Great Pyrenees vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison

Great Pyrenees vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed ComparisonGreat Pyrenees is originated from France but American Staffordshire Terrier is originated from United Kingdom. Great Pyrenees may grow 34 cm / 14 inches higher than American Staffordshire Terrier. Great Pyrenees may weigh 27 kg / 60 pounds more than American Staffordshire Terrier. Great Pyrenees may live 4 years less than American Staffordshire Terrier. Both Great Pyrenees and American Staffordshire Terrier has almost same litter size. Great Pyrenees requires Moderate maintenance. But American Staffordshire Terrier requires Low maintenance

History

great pyrenees - historyThe Great Pyrenees could be from Spain or France because the dog hails from the Pyrenees Mountains, which spans both France and Spain.

The dog was used to defend flocks from predators but its lineage goes a long way back, thousands of years in fact. It is thought that they only arrived in Europe about 5,000 years ago. The dog was adopted into the court of Louis the XIV as a royal dog.

During the mid 1600s, the dog's numbers dwindled but the French developed kennel clubs where the dog could be bred and its numbers restored. It was in 1933 that the Great Pyrenees received American Kennel Club recognition.

american staffordshire terrier - historyThe American Staffordshire Terrier is a part of all the confusion surrounding the group of “pit bulls”. The American Staffordshire Terrier is directly related to the English Bull Terrier and English Terrier. The breed of the English Staffordshire Terrier was bred in the early 19th century in the West Midlands. It was not until later that the breed came from Staffordshire. These English Staffordshire Terriers are also the source of contention by breeders who insist it was the Fox Terrier, White English Terrier, Tan and Black Terrier that are the ancestors of the English Staffordshire Terrier.

These terriers (AKA pit bull terrier) came to the United States in the mid 1800’s. By the late 1890’s they were accepted by the United Kennel Club (UKC)as the American Pit Bull Terrier – a new and distinct breed. There were also some that were accepted into the AKC as the Staffordshire Terrier. In England they were still known as the American Staffordshire Terrier. When the AKC accepted the breed in 1936 they were given a new standard, new purpose and new group – the terrier. In 1969 the American Kennel Club recognized these dogs as American Staffordshire Terriers and refused to recognize the American Pit Bull Terrier. The name was changed to move the breed away from its characterization as a bull fighter and to distinguish it from the smaller English Staffordshire Terrier. All American Staffordshire Terriers are directly related to the American Pit Bull Terriers.

Description

great pyrenees puppy - descriptionThis is a beautiful dog, noticeable by the essentially white coat and his overall size, standing at 70 to 82cm and weighing between 40 to 54 kg.

The double coat is medium to long, coarse and straight or wavy and and it can be solid white, cream or white with patches of light tan or grey.

The nose is black, the eyes brown, the ears of medium length and floppy and the tail long and plumed.

Temperament:

The Great Pyrenees is an intelligent, strong willed dog with a mind of his own so he will be able to be trained and socialized successfully.

His huge size will require that he be trained because when he is indoors he can knock things over and he must be able to respond to you telling him to lie down.

As a large dog, he isn’t suited for tiny homes, as he requires lots of space even though he doesn’t require a lot of exercise. Not only that, he takes his watchdog duties seriously and he is inclined to bark a lot, and in a small place, you’ll be getting constant complaints from the neighbors.

When trained and socialized, your big dog is social, active and loving. He gets on well with children, the elderly and with pets in the home. He isn’t that overly active and will happily make himself at home on your couch and bed.

american staffordshire terrier puppy - descriptionThe American Staffordshire Terrier is a strong, powerful dog – stocky, muscular and graceful. At one point in time the American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier were considered to be the same breed. Even today there are those that make that argument, but they have been recognized outside the AKC as separate breeds. The AKC only recognizes the American Staffordshire Terrier and not the APBT. However – even though there have been decades of separation in breeding the American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier are the very same dogs genetically.

