the two breeds, and they are NOT one and the same dog.
U.K.C. has registered Staffordshire Bull Terriers as Pit Bulls in the past. U.K.C. also registers American Staffordshire Terriers as Pit Bulls. The A.K.C. does NOT recogonize Pit Bulls nor would A.K.C. register American Staffordshire/Staffordshire Bull crosses.
We breed to a different standard and for different reasons. We have purebred dogs. Nothing hurts worse than to be at a dog show and be addressed as Pit Bulls. We are NOT the same breed of dog.
If you do not understand what the difference is in these two breeds you should read the Standard for breeding published by the A.K.C. for the American Staffordshire Trriers and by the U.K.C. for the Pit Bull Terriers.

 

Answer by angeleyzz
Submitted on 10/18/2005
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To correctly give the origin and history of the American Staffordshire Terrier, it is necessary to comment briefly on two other dogs, namely the Bulldog and the terrier.
Until the early part of the 19th century; the Bulldog was bred with great care in England for the purpose of baiting bulls. The Bulldog of that day was vastly different from our present-day "sourmug." Pictures from as late as 1870 represent the Bulldog as agile and as standing straight on his legs-his front legs in particular. In some cases he was even possessed of a muzzle, and long rat tails were not uncommon. The Bulldog of that day, with the exception of the head, looked more like the present-day American Staffordshire Terrier than like the present-day Bulldog.
Some writers contend it was the white English Terrier, or the Black-and-Tan Terrier, that was used as a cross with the Bulldog to perfect the Staffordshire Terrier. It seems easier to believe that any game terrier, such as the Fox Terrier of the early 1800s, was used in this cross, since some of the foremost authorities on dogs of that time state that the Black-and-Tan and the white English Terrier were none too game, but these same authorities go on to stress the gameness of the Fox Terrier. It is reasonable to believe that breeders who were attempting to perfect a dog that would combine the spirit and agility of the terrier with the courage and tenacity of the Bulldog, would not use a terrier that was not game. In analyzing the three above-mentioned terriers at that time, we find that there was not a great deal of difference in body conformation, the greatest differences being in color, aggressiveness, and spirit.
In any event, it was the cross between the Bulldog and the terrier that resulted in the Staffordshire Terrier, which was originally called the Bull-and-Terrier Dog, Half and Half, and at times Pit Dog or Pit Builterrier. Later, it assumed the name in England of Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
These dogs began to find their way into America as early as 1870, where they became known as Pit Dog, Pit Bull Terrier, later American Bull Terrier, and still later as Yankee Terrier.
In 1936, they were accepted for registration in the AKC Stud Book as Staffordshire Terriers. The name of the breed was revised effective January 1, 1972 to American Staffordshire Terrier. Breeders in this country had developed a type which is heavier in weight than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier of England and the name change was to distinguish them as separate breeds.
The American Staffordshire Terrier's standard allows a variance in weight, but it should be in proportion to size. The dog's chief requisites should be strength unusual for his size, soundness, balance, a strong powerful head, a well-muscled body, and courage that is proverbial.
To clarify the confusion that may exist, even in the minds of dog fanciers, as to the difference between the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Bull Terrier, a comment on the latter may be helpful. The Bull Terrier was introduced by James Hinks of Birmingham, who had been experimenting for several years with the old bull-and-terrier dog, now known as Staffordshire. It is generally conceded that he used the Staffordshire, crossed with the white English Terrier, and some writers contend that a dash of Pointer and Dalmatian blood was also used to help perfect the all-white Bull Terrier.
In mentioning the gameness of the Staffordshire, it is not the intention to tag him as a fighting machine, or to praise this characteristic. These points are discussed because they are necessary in giving the correct origin and history of the breed. The good qualities of the dogs are many, and it would be difficult for anyone to overstress them.

 

Answer by scoobydoo
Submitted on 10/18/2005
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A breed developed in  America, the Staffordshire Terrier is closely related to the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Both breeds were derived from crossing the Bulldog with various terrier breeds. But, unlike the Staffordshire Bull, this breed is taller, heavier, straighter in forelimb and somewhat smoother in over-all outline. His ears may be either cropped or uncropped.
The breed was first known early in the 19th century when dog fighting was a popular spectator sport in parts of the United States. The Staffordshire was intentionally designed as a fighting dog combining the tenacity and courage of the Bulldog with the agility and spirit of the terrier. And he was good at his job, so good, in fact, that at first the American Kennel Club refused to acknowledge the Staffordshire Terrier as a pure breed. But he was admitted to registration by another American-based organization, the United Kennel Club.
Then the breed'sfortunes took a turn for the better. Dog fighting was outlawed in most states in 1900, and breeders of the Staffordshire turned their attentions to producing a more docile animal that would function well as family pet and guardian. Their efforts were successful and the Staffordshire Terrier was admitted to the American Kennel Club's official roster of purebreds in 1935.
Later, in January 1972, in order to avoid confusion with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, which was then in the process of gaining official acceptance, the American Kennel Club changed the breed name to the American Staffordshire Terrier. This was to be the last of a series of names for the breed that over the years had included the Yankee Terrier, Pit Bull Terrier, Half and Half, and the American Bull Terrier.
The breed has a loyal following in the United States with good entries at most of the larger championship shows. For some reason it has failed to achieve the same acceptance in Canada. Only rarely is an American Staffordshire Terrier seen at a dog show in Canada.


 

Answer by mountianwarrior
Submitted on 10/18/2005
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Futhermore, Dr. Brisbin states, "The few studies which have been conducted of the structure of the skulls, mandibles and teeth of pit bulls show that, in proportion to their size, their jaw structure and thus its inferred functional morphology, is no different than that of any breed of dog. There is absolutely no evidence for the existence of any kind of 'locking mechanism' unique to the structure of the jaw and/or teeth of the American Pit Bull Terrier."

 

Answer by spiderman
Submitted on 10/18/2005
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The differences between the American Staffordshire Terrier, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, and an American Pit Bull Terrier.
Some eight or nine varieties of dogs come within the general classification of Bull Breeds. Although all lay claim to the Bulldog as a common ancestor, there are physical differences that make each distinct from the other:

A) Size - The American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) is a much larger, leggier dog - sometimes almost twice the size of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier! The Bull Terrier standard does not include size restrictions and dogs from 35 to 100 pounds have been seen. However, the breed generally weighs in between 40 and 55 pounds, making it larger then the Stafford. Pit Bull Terriers also range widely in size. Many of today's UKC-registered APBTs are on the smaller side; others, dually registered as American Staffordshire Terriers with the AKC are larger and heavier.

B) Ears - Although it may have natural or cropped ears, the American Staffordshire Terrier is usually exhibited in the United States with cropped ears, as are some Pit Bull Terriers. The ears of the Bull Terrier are naturally erect. Erect (or prick) ears are a serious fault in Staffords, whose ears should be "rose" (like those of an English Bulldog) or half-pricked.

C) Head - The heads of American Staffordshire Terriers, Pit Bulls and Staffordshire Bull Terriers are similar, although the cheek muscles on most Staffords seem to be more pronounced, and the head deeper through. The head of the Bull Terrier is entirely different. When viewed in profile, it resembles an egg turned on its side and is much longer than that of the Stafford. The cheeks of a Bull Terrier are not pronounced.

D) Temperament - All Bull and Terrier breeds have a natural love of people, although that love often does not extend to other members of the canine kingdom outside of the family circle. Many adult AmStaffs project a more serious demeanor; Bull Terriers have a unique and extremely well-developed sense of humor; Staffords may possess the strongest "prey drive" and the superior ability to focus; they are also an "emotional barometer" par excellence, very sensitive to psychic atmosphere in the home. But remember that every individual is different and each of these dogs shares a common ancestry.




 

Answer by JJ
Submitted on 10/19/2005
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American staffordshire terriers (amstaffs)are taller and more bulkier than American pitbull terriers. You can also tell a difference in the way thier faces look. Both dogs were bred from the same dog historically, but years of selective breeding gave birth to two different breeds of dogs with different characteristics. There is no way you could put an American pitbull terrier in front of me and convince me that it's an American staffordshire terrier. You can raise either individual dog to be ill tempered, or have a favorable temperment, although American pitbull terriers tend to be more gamey, and aggressive. There is no such thing as a dog with a "locking jaw". It is the iron will of both breeds that make it appear that the dog's jaw is "locked", when the dog could release at his own leasure. So, the answer is most definetly no. 70 years ago, same dog, today there two definative breeds.

