Two breeds of designer dogs are confused with one another more frequently than the others due to the introduction of new species. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier and American Bully are breeds that often coexist but differ significantly from one another.
These two breeds have intertwined origins but are of separate breeds. Let’s talk about how these two breeds
differ from one another.
Historical Comparison of the American Bully and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
A British breed called the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, usually referred to as “Staffy,” was created in Staffordshire, England, for dog fighting.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier started in bloodsports like bull-baiting and dog fighting. The now-extinct English Bulldog and a terrier from the 19th century are both the direct ancestors of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
To produce a smaller, more agile dog that would thrive in these activities, the English Bulldog was crossed with the Terrier. The Staffy was produced for ratting and dog fighting due to their tenacious and courageous nature.
For them to fight in a smaller pit and be more agile, Staffies were bred to be smaller than their predecessor, the English Bulldog. Bull-baiting involved these dogs up until 1835 when it was declared illegal.
American Bully
The American Bully, on the other hand, was created in the United States in the 1990s. It mixes the American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Terrier, and bulldog breeds. The American Bully is a huge, muscular dog with a short coat. They are stocky, with broad heads and prominent ears.
Their build makes them appear threatening, yet they are very kind and nice to children. As a result, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier originated in England, but the American Bully originated in the United States. So, in essence, the American Bully originated from the Staffy, so these dogs are similar.
Common Physical Attributes
Many characteristics shared by the American Bully and Staffy make them similar, but there are also some differences.
Size
The American Bully is a more muscular and compact dog with a bigger size range. The Standard American and Classic Bully stands at 17 to 20 inches. While the Pocket Bully is 13 to 17 inches tall, and the XL Bully is the biggest at 20 to 24 inches. The American Bully also weighs between 20 to 120 pounds.
The Staffordshire Terrier, on the other hand, does not stand too tall as it is smaller. The Staffy often has a height between 14 to 16 inches, so it’s a medium dog. It also weighs less at 24 to 38 pounds. So overall, both these dogs are muscular and compact dogs that can fit the preferences of different people.
Head
The head is another morphological distinction between these two breeds. Staffordshire Bull Terriers have a rounded head compared to American Bullies. Furthermore, unlike American Bullies, Staffordshire Bull Terriers have a “stop” (the place where the muzzle meets the forehead).
Legs
Another physical distinction between Staffordshire Bull Terriers and American Bullies is that Staffordshire Bull Terriers have larger legs than their bodies. Staffordshire Bull Terriers have a more “leggy” appearance due to this.
The size difference between an American Bully and a Staffordshire Terrier is one of the most obvious physical differences.
A Few Common Physical Traits
Physical characteristics shared by both dog breeds include:
Coat
The short, single coats of the American Bully and Staffordshire Bull Terrier make them simple to groom. These canines are regarded as low-maintenance because they don’t require much grooming.
Muzzles
Both breeds feature the Bulldog family’s typically short, broad muzzle. This characteristic gives these canines their “bully” appearance.
Ears
The high-set ears of the American Bully and Staffordshire Bull Terrier are typically clipped (or chopped) short. Although it is not common, some breeders and owners prefer to ignore the ears.
Tails
American Bully and Staffordshire Bull Terrier tails are thick at the base and taper to a point. Although the tail is normally left alone, some breeders and owners want to dock (or cut) the tail short.
Color
The breed standard accepts American Bully and Staffordshire Bull Terrier colors. Black, blue, brindle, fawn, red, and white are available colors.
Skull
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the American Bully have huge, wide skulls with a shortstop (where the muzzle meets the forehead). They are rumored to have broad heads, though.
Breed Variations
Both the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the American Bully have their variations or, as some say,sub-classes. Here is a brief explanation of these variations.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breeds
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier has two variations: the Standard and the Miniature.
The Standard Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The most popular of the two, the Standard Staffordshire Bull Terrier, stands between 14 and 16 inches (36 and 41 centimeters) tall and weighs between 24 and 38 pounds. (11-17 kg).
The Miniature Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The Miniature Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a smaller version of the breed, at 12 to 14 inches (30 to 36 centimeters) tall and weighing 20 to 34 pounds. (09-15 kg).
The American Bully Breeds
The American Bully is a breed in many sizes, making it suitable for all types of families. There are four official classes and some unofficial classes of the American Bully.