The American Staffordshire Terrier has a broad skull, high set ears and pronounced cheek bones. Their ears should not be cropped by AKC standards and their eyes are far apart, round and dark. With a medium sized muzzle and a heavy muscular back, they are as powerful as they look, if not more so. Most have black noses. The AmStaff has a broad, deep chest with wide set forelegs and compact feet. The tail is short and tapered and it should not be docked.

Characteristics

great pyrenees dog - characteristicsThe Great Pyrenees is such a calm, independent, serious, well-mannered dog who loves to be around his human family and to please them. He is gentle and knows how to behave well around children, the elderly as well as with any pets in the home.

He makes a wonderful companion and although he loves indoor life as much as outdoor life, he is much happier settling into life in the country or the suburbs as opposed to life in the city and a tiny property.

Give your big white coated pet all the love he thrives on, and you'll enjoy a wonderful relationship with this large, amicable dog.

american staffordshire terrier dog - characteristicsThe American Staffordshire Terrier is a loving, gentle dog that wants nothing more than to be with and please his people. Contrary to his reputation as a “killer”, this dog is actually a lover. They are great with children and want to be a part of the family. They even think they are lap dogs, regardless of their size. They are never going to be aggressive toward people and even though they are not one-person dogs, they are loyal, and they are devoted to the family and the “leader of the pack”.

This breed can tell who is their friend and who is not. They are not aggressive, but they will protect their own. They are courageous, confident, attentive, bold and strong-willed. The AmStaff gets along with other dogs most of the time, but they will never back down from a challenge and should never be left unsupervised with another dog. They should not be loose in a neighborhood or at a dog park. No matter how much you trust your American Staffordshire Terrier they can be killers in any fight with another dog.

In addition to this you must socialize and train your AmStaff. You need to be the pack leader and be in control. The AmStaff wants to please you so for a strong leader they will respond positively to positive training. They are intelligent and pick up quickly on what you want them to do. However, they are incredibly strong physically so training them to heel and walk with you obediently is a must. A well trained and exercised American Staffordshire Terrier is a happy dog and a loyal family dog.

Health Problems

great pyrenees puppies - health problemsYour Great Pyrenees is a big dog with an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years. His large size means you will need to look out for typical 'big dog' ailments such as hip dysplasia.

This problem can cause your pet to be in pain and he can also become lame, battling to walk and play and battling to get up after lying down.

Also, look out for bone cancer with your pet and as mentioned previously, bloat, which is a life threatening disease where the stomach of the dog swells up.

american staffordshire terrier puppies - health problemsFor the most part the American Staffordshire Terrier, like most of the “pit bulls” is a hearty, healthy dog. They have a few tendencies that breeders should test for including hip dysplasia, allergies, and heart issues. They can test for Cerebellar ataxia, which has affected the AmStaff with a progressive decline in their ability to control their muscles and coordination.

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

great pyrenees dogs - caringYour Great Pyrenees isn't going to be a dog leaping around you demanding a game or walk like what you get from some energetic dogs. He certainly doesn't require strenuous exercise but will require a nice, brisk walk every day. Give him some ball or rope games too. He's territorial and likes large grounds to walk around and guard and this constant guarding is a good form of exercise too.

Grooming:

With two layers, the coat of the Great Pyrenees will need to be brushed twice a week to prevent burrs attaching to the fur and to prevent it from matting, It also gets rid of loose hair during shedding.

He tends to drool so it's handy keeping a damp cloth close by just to give his face area a wipe down. Your dog's ears will need to be cleaned with special ear-cleaning lotion and his nails will also need to be trimmed.

Socialization and Training:

Socialize your Great Pyrenees with other dogs and people from a young age. Without proper socialization, this breed can become territorial and possessive of his family, which could lead to aggression. He bonds with his family but tends to be wary of strangers.

Diet:

It is far better to feed your Great Pyrenees smaller meals throughout the day as opposed to 2 large meals a day. A large dog like him can develop bloat from gulping down a large amount of food too quickly.

If you feed your Great Pyrenees commercially manufactured food, make sure it is high in omega 3 and 6 to keep his thick white coat luxurious.