 

Answer by marta
Submitted on 10/21/2005
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First of all it depends on the dog's pedigree. There are American pit bull terriers (registered) and American Staffordshire terriers ( registered) that can be dual registered meaning they are recognized as both breeds. There are "pit bulls" being bred by back yard breeders and because of lack of papers you don't really know what you have. Basically the American Staffordshire Terrier originated from the American PIt Bull Terrier stock and became recognized as an "American Staffordshire terrier in the 1930's because of the people that wanted to seperate themselves from the pit, game, fighting dog breeders and they wanted to basically breed  a dog for the show ring thus a dog's looks and temperament. Petey the dog from the Little Rascals movie was a registerd American Staffordshire Terrier and according to alot of breeders was also a registered American Pit Bull Terrier. Do I believe they are the same breed. I believe they are very much alike in looks, temperament but ultimately it would depend on their pedigree. Does it really matter? All dogs stem from the wolf are we going to ban the wolf? What really matters is responsible breeders and responsible owner. The fact of the matter is that for me and my family (cats,chicken, horses, dogs, rabbits) I have not found a better more trustworthy dog with my children and cats than an American Pit bull terrier, staffordshire bull terrier and American Staffordshire terrier. My family loves them. What must be understood is that these dogs are all heart , they would ultimately die for you without a second thought and if they have a psycho owner who is always telling them to get it, kill it , they will do just that.It is our responsibility as the human race to protect our animals from such evil humans.These dogs love people and are exremely  tolerant with children, it is the children that must be taught how to properly treat a dog:) They are the most misunderstood and most human tolerant breed in existence. What people don't know they fear,what people fear they hate and what people hate they destroy, it's  a very very sad time for the dog that can truly look into your soul with his eyes. By the way it is a FACT that American Pit Bull Terriers have a better temperament score than Golden retrievers. I could go on forever so I'll just stop now. God Bless our bully breeds.

 

Answer by Face's mommy
Submitted on 10/25/2005
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I don't have an answer to the question. I have another question. What's the difference between an american staffordshire terrier and an american pitbull terrier?

 

Answer by Face's mommy
Submitted on 10/25/2005
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I don't have an answer to the question. I have another question. What's the difference between an american staffordshire terrier and an american pitbull terrier?

 

Answer by josh 
Submitted on 12/6/2005
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they are both pit bulls one was bred different it was bred to be a gentle dog but some owners don't seem to want to bring them up that way

 

Answer by new yorker
Submitted on 12/31/2005
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a pitt bull is one tenth staffordshire which is why they look alike and lots of times when people dont know what to look for in a staff they end up paying $1500 for a staff and get a pitt bull

 

Answer by dog lover
Submitted on 1/6/2006
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I own an Amstaff and a Cairn Terrier(Toto from the wizard of oz)and I have to admit I believe the Cairn Terrier would bite someone before my Amstaff would.  At one time the history of both breeds were considered the same, but with specific breeding and determination from breeders, these two dogs are considered different based on AKC and UKC rulings, but no matter what you call your breed either the APBT or Amstaff, insurance companies don't want to cover you because of this society's ignorance towards the breeds.  It's not the dog who is to blame, it's the negligent owner and improper training.

 

Answer by mark
Submitted on 1/10/2006
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yes they are the same dog and same family. i live in a city in canada where the pit bull family and amstaff are both baned they are both in the same family, if amstaff was not the same are city would not have amstaffshire as a baned pit bull

 

Answer by maddy
Submitted on 1/31/2006
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no a pit bull is a pit bull they are what they are .a staffy is a staffy no doubt about that .

 

Answer by ozchick
Submitted on 2/5/2006
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amstaff & pit bull were once upon a time the same thing. but if you sit them next to each other today you can see they are different. similar, yes, but not the same - just same bloodlines. same grandaddies so to speak. but now, with careful breeding (with different goals), they are two different dogs.
in victoria (oz) the pitbull is banned (silly reasons of course) but the amstaff is still accessible. not very common tho, instead the english staffy is the 4th most popular dog here (which is what i have) and you see them everywhere. I love the look of the pitbull which is what made me look into the amstaff, and whilst they are different, they have the same kind of look so my next pup with be an amstaff, very excited!!! love the english staffy, and whilst they are a tough dog, i just want something a bit bigger!

 

Answer by Cristina
Submitted on 3/7/2006
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YES! YES! YES! Unlike everyone else in here that is going off hear say that means absolutely NOTHING I will give you the REAL history of the American Pitbull Terrier.

History/Origin:
His ancestors were brought to the Unites States in the mid - 1800's by Boston-Irish immigrants. Originally bred from a variety of bulldogs and terriers, American breeders increased his weight and gave him a more powerful head. A forbearer to the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, they were originally bred to be a fighting dog. Bull baiting was banned in England in 1835 and these dogs are no longer been bred to fights. There is some complication in registries of this breed. The AKC considers the American Staffordshire Terrier as separate and distinct from the American Pit Bull Terrier, yet the UKC will register both as American Pit Bull Terriers (APBTs).
In America, the Pit Bull flourished. It was one of the most popular breeds, highly prized by a wide variety of people. The Pit Bull was used to represent the US in WW1 artwork; popular companies like RCA and the Buster Brown Shoe Company used the breed as their mascots. A Pit Bull named Petie starred in the popular children's television series, Our Gang; a Pit Bull mix named Stubby became a decorated WW1 hero. Pit Bulls accompanied pioneer familes on their explorations. Laura Ingalls Wilder of the popular Little House books owned a working Pit Bulldog named Jack. Famous individuals like Theodore Roosevelt and Helen Keller owned the breed. It was during this time that the Pit Bull truly became America?s sweetheart breed, admired, respected and loved.

In 1898 the United Kennel Club was formed with the express intent of providing registration and fighting guidelines for the now officially-named American Pit Bull Terrier. Later, those who wished to distance themselves from the fighting aspect of the breed petitioned the American Kennel Club for recognition of the Pit Bull so that it would be eligible for dog shows and other performance events. The AKC conceded in 1936 but only under the stipulation that the dogs registered with them be called "Staffordshire Terriers", the name of the province in England the breed supposedly originated in. Upon acceptance of the breed, many people dual-registered their dogs with both the AKC and the UKC. Lucenay's Peter (the dog that starred in the Our Gang series) was the first dual-registered Pit Bull/Staffordshire Terrier.

So again, yes they are the same it's just that anyone who wanted to show their dog had to call their pitbull a staffordshire.

Let me clarify a bit for those of you who are too ignorant to understand.

Take two purebred Italian men. Separate them at birth. One becomes an english speaking doctor while the other stays an Italian speaking gangster. Just because they may look and act differently does NOT mean they are a different race.


 

Answer by Liz
Submitted on 3/13/2006
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Well first of all, "A" breed was developed in Europe (Bulldog and terrier)- Staffordshire bull terrier. Some stayed, some came to US... Due to different breeding, US version was bigger and bulkier- American Staffordshire terrier... So... we call it Pit Bull, so it evolved to APBT...  Yes they are the same dogs, but due to breeding, and different breeding standards (AKC, UKC) the dogs DO look different...  just variations... and dogs are dogs, if you train them right, and treat them well, they will do good to you, they ARE and WANT to be loved by you, and are your FAMILY.

 

Answer by trainmypoochcom
Submitted on 3/21/2006
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Ok you guys.

The American Staffie and the Pit Bull come from the SAME DOG.  The difference is only in how they have been bred since they were brought over from England.  So, the two dogs come from the SAME SOURCE, but have been bred for different purposes since then.  Both of these animals are sweet, one of the most sensitive breeds around, and very trustworthy.  It is NOT THE DOG, but the human which is the problem.  THERE ARE NO BAD DOGS, ONLY BAD OWNERS.

