# Difference between Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Pitbull and Amstaff > Not the same dog: 11-17 kg against 25-32, two FCI-recognised standards and one that is not. How to tell Staffy, Pit Bull and Amstaff apart, explained by a breeder. How to tell the three breeds apart, by eye and on paper Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier and American Pit Bull Terrier descend from the same stock, the Bull and Terriers of 19th-century England, but today they are three distinct breeds. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is the smallest, with a maximum weight of 17 kg, and is recognised by the FCI under standard no. 76. The American Staffordshire Terrier is taller and heavier, up to 32 kg in males, and is recognised by the FCI under standard no. 286. The American Pit Bull Terrier, whose weight varies widely between 15 and 27 kg, is registered by the American UKC and ADBA but not by the FCI, so in Italy the ENCI cannot issue it a pedigree: a Pit Bull with an ENCI pedigree does not exist. None of the three is banned in Italy. A guide by the [Del Piccolo Diavolo kennel, which has bred Staffordshire Bull Terriers](/en/) in Ostellato (Ferrara, Italy) since 2013. ## Why are these breeds confused? The confusion between **Staffordshire Bull Terrier**, **American Pit Bull Terrier** and **[American Staffordshire Terrier](https://www.enci.it/media/2547/286.pdf)** is extremely common, not only among laypeople but also in the media and sometimes in institutions. This confusion has concrete consequences: poorly written laws, unjustified prejudice and difficulties for owners. There are several reasons for it. All three breeds descend from the same stock: the "Bull and Terrier" dogs of 19th-century England, crosses between Bulldogs and various Terriers. They therefore share a common genetic heritage and some similar physical traits: a broad head, a powerful jaw, a muscular body. The media tend to use the generic term "Pitbull" for any "bull" type dog, whatever its actual breed. When a molosser-type dog is involved in an incident, the breed is rarely identified correctly, which feeds generalised stereotypes. Everyday language does not help either: in Italy "Pitbull" is often used as an umbrella term for any muscular dog with a broad head, when in fact the American Pit Bull Terrier is one specific breed (and one the FCI does not recognise). ## Historical origins: a common ancestor To understand the differences between these breeds, it helps to go briefly through their shared history and the point where they diverged. ### 19th-Century England: the Bull and Terriers In 19th-century England, animal fights were popular. The **Bull and Terriers** were born from crosses between Bulldogs (strength, grip) and Terriers (agility, tenacity). These dogs were used for bull-baiting and later, after the ban of 1835, for dog fighting. From this common stock came several lines that would give rise to the modern breeds. ### The Staffordshire Bull Terrier: the British breed The **Staffordshire Bull Terrier** developed in the Staffordshire region of England. In 1935 it was officially recognised by the British Kennel Club. The standard was written to preserve the traits of the traditional dogs of the English working class, with an emphasis on a balanced temperament and suitability for family life. The FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) recognises the Staffordshire Bull Terrier under **standard no. 76**, in Group 3 (Terriers), Section 3 (Bull type Terriers). ### The American breeds: Pit Bull and Amstaff In the 19th century many Bull and Terriers were taken to America by British immigrants. In the United States these dogs developed in two distinct directions: A Staffy at a show **American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT):** recognised by the UKC (United Kennel Club) in 1898 and by the ADBA (American Dog Breeders Association). The UKC was founded precisely to register this breed. The APBT is **not recognised by the FCI** nor by the AKC (American Kennel Club). **American Staffordshire Terrier:** in 1936 the AKC recognised a "show" version of the American Pit Bulls under the name "Staffordshire Terrier", renamed "American Staffordshire Terrier" in 1972 to set it apart from the British Staffy. The FCI recognises it under **standard no. 286**. 