When it comes to the Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs the American Bully, there are some things these dogs share in common. Both have short coats, short muzzles and ears, and short to medium-sized tails, but beyond some of their physical similarities, there are also plenty of differences you'll want to be aware of.
Like most dogs, both the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the American Bully love playing with the best dog toys, and both tend to enjoy getting stuck into a good puzzle. However, because the American Bully is a cross breed, there can be more variance in their nature, how intelligent and how trainable they are.
Expert vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan also states that Staffordshire Bull Terriers are a better fit for families with young children than American Bullies thanks to their 'nanny dog' tendencies and affectionate temperament. That being said, with the right training and socialization, both breeds have the potential to be fantastic companions.
Size: Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs American Bully
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a medium-sized dog measuring between 14–16 inches. While they're relatively short, they make up for this with their rock-solid and muscular build, with females weighing up to 34 pounds and males up to 38 pounds.
American Bullies come in three different sizes, including pocket, standard/classic, and XL. Pocket bullies are the smallest of the three, averaging about 12–16 inches in height and weighing somewhere in the region of 30–50 pounds, while XL bullies are much larger at 23 inches tall and can tip the scales at 130 pounds.
Appearance: Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs American Bully
Muscular and athletic with a short, round head and wide jaw, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a compact and strong dog with lips that naturally turn up at the corners, making it look like they're wearing a permanent smile.
They have dark and expressive eyes, small ears, and their short and smooth coats come in a range of different colors – including black, blue, brindle, red, and fawn.
American Bullies have a heavy bone structure and a blocky head. While both breeds are muscular, the American Bully's muscles are more exaggerated, and they're much stockier with a square body and a short muzzle.
The head shape between the two breeds also differs, with the head of the American Bully being broader and squarer than that of the Staffie.
Trainability: Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs American Bully
Planning on training your dog on your own? If so, how intelligent a breed is may be a key factor when it comes to deciding which pup to welcome into your home. According to Dr MacMillan, it's hard to directly compare the intelligence of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the American Bully because the latter is technically a cross breed
"This means that their temperament and intelligence may vary depending on their genetic makeup," she explains.
However, Dr. MacMillan says she can offer some broad advice for both breeds.
"Staffordshire Bull Terriers rate reasonably well intelligence-wise, and they are eager to please, which makes training relatively straightforward. They like working puzzles out and are quick learners.
“American Bullies can be gentle giants with the right early socialization and training. But their ability to pick up commands will vary between dogs, due to their mixed heritage."
While staying consistent and using positive reinforcement is important with all dogs, Dr MacMillan says it's particularly vital with these two breeds.
"These are large, powerful dogs so you must be able to control them effectively," she stresses.
Exercise: Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs American Bully
How much exercise do dogs need? Well, it depends on the breed. Dogs bred to be companions will often need less, while working dogs need a great deal. Breeds like the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the American Bully tend to sit somewhere in the middle.
"Staffordshire Bull Terriers are playful and active dogs. They need at least an hour of good physical activity each day," Dr MacMillan advises.
"The American Bully is a bit less athletic but will still need 30–60 minutes of exercise each day, depending on their age and health status."
While giving your dog's body a good workout is super important, Dr MacMillan says you don't want to forget about exercising their brain, too.
"Ensuring that both dogs receive enough exercise and mental stimulation will reduce the risks of behavioral problems developing," she explains.
Brain games for dogs are brilliant for providing your pup with that all-important mental enrichment, and many of these can be played indoors, which is a lifesaver when the weather makes heading out seem unappealing.
Breeds like the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the American Bully will also benefit from the best puzzle toys, which will provide them with a challenge and keep them out of mischief!
Grooming: Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs American Bully
Some dog owners don't mind having a canine companion with a high-maintenance mane. But for busy pet parents who perhaps have less time to spare (or simply don't want to deal with lots of fur!), opting for a more low-maintenance breed with an easy-to-care-for coat can make life a lot easier.
"Staffies and American Bullies have similar coat types," Dr. MacMillan says. "Their fur is short and easy to care for, so there’s not normally a need for trips to the groomer.
“They should only require weekly brushing, but perhaps a bit more during heavier shedding periods. As with any dog, they will also require regular nail trims and oral care."
Health: Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs American Bully
We all want our dogs to live a long and happy life, but there's no denying that some breeds tend to have a longer lifespan and experience fewer health issues than others. According to Dr MacMillan, both the Staffie and the American Bully are predisposed to particular problems that you'll want to be aware of.
"As with many large dog breeds, the American Bully is prone to elbow and hip dysplasia," she says. "These inherited joint abnormalities can cause pain, mobility issues, and the early onset of osteoarthritis.
“I have also seen many American Bullies with skin allergies. This can present as increased itchiness, hair loss, recurrent ear infections, and skin sores. Affected dogs will require ongoing management for their skin complaints, so owners should budget for this possibility before taking on a Bully."
Dr MacMillan says that Staffordshire Bull Terriers are generally healthy dogs, but like American Bullies, they can also be affected by hip and elbow dysplasia.
"Choosing a puppy from a reputable breeder that carries out the relevant health screens in their dogs should reduce the risk of this," she explains.
Skin tumors tend to be one of the most common things that Dr MacMillan treats Staffordshire Bull Terriers for, and while there are several different types, she explains that they're genetically predisposed to mast cell tumors.
"These can vary in severity, with some only causing localized problems, while others are more serious and spread elsewhere in the body. Any new lump should be checked over by your vet so that it can be treated early."
Owner suitability: Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs American Bully
There are so many wonderful reasons to adopt a dog, but before you take home a puppy for the first time, it's worth ensuring you're familiar with the needs of your chosen breed.
Owning a dog can enrich your life in so many ways –as long as you choose one that fits your lifestyle.
"Between the two breeds, the Staffie is better suited to families with children than an American Bully," she advises. "While some American Bullies can be affectionate softies, this is not guaranteed.
“With their variable breeding, it’s not always possible to know what personality traits your pet will inherit. These large, muscular dogs could also accidentally knock small children over or cause real damage if provoked. I would therefore only recommend American Bullies to owners without children, or to families that have teenagers.
“This is different from the Staffy, which is actually known as the ‘nanny dog’ due to their protective and affectionate nature around children. While minors should be supervised at all times around any dog breed, the Staffie would be the safer choice for a family with children.
“These dogs will also make for more playful and active companions, which is desirable to many families too."
Read next: Best family dog breeds
Edited by Georgia Guerin
