Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs. Pit Bull Terrier

[Fandogg]

Okay I know a lot of people here own pitbulls and I am not here to say that they are evil blah blah blah... I was interested to know if the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is capable of actually killing a person like the Pit Bull has done. (i'm not saying they are bad dogs, just bad owners plz dont take offence) See I'm thinking of getting a more manly masculine dog breed but I also am scared of what it could do to me or someone else. (i know it wouldn't happen but just the thought of it) Staffordshire Bull Terriers are smaller in size so I just thought that they would likely be less able to do physical harm.Thoughts?

[Renee750il]

Most medium sized dogs are capable of killing a grown man. All they have to do is get you off your feet and it's a done deal . . . BUT that is just not an urge you find innately in dogs. Sure, there are aberrations out there, but they have very little to do with breed; more to do with breeding and how a dog is treated.

If you'd really like a larger, more "manly" dog, but have an honest fear about that kind of thing (no shame in it - some people do have very real and unexplainable fears about things), why not go with a "manly" sporting breed, like a Lab, Pointer, Foxhound, etc.?

You might also want to consider doing some volunteer work at a local shelter. Not only will you be doing something good, it may very well help you with your concerns and you might even stumble into the perfect companion too!

[Fandogg]

when i say manly i mean like a rottie, pittie, bulldog (too many health problems), dobbie. (dogs you'd see on rap videos too be quite honest).... but the pit bull scares me quite honestly and i just thought that this staffordshire bull terrier would be a little less dog if you know what i'm saying.

[Kade]

A Staffie could definitely do a significant amount of physical harm to a person -- they're small but very solid, and their jaws are the typical "pit" jaw.

Honestly, if you're intimidated by the idea of a powerful dog, you will probably have trouble controlling and training the dog on a subconscious level. It will sense your apprehension and this will lead to power struggles. Not necessarily dangerous (to you, although maybe to others), but a pain in the neck. Bully breeds are known for their stubbornness, and it helps to be experienced with training and controlling dogs before getting one.

In my experience, people who choose breeds based on appearance, reputation, or anything other than a careful examination of temperament, needs, and lifestyle compatibility often come to regret their choice. Getting a dog because someone in a rap video has one is not fair to you or to the dog.

[Fandogg]

well ya obviousy.... the staffie fits my needs, i want a small to medium sized dog who doesn't shed very much and likes people yet still retaining masculinity. but yes if it still has that pittie jaw thing going on i think i might pass on this breed.

[Renee750il]

Any Terrier breed is a lot to handle, mentally. They are smart, tenacious, can be stubborn, need plenty of physical and mental exercise, and there will be days when you think there's a very good chance your dog is smarter than you are . . . but you can't ever let a Terrier know that crosses your mind, lol!

Now, one that might be good for you would be the Bull Terrier. http://www.btca.com/

Personally, I think the little bruisers are irresistable with their swagger and attitude. Handsome divvils too!

[Fandogg]

see i was considering a bulldog but the health problems are just so ridiculous... i mean i dont even know why ppl breed them any more. god is begging them not to breed them...they can't mount when mating, they need c-sections, they can barely breath...it's like god is sending a message "stop breeding these dogs"!!

btw those bull terriers i just dont like them much

[HighPridePit]

i got a 3 month old pit pup, my mom used to be terrified of the breed its all in you and how you act around the dog, i love my girl and wouldnt give her up for nothin, but i also know she can be dangerous one day so i never let her nibble on anyone, make her go threw commands at least three times a day, if she dont listen then i tell her very firmly, then she might decide to do it, this breed is all in gettin there way, theres no way around it, very stubborn, so you gotta show them whos boss early on, they are very loyal, and can be great family pets, i suggest if you get one have him or her fixed, pitbulls, are just as good as am staffs, but its all in you, if you have any more ?'s i would be happy to help you out, or go to this site its really good Bullies unlimited forum, mostly AM Staffs, Great People,Great dogs

[Renee750il]

see i was considering a bulldog but the health problems are just so ridiculous... i mean i dont even know why ppl breed them any more. god is begging them not to breed them...they can't mount when mating, they need c-sections, they can barely breath...it's like god is sending a message "stop breeding these dogs"!!

btw those bull terriers i just dont like them much

LOL! You've definitely got a point about the Bulldogs, there. Time for breeders to stop going in the same direction and put their heads together to come up with a plan to restore the Bulldog to what it was originally.

[Renee750il]

Okay. Stop and think about what you DO like about the dogs you like, and what it is you DON'T like about the ones you don't, then figure out what is most important to you in your likes, and what's least important in your dislikes and what you're willing to compromise on. That will get you closer to figuring out what you really want and finding a dog that will be right for you.

