American Pit Bull Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Staffordshire Bull Terrier Comparison

Quick Verdict

Who wins in each category?

Best for Apartments

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

3/5 Β· Acceptable

Easiest Grooming

🀝 Tie

Longest Lifespan

🀝 Tie

Easiest to Train

Shetland Sheepdog

5/5 Β· Easy

Most Active

🀝 Tie

Best for First-Time Owners

🀝 Tie

4/6

67%

American Pit Bull Terrier

5/6

83%

Shetland Sheepdog

5/6

83%

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

* This summary is based on data from our database. Always make your final decision based on your individual needs.

Basic Info

Origin
United S
Scotland
England
Popularity
#336
#24
#82
Common Names & Aliases
PitPit BullPitbullPittyAPBT
Dwarf Scotch ShepherdSheltieShetland CollieToonie DogMiniature Collie
StaffStaffordStaffy BullStaffy
Breed Classification
Purebred
Purebred
Purebred
Size Classification
Medium
Medium
Medium
Weight Statistics
10-35 kg
6-12 kg
11-17 kg, Female: 10-16 kg
Average Weight
22.7 kg
9.3 kg
14.3 kg, Female: 13.2 kg
Height
35-60 cm
33-41 cm
Male: 36-41 cm, Female: 33-38 cm
Average Height
47.5 cm
37 cm
Male: 38.5 cm, Female: 35.5 cm
Intelligence Rating
3/5
5/5
3/5
Watchdog Rating
3/5
4/5
3/5
Training Difficulty
4/5
3/5
3/5
Territorial Protection
3/5
5/5
3/5
Price Range
$500-$700
$800-$1000
$1500-$2000
Availability
3/5
5/5
5/5
Personality Traits
AffectionateClownishFriendlyLoyalStrongWilledAggressiveCourageousIntelligentObedientStubborn
AffectionateGentleLivelyResponsiveFriendlyIntelligentPlayful
AffectionateCourageousIntelligentBoldFearlessReliable
Sensitivity Level
4/5
5/5
4/5
Impulse to Wander or Roam
4/5
2/5
4/5
Prey Drive
3/5
3/5
2/5
Affection Level
5/5
5/5
5/5
Social Needs
4/5
4/5
4/5
Barking Frequency
3/5
5/5
1/5
Playful Nature
4/5
3/5
3/5
Apartment Adaptability
2/5
2/5
3/5
Lifestyle Adaptability
3/5
5/5
3/5
Alone Time Tolerance
Low
Low
Low
Bite Risk Assessment
High
Low
Moderate
Mouthing Tendency
5/5
1/5
2/5
Bite Strength Rating
Between 200 and 400 PSI
Between 200 and 400 PSI
Between 200 and 400 PSI
Average Lifespan
10-14 years
12-14 years
12-14 years
Climate Tolerance
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Health Concerns
2/5
3/5
3/5
Health Problems
Demodectic MangeHip DysplasiaSkin Allergies
CancerCataractsCollie Eye AnomalyDrug SensitivityElbow DysplasiaEpilepsyHaemophiliaHeart ProblemsHip DysplasiaHypothyroidismPatellar LuxationProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)TrichiasisVon Willebrand's Disease
CataractsDistichiasisMastocytomaPersistent Hyperplastic Primary Vitreous
Vet Care Frequency
Frequent
Average
Average
Energy Rating
4/5
4/5
3/5
Sleeping Need
2/5
2/5
3/5
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
3/5
3/5
4/5
Obesity Tendency
3/5
3/5
4/5
Food Consumption
Recommended daily amount: 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Allergy Friendliness
No
No
No
Coat Colors
BlueGrayWhiteTanBrownRedYellowBlack
WhiteBlueMerleSableTanBlack
BrindleRedBlueFawnWhiteBlack
Grooming Requirements
1/5
5/5
1/5
Shedding Level
3/5
3/5
1/5
Drooling Tendency
1/5
1/5
3/5
Stinkiness Rating
Medium
Medium
Medium
Coat Characteristics
Fine
Dense
Smooth
Bathing Needs
3-4 weeks
4-6 weeks
4-6 weeks
Cat Friendly
1/5
5/5
2/5
Child Compatibility
4/5
4/5
4/5
Dog Friendly
1/5
4/5
1/5
Stranger Friendly
3/5
2/5
4/5
Office Friendly
No
No
No
Senior Citizens Friendly
Recommended
Recommended
Recommended
Pet Compatibility
Not Good
Excellent
Below Average
Good For First Time Owners
Yes
Yes
Yes
Service Dog Capability
Not really
Not really
Not really
Therapy Work Suitability
Not really
Yes
Not really
Scent Detection Ability
Yes
Not really
Not really
Search & Rescue Potential
Not really
Not really
Not really
Maritime Work Ability
Not really
Not really
Not really
Draft Work Capability
Not really
Not really
Not really
Military Service Background
Yes
Not really
Yes
Puppy Litter Size
5-8 puppies
4-6 puppies
5-7 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
60-64 days
60-64 days
60-64 days
Breeding Frequency
Once a year.
Once a year.
Once a year.
AKC Classification
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 as a Herding breed.
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1974 as a Terrier breed.
FCI Classification
Not recognized by 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.
Kennel Club Recognition
American Canine RegistryContinental Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.National Kennel ClubNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.United Kennel ClubAmerican Canine Association, Inc.Backwoods Bulldog Club
American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryAustralian National Kennel CouncilCanadian Canine RegistryCanadian Kennel ClubContinental Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleKennel Club of Great BritainNational Kennel ClubNew Zealand Kennel ClubNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.United Kennel ClubAmerican Canine Association, Inc.
American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryAustralian National Kennel CouncilCanadian Kennel ClubContinental Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleKennel Club of Great BritainNational Kennel ClubNew Zealand Kennel ClubNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.United Kennel ClubAmerican Canine Association, Inc.
Winner / Best value