Pit bull and Staffordshire terrier are names designated to mixed-breed dogs that continue to increase in popularity while carrying a stigma of fighting and aggression. Even pit bull experts can't always tell them apart, but organizations such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) have distinguished minor differences.
History
The original breed that has become known as the pit bull and Staffordshire was bred in the British Isles in the 19th century. Bulldogs and terriers were crossed in hopes of creating a superior athlete.
Correct Terminology
Pit bull and Staffordshire are not official breeds, but slang terms used to describe this breed of dog. In the way that these words are used, there is no distinction between the two. There are breeds referred to as the American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier.
Divergence
American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers were the same breed until the 1930s, when the American Staffordshire Terrier was designated an official breed by the American Kennel Club. The AKC developed conformation standards, so dogs can only be called Staffordshires if they are registered by the AKC.
Distinction
Staffordshires are registered by the AKC as 18 to 19 inches in height for males and 17 to 18 for females, with a weight of 50 to 80 pounds. They may be stockier than American Pit Bull Terriers and will never have a red nose.
Temperament
Unlike Staffordshires, pit bulls are not bred for a particular conformation or purpose, so their athleticism, build and temperament will vary widely. Dog fighting was one of the original purposes for pit bull breeding, but many lines have bred that trait out completely.
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