Which Is the Better Pet A Pitbull Or Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Are you planning to have a pet and you’re torn between two beautiful dog breeds? You might be wondering which is a better pet between a Pit Bull and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. In this article, I am going to talk about their similarities and differences to help you identify which is the better pet for you.

Which Is the Better Pet: A Pit Bull Or Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a pet. Aside from choosing the breed that you prefer, you should also do thorough research about it. If your choices are a Pit Bull or Staffordshire Bull Terrier, which is the better pet when it comes to their character and traits?

Pit Bull and Staffordshire Bull Terrier may look very similar and act very similar. However, there are also lots of things that are different about them. Having knowledge about their similarities and differences can help you make an appropriate choice.

Pitbull

Pit Bull Vs Staffordshire Bull Terrier Brief History

A Pit Bull was originally bred in the United Kingdom in early 1800. It was bred from Old English Bulldogs which were known be fighters. A Staffordshire Bull Terrier, on the other hand, was from a Bulldog and the British Terrier.

A Staffordshire Bull Terrier is also bred for bull-baiting or dogfighting. Unlike the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a Pit Bull is considered to be a broad term used to describe breeds of dogs that are created for bull baiting. 

Pit Bull Vs Staffordshire Bull Terrier Appearance

Pit Bulls have cropped ears, short coats, and some have color markings. They can grow up to 21 inches tall and can weigh up to 60 pounds. While Staffordshire Bull Terriers usually have uncropped ears. They can weigh up to 36 pounds and grow up to 19 inches tall. 

Both of them are considered medium-sized dogs and have muscular and sturdy bodies.

Pit Bull Vs Staffordshire Bull Terrier Temperament

Many people might be mistaken when it comes to the temperament of these two dogs. Since they were bred to be fighters, they can still be aggressive to some dogs. However, training and socialization can lessen that occurrence.

Both of them are loyal and protective towards their family.

They are affectionate, good companions, smart, obedient, courageous, and confident breeds of dogs. However, they can also be stubborn when it comes to training and they can be assertive when it comes to strangers and other animals. When faced with a challenge, both the Staffy and Pit Bull will not back off.

With proper introduction and handling, Pit Bulls and Staffordshire Bull Terrier can also be good with children.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Pit Bull Vs Staffordshire Bull Terrier Training Needs

Pit Bull and Staffordshire Bull Terrier need to be trained so that they can be good family members and pets. As early as 3 to 4 weeks old, they can start socializing with their littermates, mom, and other people in the house. You can also start training them where to poo and pee.

Train them to deal with other dogs and smaller animals as well, such as cats and rabbits. Train them not to bite during playtime. Eating habits and manners can also be taught as early as 6 weeks old. Also, you have to train them to walk with a harness or leash without pulling or biting.

Pit Bulls can be more stubborn during training, so you need a lot of patience and energy.

Pit Bull Vs Staffordshire Bull Terrier Exercise Needs

Pit Bulls and Staffordshire Bull Terriers are both big balls of energy. They love to play and do physical activities. They have a very athletic body that requires moderate amounts of exercise. You can take them for a walk, jogging, running, fetch, or frisbee.

Though both of them look strong, they can still overheat when the weather is hot. During the summer season, it is suggested that you do exercises early in the morning, late in the afternoon, or at night. Likewise, when the weather is too cold, you should not allow them to stay outdoors for too long.

They have short coats that may not be enough to protect them from the cold. The amount of exercise that they both need should depend on their body weight, size, and energy level. Give them at least 30 minutes to an hour of physical activity.

You can also have some mental exercises when you can’t go out.

Pit Bull Vs Staffordshire Bull Terrier Health

Because of their body structure and genes, Pit Bulls and Staffordshire Bull Terrier are prone to bone and joint problems. Some of their disorders are congenital while some can be developed due to their lifestyle.

Pitbull

Here are some of the diseases that a Staffordshire Bull Terrier can have:

  • Cataract
  • Elbow and hip dysplasia
  • Patellar luxation
  • Skin allergies
  • L-2 Hydroxyglutaric Aciduria (L-2-HG)

Here are some of the diseases that a Pit Bull can have:

  • Cataract
  • Heart diseases
  • Elbow and hip dysplasia
  • Patellar luxation

Pit Bull Vs Staffordshire Bull Terrier Care

Since Pit Bull and Staffordshire Bull Terrier have short coats, they are both easy to groom. You can brush their coat at least once or twice a week. Shedding is from low to moderate only. You can trim their nails at least once a month or when you can hear them scratching on the floor.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier has a tendency to escape. So if you want to contain him, you can either build a fence or keep him inside the house. Allow your Pit Bull and Staffy to have enough space to play and rest.

Avoid putting them off-leash during an outdoor activity especially if there are strangers or other dogs. Enough attention, proper care, and a healthy lifestyle can lengthen the life of your Pit Bull and Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Which Makes A Better Pet?

Pit Bulls and Staffordshire Bull Terrier are almost the same when it comes to looks and personality. Though a Pit Bull can be more affectionate and loyal to its owner, it can also be more aggressive than a Staffy. That’s the reason why it needs more socialization and training. 

If training and socialization are done properly, both of them can make a good pet. If you want a little smaller pet, you can go for a Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Conclusion

Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Pit Bull are both great breeds. They can be great companions for kids and adults if supervised and trained early on. If you really need to choose between the two, you can consider your community, your home, and your ability to take care of them as well.