 

Answer by Shavon
Submitted on 3/28/2006
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They are the same genetically, with a difference in background of how they were bred and used.  APBTs are bred for performance, where Am Staffs are bred for its physical attributes.  Any idiot that says that the Am Staff is sweeter is wrong!  Every dog has it's own personality.  You can see a sweeter APBT one day and find a nicer Am Staff the next.  It's the same basic breed and it's temperament has everything to do with its personality mixed with good training and positive upbringing!!!!  I see also that a lot of people are referring to the Am Staff as being a smaller breed...  Perhaps you are thinking of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier which is the UK breed of the Amstaff/ APBT.  Once again people, lets use our logic...  AMERICAN Pit Bull Terrier.  Where is it recognized?  In America!  Excellent.  AMERICAN Pit Bull Terrior...  Where is it Recognized?  In America!  Very Good.  So please, to save face stop saying AMERICAN Staffordshire terriers are from the UK.  You are thinking of its petite European cousin the Staffordshire Bull Terrier!  This site is great to use for your opinion.  They are alike a-holes...  Everyone has one.  But please don't state opinion as if it were fact.

 

Answer by Dog Master aka Manny
Submitted on 4/3/2006
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The Am Staff is to brave hearted to be called a pit bull. The Am Staff is not a pit bull because if you ever had an Am Staff as your best friend, like i do. You would no that the Am Staff is to power full for its own body. I could train a pure breed Am Staff to weight pull and i guarantee that my B.friend would beat the biggest pit bull there. So no stop confusion the two is just giving the Am staff a bad name for a great dog and its getting them illegal in most state's just  because its getting mix up with the wrong breed. If you have any ?'s E-mail me my screen name is garin47 with Am Staff or pit bull ? the rest i don't want hear it. Thank You. Manny

 

Answer by Flea from Holland
Submitted on 4/9/2006
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Amstaf en APBT gelijk? Zou best kunnen, maar maakt niets uit. Beiden zijn zeer sociale honden en passen uistekend in een gezinsverband.
Trouwens: je kunt zelfs van een tackel een bijtgraag monster maken.
Behandel je hond goed, consequent en vriendelijk en leer hem vooral sociaal zijn. Dan heb je  de beste hond van de wereld.

 

Answer by rock
Submitted on 4/13/2006
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also .. there is really no set size for the APBT.. yes, there are guidelines but I have females who weigh 30 pounds all the way up to males that have weighted 75 pounds

anything over 75 is generally considered too big and alot have had mastiff, bulldog or other breeds crossed into them further back, regardless of what the pedigree might say

Primo was the dog used to form the AKC, not UKC. UKC was already around when Primo came about.

And again, you are incorrect with UKC not having true "game bred" lines. I know several breeders whom still register their "game type" dogs with the UKC

And there are PLENTLY of overweight, oversized dogs registered in the ADBA that do not fit the game dog standard..

 

Answer by Michelle
Submitted on 4/18/2006
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My brother recently was given a pure bread 7 month old American Staffordshire Terrier, his name is "Magoo" and I couldn't ask for a better puppy! I'm not all that into the big strong mighty dogs but this dog is now part of our family and we've only had him a month now. He is so gentle and loves to watch TV with us and go in the car, this dog is in every way a new family member!

 

Answer by melanie
Submitted on 4/18/2006
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I have a mixed pit, my insuarance after 8 years says they can no longer insure us being we have her, how frigin unfare is that, bad rap or not I don't know how to explain this to the kids.
So I guess if some one in your family is a murderer than the rest of the family is to reguardless of the up bringing? I don't get it.
Why single out pits, are rottis dangerous to, i have a mini pin that i would say I am more afraid of his actions thaT an old timer pit.

 

Answer by keekers96
Submitted on 4/24/2006
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you idiots amstaffs only are allowed to way 50 to 60 lbs. mine ways 80 lbs. and amstaffs are much bigger than apbts. and its just the owners fault for making apbts aggressive.
If this world wouldn't do that you could leave a month year old with it and right now you could do that with a amstaff my mom does that with me and my brother. I even sleep on her and she loves it.

 

Answer by keekers96
Submitted on 4/24/2006
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you idiots amstaffs only are allowed to way 50 to 60 lbs. mine ways 80 lbs. and amstaffs are much bigger than apbts. and its just the owners fault for making apbts aggressive.
If this world wouldn't do that you could leave a month year old with it and right now you could do that with a amstaff my mom does that with me and my brother. I even sleep on her and she loves it.

 

Answer by deej
Submitted on 5/1/2006
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I have been an owner of a female AmStaf for nearly 7 years.  She was feared when we first moved to our suburban neighborhood.  The neighbors finally realized that Alika (my dog) would rather lick them to death than to cause any sort of harm to them.  I will say that she protects my children very well.  If someone comes into our yard while the children are outside alone, she does make her presence known.  These dogs are very loving, loyal, and protective of their families.  I wouldn't own another breed of dog.  She is my family's best friend and she gives so much love to everyone who gives her a chance.  Don't let negative reports about these dogs or about Pit Bulls drive you away from owning these beautiful dogs.  I have found that people say and believe the most ignorant things just to get their views in the news.  

 

Answer by JASON
Submitted on 5/5/2006
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NO THEY ARE NOT THE SAME DOG.  YOU MIGHT NOT LIKE MY ANSWER BUT IT'S REALITY.  PITBULLS IN THE PAST MOSTLY WERE BRED FOR THEIR FIGHTING, WHILE AM STAFFS WERE SIMPLY BRED FOR THEIR LOOKS.  IF YOU PUT A GAME PIT INTO THE SAME ROOM WITH A SO CALLED GAME AM STAFF YOU WOULD COME TO UNDERSTAND THAT THEY ARE TRULY DIFFERENT BREEDS.  PITBULLS ARE BRED FOR USEFULNESS, WHILE AM STAFFS ARE SIMPLY BRED FOR LOOKS.  THIS IS ONE OF THE REASONS WHY AM STAFFS GENERALLY HAVE LARGER HEADS AND LARGER MUSCLE STRUCTURE.  NONE OF THESE ATTRIBUTES WOULD HELP THEM IN FIGHTING.  THEY LOOK RATHER SIMILIAR BUT IN THE WORLD OF PITS YOU MEASURE THEM BY THEIR HEART AND THEIR NEVER GIVING UP, WHICH GAINS THEM THE LABEL OF BEING GAME.

 

Answer by bonz
Submitted on 5/6/2006
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i am a breeder of apbt's.  AMstaffs and pits are the same.  the difference is the papers.  akc refused to acknowledge the fighting background of the dog, so they changed the name.  only AKC recognizes the "AMstaff."  ukc breeds the 2 together.  if you papered an amstaff with ukc or adba ... your papers would come back APBT.  there is no difference.  
  however - and i see people are confused here ... the staffy bull is not the same.  the staffy is a dog breed from the same stock for hundreds of years in the UK to become a much smaller dog.  though it is similar to both AMstaffs and APBT's ... staffy bulls are a smaller dog resembling a miniature pit bull.  as for insurance ... they know that AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIERS and AMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIERS are one and the same.  THE STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER is not the same.

 

Answer by bonz
Submitted on 5/6/2006
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i am a breeder of apbt's.  AMstaffs and pits are the same.  the difference is the papers.  akc refused to acknowledge the fighting background of the dog, so they changed the name.  only AKC recognizes the "AMstaff."  ukc breeds the 2 together.  if you papered an amstaff with ukc or adba ... your papers would come back APBT.  there is no difference.  
  however - and i see people are confused here ... the staffy bull is not the same.  the staffy is a dog breed from the same stock for hundreds of years in the UK to become a much smaller dog.  though it is similar to both AMstaffs and APBT's ... staffy bulls are a smaller dog resembling a miniature pit bull.  as for insurance ... they know that AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIERS and AMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIERS are one and the same.  THE STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER is not the same.

 

Answer by foamman222@aol.com
Submitted on 5/13/2006
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I had a good laugh reading these answers considering a pitbull is at least three to four times the size of a staffordshire anyone who cant tell the difference should not own a dog.

 

Answer by KRS
Submitted on 5/16/2006
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ive got 12 ameriacn pitbulls and there not the same as staffs. there not all vicious either its the way you bring them up iv got 2 kids and they havent been hurt by them there friendly they dont have to be fighting dogs they can just be like any other pet.