[Fandogg]

look at this i got it off a site

A pit bull is a member of any of a number of breeds of dogs developed from the English Bulldog. Breeds recognized as pit bulls include the American Bulldog, American Pit Bull Terrier, and American Staffordshire Terrier, although the name is also often used to refer to crossbreeds and other breeds of similar characteristics.

The pit bull is an American creation, and should not be confused with the Bull Terrier or the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.



see this dont consider the staffordshire bull terrier a "pit bull" they only consider the American Bulldog, American Pit Bull Terrier, and American Staffordshire Terrier...very confusing. see now what does that mean

[Renee750il]

A Pit Bull Terrier is a very distinct breed, different from the Staffies, Bull Terriers, etc. Too many tend to lump any type of dog that has a passing resemblance to a Pittie as one, and several breeds are lumped together and categorized as the "Bully Breeds." Denying the Pittie's distinct status as an individual breed is fairly common in places where there is breed specific legislation against them or there is a push for that type of idiocy. It de-legitimizes the breed and makes it easier to demonize.

[Kade]

see this dont consider the staffordshire bull terrier a "pit bull" they only consider the American Bulldog, American Pit Bull Terrier, and American Staffordshire Terrier...very confusing. see now what does that mean
This is all true, and you will find especially that Staffie owners/breeders feel this way, but the truth is that the dogs people commonly think of as pit bulls are usually hybrids of the various bully breeds. And Staffies are definitely high-energy dogs who, if not properly trained and socialized, can have high prey-drive and high levels of dog aggression.

Have you thought of visiting a shelter and spending time with various dogs? Or contacting a rescue and seeing if you can foster a dog for a week? I know you think you know the breeds you want, but the truth is that you will fall in love with whatever dog you get, so you should probably just get the dog that is most realistic for your lifestyle and level of experience.

You're totally right about the health problems -- most purebreds (and quite a lot of mutts) have some health issues, whether it be respiratory, hips, joints, etc.

[sharpeilover]

yeah, any dog could kill if they wanted to, staffies have killed before but so has other breeds, rotties etc but its how u bring them up, if yr scared of a dog they will scence that and play up on it

[SHADOW_THE_STAFF]

I've just got a staffie pup and they are very stubborn, but I find as long as you do your research, and are prepared to put the time and effort into training them, then they can be the sweetest, most loving dogs ever. And they make the most adorable noises, I've never heard another dog make sounds like that. They make baby noises, its mental.

I was walking shadow (my staff) the other day, she's 14weeks, and we came across another owner walking a staff, and I must admit i was a little apprehensive, as it was an older male dog, and shadows a playful female pup. But the male was sooooo well behaved, he was making those baby noises, cos he wanted to come over and play with shadow! he was adorable, the owner said, she'd only just had him, cos the previous owners didn't want him any more.

It annoys me soooo much when people get dogs, and dont consider that they haven't got the resourses or time to care for them properly. I suppose at least he's with soemone who cares for him now, and thats the main thing.

[BigDog2191]

Staffordshire may be smaller but I believe they've got much stronger jaw power. They're very much like pit bulls. Why not a German shepherd?

[Fandogg]

why not GSD... b/c they shed way too much for my liking. They are however very good dogs.

[Saje]

Fandogg, I really don't think that a bully breed would be right for you. You are already intimidated by them and they need a firm hand - someone with confidence that they can handle them - because they are so stubborn. There are so many breeds out there. I'm sure you'll find the one that is right for you.

[Fandogg]

i did find one...the english bulldog...but im afraid im supporting a bad thing ..their health problems are crazy and the vet bills are probably going to be sky high, id like to get into showing and them possibly breeding but with all the stuff with c-sections and artificial insemination it just doesnt seem worth it

[caseyolee]

I also have a Pit. They are great loving dogs and are highly trainable. I suggest searching the net for GOOD Pit and AmStaff sites. Research the good (and the bad) about the breeds and then decide. If you decide on a Pit or AmStaff, research the breeder and make sure they are breeding for tempernment and health. Researching the breed you are interested in is the first step. Second step is researching breeders. Third step is going to obedience class with your pup, or working along with an experienced pit/amstaff trainer.

ALL dogs should be obedience trained, as any dog can be harmful. BUT, the amstaffs and the pits need to be very well manered so we can show people that they aren't in face "bad" dogs.

As for the English Bulldogs, I believe that you CAN find one with limited to no health problems. It's all in the breeder. Don't just go buy a pup from any breeder, research them and their animals and lines IN DEPTH.

