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German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier Comparison – Which dog is better Alsatian wolf dog or Stafford?

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier" Compare German Shepherd and American Staffordshire Terrier. Which is better: German Shepherd or American Staffordshire Terrier?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd American Staffordshire Terrier
OriginsGermany flagGermany United States flagUnited States
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank283
Reviews196
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Stafford
Staffy
Amstaff
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred

German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which dog is bigger, German Shepherd or American Staffordshire Terrier? Is the German Shepherd bigger than the American Staffordshire Terrier breed? Is a German Shepherd smaller than an American Staffordshire Terrier?
Large Medium
Weight
Which is heavier, German Shepherd or American Staffordshire Terrier? German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier weight comparison:
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) 57-67 pounds (25-30 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) 62 pounds (27.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or American Staffordshire Terrier? Is a German Shepherd taller than an American Staffordshire Terrier?
Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) Male: 17-19 inches (43-48 cm), Female: 16-18 inches (41-46 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) Male: 18 inches (45.5 cm), Female: 17 inches (43.5 cm)

German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, German Shepherd or American Staffordshire Terrier? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between German Shepherd and American Staffordshire Terrier?
$800-$2000 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or American Staffordshire Terrier?
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The American Staffordshire Terrier is quite easy to get.

German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a German Shepherd or American Staffordshire Terrier smarter? Which is best? German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier intelligence:
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Smart: The American Staffordshire Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
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Trainability
German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier trainability comparison. What's the difference between German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier?
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: German Shepherd or American Staffordshire Terrier?
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog German Shepherd or American Staffordshire Terrier? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are average defenders.
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German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, German Shepherd or American Staffordshire Terrier? German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier behavior/temperament comparison:
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Loyal
Devoted
Attentive
Tenacious
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier?
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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American Staffordshire Terrier dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier?
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier social needs comparison:
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier?
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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American Staffordshire Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier? Which can be better for hunting?
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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American Staffordshire Terrier dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier playfulness comparison:
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The American Staffordshire Terrier is a playful breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier?
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Average: The American Staffordshire Terrier barks occasionally.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly German Shepherd or American Staffordshire Terrier?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Shepherd indoors.
It is not recommended to keep the American Staffordshire Terrier breed in the home.

German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: American Staffordshire Terrier dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: German Shepherd or American Staffordshire Terrier?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: German Shepherd or American Staffordshire Terrier?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

American Staffordshire Terrier bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Is a German Shepherd more dangerous than an American Staffordshire Terrier?

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The American Staffordshire Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier mouthiness comparison:
German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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American Staffordshire Terrier dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier health comparison. Which is the healthier: German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier?
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Blindness
Cherry Eye
Elbow Dysplasia
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Retinal Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Degenerative Myelopathy
Wobbler's Syndrome
Panosteitis
Hemophilia B
Megaesophagus
Cushing's Syndrome
Lens Luxation
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Chronic Diarrhea
Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Digestive Problems
Hemophilia A
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Lupus
Myasthenia Gravis
Nail Bed Disease
Osteochondrosis
Pannus
Paralysis
Perianal Fistula
Seborrhea
Vitiligo
No data available
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier?
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The American Staffordshire Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier lifespan comparison. How long do German Shepherd and American Staffordshire Terrier breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the German Shepherd and American Staffordshire Terrier?
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of American Staffordshire Terrier: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a German Shepherd or American Staffordshire Terrier? German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier energy level comparison:
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or American Staffordshire Terrier? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: German Shepherd or American Staffordshire Terrier?
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: German Shepherd or American Staffordshire Terrier? Does the German Shepherd breed eat more than the American Staffordshire Terrier breed?
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier weight gain potential comparison:
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Low to Average: The American Staffordshire Terrier has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier coat comparison:
Fuzzy Fine
Colors
What are the original German Shepherd and American Staffordshire Terrier color? German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier color comparison:
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Blue
White
Brown
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, German Shepherd or American Staffordshire Terrier? German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier grooming comparison:
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Effortless: The American Staffordshire Terrier requires minimal grooming.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Shepherd or American Staffordshire Terrier? Do German Shepherd dogs shed more than American Staffordshire Terrier dogs?
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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American Staffordshire Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: German Shepherd or American Staffordshire Terrier?
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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Hypoallergenic
German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, German Shepherd or American Staffordshire Terrier?

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The American Staffordshire Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier?
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The American Staffordshire Terrier is an average drooler.
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German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or American Staffordshire Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly German Shepherd or American Staffordshire Terrier?
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or American Staffordshire Terrier?
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or American Staffordshire Terrier? Can a German Shepherd and an American Staffordshire Terrier be friends? Do German Shepherd dogs get along with American Staffordshire Terrier dogs?
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are not dog-friendly.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier?
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Yes
American Staffordshire Terrier is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
American Staffordshire Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.

German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: German Shepherd or American Staffordshire Terrier? Which is better for autism?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog?

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier?

Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

American Staffordshire Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Fighting Dog / Military Dog

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Litter Size
How many puppies can German Shepherd and American Staffordshire Terrier have? German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier litter size comparison:
6-10 puppies 5-10 puppies

German Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1936 as a Terrier breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Bull type Terriers section.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America
No data available

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