 

Answer by bull$hitter
Submitted on 5/16/2006
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testing

 

Answer by Stephanie
Submitted on 5/22/2006
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A "pit bull" is any dog breed that is used for fighting. A Staffordshire Terrier is NOT and American Pit Bull Terrier, however, it IS a "pit bull" Any dog used for fighting like Filas, Boxers, Staffordshire Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, Dobermans, Presa Canarios (Canary Dogs), etc. are all referred to as "pit bulls" by the common community.

 

Answer by G
Submitted on 5/22/2006
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Pitbulls are better lookin and have nicer markings, well, at least the texas rednoses.

 

Answer by tatz
Submitted on 5/23/2006
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the pit bull got its name from rat baiting,(rats inside pits) its a mix of two breeds, a bull dog and a terrier. the first bull terrier mixes were believed to be bred in staffordshire, thus gaining the name staff...terrier. brought to america, bred for different gaming purposes.(the pit bull is a mix of two breeds,so as the am staff and the staffy,they are very close relatives) some am staffs are even registerd as pits. its not really the breed that is different, but just the names.(they are all "pit bull-terrier dogs"

 

Answer by cheech
Submitted on 5/26/2006
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i have a apbt. he is 9 months old and is a 60 lbs. lap dog  he has been around new borns and he loves them with his puppy heart if the kids bother him he always walks away   from all this jibber jabber about apbt. and amstaffy'sand staff bull terrier i am more confused before i started reading this non-sense i know that i treat my apbt. just as good as i treat my bay bee girl he shows his rough housing when he wants to play  other than that he hasnt ever had any bad moments my apbt. is an inside dog and very gentle around strangers and young ones my apbt. is just a big lap dog that has no idea about all the political b/s and about this "lock jaw" is it true or false?? i have read and i get two answers so i wish a vet. could help me on this or someone  that is smart and knows his apbt. ps. please no more b/s!!!! keep all dogs equal and treat them like you would want to be treated

 

Answer by kique
Submitted on 5/29/2006
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i dont think amstaff and pits are the same even if they look very close alike and that the problem because i afraid to take my amstaff to miami dade because they will most likely consider him a pit and have him removed

 

Answer by pit lover
Submitted on 5/30/2006
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yo,pits didn't come from staffy's i know this cause i also did some reserch. anyway pit bulls and staff are basically the same dog just look at. i think they should be classified as the same.

 

Answer by Christina
Submitted on 5/31/2006
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Pit and Amstaffs are VERY similar breeds.  They are technically seperate, but at the same time closely related.  Certain American Staffordshire Terriers registered with the AKC as such are also double registered with the UKC as American Pit Bull Terriers.

Amstaffs are not necessarily the "show" version of APBTs, as the UKC holds comformation shows for APBTs registered with them, so there are already "show" APBTs.

No, pit bull jaws DO NOT LOCK.  It has been proven.  They do have strong jaws, but so do amstaffs.

 

Answer by GEE
Submitted on 6/1/2006
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IF YOU GO BACK FAR ENOUGH IN AKC,UKC, AND ADBA.
YOU WILL SE THAT IN THE BEGINING THEY STARTED OUT THE SAME BUT AS THE YEARS WENT BY THE KENNEL CLUBS DID DIFFRENT THINGS WITH THEM.
AKC AMERICAN STAFF= PRETTY BOY VERSION DOCILE
UKC APBT= MARKETABLE BULKY STRONG
ADBA APBT= HOME OF THE BRAVE ALL THE GOOD STORIES OF THIS GREAT BREED THE TRUE SPIRIT
COURAGE LOVE LOYALTY IF IT STILL EXISTS THATS WHERE YOU CAN FIND IT ITS NOT EASEY

 

Answer by i love pits
Submitted on 6/1/2006
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i dont no if my dog is an am staff or a very big staffordshire bull terrier can some one help

 

Answer by pitbullologist
Submitted on 6/2/2006
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there not the EXACT same dog, but yes, they are the same. if anything, the "pitbull" came after the staffordshire terrier. staffordshire'swere bred actually to fight bears, believe it or not. in the mid to late 1700's, dog owners in staffordshire england needed a dog strong enough to fight off wolves, bears, and other predators from eating there live stock. they took an american bulldog, (for its size, strength, dominance, and loyalty) and a bull terrier (for its kien sense, obedience, and strong will) and came up with something better than they expected. in the farm fields, this new breed of dog easily took down bears, wolves, and eventually started killing sick livestock that straid from the herds to prevent other animals on the farm from becoming sick. farmers were so impressed with how strong and protective these dogs were that they started fighting them with other dogs to proove that their new breed of dog would and could beat any other dog out their. they named the dogs staffordshire bulls at first, then changed the name to american staffordshire bulldogs later, to help "honor" the american side of the breed. locals started fighting dogs in closed in rings or "pits". after realizing that the amstaff was the most dominant dog in the ring, people started fighting this new breed against each other. well, word got out that this new breed of dog could not be beat in the fighting pit by another dog and got its name, the pitbull. so, the first official name for this breed is the american staffordshire "pit"bull terrier. and since then. there has been many attempts to change the breed, and the name. so TECHNICALLY, YES, THEY ARE THE SAME THING. AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE PITBULLS ARE THE ORIGANALS! everything else is a branch off of the amstaff.

 

Answer by pitbullologist
Submitted on 6/2/2006
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Romeo, you sir are an idiot! I personally garauntee that my amstaff could dominate ANY of your "staffy" pits. every "U.K. dog" that has come over to the states has went home either dead, or badly wounded. PERSONALLY, IM AGAINST DOG FIGHTING, but ive seen it happen so many times. thats were i got my amstaff. His name is Capone. hes an 85lb. pure-bred american staffordshire that (from what i understand) has spent his whole life fighting. he has never lost a fight, NEVER!! he is 11-0 and that includes american, and foreign dogs. the only dog that stood a chance against Capone was a 95lb. american bulldog. and it eventually gave up, and got its throat torn out. "staffys" have never stood a chance against amstaffs, their TO small. they get flung all over the ring. and since its hard to grab on to their necks, they usually lose a leg, or they just get there side ripped out. its truly discusting. I HAVE NEVER PUT ANY DOG IN A FIGHT, ive just watched. and Capone has come through time and time again. thats why i got him out of fighting. hes paid his dues, and proved himself over and over. ive very seldom seen an amstaff lose a fight. only to other amstaffs. your european ankle biters DO NOT STAND A CHANCE AGAINST AMERICAN PITS, PERIOD!

 

Answer by will
Submitted on 6/6/2006
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the 2 breed look alike but different name,i think because if u take the 2 breed pics an put them together and its hard ot tell the difference so i dont know the difference to be honest wit yall

 

Answer by KILO
Submitted on 6/23/2006
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THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PITBULLS AND AMSTAFFS IS THE GENETIC FIELD OF GAMENESS. THE PITBULL IS STILL BRED FOR GAME AND THE AMSTAFFS ARE BRED FOR SHOW DOGS. BOTH ARE A AMAZING BREED OF DOGS. I OWN TWO PIT BULLS BOTH VERY GAME. IF THEY SEE ANOTHER DOG WALKING BY THE HOUSE THEY GO BANNANAS. BUT BOTH ARE VERY GENTLE AND LOVING TO THE FAMILY. I DO NOT FIGHT PITBULLS BUT IT IS VERY BIG DOWN HERE IN THE SOUTHERN STATES. THERE IS NEVER HEARD OF A AMSTAFF GOING AGAINST A PITBULL BECAUSE THE AMSTAFF LACKS THE QUALITY OF GAMENESS IN ITS GENES. IF IT WERE TO BE INVOLOVED WITH A PITBULL IT WOULD HAVE ITS HANDS FULL. I DO NOT FIGHT MY DOGS BUT I HAVE SEEN THE DOG FIGHTS IN THE PITS. THEY ARE MATCHED BY WEIGHT CLASS. YOU WOULD NOT PUT MIDDLEWEIGHT FIGHTER AGAINST A HEAVYWEIGHT FIGHTER BECAUSE IT IS NOT FAIR. PITBULLS AND AMSTAFFS ARE GOOD DOGS ITS JUST ON HOW YOU RAISE THEM WHICH DEFINES THEIR CHARACTER.

