Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers and American Bullies the Same?
No. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Staffy) and the American Bully are two separate breeds. The Staffy is a compact, medium-sized English terrier breed that dates back to the 1800s, while the American Bully is a heavier, broader American breed developed in the United States starting in the 1990s. People also mix both up with a third breed, the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff), so this guide compares all three.
Though easily confused, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, frequently known as a Staffy, and the American Bully share a similar powerful look: muscular bodies, broad heads and short coats. They share some ancestry, too. But their history, size, breed standards and kennel club status are different.
Quick answer: Staffy vs American Bully vs AmStaff
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier: English breed, 14 to 16 inches tall; males 28 to 38 pounds, females 24 to 34 pounds (AKC). Recognized by the AKC, UKC and The Kennel Club (UK).
- American Staffordshire Terrier: American breed, about 17 to 19 inches tall (AKC prefers 18 to 19 in for males, 17 to 18 in for females). The AKC sets no weight, only that height and weight be in proportion. AKC recognized; the UKC registers the closely related American Pit Bull Terrier instead.
- American Bully: American breed developed from the 1990s, in four ABKC classes: Pocket, Standard, Classic and XL. Heavier bone and more muscle. Recognized by the UKC and ABKC, not the AKC.
- All three are loyal, people-focused bully breeds that need daily exercise, training and early socialization.
Breed Origins and History
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is an old and established breed from England. Its ancestors were "bull and terrier" dogs, made by crossing old-type bulldogs with British terriers to produce a muscular dog with the agility and drive of a terrier. These dogs were used in 19th-century blood sports, including bull baiting and later dog fighting. Those sports were eventually outlawed, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was turned into a companion dog and became popular as a family pet. The UK Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1935, and the AKC followed in 1975.
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The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a relatively old breed dating back to 19th-century England, while the American Bully is a new breed developed in the United States from the 1990s. The American Bully was developed mainly from the American Pit Bull Terrier, and the UKC standard notes influence from the American Bulldog, English Bulldog and Olde English Bulldogge. The goal was to keep the powerful look while breeding for a calmer, more family-friendly temperament, so a good temperament was a key priority for the breed. The American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) was founded in 2004, and the United Kennel Club (UKC) recognized the American Bully in 2013.
Where the American Staffordshire Terrier fits in
The American Staffordshire Terrier comes from the same bull-and-terrier dogs that were brought to America in the 1800s. In the U.S., breeders selected for a taller, heavier dog than the English Staffy. The AKC registered these dogs as Staffordshire Terriers in 1936 and renamed the breed the American Staffordshire Terrier in 1972, to tell it apart from the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The AmStaff and the American Pit Bull Terrier share the same roots, which is why they look so similar. Our guide to bully breeds explains how all of these dogs are related.
Kennel club recognition
Because it is a long-established breed, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is recognized by a variety of kennel clubs, including the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the American Kennel Club (AKC). The American Staffordshire Terrier is recognized by the AKC, while the UKC registers the closely related American Pit Bull Terrier. The American Bully is recognized by the UKC and the ABKC but not by the AKC. That means American Bullies cannot be shown in AKC conformation. They can still compete in many AKC sports, such as agility, rally, Fast CAT and obedience, through the AKC Canine Partners program. Check AKC's current eligibility rules before you enter, and see how American Bullies do in dog sports. For how the ABKC and UKC standards differ, read UKC vs ABKC standards.
Here is what the ABKC standard asks judges to look for in an American Bully, whatever the class.
Physical Characteristics of Staffys & American Bullies
Staffordshire Bull Terriers are muscular, medium-sized dogs. The AKC standard calls for 14 to 16 inches at the shoulder, with males at 28 to 38 pounds and females at 24 to 34 pounds. They have a broad head, a wide jaw and a short muzzle, with a short coat and a powerful, athletic build.
American Bullies come in several classes. The Pocket is the smallest and most compact, the Standard and Classic are mid-sized (the Classic has a lighter frame), and the XL is the tallest. Regardless of class, American Bullies have heavier bone, wider heads and more pronounced muscle than a Staffy. The ABKC standard sets height ranges for each class but no particular weight. Weight should be in proportion to the dog's frame, and dogs should never be obese, so weight varies a lot from dog to dog.