[HighPridePit]

i think the English Bulldogs are cool they are my second favorite dog next to the pitbull, did you check out the site i posted up?

[Kade]

Is there any way you can attend a dog show and wander around to meet the various breeds in person?

A lot of short-haired dogs do quite a bit of shedding, too.

[Barb04]

Great idea Kade about the dog show. I went to one last year to talk with other Anatolian owners. There was a woman there who was talking to all the owners of breeds she was interested in to make sure the one she finally picked would be the correct dog for her.

[Zoom]

Just a thought: Why is a 'manly' breed so important? Why don't you concentrate instead of finding a dog that meshes with *you* and not the image you wish to portray?

But if you're set on a bully breed--how about an American Bulldog? It's (more) what the breed used to look like before all the downsizing happened, so at least there are fewer breathing problems to contend with.

[mrose_s]

i have known a lot of staffies through my life. just the sweetest dogs on earth. I havnt met one that has had any aggression problems etc (im sure it can ahppen, but good ownership means a lot)

[blue]

Im sorry I have had a long day.

What exactly are you looking for in a dog? I now this has been asked before but my attention span is limitted at the moment for an extensive.

Just a show dog? Cause you could be a handler.

Im certain you arent asking so you can become a breeder, just look at all the opinions here on breeding.

What traits are you looking for in a dog, and how active are you?

[ice cold]

I agree with zoom, you should consider an american bulldog. Also I was thinking a boxer...they're a bit bigger than what you're looking for, but they're great dogs. The ones I've met hae always been very friendly, they're great with kids (one of my exs was basically rasied by a boxer, I kid you not). And I know this is a little small and not quite as manly, lol, but a french bulldog maybe? Those are some crazy looking dogs...

[Fandogg]

Right now I'm trying to decide on either Rottweilers or Staffordshire bull terrier (NOT AMERICAN STAFFS). See on animalplanets dog breed selector it said that the Staffordshire bull terrier's protection ability was 3 out of 5 stars meaning it can't be considered a "pit bull". But is it? When they put out those reports on how many deaths have been caused by pitbulls do they include the Staffordshire bull terrier? Right now i'm leaning towards rotts.

[aurorab]

Kade said something about a dog show, don't know if you have this in your area but we have pet expos and there are many different breeds and smaller dog shows. Plus you can see if there is a rescue or club in your area. They are always happy to tell you about their breed.

[Fandogg]

i dont need to see a dog at a show...i can see plenty of pics on the net.

[aurorab]

I just mant that you could met the dog and the owners and get a better idea if it was right for you. In person can be very different that a pic. only a suggestion, not a problem if you don't want to.

[Saje]

I agree Fandogg. You really need to meet these dogs in person before you make any kind of decision. You can volunteer at a shelter as there are always bully breeds there needing a home.

[conrad]

Sorry for dragging up an oldish thread but I had to comment.

Fandog, did you decide in the end what to have?

I own a UK Staffordshire Bull Terrier - not as tall as the AM Staff and slightly different ears. All I can say about Staffs is have absolutely no concerns or fears. I have owned Staffys all my life and my current Staff Jake is my 4th.

I can whole heartedly say that Staffys are one of the most loyal, caring, beautiful natured dogs on the planet! You should have zero concerns about owning one. In the UK theres an unjustified amount of media attention on the so called killer dog. This is ridiculous imo. As with every breed of dog it is the owner that makes it the way it is, unfortunately it's the yob type culture we have over here that makes certain individuals buy Staffys becuase it makes them look hard - kinda like a fashion accessory. It's these morons that raise the dogs the way they do.

I can remember being a child and jumping off our sofa onto our Staffys ribs with two feet as she was sleeping and she yelping to high heaven. She never once growled or snarled and all she wanted to do was lick and hug me because she thought she'd done wrong.

A friend of mine owns a Staff and when she had her daughter the Staff would sit by her cot all night and day and cry whenever the baby did. All he wanted to do was protect the child. To see a Staff round children is a joy to see, they love the fact that there's somebody else who wants to play as much as they do. And even when they play tug with a child they never ever pull too hard and always enough for the child to tug back.

The SBT is a truly beautiful breed and I sincerely hope you make the right decision and go for one of them! I live in Staffordshire in the UK and they are a very popular breed around here and rightly so.

[pitbulliest]

Whatever your decision Fanndog..just do alot of research beforehand...what worries me about some of your comments here is stuff like "the dogs you see in rap videos" and such...why do you want a dog?...and be honest with yourself if not on here..why do YOU WANT A DOG?