 

Answer by Big John
Submitted on 6/27/2006
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Yes they are the same dog the akc does recognize the pitbull as a breed and named it amstaff terrior. If this is not your answer then you are wrong they are the same thing.

 

Answer by Tim
Submitted on 7/2/2006
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YES...The Staffordshire Terrier and The Pitbull Terrier are the same dogs... WHY you ask...Well lets take a look.... Get some books on the Staffy and Pitbull...Look how they were created...They BOTH were breated by the Now Extinct White English Terrier and a Bulldog...
In the early 1900's the ADBA regestry was specificaly created to register pur bred American Pitbull Terrier...While The AKC registery did not like the words PITBULL in this breed so they took the same dog and changed its name to the AMerican Staffordshire Terrier.. The UKC registeres the American Pitbull Terrier, NOT The name Staffordshire Terrier because they dont care about a name....  95% of the population whould rather have The American Pitbull Terrier name rather than the other because it is the first..  SO YES THEY ARE EXACTLY IDENTICALLY TWINS THE SAME DOG...JUST A DIFFERENT NAME FOR 1 REGISTERY.

 

Answer by Ali
Submitted on 7/5/2006
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Has anyone ever realized dogs can look alike and be different breeds, such as the Border Collie and Australian Shepherd, Or although there markings may differ, The Belgium Sheepdog an German Shepherd. Also, who can say that the UKC is correct on AKC's terms, they have like 5 Different names for the Great Pyrenees. Well....

 

Answer by pat - owner of both
Submitted on 7/9/2006
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There is no "pit bull", but only pit bulls - the amstaff, staffbull, and ampit. Although all 3 were bred for pit fighting the latter of the 3 was the name that stuck on to the breeds..

 

Answer by staffy breeder
Submitted on 7/19/2006
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I have kept staffs all my life and I know what im talking about.. Americans call crisps, potato chips they spell colour with out the "o". There are many cultural differences between Brits and Americans and this is the reason for one group called the breed Staffs and the other saying pit bull. Americans are well know for eating alot of food and this would explain why there staffs are a little bigger than British staffs, because they feed there pets more as well. The only difference between a pit bull and a staffy is the name depending on which side of the pond you live on. The staff is the king of all breeds. I have kept rotties, GSD'Sdobermans, Labradors etc etc, but none show the loyalty, courage and intelligence of the noble English breed, the Staffy that originated in Staffordshire England, around Stoke-On--Trent and the Potteries.

 

Answer by brad
Submitted on 7/23/2006
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gritty

 

Answer by Whatever
Submitted on 7/26/2006
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In response to Amused, I also own a Staff who was previously a show dog and she has her ears clipped... but not her tail for some reason. So obviously American Staffs do get their ears and tails clipped.  And to all of those who say that Staffs are larger than APBTs, my Staff is tiny!  She is extremely muscular, but VERY short, so whoever said that Staffs are generally taller and leaner is not necessarily correct.  As far as I know there is really no difference between Staffs or Pitts, especially related to their physical characteristics.  When my dog was registered she could have been registered under either name depending which kennel we wanted to register her under.

 

Answer by REDBONE
Submitted on 8/8/2006
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I would just like to comment to the insurance agent who said insurance doesn't insure because of "The lock jaw."  This could be beneficial for possibly being able to insure people in the future if that is the reason they don't insure. If you actually do the research yourself you will find out that it is a myth that Pit Bulls have lock jaw. Try to google it sometime and you'll be fascinated by what they say. However they do still have extremely powerful jaws. On a side note I have a Pit that is the most gentle dog I have ever had. I can take her anywhere off of her leash. I have had other dogs come up to her including other Pits and try to fight her. She sticks up her nose at all of them and walks away. Only interested in doing what pleases me.

 

Answer by Talia
Submitted on 8/9/2006
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Yes the American Pitt Bull Is an American Staffy to a certain point. The American Pitt Bull is the original breed for fighting and then they cross breed the American staffy from the pitt Bull to be a showing dog. So technically yes and no they are the same dog, there are so many opinions on it you just need to investigate and get as many opinions as you can!!!

 

Answer by Capri
Submitted on 8/15/2006
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it depends on who you talk to and how you ask and/or talk about it

 

Answer by Capri
Submitted on 8/15/2006
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it depends on who you talk to and how you ask and/or talk about it

 

Answer by Gina
Submitted on 8/20/2006
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Everyone-

Please tell me- of the three I want one that is loving to people and can get along with my daughter's 2 yr old Chesapeake Bay Retriever. My Rottie just died and all I want is a smaller loving and adorable companion. Of the 3 which is the best?

 

Answer by Al
Submitted on 8/29/2006
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Staffordshires are way more athletic they might be the greatest athletic dog ever created. Pits bulls can't jump as high or swim as good as a staffy.

 

Answer by Mythbusta
Submitted on 8/29/2006
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Just to dispel a stupid myth, there is no such thing as "lockjaw" all three of these breeds have normal jaws there is no "notch " or locking device in there mouth.
Also gameness doesn't mean aggressive it only means their willingness to finish a task, whether it is fighting another dog or herding sheep or learning a new trick. Gameness is something every good breeder looks for whether it be a Pit Bull, or a Border Collie.
Also in general the Terrier Group has dog aggressive tendencies. That doesn't make any of them bad. Also when choosing your new pet make sure it is a well bred dog because a poorly bred dog can be unstable and that is with any breed.
APBT and AmStaff are from the same line that are starting to become two different breeds do to what is focused on in the Kennel clubs. The UKC focuses on utility while AKC focuses on conformation. Soon you are going to have two different breeds, which is what is happening now.
As far as leaving your kids alone with any dog unsupervised is dangerous even a Pomeranian can kill a child, its been documented.

 

Answer by Logue
Submitted on 9/16/2006
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I have an American Pit Bull Terrier and for a while I questioned whether she was really an Am Staff or not seeing that I bought her from a friend's cousin who really didn't know much about dogs. I found out that Pit Bulls can be bigger and also much smaller but are generally taller than Am Staffs. The original fighting Pit Bulls however were small and weighed between 20 to 40 pounds for fighting reasons. They were quicker, more agile, and could come from underneath to grab a dogs throat. My dog weighs 45 lbs and is 19 inches tall. It wasn't until I stayed with someone who had an Am Staff that I realized it really doesn't matter. That dog was pretty much the same as mine. A little shorter and stockier but they both acted the exact same. So it really doesn't matter which is which because the both have the same temperement. If you raise them properly they will be the greatest dog you'll ever own. If I did have to point out a difference though I would just say Am Staffs are bred for show and generally have black around their mouths instead of pink however this is not always true. They also tend to be shorter and weigh more. But then again each dog can vary quite a bit.

 

Answer by VEX
Submitted on 9/26/2006
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AMSTAFF,PITT'S AND STAFFY USE TO BE THE SAME BUT ARE NO LONGER THE SAME DOG OF OLD AND I WISH PEOPLE WOULD STOP TRYING TO PUT THEM IN THE SAME GROUP AS PITT'S IT'S TIME TO MOVE ON PEOPLE THE BREED HAS.

 

Answer by paul whitman single again plymouth mass
Submitted on 10/2/2006
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pit bulls bite hard

 

Answer by pb67@comcast.net
Submitted on 10/6/2006
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Pit Bulls ? APBT or AmStaff, UKC or AKC. I think the most famous APBT/AmStaff dual registered dog was Petey from the Our gang series. (The Little Rascals). FYI he was also the first K9 on TV.         PS There were no Amstaff's before 1936.    http://www.pbrc.net/shelterdogs.html        

 

Answer by leewirt07
Submitted on 10/8/2006
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I'm reading all these informative (and confusing!) responses and realized some of you are talking about AMPITS (American Pit Bull Terriers) and not ARMPITS.  

