The Staffordshire Bull Terrier or Staffy is one of Australia’s most popular dog breeds, and many dog lovers have fallen for its sweetness and intelligence. However, most people don’t realise that there are actually two kinds of Staffies – the English Staffy and the American Staffy.
It’s important to know the differences between the two so that you can make informed choices when it comes to buying a Staffy puppy.
English Staffy Vs American Staffy
Physical differences
The English Staffy and the American Staffy have a common ancestor in the Bulldog, but their divergence in breeding has resulted in some physical differences. The American Staffy tends to be larger and more muscular than the English Staffy.
Although the heads of the English Staffy and American Staffy are similar, the English Staffy often has a deeper skull and more developed chewing muscles.
Both the English Staffy and the American Staffy are small, nimble and energetic dogs with a strong spirit. When properly conditioned, they thrive in a number of dog sports and can easily keep up with an active owner.
They do not take up much space in the house and are relatively easy to transport because of their size. The English Staffy is smaller than the American Staffy, so they naturally require less space and are better suited to apartments, as long as they get enough outdoor exercise in an open space.
Personality differences
Both the English Staffy and American Staffy are considered to be fairly intelligent and responsive to training. They are eager to please their handlers, and tend to form strong bonds during training.
Most Staffies of both varieties will love having a job to do and appreciate having clear, consistent boundaries. Both the English and American Staffy will need to be socialised early and often so that they learn how to get along with other people and animals. While they were originally bred to be fighting dogs, they aren’t necessarily aggressive towards other animals.
The tenacity and strong-willed nature of both the English Staffy and American Staffy means that they may not be a great fit for first-time dog owners who are inexperienced when it comes to handling such a powerful breed.
How are they similar?
The English Staffy and American Staffy are both known for their incredibly loving and affectionate natures, which is one of their most distinguishing characteristics. They are highly devoted to their family and form tight bonds with their humans.
Both the English Staffy and American Staffy are most content when they can spend time with their families. Both breeds like being close to their owners at all times and will spend hours just cuddling and relaxing. While they can be demanding dogs, they do make great family pets if their needs are met.