The Pocket Bully
The Pocket Bully is the smallest breed of American Bully, with a height range of 13 to 17 inches and a maximum size of fewer than 20 pounds. (09 kg).
The Standard Bully
The Standard Bully is the most prevalent breed of American Bully, growing to 17 to 20 inches (43-51 cm) and weighing 35 to 50 pounds. (16-23 kg).
The Classic Bully
The Classic is the same size as the Standard Bully, except it is lighter and less compact. Classic Bullies weigh around 25 to 45 pounds due to less muscle mass. The Classic, however, has a wider chest.
The XL Bully
The XL Bully is a larger version of the American Bully breed, standing between 20 and 23 inches tall and weighing between 51 and 75 pounds. (23-34 kg).
The XXL Bully
The XXL Bully, which has no weight restrictions, is the largest variety of the American Bully breed. Its height ranges from 23 inches and up (58 cm+). Of the four variants, they are typically the heaviest. The ABKC does not recognize the XXL Bully, so it’s an unofficial breed class.
The Micro Bully
The smallest of the American Bullies, the Micro Bully stands at 11 to 13 inches and weighs 20 to 50 pounds. The Micro Bully is more compact than Pocket Bully but in a smaller size. The Micro Bully is also not recognized by the ABKC.
Temperament and Reputation
People and breeders alike have a certain prejudice against Bully breeds. This is mainly due to the history of bloodsports these dogs were used for.
While this may have been true in the 1800s, it is completely different now. These dogs are highly misunderstood and deserve our love and respect.
American Bully Temperament and Reputation
The American Bully was bred to create a Bulldog-type breed that is loving, affectionate, agile yet non-aggressive and loyal to the core. The idea was to replace and reestablish the tarnished image of Pitbulls.
Unfortunately, many people mistake the American Bully for other breeds, such as the Pitbull and the Staffy, so they stay away from them. By doing so, people don’t allow the American Bully to show them their loving side. The American Bully is a great breed that loves to please its owner. If you properly train them, you will never find any aggression or bad behavior.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Temperament and Reputation
Believe it or not, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier scores more positively than the American Bully in the ATTS. The American Bully was bred to be a companion dog, while the Staffordshire Terrier was born to be a fighting dog.
Despite this, the Staffy scores 90.9% compared to 86.9% of the American Bully in the ATTS. This is due the Staffy’s ability to be trained quickly and easily prepared. It, however, shows that both breeds are misunderstood, and people need to interact with these dogs to understand them better.
Health Issues Between American Bully and Staffordshire Bull Terrier
These medium-sized dogs of Pit Bull heritage are thought to be hearty and healthy. They are, nevertheless, subject to specific health issues, as are all breeds.
Here are the health issues shared by these breeds:
Cherry Eye
“Cherry eye” is a health issue that Staffordshire Bull Terriers and American Bulldogs face. A protrusion of the gland in the third eyelid causes this disease. Cherry eye is not unpleasant, but it can irritate and create tears. If left untreated, cherry eye can progress to more serious issues, including glaucoma.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a disorder of the hip joint. A hip joint deformity causes it and can result in pain, lameness, and, eventually, arthritis. Obesity can worsen hip dysplasia, which is hereditary.
Cataracts
Another health issue Staffordshire Bull Terriers and American Bullies have in common is cataracts. Cataracts are hazy spots in the eye that can cause blindness. Cataracts, fortunately, can be surgically removed if detected early enough.
Cardiac Issues
Both Staffy and American Bullies are prone to heart problems. These issues range from minor to potentially fatal. Aortic and pulmonic stenosis are two of these breeds’ most common cardiac disorders.
Elbow Dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia is a joint disorder that affects the elbow. An elbow joint deformity causes it and can cause pain, lameness, and eventually arthritis. Elbow dysplasia is inherited. However, it can be exacerbated by fat.
Aortic Stenosis
Aortic stenosis is a disease of the aortic valve. This valve controls blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. Aortic stenosis causes the heart to work harder, which can lead to complications like congestive heart failure and sudden death.
Pulmonic Stenosis
Pulmonic stenosis is an enlargement of the pulmonic valve. This valve controls blood flow from the heart to the lungs. Pulmonic stenosis causes the heart to work harder, which can lead to complications like congestive heart failure and sudden death.