📜 A Historical Note In the early years many dogs were registered at the same time as APBTs with the UKC and as American Staffordshire Terriers with the AKC. The two breeds therefore share an almost identical genetic heritage; the difference is that the Amstaff was selected for the show ring and the APBT for "performance". ## Physical comparison: the table of differences Here are the concrete physical differences between the three breeds. The table below sums up the main traits according to the official standards. | Trait | Staffordshire Bull Terrier | American Pit Bull Terrier | American Staffordshire Terrier | | **Height, males** | 35.5 - 40.5 cm | 45 - 53 cm | 45.7 - 48.2 cm | | **Height, females** | 35.5 - 40.5 cm | 43 - 50 cm | 43.1 - 48.2 cm | | **Weight, males** | 12.7 - 17 kg | 15 - 27 kg | 25 - 32 kg | | **Weight, females** | 11 - 15.4 kg | 13 - 23 kg | 18 - 25 kg | | **Head** | Short, broad, deep skull | Medium length, flat skull | Medium length, very broad | | **Muzzle** | Short | Medium, square | Medium, rounded on top | | **Ears** | Rose or half-pricked | High set, cropped or natural | High set, cropped or natural | | **Body** | Compact, muscular, close-coupled | Athletic, agile, muscular | Sturdy, muscular, "stocky" | | **FCI recognition** | ✅ Standard no. 76 | ❌ Not recognised | ✅ Standard no. 286 | | **ENCI recognition** | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | | **Country of origin** | Great Britain | United States | United States | ### How to tell them apart at a glance **The Staffordshire Bull Terrier** is the smallest and most compact. Its head is broad and short in relation to the body, with very pronounced cheeks. The body is close-coupled, muscular but not exaggerated. Maximum weight 17 kg. It is the only one whose ears are never cropped. **The American Pit Bull Terrier** is medium-sized, taller and leaner than the Staffy. Its body is athletic, built for agility more than mass. Its weight varies widely (15-27 kg). **The American Staffordshire Terrier** is the largest and most massive. It has a very broad head and a sturdy, muscular body. Males weigh up to 32 kg. ## Differences in character and temperament ### Staffordshire Bull Terrier The FCI standard describes the Staffy's temperament as traditionally of indomitable courage and tenacity, highly intelligent and affectionate, especially with children. The Staffy is known for its strong attachment to its human family, so much so that it has been nicknamed the "nanny dog". A Staffy puppy ### American Pit Bull Terrier The APBT was historically selected for "gameness" (tenacity, determination) and athleticism. The UKC standard describes it as strong, confident and full of zest for life. It excels in dog sports such as weight pulling, agility and obedience. ### American Staffordshire Terrier The Amstaff, selected for the show ring, tends to have a slightly calmer temperament than the APBT. The AKC standard describes it as good with children, reliable and trustworthy. 🐕 An Important Note on Temperament An individual dog's temperament depends far more on its specific genetics (bloodlines), socialisation and upbringing than on the breed itself. The choice of [breeder](/en/about-us/) and the owner's commitment are decisive factors. ## Legal status and recognition ### In Italy **Staffordshire Bull Terrier:** recognised by the ENCI. Puppies from registered breeders have a ROI or LIBRO APERTO pedigree. No specific restrictions. **American Staffordshire Terrier:** recognised by the ENCI. Same situation as the Staffy. **American Pit Bull Terrier:** **not recognised** by the ENCI or the FCI. No official pedigree exists in Italy. ⚠️ Beware of "Pit Bulls" Without a Pedigree In Italy a dog sold as a "Pit Bull" cannot have an ENCI pedigree, because the breed is not recognised. Many dogs sold as "Pit Bulls" are in fact crosses of various kinds. If you are looking for a bull-type dog with guarantees, look at [Staffy puppies](/en/puppies-staffordshire-bull-terrier/) or Amstaffs from ENCI breeders. ## Which breed to choose? This page is for telling the three breeds apart and understanding what the law says. If you have already ruled out the Pit Bull and need to choose between a **Staffy and an Amstaff**, the dedicated guide lines up the practical questions about space, experience and daily life: [which of the two breeds suits you](/en/staffy-or-amstaff-which-breed-suits-you/). The Del Piccolo Diavolo kennel breeds only the Staffordshire Bull Terrier: a breed with a clear FCI standard, genetic tests for L2HGA and HC, and a size suited to life in the house. