When talking about muscular, blocky-headed dogs with a strong jaw and loyal nature, the American Staffordshire Terrier vs. pitbull comparison often comes up. Are they the same breed or different?

The answer is a little of both, depending on which kennel club you ask and what traits you’re comparing.

Both dogs descend from 19th-century bull and terrier crosses originally bred in England for bull baiting and dog fighting—brutal blood sports that shaped their tough appearance and energetic temperament. Today, however, these breeds are more like misunderstood pets than aggressive dogs.

Shared Origins, Split Recognition

The American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier come from the same roots. They were imported to the U.S. in the 1800s, where breeders began selecting for

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