American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Shepherd

Compare the American Staffordshire Terrier to the German Shepherd. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between American Staffordshire Terriers and German Shepherds.

American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Shepherd
American Staffordshire Terrier
German Shepherd
American Staffordshire Terrier
German Shepherd
Change Breed
Change Breed
General Details
American Staffordshire Terrier
German Shepherd
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
No
No
Lifespan
12-14 Years
10-14 Years
Height
17-80 Inches
22-26 Inches
Weight
45-70 Pounds
75-95 Pounds
Intelligence
Below Average
Above Average
History
American Staffordshire Terrier
German Shepherd
Origin Country
United States
Germany
Origin Year
1890 AD
1899 AD
Temperament
American Staffordshire Terrier
German Shepherd
Overall Friendliness
Above Average
Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Above Average
Average
Pet Friendly
Below Average
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Above Average
Below Average
Personality
American Staffordshire Terrier
German Shepherd
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Separation Anxiety
Snuggle
Willing to Please
Affectionate
Loving
Separation Anxiety
Willing to Please
Living Environment
American Staffordshire Terrier
German Shepherd
Apartment
Yes
Yes
Indoor
No
Yes
Small Yard
No
Yes
Medium Yard
Yes
Yes
Large Yard
Yes
Yes
Temperature Tolerance
40-80 °F
40-85 °F
Barks/Howls
None
Average
Exercise Needs
American Staffordshire Terrier
German Shepherd
Energy Level
Medium
High
Exercise Required
Medium
High
Top Running Speed
24 MPH
30 MPH
Strength
High
High
Grooming Needs
American Staffordshire Terrier
German Shepherd
Coat Maintenance
Low
Medium to High
Shedding
Low
High
Dander
Low
High
Drool
Medium
Medium
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
American Staffordshire Terrier
German Shepherd
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
Yes
Yes
Independent
No
No
Breed Focus
American Staffordshire Terrier
German Shepherd
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
Yes
Yes
Breed Instincts
American Staffordshire Terrier
German Shepherd
Aggression
Below Average
Average
Burrow / Digging
Average
Below Average
Chasing
Below Average
Below Average
Follow Commands
Above Average
Above Average
Fighting
Below Average
Below Average
Guarding
Below Average
Above Average
Herding
Below Average
Above Average
Hunting
Below Average
Above Average
Protection
Above Average
Above Average
Remove Vermin
Below Average
Below Average
Sled Pulling
Average
Below Average
Watch / Guardian
Above Average
Above Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
American Staffordshire Terrier
German Shepherd
Average Lifespan
12-14 Years
10-14 Years
Health Concerns
American Staffordshire Terrier
German Shepherd
Common Health Issues
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Heart murmurs
Skin allergies
Cerebellar ataxia
Thyroid disorders
Cushing's syndrome
Bloat
Cancer
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Von willebrand's disease
Progressive retinal atrophy
Allergies
Epilepsy
Elbow dysplasia
Demodectic mange
Cherry eye
Lens luxation
Panosteitis
Megaesophagus
Hypertrophic osteodystrophy
Degenerative myelopathy
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Retinal dysplasia
Seborrheic dermatitis
Heart problems
Blindness
Diabetes
Wobbler Syndrome
Osteochondrosis
Cruciate ligament rupture
Pannus
Digestive problems
Lupus
Vitiligo
Paralysis
Perianal fistula
Chronic diarrhea
Nail bed disease
Myasthenia gravis
Hemophilia A
Hemophilia B
Appearance Comparison
Coat
American Staffordshire Terrier
German Shepherd
Coat Type
Fur
Fur
Coat Layering
Smooth
Double
Coat Texture
Rough
Straight
Coat Length
Short
Short to Medium
Coat Coloring
American Staffordshire Terrier
German Shepherd
Breed Colors
Black
Black
Black and White
Black and White
Black Brindle
Black Brindle
Blue
Blue
Blue Fawn
Blue Fawn
Blue Fawn Brindle
Blue Fawn Brindle
Brown
Brown
Brown Brindle
Brown Brindle
Fawn
Fawn
Fawn Brindle
Fawn Brindle
Fawn Sable
Fawn Sable
Liver
Liver
Liver Brindle
Liver Brindle
Red
Red
Red Brindle
Red Brindle
Red Sable
Red Sable
Seal Brown
Seal Brown
Silver and White
Silver and White
White
White
Black
Black
Black and Cream
Black and Cream
Black and Red
Black and Red
Black and Silver
Black and Silver
Black and Tan
Black and Tan
Blue
Blue
Gray
Gray
Liver
Liver
White
White
Menu