 

Answer by johnboy
Submitted on 10/8/2006
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a pitbull like any other terrier was made for sporting purposes. the Bulldog was bred with an athletic english terrier to make the bullandterrier later known as pitbull. smart powerful and extremely loyal they were manipulated into fighting. Mistreated inbreeding and caged to make a bad line of aggressive dogs unlike there cousin the staffy who they were bred back into to make a more placid show type dog known as amstaff. and all were originally british dogs

 

Answer by i love my duketer
Submitted on 10/12/2006
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I have a 1 year old daughter and i own a pitt bull terrier and a bull terrier x staffy both are great with my daughter she jumps all over them. My pitt bull is more affectionate then the bull terrier. Some1 let my dogs out and the council picked them up the only reason i got duke(pittbull) back was he is 2 young 2 be DNA tested. I have no idea how correct the DNA test is but they will be testing my dukey in January if they find us. The stupid thing about the council is they have a points test that they test every dog on that they catch and even my bull terrier had points of being a pitt bull terrier. I question whether the council even know what they are talking about......

 

Answer by Bullyboy
Submitted on 10/15/2006
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Comparing APBT'sand AMSTAFF'sis like comparing a 1969 Camaro and a 1969 Firebird. Pretty much the same car.  Both GM's Same type motor and tranny.  Same HP.  Same rear ends. Same body style. The only difference is the bolt patterns, tail lights and hood and grill.

APBT'sand AMSTAFF'sare essentially the same thing.  

 

Answer by pit guy
Submitted on 10/25/2006
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Developed from the Bull and Terrier types of yesteryear, the American Pit Bull Terrier comes from an indisputable history of pit-fighting. The breed'stenacity and accompanying strength are unmatched in the canine world. As rich and captivating as the breed'shistory is, the Pit Bull's future is more worthy of commentary. Some proponents of the breed argue that this breed is the original bulldog of the past. Old prints and woodcarvings show reason to believe this. They show dogs that look exactly like the breed today, doing things the dog is still capable of doing.  For more information on this theory you can read books by Richard F Stratton. The APBT, as registered by the UKC, is an individual breed of dog and does not refer to just any ill-bred, mindless warrior-type mongrel. At one time, the Pit Bull was a much loved, trustworthy companion. People who chose to train these dogs to fight are chiefly responsible for the banning and witch-hunting that has been sweeping the U.S. The media, however, should not go unmentioned, for it is also responsible for escalating isolated incidences in a relentless and attention-getting way. In a lot of cases when the media is reporting about a Pit Bull attacking, it is indeed not even a Pit Bull at all, but a mixed breed of some sort, or another bull breed all together. In fact, one time there was a report on KYW news in Philadelphia about two Pit Bulls attacking a person. I called the news station and asked if they knew the dogs were in fact a purebred American Pit Bull Terriers, or another bull breed of some sort, or a mutt for that matter. They told me they did not know, I would have to call the police station to verify that information. I asked them how they could report something that they were not sure of. They had no answer for me and they were not sure of the dog's breed. Even after admitting that to me on the phone, they kept calling it a Pit Bull. The Pit Bull's future has been perhaps irreparably undone and everyone is to blame except the dog itself. This very loyal dog is too set on pleasing his owner, and ironically this is the root of his own undoing. Accompanying this need to please are remarkable abilities of all kinds. Jack Dempsy, Teddy Roosevelt and Jack Johnson are just a few people who have owned Pit Bulls. Pit Bulls excel in practically every canine task including herding, guarding, hunting, policing, cart pulling and ratting. A Pit Bull, named Banddog Dread, holds more canine working titles than ANY other breed. The owner's name is Diane Jessup and you can reference her book, "The Working Pit Bull." It tells you all of Dread'saccomplishments. These dogs are truly capable of many tasks. The difference between Pits and American Staffordshire Terriers is a difficult one. Even breeders can't agree. The main difference is the bloodline. Amstaffs are show dogs and dog fighters won't use dogs with Amstaff blood. As time progresses there will be more of a difference. Many are duel registered as Amstaffs with the AKC and Pits with the UKC.


In the nineteenth century in the English region of Staffordshire, crossing among the Bulldog and various terriers developed the muscular, active, combative Staffordshire Bullterrier. Brought to the United States, the breed was preferred by American breeders who increased its weight and gave it a more powerful head. Now recognized as a separate breed, the American Staffordshire is larger and heavier than his British cousin, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. After dog fighting was banned in the United States in 1900, two strains of these dogs were developed, a show strain and a fighting dog strain. The show strain was labeled the American Staffordshire, while the fighting dog strain was labeled the American Pit Bull Terrier. The two are now being recognized as separate breeds. Today the American Pit Bull Terrier is being bred with the same gentle qualities as the American Staffordshire Terrier.  They both make great pets with the right kind of owner. Some of the American Staffordshire Terriers talents are watchdog, guarding, police work, weight pulling and agility.

 

Answer by Amstaff911
Submitted on 10/25/2006
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I recently put a deposit on an American Staffordshire Terrier Pup. (After convincing my wife they make great family pets. I previously owned a male black and white, so I know what great intelligent dogs they can be.  My wife and I sat down to read an old training book I had and she stumbled across the name pitt bull.  Now she doesn't want the puppy anymore and her sister refuses to bring here kids over if we own a dog like that.  They are the same breed just slight differences noted by the AKC and UKC.  Its a shame what irresponsible breeders and owners have done to these athletic, intelligent, and loving dogs.  Then the media gets there hands on information and turns it into a special.

 

Answer by TheCybologist
Submitted on 10/26/2006
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ya know what...I have an amstaff/pit bull....what ever you want to call her. She is a 73lbs baby. She towers over most "pit bulls" but I don't really care. she is my baby. she is protective of me until I tell her it is OK. After I tell her it is OK she is your best friend. I have owned a 27 lbs Mutt, a 15 lbs Lopsuopsu, a 167lb Rott, and now my 73lbs Pit/AmStaff. I have to say my current dog (AmStaff/Pit)has been the best dog I have ever owned. I raised her right. and she is not agressive unless approched. I have had one situation where another dog came at her and she went into action. I have to say it was impressive. It was a Rott and it was much bigger. She did bring the Rott down but when I told her to hold, she did. The rott'sowner was able to grab her dog and when I told Atilla to release she did. TRAIN YOUR DOGS. and they will respond. I hunt Bird, my buddy has a bird dog. I helped train him. He is birdie because we trained him that way. Just like I trained my Pit/Amstaff to be a good dog. I can't stress enough....TRAIN YOUR DOG........and there will not be a problem. When I say train your dog I don't mean send your dog to a trainer.....I mean YOU train your dog. I work with my pit/AmStaff every day. She knows many tricks. I walk her every day. I can walk her past a barking dog behind a fene without her flinching. This took work...I walked her past the same dog 10-15 times correcting her each time before she got it......but now I can walk past any barking dog with no reaction unless I say it is ok. This is what needs to be achieved with the breed. My main goal on the day I have to put her down, is to say, I owned a Pit/AmStaff that never hurt anyone. To me then, she will have been the best dog in the world. I love my Pit and she loves me. I now understand the phrase "Dog is a man's best friend".

 

Answer by joey
Submitted on 10/29/2006
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I own an american staffy a few of my mates own american pit bulls, to me they look the same.and are around about the same height, weight and build. I read some where that the two breeds are the same they just changed the names from amstaff to apbt when they were first registered as a breed.I have tried to find as much information on the breeds as possible,half the info I get says there the same the other half says that there not,so iam not to sure what to believe. all I know is that they are a great dog and are NON AGRESSIVE unless treat badly just like any other breed of dog  

 

Answer by pb
Submitted on 11/3/2006
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when the breed was 1st regonized it was the same breed they used a colby dog primo jr as the akc standard and he was a pit bullto this day the colby lineis one of the most regonized familys of dogs in the world not just pit bulls but all breeds breed by the same family for over a 116 yrs take that toy our bank lol  but over the yrs they have been breed more for the show ring and alot of staffs were breed down off of earl tudors stock so thats a fighting libne as well

 

Answer by detty
Submitted on 11/8/2006
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yes they are the same dog.i have owned many of so called american staff,bitbull ter.
i own two now. wouldent trade any type of dog for nether of them . botom line

    american staffordshire pitbull terrior

 

Answer by andrew
Submitted on 11/27/2006
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There are the amstaff, the staff bull terrier, the pit bull terrier, ive been seeing pictures of both breeds and i see that the amstaff is taller then the pit the amstaff has a more squared head and a longer jaw. the pit has more of a wider jaw muscular and shorter legs which looks like the staff bully but the staff bully looks lighter and a bit shorter and a bit less muscular. but i dont have any of these i only have a english bull terrier.