Your dog will need a dog food targeted at a large breed. Remember to include some raw meat as well as cooked chicken, vegetables and brown rice into his kibble and always ensure fresh, cool water is available.

american staffordshire terrier dogs - caringfeed You can feed your American Staffordshire Terrier either commercially purchased food or food you make yourself if the quality is high, nutrition is good, and the amount eaten is determined by the owner. Do not free feed. The AmStaff has the tendency to become obese. Its ok to use treats for training and rewards, as long as its use is controlled.

Health issues

As previously mentioned the American AmStaff Terrier has a tendency toward a few health issues. Hip Dysplasia – this condition causes a lot of pain and disability. It leads to different types of arthritis and degenerative joint disease. Cardiac Issues – Congenital heart disease consists of vessel malformation and lesions.

Allergies

Thyroid Issues

The AmStaff can be susceptible to Autoimmune Thyroiditis. This is a form of hypothyroidism developed by dogs. It is usually seen between 2 and 5 years of age. Continual retesting is recommended.

Cerebellar Ataxia

This is the most dangerous disease possibility that the American Staffordshire Terrier faces. There is a test for this condition which causes the AmStaff to display an inability to control their muscles and a loss of balance, to the point of falling. This is a progressive disease that often leads to euthanasia. The Staffordshire Terrier Club of America suggests that AmStaffs carrying the NCL genes should never be bred.

Exercise and games

The American Staffordshire Terrier is an energetic, and athletic dog that loves to play and needs plenty of exercise. This breed is oriented to people and should never be left alone in the yard all day as a way for her to exercise. She needs you to play with her. If you cannot do this, then you should not own this breed of dog. This breed also loves to play canine sports. They thrive on games like dock diving, agility and obedience competitions. They excel at search and rescue. These are competitive dogs that want nothing more then to please their people.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Terrier dog
Origin:
France
United Kingdom
Height Male:
70 - 82 cm
27 - 33 inches
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
Height Female:
65 - 78 cm
25 - 31 inches
40 - 47 cm
15 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
48 - 54 kg
105 - 120 pounds
18 - 27 kg
39 - 60 pounds
Weight Female:
44 - 54 kg
97 - 120 pounds
15 - 23 kg
33 - 51 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
12 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
7 - 12
5 - 10
Size:
Large dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Pyrenean Mountain Dog
Staffy • Staffie • Stafford • Staff • Am Staff • Amstaff • American Staffy
Colors Available:
cream, White, white with patches of light tan or grey
BlackBlueBrindleBrownWhiteYellow
Coat:
Medium to long, coarse, straight or wavy
smooth, Single
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Samoyed vs Great Pyrenees - Breed Comparison
  2. Great Pyrenees vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  3. Great Pyrenees vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  4. Great Pyrenees vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  5. Great Pyrenees vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  6. Great Pyrenees vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  7. Great Pyrenees vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  8. Great Pyrenees vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  9. Great Pyrenees vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  10. Great Pyrenees vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  11. Great Pyrenees vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison
  12. Great Pyrenees vs Giant Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  13. Great Pyrenees vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  14. Great Pyrenees vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  15. Great Pyrenees vs Goldador - Breed Comparison
  16. Great Pyrenees vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  17. Great Pyrenees vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  18. Great Pyrenees vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  19. Great Pyrenees vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed Comparison
  20. Great Pyrenees vs Beauceron - Breed Comparison
  21. Great Pyrenees vs Central Asian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  22. Great Pyrenees vs Black Russian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Great Pyrenees vs German Longhaired Pointer - Breed Comparison
  24. Great Pyrenees vs Alano Espanol - Breed Comparison
  25. Great Pyrenees vs Entlebucher Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  26. Samoyed vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  27. Labradoodle vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  28. Cane Corso vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  29. Alaskan Malamute vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  30. Mixed vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Bullmastiff vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  32. Dogue De Bordeaux vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  33. German Shorthaired Pointer vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Bloodhound vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  35. Great Pyrenees vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  36. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  37. American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  38. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  39. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  40. American Staffordshire Terrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  42. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  43. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  44. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  45. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  46. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  47. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  48. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  49. American Staffordshire Terrier vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  50. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Alano Espanol - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds