What's the difference between an AmStaff and a Pit Bull?

Wow, the replies on here are absolute rubbish 😅 The American Staffordshire Terrier, also known as an Amstaff, is American and is larger than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or Staffie. The American Pit Bull Terrier is a breed in its own right from the US, often just called a Pitbull. They’re stockier than Amstaffs and have a more challenging temperament (this has nothing to do with whether they’ve been neutered or being a ‘pure’ vs ‘impure’ breed—let’s not forget that that kind of talk is basically eugenics, cheers to the muppets ✌️). Not to be confused with the American Bully, which has a completely different build. In France, the Pitbull breed isn’t recognised by their version of the Kennel Club (the LOF), so they brainlessly categorise any Amstaff, Staffie, or Bully that is a crossbreed or doesn’t have pedigree papers as a "Pitbull". This is just so they can label them as ‘Category 1’ (their most restricted list). It’s important to know that the American Pit Bull Terrier is known for being more strong-willed than an Amstaff or a Staffie, so it’s a massive, intentional error used to brand an unregistered Amstaff or Staffie as a "vicious dog". It just further stigmatises Pitbulls as "dangerous dogs"—it’s judging them based on their looks, which is honestly no better than eugenics. You’re better off asking Google than asking these morons :)

Pit Bull Terrier = Purebred.... Staffordshire Terrier = Not a pure breed A Staffie is just a Pit Bull that's had its aggression (its balls) taken away lol. Do your research somewhere other than the internet, mates... a word to the wise... 😉

Pit Bulls aren't a breed but a 'type' of dog (well, according to French law anyway), so Pit Bulls are just a category that includes Staffies, Bull Terriers, etc... But the French law is a total mess on this; they’re definitely not the same thing... A Pit Bull isn't just a label for a group of breeds, but a unique breed in its own right with its own distinct characteristics. 😉

Well, the Pit Bull and the American Staffordshire Terrier aren't actually the same breed, even though they look similar. They have different physical characteristics, and while both are considered to have originated in the States, the breeds that were crossed to create the Amstaff were the White English Terrier, Fox Terrier, and Black and Tan Terrier with English Bulldogs. On the other hand, the Pit Bull is thought to have come from a mix of terriers plus English and Irish bulldogs. The Amstaff is shorter on its legs and more stocky, whereas the Pit Bull is leaner and more athletic. They have different jaw shapes, different eyes, and so on... If you compare photos of the two breeds, it’s plain to see. So, even though they look alike, they don't have the same history or exactly the same genetic roots. Right, I've glossed over quite a few details, but that’s the story in a nutshell. They aren't the same dogs. Simple as that. Have a good day!!

The American Staffy is a breed from the pit bull family, just like the Pit Bull Terrier which is a separate breed altogether. But it’s also true that an American Staffy without papers is usually classed as a Pit Bull Terrier.

What a load of rubbish! 😹😹 The Amstaff and the Pit Bull are two completely different BREEDS!! The Pit Bull is a breed in its own right!! An unregistered Amstaff is simply a 'Category 1' dog, whereas if the Amstaff is properly registered, it’s 'Category 2'. Pit Bulls are always Category 1. Nowadays, it’s sometimes hard to spot the physical differences because there’s been so much crossbreeding between the two that many Amstaffs look like Pits and vice versa. But fundamentally, the Pit is stockier and has a broader head than the Amstaff. Hello, If you look back at the history of how the breed was created, you’ll see the Amstaff is essentially just a branch that was selected more for physical uniformity and pure aesthetics, unlike the Pit Bull, whose breed standard is much looser. But if you put an Amstaff and a Pit side-by-side... good luck telling which is which! It’s all just a matter of bloodlines and paperwork; temperamentally and physically (save for a few details regarding colour or size allowed in one but not the other), the Amstaff and the Pit Bull are identical... As for saying a Pit is more massive... Dogs bred for fighting are scrawny things weighing barely 55 lbs (around 4 stone); their muscles are long, lean, and wiry. In contrast, a show Amstaff, for example, can easily outweigh these actual 'fighting athletes'... You shouldn't take the '99 Act as gospel; it doesn't take the history of these breeds into account and is based entirely on paperwork...

What a load of rubbish! 😹😹 Amstaffs and Pit Bulls are two completely different breeds!! A Pit Bull is a breed in its own right!! An Amstaff without papers is basically just a "Category 1" restricted dog, but if they’re properly registered and everything’s in order, they’re "Category 2". Pit Bulls are always Category 1. These days, it’s sometimes hard to tell the difference because there’s been so much cross-breeding between the two that loads of Amstaffs look like Pits and vice versa. But originally, the Pit is stockier and has a broader head than the Amstaff.