 

Answer by Big E
Submitted on 12/6/2006
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No they are not the same im from P.G.county Md. where there is a band on those particuler terrier .They said the breed is dangerouse I think the owners are dangerouse if they train them to be a certain way.Half the dumb asses dont even realize there are several typs so they breed the diff. typs inbreed so thats where the over aggressive behavior comes from .They took my friends dog and killed him and yes he looked scary but was ass nice as a poodle and my friend is still deeply affected by his murder !! Good ol USA kill first ask Questions later!!

 

Answer by Cooper's
Submitted on 12/12/2006
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Yes they are the same dog the difference is where they are registered. My dog is registered as American Staffordshire terrier with the AKC, and as an American Pit Bull Terrier with the ADBA.

 

Answer by Fifi
Submitted on 12/17/2006
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i have a 8 week old American Staffordshire Terrier and i wanted to ask what colour is the nose spose to be? his nose is a black and pink colour..is that ok at his age to have that colour or is that a problem? i have heard that it is spose to be black, but think that it will change when he grows olda

 

Answer by marsha
Submitted on 12/20/2006
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hi i have no idea about that at all.  Every time I take my puppy out I have people come up to me and say "you've got a red nose pit!". I have been told is an American Staff, and he doesn't look like a bit to me, especially the body shape and structure, but I'm confused.  In England most don't know that an American staff even exists!! But I have been studying these sites and I am beginning to understand the similarities and differences.  Is there a red nose American staff?

 

Answer by Andy
Submitted on 1/15/2007
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OK people, the original question has been diverted. IS A STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER A PIT BULL? NOOOOOOOO. The American Staffordshire Terrier most commonly gets confused with a "pit bull", however they are not the dog the question is refering too. A staffordshire bull terrier is considerably different in both size and PROVEN temperment. Not a pit bull.

 

Answer by yann
Submitted on 1/24/2007
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until ,time of jeep a celebre and best pit bull-dog in the 18 century who has been eleved by an american and a swedish in america this dog make about 22 kg for a very small size ,in bresil lot of pit bull
have been brought from usa but for me i think that we can says that american stafforshire and pit-bull are about the same because when i want make puppies to my dogz female (ever) i try to find him a boyfriend pitbull and she look to be very happy and when the male try to go up she want to choose the dog that she want and i have often make playing mystaff with other pit bull and she look to have a dialogs that any other dog can have and tha approach of dog from other race was not the best that we can hope ,the manier that the staff jump is so similar to pitbull so i
tink it s the same doggy love    

 

Answer by Treggs
Submitted on 1/26/2007
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No Stafford's and Pit Bulls Are not the same dog although the pit bull is bred from the Stafford basically a Pitbull is a staff crossed with a Bulmastiff (if thats how you spell it) this cross makes the pitbull have less emotion than a staff and 2000lbs biting pressure verses 1200 on the staff, they are technically not as good as a staff when it comes to fighting but the extra power and lack fear gives them an edge. If the pitbull was a better fighter they would have used them for fighting lions instead of staffs, I have read that many fighting dogs were carried home in the pushchair with the babies. They are far from the same dog but a dog is what you make it and an owner should be charged for anything their dog does GBH, Manslaughter  that would maybe stop these arsehole that stereotype my dog (staff)

 

Answer by BEN A. ROUND
Submitted on 1/30/2007
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Please people, they are from the EXACT same gene-lines!! There are a lot of people,and hardly any brains. Does that make sense?? And just for the record; you can bring up a "pit/am staff/bull terrier" to be a good dog BUT can still have an accident with that dog. It's ALL in the genes!! Some are good dogs and some fighters,period. I've heard of people getting these dogs as pups and raising them right but still had biting problems or fighting later on in life. There is a lot to it. Always keep on eye on your dog!

 

Answer by dominik brkiæ
Submitted on 2/15/2007
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i have a 2 year old male staff, he is great, has a heart of a lion, fears nothing, he is loyal, but he hates other dogs, likes to bite, not people at all, but dogs... however wouldnt change him for the world

 

Answer by Amy (Staffordshire owner/ breeder)
Submitted on 3/10/2007
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A 'staffy' terrior is the same as a 'pitty', and size is no matter. 'Staffys' come it two sizes, the Mini (which most confuse as Pits) and the standard Staff. They are both generally sweet tempermented, unless trained to act otherwise. They were origionally bred to herd and sometimes Hunt cattle, their stocky size and muscular build made them agile yet strong enough to survive a buck from a full grown cow/bull. They're no longer used for that job and have been adopted into family homes. Although, I have to say that, 'pit bulls' are not for everyone.

In showing a Stafforshire terrior, it is most common that they have dark eyes and a black nose. that IS SHOW STANDARD! but like many other dogs, they have miss-breeding, which leads to faults in the appearance. The Two sizes, for one, and the 'mal-colored' noses and eyes aswell.

If anyone knows anything abotu showing, they would know: if a generally short coated dog has good form and stature, but a long coat, they cannot show. Regardless of whether the hair is cut or not, the Dog is not certified and therefor cannot show. Akitas, aswell as labradors, have this common fault.

The Staffordshire terrior and the American pitbull ARE THE SAME THING! 'Staffordshire' is the AKC name and 'Pit bull' is the UKC name. Just though I would lend my insite.

 

Answer by TC
Submitted on 3/13/2007
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They are not a completely different breed! When pitbulls were first introduced in america they were unable to be registered in the AKC since the classification of the dogs were partly based on their function, i.e. working or sporting groups. The pitbull was originally bred to be a fighting dog so the AKC wanted nothing to do with them. The UKC was started to register dog breeds that were not allowed in the AKC and their first official breed was the pitbull. Eventually the AKC allowed pitbulls to be registered but changed the name to the American Staffordshire Terrior to one; disassociate them from the bad reputation of the pitbull, and two; it is named after the place in England where it is believed that the crossbreeding of bulldogs and terriers (pitbulls) was first started. They are the same breed and it is common for them to be dual registered in the AKC as AmStaffs and in the UKC as American Pitbull Terriers.

 

Answer by staffy breeder
Submitted on 3/15/2007
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the reason the 2 are often confused due to the fact that the american staff is a close blood relative of the english staff which was taken to america and bred with american dogs to create the breed is you see a picture the characteristics are far to dissimilar to be close relatives,although  the bloodline and overall nature of the breed is similar the dogs are 2 separate breeds and should not be confused

 

Answer by mswell
Submitted on 3/15/2007
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My friend in Athens found a wandering dog. He put up notices and placed lots of ads on websites & newspapers and did everything he could to reunite her with her owners. But to no avail. He ended up having to keep her. She obviously came from a good home as she is very well-behaved and had been sterilised. We don't know it she's a PB / AMPB / SPB / ASPB or what ~ and to be honest your forum hasn't helped me get clarification. "Lady" is adorable and rolls over at the sound any child's voice waiting to be admired and touched. And she is white with BLUE eyes.  Is that common?

 

Answer by b
Submitted on 3/22/2007
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All I got to say is how do you say Tomato, or Potato??? The only difference is if a drug dealer owns it or if a Breeder owns it!
THEY ARE THE SAME! SAME! SAME!
The dog came from the Molossi tribe, people which lived in ancient Greece. Then used by romans for fighting, over time they where then used by Butcher to handle bulls that were acting up they called them Bullenbeissers. They AKC would not recognize them because they were breed for FIGHTING, so when the UKC was organized for unrecognized breeds by the AKC. Then the PITBULL "American Staffordshire Terrier"was noticed as a breed, THEN!!!! the AKC decided to recognized it but just called it a American Staffordshire Terrier " PITBULL".

 

Answer by christina
Submitted on 3/28/2007
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There is no such thing as a "pit bull" It is a term used to refer to American Staffordshire terriers, as well as pit bull terriers, and sometimes even bull terriers. I have a 4 mo. old pit bull. Not sure exactly what breed he is. I was told he is a McCoy pit bull...whatever that is. But he is the sweetest most loyal loving & intelligent dog I have ever owned. Very easily trained..by far my favorite dog to own so far. I have owned labs, golden retrievers, mastiffs, beagles, basset hounds & corgis. While the corgi comes close, he is not as loyal & loving so my pit wins him out. Corgis are very smart however. I highly recommend them.