The American Staffordshire Terrier sits in between. It is taller and heavier than the Staffy but leaner and more athletic than most American Bullies.
All three breeds have short coats and come in a wide variety of colors, including black, brindle, fawn, blue, red and white.
| Trait | Staffordshire Bull Terrier | American Staffordshire Terrier | American Bully |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | England, 1800s | United States, from the same stock | United States, from the 1990s |
| Height (at shoulder) | 14 to 16 in | About 17 to 19 in | About 13 to 23 in, depending on class |
| Typical weight | 24 to 38 lb | No set weight; in proportion to height (AKC) | No weight standard (ABKC); in proportion to height |
| Build | Compact, agile terrier | Athletic, muscular, taller | Heavy bone, wide chest, bulkier muscle |
| Kennel clubs | AKC, UKC, UK Kennel Club | AKC (UKC registers the related APBT) | UKC, ABKC (not AKC) |
| Typical lifespan | About 12 to 14 years | About 12 to 16 years | About 10 to 12 years (estimate, varies by class) |
Heights and the Staffy's weights come from the AKC, ABKC and UKC breed standards. The ABKC and UKC set no weight for the American Bully, and the AKC sets none for the AmStaff. Individual dogs vary.
American Bully classes, including the Classic
A lot of people searching for "Staffy vs Bully" are really trying to tell a Classic American Bully from a Staffy or AmStaff. The Classic is the lightest-framed American Bully class. It has the same height range as the Standard (males 17 to 20 inches, females 16 to 19 inches) but lighter bone and less overall mass, while keeping bully traits like a blocky head and short muzzle. That leaner look is why it is the class most often mistaken for a Staffy or AmStaff. The Standard, Pocket and XL classes all carry more mass. If you're not sure what class your dog fits, our American Bully vs Pitbull guide breaks down each size class.
Extreme (sometimes called Exotic) is not a recognized ABKC variety; it appeared in older materials.
To check your own dog, measure height at the withers, the top of the shoulder blades, not the head or neck.
Feeding a Staffy or American Bully
Whether you have a Staffy or an American Bully, that muscular, athletic build needs quality fuel. Both breeds do best on a complete diet with plenty of animal protein to support lean muscle, plus healthy fats for energy and a shiny coat. For Staffy-specific portions and picks, see our guide to the best dog food for Staffies.
- Feed for the dog you have. A 30-pound Staffy and a 90-pound Bully need very different amounts. Use our dog food calculator as a starting point and adjust to body condition.
- Watch body condition, not the scale alone. You should be able to feel the ribs easily with a thin layer of cover. Bullies especially can carry extra weight that hides under muscle.
- Hard keepers and rescues may need a more calorie-dense food to put on or keep on weight. If your dog is losing weight without a clear reason, see your vet first.
Bully Max 30/20 is a meat-based, high-protein food with 30% protein and 20% fat, made in the USA, with every batch triple tested for safety. It's a good fit for active Staffys and muscular Bullies alike. For more detail, read our guide to the best dog food for American Bullies.
Both breeds carry muscle for their size and do best on a meat-first kibble; our Bull Terrier dog food guide shows how we feed Staffies and Bull Terriers on 30/20 High Protein.
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Grooming & Exercise:
Both breeds of dog have similar needs as far as exercise, care, and grooming. Because of their short coat, neither breed requires extensive regular grooming; however, regular brushing with a curry-comb type brush should be used to stimulate the skin and remove dead fur. For overall skin and fur health, regular baths are also important for both breeds as well as regular tooth brushing, ear cleaning, and nail trims. Both American Bullies and Staffordshire Bull Terriers are active and athletic dogs. Both breeds need regular daily exercise that provides both mental and physical stimulation and enrichment. Making sure these active dogs get enough exercise can make them happier companions and help prevent nuisance and boredom-related behaviors, including excessive barking, digging, and chewing.
Staffys tend to have more terrier energy and stamina for running and play. Heavier Bullies do better with steady walks, tug and short bursts of activity, and they should be kept out of the heat on hot days.