Lifespan
The lifespan of both these breeds is similar and affected by the same factors. The average lifespan for a Staffordshire Bull Terrier and an American Bully is 12 to 14 years.
The life of any of these dogs can be cut short if they get any health condition, but it can also be extended if you take proper care of them. The Staffy and American Bully both have the same grooming and health requirements.
Diet
No matter how bad the reputation your American Bully or the Staffordshire Bull Terrier may have, they still need to eat.
And not just any food; kids need to eat healthy food. All dogs need a balanced diet, but bully breeds need it more than other types. This is due to the increased risk of obesity in these breeds, which leads to conditions including hip dysplasia and heart disease.
Remember the following things when choosing food for your Staffordshire Bull Terrier or American Bully.
- You need to make sure that food is high in protein because both these breeds are very active and require a lot of energy.
- You must also ensure the food is low in non-essential fats because both breeds are prone to obesity. You better keep their weight under check.
- Ensure the food is free of artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors because these ingredients can harm your dog’s health.
Exercise and Training
In addition to a healthy diet for a healthy dog, American Bullies and Staffordshire Bull Terriers require training and exercise.
All dogs need to be trained, but bully breeds need it more than other dogs. This is because these breeds’ high energy levels make them more likely to develop hostility. They must build their social skills with both people and other animals. These activities include:
Obedience Training
Obedience training in which you can teach your dog to sit, stay, come, down, and heel for basic understanding.
Socialization
Socialization may include exposing your dog to different people, places, and situations to create adaptability. Take your puppy to the socialization classes and dog park, and interact with them with family and friends to develop tolerance and acceptance of other people. Doing so will also help avoid aggressive behavior.
Exercise
You can take your dog for walks, jogs, or play games of fetch or tug of war and maybe take him to the park. Dogs, especially Bullies, benefit from these types of activities, and it helps them stay active and fresh.
30 to 60 minutes of walking or gameplay is enough for your dog to exhaust some extra energy and stay healthy.
Grooming Needs
American Bullies and Staffordshire Bull Terriers are rather easy to groom. These breeds must be brushed once or twice a week to eliminate dead hair. They only need to bathe when they get dirty as well.
Some people could frequently take their dogs to be clipped by professionals, but this is not required. Both American Bullies and Staffordshire Bull Terriers shed on the average amount.
- Once or twice a week, brushing.
- Only bathe when filthy.
- Regular grooming appointments (optional)
As you can see, Staffordshire Bull Terriers and American Bullies have similar grooming requirements. Both of these breeds require only occasional brushing and are simple to groom. Additionally, they only need bathing when they become filthy.
Prices of the American Bully and Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, an older breed, costs less than the American Bully. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier will cost you, on average, between $6,00 to $1,500, whereas the American Bully can cost you $2,500 to $8,000.
The American Bully costs more due to the variations in sizes. The smaller the size, the bigger the price. The dog’s color also puts an extra price as both dogs come in all colors. The rarer colors such as Blue, Lilac, Merle, etc. cost more than average.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Staffy and an American Bully the same?
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was first bred in the early 1800s for dog fighting, and it is considered a pure breed. The American Bully, on the other hand, is a new breed developed between the 1980s and 1990s.
The American Bully is a mixture of the American Pitbull Terrier, Staffordshire Terrier, Bulldog, and other Bully-type dogs. It is not a purebred dog and is a variation of the Staffy. Hence, the Staffy is not the same as the American Bully.
Is A Staffordshire Bull Terrier A bully?
Yes, because according to the definition of a bully dog, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier fits right into that category. A bully is a dog that is a variety of terriers and bulldogs such as American Pit Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, Bullmastiffs, Staffordshire Terriers, and so on.
What Are the Bite Forces of The Staffordshire Bull Terrier and The American Bully?
The American Bully has a bite force of 305 psi, whereas the Staffordshire Bull Terrier has 328 psi. This is an amazing fact, given the Staffy is a smaller dog than the American Bully.
The reason for such a strong bite force of the Staffy is its purpose of breeding and a locking jaw. The Staffordshire was bred to be a fighting dog, so it needed a strong jaw to survive.
Conclusion
Although the American Bully and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier share part of their DNA with the Pitbukll, they are not the same breed. They are entirely different dogs, and you can tell them apart easily from their appearance.
Both dogs have different personalities but are loyal, extremely energetic, and ready to do anything you tell them to do.