 

Answer by Longfellow Dals
Submitted on 4/9/2007
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Essentially, yes. If you ask the UKC (United Kennel Club) they will tell you yes, they are the same breed. If you ask the AKC (American Kennel Club) they will tell you no, they have been separate for over 50 years. If you register your dog with the AKC as an American Staffordshire Terrier and then go to the UKC they will gladly register him as an American Pit Bull Terrier. If you try to do it the other way around the AKC will deny registration because they think it is a different breed. They have done the same thing to the Belgian herding breeds. Overall, the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier are the same breed, however there are different strands. It is easily comparable to the American Bulldog. There is a wide variety of looks and temperaments within the breed due to different lines of breeding, for example the Johnson lines vs. the Southern Whites.

People like to call the APBT and the Am Staff different breeds because of the wide variety of looks and temperaments within them, but on closer inspection you will find there are those that comply with the AKC standard, those that comply with the UKC standard (Almost the same) those that are working bred and comply more with the American Dog Breeders Association (ADBA) standard, which is another major registering body for pit bulls, and those that are breed for looks and for pets that have become 70 pounds overweight and much too thick.

 

Answer by Konan Thornblade
Submitted on 4/17/2007
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From all my research,I have found that the staffordshire and the APBT are not the same dog though, they are closely related.
As far as temperment, I wouldn't have any other breed. I've personally never been to keen on the idea of owning a "Pit Bull" but, I happened to aquire a staffordshire through some friends for my wife. They explained to me that it wasn't a APBT but a ASST and some of the history of the breed and also, providing me with books to back it up. I have 6 children whom I am sometimes overly protective of.I have had "Mustard" for      2 1/2  years.I was impressed with in the first 2 or3 weeks, he would make his rounds on a nightly basis going room to room and bed to bed sleeping with each and every child making sure every child was safe and in their place. Once I woke up in the middle of the night and my 3 year old son was lying on the floor with Mustard curled up around him.He has never so much as stared cocked -eyed at anybody,unless he felt that the children were in grave danger,and yet still has never bitten a sole.
This is my experiences and research with my ASST and I hope it helps some one.

 

Answer by DRH463
Submitted on 4/17/2007
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They are different breeds but are so closely related as to be ALMOST the same breed. While a "pit bull" is not a breed but a generic name like "shepherd" or "hound"(and terrier), the American Pit Bull Terrier IS a specific breed. I have an old book about the beginings of the breeds that says the AmStaff was mixed with the now extinct American Fighting Bulldog to get the APBT.
As far as the "lock-jaw", its a complete myth. They just have such power in their bite that it seems to lock. There is no "locking mechanism".
As far as being "genetically the same", ALL dog "breeds" are the same, they are ALL the same species, thats why you can get a dog thats part 3 or 4  or more different "breeds". Look it up, its simple biology 101.

 

Answer by kazstaffy
Submitted on 5/6/2007
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i have a staffy she is gorgeous! she sleeps in bed wit my 2 year old son every night, she doesnt fight wit other dogs or go for people, people do get frightened of her because she is hyper when she runs her teeth are showin but as soon as she hets to you she'll lick you to death, i dont understand why they have such a bad name this is the 3rd staffy i have had and i never had any problems! they are the most lovin dogs and very intelligent!

 

Answer by gost
Submitted on 5/8/2007
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i have one of each and its a real easy answer on paper they are different looks very Little difference but sum  , and just like people they are all different as far as behavior so at the end of the day  just take good care of your dog and they will take good care of you

 

Answer by ang
Submitted on 5/17/2007
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what the hell i own two Stafford shire bull terrier and they are nothing like a pit-ball. My female just had 5 cute little pups and they have the cutie little temperment because they not aggressive at all they like to play. Staffies are just so cute?????????? PITBALLS ARE NOTHING LIKE STAFFIES THEY ARE COMPLETELY DIFFERENT. THEY COMPLETELY DIFFERENT DOGS.

 

Answer by chop
Submitted on 5/19/2007
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they are the same dog in america only with two regs,only if it has more than 80% white it cant be in the amstaff club .ppl who use them as hunters, have to cage them because they are uncontrolable after a period of time,but in saying that there has never been a pit/amstaff  that has turned on his owner in the history of pit fighting, if you dont allow them to fight or kill they will never know what they can do and can be the best dog in the world

 

Answer by Ukboy
Submitted on 5/29/2007
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I found some this stupid.. firstly "pit" was name after the place (coal pit i think) and they were originally from ireland.. the workmen became bored and started training those dogs to fight, then they were import to england... later on to USA so they are originally from the united kingdom.  my mother owns Am-Staff and Staffordshire bull terrier. my neighbor owns Am-Pb.. am-Staff are taller because it was bred from staff bull and ampb.. i dont know how biology works but that is the way it is. they are all equally the same. it is like black person with chinese person and they will look like both and same goes for white person with chinese. which they may share their hair trait etc. im sure you can work that out yourself.  all of these dogs came from the same dog which was originally from Ireland.. i believe it was bred with mongrel terrier/bull mustiff/bulldog.

oh to add more - my mother have 11 grandchildren aging from 15 to 3 and the dogs loves them.. it is how you treat the dog.. we dont beleive in dog fighting even though it is right outside our street!

 

Answer by Dubz
Submitted on 5/31/2007
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an American Pit Bull Terrier is a breed that is made up of a terrier and a staf. so in a way they are the same but a pit s built differently than a staf because they are significantly lighter.

 

Answer by eddie murphy
Submitted on 6/2/2007
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when man FEARS
         he destroys and when he finished destroying THIS BREED what breed will be next
   husky,setter,bulldog,pug,spitz,jack russel terrier ,pointer,basenji,lab.golden retreiver ...AMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIER SERVED IN THE WW1 HE WAS HONORED TO BE A WAR DOG AND IN THE 21 CENTURY THEY DECIDE TO DESTROY MY KIND THE KIND I SERVED TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA....TO THESE BSL MEAN ANY SECOND,MINIUTE ,HOUR,DAY THEY CAN BANN ANY DOG FROM PUG INTO IRISH WOLFHOUND

 

Answer by muck
Submitted on 6/11/2007
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i have a english staffy his three and i just got an american staffy her head looks like a staffy but her body is putting me of all i want to now are thay two different breeds and is american staffy a pit bull or not

 

Answer by db
Submitted on 6/20/2007
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they are different dogs. staffs are stronger than the pits. and the staffs show more of a resemblance of yhe terriers

 

Answer by wolfspirit
Submitted on 6/25/2007
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i dont think pits have locking jaws,ithink they can just bite as hard as hell.wolves have locking jaws to bring down there prey.really dogs came from wolf,so if pits jaw lock they all lock.

 

Answer by Mommyof3
Submitted on 6/29/2007
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I have owned both a ptbul and an amstaff. Both are excellent dogs the differnce is the amstaff is shorter and stockier and the Am.Pitbull is taller and stockier. They are the best dogs ever. I grew up my hole life with them. I also showed in UKC for 2 years. When i took my Am Pitbuk to an all breed dog show my Am.Pitbul was the only dog that the kids could pet. And as for the home owners Ins they are being very discrimative. Any dog can be mean the pitbull is they only thing that is dewlled on. My husbend was bit by a dalmation was that ever on the news? Or my uncles teacup poodle bit a Kid was that ever put on the news? NO! Sorry i had to vent about this cause it really makes me mad. My am.pitbull was in 4-H for 3 years and she was the best dog ever. This is also sad i was 13 and an adult told me to my face after he was done petting my puppy, when he asked the breed and i told him Am.pitbull he stopped petting her and told me my dog was going to kill somebody. Keep in mind i was 13. Thank you!

 

Answer by Elisha
Submitted on 7/3/2007
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Hmmmmmmmm........they are two different kinds of dogs, isn't it obvious? if they were the same then why give them to different names? It might happen though....but only if some one very jobless is out there giving the same dogs different names. But would someone???

 

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