Temperament and Behavior:
Because they are closely related, amongst well-bred and well-socialized dogs, there are a lot of similarities in behavior and temperament for the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the American Bully. While today the primary job of both the American Bully and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is to be a companion pet dog, it is important to note that some dogs will still have the personality and behavioral characteristics of the earlier breeds. This can lead to a predisposition to dog selectiveness or dog aggression. Because of this, it's important to focus on socialization with young puppies to help them develop positive associations with being around dogs and people.
Both breeds are known for their loyalty and affection for their families, though American Bullies in particular are also known for being more friendly and calm in temperament. These characteristics will however be different from dog to dog, and are heavily dependent on the genetic background of the particular dog, the parents' temperament, and the kind of socialization they received as young puppies. Both are strong, powerful dogs that require training and socialization to make sure they are well-behaved companions. Both Staffys and American Bullies make wonderful companion dogs if trained, socialized and properly managed. Unfortunately, there are significant misunderstandings and stereotypes about these breeds, and both are frequently labeled as aggressive regardless of an individual dog's behavior and temperament.
Training and socialization are easier when your dog is excited to work with you. High-protein treats made with real beef make a great reward during those sessions.
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Which breed is right for you?
- Choose a Staffy if you want a smaller, athletic dog with lots of energy that fits easily into a smaller home or car.
- Choose an AmStaff if you want a taller, athletic all-rounder for an active household and dog sports.
- Choose an American Bully if you want a calmer, heavier companion and you're ready for the feeding costs and care of a bigger dog.
Although the Staffy and the American Bully have a shared ancestry, and there are a variety of behavioral and physical similarities between the dogs, they are distinct and different breeds. Because of the similarities between the breeds, they are often confused and misidentified as being the same. Because of their similarities, both breeds are frequently subject to discriminatory policies and are targeted by breed-specific legislation (BSL), along with housing and insurance restrictions. If you are considering adding a Staffy or an American Bully to your family, make sure to do your research about which dog is going to be right for your lifestyle.
FAQ
American Staffordshire Terrier vs Staffordshire Bull Terrier: are they the same?
No. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is the smaller English breed (about 14 to 16 inches). The American Staffordshire Terrier is a separate, taller and heavier American breed (about 17 to 19 inches). They share ancestry, which is why their names are so similar.
Is an American Bully a Staffy?
No. The American Bully was developed in the U.S. mainly from the American Pit Bull Terrier, with influence from bulldog breeds. It is its own breed with its own standard, recognized by the ABKC and UKC.
Which is bigger, a Staffy or an American Bully?
The American Bully. Even a Standard American Bully is usually heavier and wider than a Staffy, and XL Bullies are much larger. Some, like Hulk the pitbull, have been reported at well over 150 pounds. Pocket Bullies can be similar in height to a Staffy but carry more bone and muscle.
Are Staffys and American Bullies good family dogs?
Both can be loving, loyal family dogs when they come from good breeding and get early socialization and consistent training. Some dogs of both breeds can be selective with other dogs, so supervise introductions.
Is an American Bully a pit bull?
Not exactly. The American Bully was developed from pit bull-type breeds, but it is a separate breed. See our full guide: Are American Bullies the same as pitbulls?
Fuel your bully breed right
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If you've had experiences with American Bullies or Staffys, share your insights in the comments below. How have you helped educate others about these breeds and their characteristics?
Ready to put this into practice? Start your Staffy or Bully on a meat-based, high-protein food made in the USA by a family-owned company, with every batch triple tested for safety.
Feeding your bully breed
Our breed-by-breed buyer guides compare protein, calories per cup and portions, so you can feed your dog for its size and activity.
- Best dog food for American Bullies
- Best dog food for pit bulls
- Best dog food for Staffies
- Best puppy food for bully breeds
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1 comment
Good afternoon massacres,
I have a beautiful stuffy cross xl,
She is a wonderful family pet, I integrated her from a pup with other dogs and cats, she was house trained from a very young age, lo especially going out for a run, so I get plenty of exercise lol
I get stopped all the time by people how lovely she is and her blue in colour, the only thing I need to train her is to stop jumping up at people as that does scare them.
She does give a lovely cuddle at night, and sometimes gives me some of my bed, even though I got a ni e big one of her own.
But some people do keep asking me if she is a pitball, finging the right muzzle for her though is a challenge as I don’t want a plastic awfully looking one.