WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PIT BULL AND AN AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER?
First of all, there really is no such thing as a 'Pit Bull'. Pit Bull is a generic term for any Bulldog and Terrier crosses. These crosses can be divided into three similar but different breeds, the American Pit Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier (or AmStaff for short), the Bullterrier and the American Bulldog.
The American Pit Bull Terrier and The American Staffordshire are essentially the same dog. In fact dogs can be dual registered. The American Staffordshire Terrier is simply the AKC name for the American Pit Bull Terrier and they are bred primarily for show purposes, so are blocky and attractive. An AmStaff that is AKC registered can also be registered as an APBT in the UKC. However an American Pit Bull Terrier that is ADBA or UKC registered is not allowed to be dual registered as an American Staffordshire Terrier in the AKC. AmStaffs' can not have red noses.
Then there are the Staffordshire Bull Terriers. These dogs have been bred down to have a maximum weight of 35 pounds and are stockier and smaller than an APBT or AmStaff. These dogs tend to have a very square head which is proportionately large to the rest of the body.
The Bullterrier is a close relative to the APBT, but can be clearly distinguished by its' long sloping face. (Remember Budweiser spokesdog Spuds MacKenzie?) These dogs also come in a 'toy' or miniature version.
The American Bulldog is a large breed which is often confused with 'Pit Bulls'. As with the Pit Bull, there are several different strains or lines of these dogs. The 'Johnson' bloodline is represented by dogs which are very "bully", showing the show-bulldog influence in their breeding. They have short, pushed-in muzzles, wide chests, heavy heads and weigh between 100 and 130 pounds. The 'Scott' or standard bloodline is bred for schutzhund or hunting and these dogs vary in size from 65 to 100 pounds. American Bulldogs are wonderful animals and make great pets. To find out more about the American Bulldog check out: www.outpostnet.com/americanbulldog.html
