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American Staffordshire Terrier vs Rat Terrier Comparison – Which dog is better Stafford or Decker Giant?

"Find similarities and differences between American Staffordshire Terrier vs Rat Terrier" Compare American Staffordshire Terrier and Rat Terrier. Which is better: American Staffordshire Terrier or Rat Terrier?
 
 
 
Name American Staffordshire Terrier Rat Terrier
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States United States flagUnited States
Group Hunting Dogs Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank8397
Reviews72
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for American Staffordshire Terrier and Rat Terrier. What other names are these breeds known by?
Stafford
Staffy
Amstaff
Decker Giant
Rat
Rattie
Ratting Terrier
American Rat Terrier
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between an American Staffordshire Terrier and a Rat Terrier. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

American Staffordshire Terrier vs Rat Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: an American Staffordshire Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Medium Small
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between an American Staffordshire Terrier and a Rat Terrier. Which breed is heavier?
57-67 pounds (25-30 kg) Standard: 12-35 pounds (5.5-16 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
62 pounds (27.5 kg) Standard: 23.5 pounds (5.10.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, American Staffordshire Terrier or Rat Terrier? Is an American Staffordshire Terrier taller than a Rat Terrier?
Male: 17-19 inches (43-48 cm), Female: 16-18 inches (41-46 cm) Standard: 14-23 inches (35.5-58.5 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 18 inches (45.5 cm), Female: 17 inches (43.5 cm) Standard: 18.5 inches (35.5-58.5 cm)

American Staffordshire Terrier vs Rat Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between an American Staffordshire Terrier and a Rat Terrier. Which breed costs more?
$800-$1000 $300-$500
Availability
Which is easier to get, American Staffordshire Terrier or Rat Terrier?
Very frequent: The American Staffordshire Terrier is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Rat Terrier is quite easy to get.

American Staffordshire Terrier vs Rat Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: an American Staffordshire Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Smart: The American Staffordshire Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
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Smart: The Rat Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: an American Staffordshire Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare training requirements.
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Rat Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: an American Staffordshire Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare alertness levels.
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Rat Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: an American Staffordshire Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare territorial behaviors.
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are average defenders.
See more.
Rat Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

American Staffordshire Terrier vs Rat Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of an American Staffordshire Terrier and a Rat Terrier. How do their temperaments differ?
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Loyal
Devoted
Attentive
Tenacious
Loving
Alert
Affectionate
Lively
Inquisitive
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between American Staffordshire Terrier vs Rat Terrier?
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: American Staffordshire Terrier vs Rat Terrier?
High: American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Rat Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
American Staffordshire Terrier vs Rat Terrier social needs comparison:
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are a social breed.
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Rat Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between American Staffordshire Terrier vs Rat Terrier?
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
The wanderlust potential of the Rat Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between American Staffordshire Terrier vs Rat Terrier? Which can be better for hunting?
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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Rat Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

American Staffordshire Terrier vs Rat Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: an American Staffordshire Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Average: The American Staffordshire Terrier barks occasionally.
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Average: The Rat Terrier barks occasionally.
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Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: an American Staffordshire Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare play drive and energy.
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a playful breed.
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Average: Rat Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: an American Staffordshire Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare living space needs.
It is not recommended to keep the American Staffordshire Terrier breed in the home.
Very house-friendly dog the Rat Terrier breed.

American Staffordshire Terrier vs Rat Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: an American Staffordshire Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare adaptability levels.
Average: American Staffordshire Terrier dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Rat Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: American Staffordshire Terrier or Rat Terrier?
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.
Rat Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

American Staffordshire Terrier vs Rat Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: an American Staffordshire Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

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

Low 🔽

The Rat Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: an American Staffordshire Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare mouthing behaviors.
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Rat Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: an American Staffordshire Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

American Staffordshire Terrier bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Rat Terrier bite force: Weak.

American Staffordshire Terrier vs Rat Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: an American Staffordshire Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare average lifespans.
12-14 years
The average lifespan of American Staffordshire Terrier: 13 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Rat Terrier: 16 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: an American Staffordshire Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare climate tolerances.
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
See more.
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between an American Staffordshire Terrier and a Rat Terrier. Which breed is healthier?
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Rat Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: American Staffordshire Terrier vs Rat Terrier?
Average
The American Staffordshire Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Rat Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: American Staffordshire Terrier vs Rat Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? American Staffordshire Terrier vs Rat Terrier health problems comparison:
No data available Hip Dysplasia
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Eye Problems
Heart Problems

American Staffordshire Terrier vs Rat Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: an American Staffordshire Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare activity levels.
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.
Rat Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
American Staffordshire Terrier vs Rat Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: American Staffordshire Terrier or Rat Terrier? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Rat Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: American Staffordshire Terrier or Rat Terrier?
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Rat Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.

American Staffordshire Terrier vs Rat Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: an American Staffordshire Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare obesity risks.
Low to Average: The American Staffordshire Terrier has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Rat Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: an American Staffordshire Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare daily food needs.
2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. No data available

American Staffordshire Terrier vs Rat Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: an American Staffordshire Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for American Staffordshire Terrier and Rat Terrier? Compare breed colors.
Black
Blue
White
Brown
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Brown
Tricolor
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: an American Staffordshire Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare maintenance needs.
Effortless: The American Staffordshire Terrier requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Effortless: The Rat Terrier requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: an American Staffordshire Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare drooling amounts.
The American Staffordshire Terrier is an average drooler.
See more.
The Rat Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: an American Staffordshire Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

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

Medium

The Rat Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between an American Staffordshire Terrier and a Rat Terrier? Compare fur types.
Fine Dense
Shiny
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: an American Staffordshire Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare bathing frequencies.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more American Staffordshire Terrier or Rat Terrier? Do American Staffordshire Terrier dogs shed more than Rat Terrier dogs?
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Rat Terrier dogs shed above average.
See more.

American Staffordshire Terrier vs Rat Terrier Good With Comparison

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

American Staffordshire Terrier vs Rat Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: an American Staffordshire Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare service capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: an American Staffordshire Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare therapy capabilities.

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.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: an American Staffordshire Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: an American Staffordshire Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare SAR abilities.

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.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: an American Staffordshire Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

American Staffordshire Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Rat Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: an American Staffordshire Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare draft work capabilities.

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.
Military Service Background
Compare military history between American Staffordshire Terrier and Rat Terrier. Which has stronger military background?

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 Staffordshire Terrier vs Rat Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between American Staffordshire Terrier and Rat Terrier. Which has larger litters?
5-10 puppies 5-7 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between American Staffordshire Terrier and Rat Terrier breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between American Staffordshire Terrier and Rat Terrier. Which needs longer recovery?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

American Staffordshire Terrier vs Rat Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of American Staffordshire Terrier and Rat Terrier. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1936 as a Terrier breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2013 as a Terrier breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of American Staffordshire Terrier and Rat Terrier. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Bull type Terriers section. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between American Staffordshire Terrier and Rat Terrier. Which is more widely recognized?
No data available American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

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