Pitbull and Staffordshire Terrier: the main differences

Amstaff and Pit Bull have similarities, due to which many confuse them and even believe that they are one and the same breed. This opinion is erroneous, since dogs are different, have their own characteristics, which in some respects intersect.

Amstaff has English roots. His ancestors were bulldogs - dogs that could even cope with a bull. When dog fights became fashionable, they began to mix the Bulldog with Terriers, which gave the dogs lightness and agility. Crossbreeding was carried out with white and tan terriers, which no longer exist. From the same breed came the Bull and Terrier, which was called the king of dog fights.

The ancestors of the amstaff in the 19th century participated in battles that took place in a pit with bulls or boars. Later, dogs became the rival of the breed. For these merits, the American Staffordshire Terrier has earned the title of fighting.

The animals underwent special training: trained for orientation in space, dexterity, developed fearlessness, along with absolute benevolence towards people. Before the fight, any person could examine the dog, pick it up or even wash it - the animal should not show aggression. After the fight, the dogs were also separated by people.

Many people believe that the Pit Bull Terrier and the Staff are the same thing. This opinion can be understood, since the ancestors of the staff are pit bulls, which were trained in the pit. In the 30s of the XX century, the selection of the most beautiful and balanced representatives from these pitas began. This is how two lines of the same breed appeared. The pitbull was only a fighter, and the staff became the companion of a man. Some dog handlers call the staff a decorative branch of the Pit Bull Terrier.

In 1936, American dog handlers split the breed into two. As a result, Stafford was registered as an independent breed and received the name by which it is known at the moment. The American Pit Bull Terrier also became a separate breed, but its reproduction was prohibited, since fights between dogs were not approved by law.

At the moment, the pitbull is also not registered in the cynological organizations. He only gained recognition at the alternative club, but he is often recruited into the American police force. Cynologists are working on amstaff, trying to completely remove aggressiveness towards animals from the breed.

In the 20th century, both breeds began to be in demand in the criminal world. People began to deliberately develop malice and cruelty in animals, choosing muscular and beautiful individuals.

Staff and pit are of medium size, strong and strong bones. Despite the fact that both breeds are similar to each other, the differences are significant.

You can observe other features of the external data, which immediately indicate the difference between the rocks.

International Cynological Standard the following requirements are put forward for the exterior.

• The height at the withers should be 40-42 cm.
• The coat can be of any color. If stains are present, there is no size requirement for them.
• The claws are strictly black in color. The color of the lobes and eyelids can have any pigmentation, which is combined with the main color of the animal.

For this breed are nominated the following requirements.

• These individuals are larger than the pit. The height at the withers is 48-50 cm.
• Any color is allowed, except for white, black and tan, liver. If there are white spots on the body, their number should not exceed 80%. Otherwise, these animals will be disqualified.
• The color of the claws is white, and the lobe with the eyelids can only be black.
• The facial muscles are clearly defined, the cheekbones are square in shape, with a sharp outline.
• The chest is wide.
• The limbs are long.

Both breeds are not very different in character. If we make a comparison, it can be noted that the breeding of animals came from the same breed, which was endowed with powerful qualities of a fighter. Since in the past attention was paid to fighting qualities, at the moment dogs are the most aggressive and cruel among other varieties.

However, anger and bloodlust is the result of human manipulation of the dog's character. Most of the owners of amstaffs admire the desire of pets to fight, believing that it is possible to prove the game only in the ring. However, a game that is aimed at fighting other dogs can develop bloodlust in the pet in relation to others.

Only due to the fact that people begin to train a staff or pita as a bodyguard, information about attacks of this breed on a person often appears. Most often, such information can be heard on the territory of Russian cities, because in many European countries fighting breeds can be purchased only for the police or for military structures.

Staff and Pit are peace-loving creatures by nature that treat children well. Four-legged friends have exceptional devotion to their master and see him as their comrade and companion. They not only love children, but adore them. They are ready to forgive the baby for all his pranks, they will protect the little friend even at the risk of their lives.

Despite the love for children, it is recommended to start such a breed not earlier than the child goes to school. This is due to the fact that a dog with great power and activity can inadvertently hurt a child and injure.

Amstaff is incredibly intelligent, honest and playful. Pit bull is characterized by activity, curiosity and cheerfulness. He will happily spend time on the territory of the house, as well as work out on the sports ground.

The dog can perceive other animals as prey. You should immediately teach your pet to not touch the animals living with him under the same roof. However, even if the dog treats its neighbors adequately in the house, you need to be careful so that it does not chase cats, birds or squirrels.

There is a misconception that stafford gets along better with other animals. This is not true: both representatives are endowed with a pronounced hunter instinct, but both can be loyal to those with whom they grew up.

The content of the pita does not differ from the requirements for the content of amstaff. Dogs need regular bathing along with brushing. You can wash once a month using a dog shampoo available at any pet store. Brush 3 times a week. With this action, insects and bacteria can be eliminated.

Both breeds can live in an apartment or a private house. Outdoor maintenance is unacceptable for the breed, since short hair will not allow it to survive the cold. When walking your pet in winter, you should put on an insulated overalls on it.

Mucous membranes, ears, claws should be examined regularly. Dental plaque is removed with a cotton pad dipped in boric acid solution. The lifeless fur is gathered with a rubber mitten.

Competent upbringing can make a dog a loyal friend and protector. Both breeds require a lot of physical activity. They also do not like spacious rooms - they feel discomfort in them. It is not worth keeping dogs on a chain, as they become aggressive.

Amstaff is easier to train than pit. The second can be handled by an experienced training instructor. You should not force your pet to follow commands - it will oppress him and he will start to spoil objects in the house, crap in the apartment and refuse to wear a muzzle. He will express his protest in all possible ways.

When training both breeds, the following rules should be kept in mind.

• The owner should praise his pet often. He is greedy for good words and will try for his master.
• Up to 1.5 years old, the dog must be socialized. During walks, she is obliged to be friendly to other dogs.
• You can not be rude to the dog and raise your voice to her. You should remain patient and insist on your own. You cannot follow the lead of a dog who will try to win leadership in the house.
• Aggression must be eliminated at the root. There are no situations that would justify an aggressive attitude, since if you praise an animal once, it will constantly allow such behavior.

Many people wonder which breed is better to have: Pita or Staffa. First of all, you should decide for what purpose the pet is started. If the owner wants to choose a promising puppy for a show career, the American Staffordshire Terrier is suitable for this option, since the pit bull does not participate in exhibitions.

The price tag for a puppy will depend on the pedigree of the animal, its appearance and the reputation of the kennel. Since the Pit Bull Terrier will not have a pedigree with a promising career, its cost is significantly lower.

For people with an active lifestyle who love sports, the pit bull terrier is suitable. He is more mobile, but requires competent education in order to be adequate and well-mannered. Lack of proper training can lead to the fact that the dog becomes uncontrollable. For a calm category of people who do not plan an active pastime, amstaff is suitable. If you want to purchase a larger animal, you should take a closer look at Staffordshire, since by its external data it is more powerful.

Both breeds will need tenderness, attention and care, along with solid upbringing. If the dog is not provided with such conditions and is cruel when raising, the pet will turn into a bloodthirsty creature. You should be aware of this before buying and weigh your options. For an inexperienced person, staff or pit will not work.

You can take a closer look at Pit Bulls and Staffordshire Terriers further.