Are pit bulls and Staffordshire terriers the same?
People often ask what the difference is between the American Staffordshire terrier and a pit bull. First of all, there is no breed called a pit bull. Generally speaking, the American Staffordshire terrier is nearly the same breed as the American pit bull terrier. Today, the main difference is in appearance.
Are English Staffordshire terriers pit bulls?
Pit Bull is a description for a type of dog, but American Pit Bull Terriers are a breed. Other breeds that rightfully fall under the term “Pit Bull” include the American Staffordshire Terrier, the American bulldog, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Is the American Staffordshire Terrier a pit bull?
The American Staffordshire Terrier (affectionately shortened to Am Staff) is considered a “pit bull”. Although with many similarities, it is separate and distinct from its cousin breed, the American Pit Bull Terrier.
When did the pitbull terrier become an AM?
The Pitbull was recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) as their first dog in 1898. The UKC will allow Am Staffs to be registered as American Pitbull Terriers. However, the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes the Am Staff, but they will not recognize the Pitbull. The Am Staff was originally called the Staffordshire Terrier.
What was the original name of the Staffordshire Terrier?
The breed was originally called the bull-and-terrier Dog, half and half, or pit dog. Eventually, it became known in England as the Staffordshire Bull terrier. Sadly, the dogs were most commonly used for fighting; although dog fighting was banned in the United Kingdom in 1835, it continued to flourish as the ban was difficult to enforce.
Is there such a thing as a pit bull?
There is no breed known as the “pit bull”; rather, that is a descriptor of a group of breeds, one that includes the Am Staff, the American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull terrier and more. So is the Am Staff a pit bull? Technically yes, but the terms aren’t interchangeable.