For show? As a status symbol?...To look cool?....Because you watch alot of TV and they look "tough"...because thats why alot of young people get these dogs..and then they end up being neglected or thrown into the nearest animal shelter...why do you think these dogs are so common in many states? Because of irresponsible overbreeding....and nothing more..

I don't want to sound rude, but I'm just being straightforward with you...I've seen alot of your threads on here and I'm a little concerned..it seems like you are skipping from breed to breed and really just don't know what you want...please please PLEASE do alot of research and actually GO OUT and MEET some of these dogs...seeing pictures on the internet, and experiencing a dog in real life are two different things....I'm not sure how old you are, but you seem quite young to me, although I could be wrong..but please know that alot of people get dogs for the wrong reasons, and then those dogs end up getting the rough end of the stick..so before you make any decisions..ask yourself WHY you want to get a dog....and then maybe let us know what your answer is so that we can help you in deciding which dog might be right for you..or if you're even ready for a dog at all...

Again, I'm not trying to sound standoffish..but I see alot of irresponsible ownership and breeding that could have been easily avoided with a little research and common sense. Knowledge and access to good information can take you a long way..that's why we're here...

[bubbatd]

I really don't know these breeds enough to comment.....I only know that your first contact is to love whatever dog you get. I don't believe in getting a dog because it's matcho, #1 at the time etc. When we were first married and ready to get a puppy, my husband didn't want what I did . A Golden. I had had one, but he thought i was too much of a "pussy" dog and wanted a macho dog.......we did get a boxer who I loved, but he wasn't of my temperment. Unfortunately he died early and after 2 years I got my golden. He never questioned me again .

[Madhouse]

Firstly can I say that any dog is capable of harming a human being IF it doesnt have the right owner. I own a Staffordshire Bull Terrier and if you are looking for a hard, macho dog then I am sorry but they are the wrong breed!!

Most staffs would lick you to death!!!

They are one of the only breeds to have the fact that they are absolutely AMAZING with children mentioned in their KC standard and their nickname is the nanny dog.

They are very muscley dogs and very strong willed, so they do need the right handling from the start but viciousness is in no way in their nature.

I have to agree with pitbulliest you seem to be looking for some kind of status symbol and if you are scared of Bull breeds then you definitely shouldn't get one as how are you going to handle and train it. The same goes for any dog, especially Rottweilers and GSD's too all whom need good training and management as we have all heard of the prolems that occur due to bad owners.

Please think long and hard before getting ANY dog, the last thing you want to do is get a dog and then realise it doesnt live up to your expectations or you can handle the dog and then we end up with ANOTHER dog in rescue.

[showpug]

Are you actually asking about the Staffordshire Bull Terrier or the American Staffordshore Terrier...? They are very different breeds and very different in size as well. Here are the links to the two. Sorry if someone has already posted what I just sai - not a lot of time to read today!
Staffordshire Bull Terrier http://www.akc.org/breeds/staffordshire_bull_terrier/index.cfm
American Staffordshire Terrier
http://www.akc.org/breeds/american_staffordshire_terrier/index.cfm

[Manchesters]

Okay I know a lot of people here own pitbulls and I am not here to say that they are evil blah blah blah... I was interested to know if the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is capable of actually killing a person like the Pit Bull has done. (i'm not saying they are bad dogs, just bad owners plz dont take offence) See I'm thinking of getting a more manly masculine dog breed but I also am scared of what it could do to me or someone else. (i know it wouldn't happen but just the thought of it) Staffordshire Bull Terriers are smaller in size so I just thought that they would likely be less able to do physical harm.Thoughts?

Is what the Manchester is known as. Depending on if you are a Gentleman, you might want to check into that breed.

[bridey_01]

lol, the kelpie is known as "a border collie on speed". A macho breed? My boyfriend used to love to take my bull terriers out for a stroll when he was feeling macho. It's the swagger, and those adorable sharky eyes. You know there's something wrong with you when you think a bull terrier is handsome.

[rottiegirl]

Staffies are just too small they dont get larger than 35 pounds, but you would definately get alot of stitches! They are capable of killing a child though.

[rottiegirl]

If you want a macho breed than I would recomend a rottweiler or a bull mastiff! Check out www.fransrottweilers.com she breeds 250 pound rotties

[Renee750il]

If you want a macho breed than I would recomend a rottweiler or a bull mastiff! Check out www.fransrottweilers.com she breeds 250 pound rotties

No reputable, ethical breeder would breed for such an oversized, out of standard dog.