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American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Malinois Comparison - Dog breed selector: Pit or Stafford or German Malinois? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Malinois" Compare American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier. Which is better: American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier or German Malinois?
 
 
 
Name American Pit Bull Terrier American Staffordshire Terrier German Malinois
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States United States flagUnited States Germany flagGermany Belgium flagBelgium
Group Hunting Dogs Hunting Dogs Designer Dogs
Popularity Rank336831416
Reviews1060
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Pit
Pit Bull
Pitbull
Pitty
APBT
Stafford
Staffy
Amstaff
No data available
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Malinois breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Cross Breed

American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Malinois Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier or German Malinois? Which is the smallest dog, American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier or German Malinois?
Medium Medium Large
Weight
Which is heavier, American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier? American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Malinois weight comparison:
22-78 pounds (10-35 kg) 57-67 pounds (25-30 kg) Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
50 pounds (22.5 kg) 62 pounds (27.5 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier or German Malinois? American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Malinois height comparison:
14-24 inches (35-60 cm) Male: 17-19 inches (43-48 cm), Female: 16-18 inches (41-46 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (56-61 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
19 inches (47.5 cm) Male: 18 inches (45.5 cm), Female: 17 inches (43.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (63.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm)

American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Malinois Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier or German Malinois? Which is more expensive?
$500-$700 $800-$1000 $800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier or German Malinois?
Average: The American Pit Bull Terrier is a commonly available dog breed.
Very frequent: The American Staffordshire Terrier is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Malinois is quite easy to get.

American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Malinois Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Malinois intelligence:
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Smart: The American Staffordshire Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
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Outstanding: German Malinois is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Trainability
American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Malinois trainability comparison.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are easy to train.
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American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are easy to train.
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German Malinois dogs are very easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier or German Malinois?
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
German Malinois dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier or German Malinois? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are average defenders.
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American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are average defenders.
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German Malinois dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Malinois Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier or German Malinois? American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Malinois behavior/temperament comparison:
Stubborn
Clownish
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Obedient
Loyal
Strong
Willed
Aggressive
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Loyal
Devoted
Attentive
Tenacious
Active
Curious
Stubborn
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Hard working
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Sensitive: German Malinois dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Malinois?
High: American Pit Bull Terrier 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.
See more.
Average to High: German Malinois dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
Social Needs
American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Malinois social needs comparison:
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are a social breed.
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American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are a social breed.
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German Malinois dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
The wanderlust potential of the American Pit Bull Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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German Malinois dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
American Pit Bull 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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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.
See more.
German Malinois dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Malinois Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Malinois playfulness comparison:
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a playful breed.
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The American Staffordshire Terrier is a playful breed.
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The German Malinois is a playful breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Malinois?
Average: The American Pit Bull Terrier barks occasionally.
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Average: The American Staffordshire Terrier barks occasionally.
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Average: The German Malinois barks occasionally.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier or German Malinois?
It is not recommended to keep the American Pit Bull Terrier breed in the home.
It is not recommended to keep the American Staffordshire Terrier breed in the home.
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 Malinois indoors.

American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Malinois Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Average: American Pit Bull Terrier dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Average: American Staffordshire Terrier dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
German Malinois dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier or German Malinois?
American Pit Bull 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.
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 Malinois 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.

American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Malinois Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier or German Malinois?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

American Pit Bull Terrier bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

American Staffordshire Terrier bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Malinois bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

High 🔼

The American Pit Bull Terrier has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The American Staffordshire Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The German Malinois has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Malinois mouthiness comparison:
American Pit Bull Terrier 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.
See more.
German Malinois dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.

American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Malinois Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Malinois health comparison. Which is the healthier: American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Malinois?
American Pit Bull Terriers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
German Malinoiss are commonly healthy dogs.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Malinois? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Malinois health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Skin Allergies
No data available Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Eye Problems
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
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Frequent
The American Pit Bull Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Average
The American Staffordshire Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The German Malinois should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Life Expectancy
American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Malinois lifespan comparison. How long do American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier and German Malinois breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
10-14 years
The average lifespan of American Pit Bull Terrier: 12 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of American Staffordshire Terrier: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of German Malinois: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Malinois?
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
See more.
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.

American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Malinois Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier or German Malinois? American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Malinois energy level comparison:
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
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.
German Malinois dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Malinois exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier or German Malinois? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
German Malinois dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier or German Malinois?
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
German Malinois dogs don't need too much sleep.

American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Malinois Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier or German Malinois?
Recommended daily amount: 1.5 to 2.5 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. 3 to 4 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? American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Malinois weight gain potential comparison:
Average: The American Pit Bull Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
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Low to Average: The American Staffordshire Terrier has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Low to Average: The German Malinois has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.

American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Malinois Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Malinois coat comparison:
Fine Fine Fuzzy
Weather-resistant
Straight
Colors
What are the original American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier and German Malinois color?
Black
Gray
Tan
Red
Blue
White
Brown
Yellow
Black
Blue
White
Brown
Black
Tan
Red
Cream
Silver
Fawn
Brindle
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier or German Malinois? American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Malinois grooming comparison:
Effortless: The American Pit Bull Terrier requires minimal grooming.
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Effortless: The American Staffordshire Terrier requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Average: The German Malinois requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier or German Malinois? American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier or {name3 shedding:
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs shed moderately.
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American Staffordshire Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
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German Malinois dogs shed above average.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier or German Malinois?
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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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Malinois hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Malinois?

Medium

The American Pit Bull Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The American Staffordshire Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Malinois has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The American Staffordshire Terrier is an average drooler.
See more.
The German Malinois is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Malinois Good With Comparison

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

American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Malinois As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.

Yes

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

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
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.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Malinois?

Not really

American Pit Bull Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

American Staffordshire Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

German Malinois breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
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.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
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.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Malinois Reproducibility Comparison

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

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier and German Malinois have?
5-8 puppies 5-10 puppies 6-10 puppies

American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Malinois Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1936 as a Terrier breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Bull type Terriers section. Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
American Canine Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Backwoods Bulldog Club
No data available No data available

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