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the main difference between Staffy and Pit Bull? The difference that matters first is legal, not physical: the **Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a breed recognised by the FCI**, with a precise standard and a stud book, while the Pit Bull is not a recognised breed in Italy and no ENCI pedigree certifies one. Anyone selling a Pit Bull with pedigree is selling something else. Physically the Staffy is clearly smaller: 35.5-40.5 cm at the withers and 12.7-17 kg in males, against a far wider range in dogs called Pit Bull, which can exceed thirty kilos. Compact, with a short broad head and a stocky build, the Staffy is the smallest of the three. ### Are American Staffordshire Terrier and Pit Bull the same breed? They share origins but today they are different things, and the difference is recognition. The **American Staffordshire Terrier** is recognised by the FCI, with a standard and a stud book: 45.7-48.2 cm and 25-32 kg in males, a longer muzzle and a leaner build than the Staffy. The **American Pit Bull Terrier** is recognised by American registries such as UKC and ADBA, but not by the FCI and therefore not by the ENCI. In practice, in Italy a dog sold as a Pit Bull is a dog without a recognised pedigree and with unverifiable ancestry. The distinction is not a formality: without a stud book there is no way to trace the parents, the genetic tests or the number of litters. ### Can I have a Pit Bull with a pedigree in Italy? No, not in the sense usually meant. The ENCI issues pedigrees only for breeds recognised by the FCI, and the American Pit Bull Terrier is not one of them. There are certificates issued by private registries or foreign associations, but they **have no value as an official pedigree in Italy** and give no access to FCI shows. Anyone offering you a Pit Bull with a pedigree is either misusing the name for an Amstaff or showing you a document that is not what it looks like. The check is simple: an ENCI certificate shows the stud book number and the breed written in full, and the number can be verified starting from the dog's microchip. ### Which of the three breeds is most suitable for children? The question is better turned around: **no breed is suitable for children without adult supervision**, and none is suitable regardless of the individual dog. That said, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier has the strongest reputation as a family dog, and it is also the smallest of the three, which matters indoors: a 15 kg dog jumping up is one thing, a 30 kg dog quite another. But the deciding factor is not the breed: it is the selection of the parents, the first eight weeks and the rules the family sets. A well-bred, well-raised Amstaff is more reliable than a Staffy bred by accident. ### Are these breeds banned in Italy? No. Italy has had no list of dangerous breeds since 2009, when an ordinance of the Ministry of Health abolished the list and moved responsibility from the breed to the owner. Neither the Staffordshire Bull Terrier nor the American Staffordshire Terrier is subject to any ban or special obligation at national level. Stricter **local rules** are still possible, set by individual municipalities or by apartment-building regulations, and other European countries have different rules that should be checked before travelling. For every dog there is the obligation of a lead in public places, a muzzle carried and fitted on request, and the owner's civil and criminal liability for any damage caused. ### Which breed is easiest to manage for a beginner? Of the three, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is the most sensible choice for a first dog, largely because of size: fifteen kilos can be handled when something goes wrong, thirty much less so. It is also a breed that learns quickly and forgives the mistakes of someone still learning. But easy does not mean automatic: these are all bull-type terriers, with a degree of reactivity towards other dogs that has to be managed through early socialisation, and with energy levels that require daily outings. A beginner choosing this breed should budget for basic training classes and a breeder who stays available after the puppy goes home. ### Related articles - [Staffordshire Bull Terrier bloodlines](/en/staffy-bloodlines-guide/) - [FCI standard and breed type](/en/staffy-breed-standard/) - [Is the Staffy dangerous? What Italian law says](/en/staffy-dangerous-breed-law/) - [Before taking on a puppy: how to choose a breeder](/en/how-to-choose-a-staffordshire-bull-terrier-breeder/) --- Fonte: https://delpiccolodiavolo.it/en/staffy-pitbull-amstaff-difference/