American Staffordshire Terrier
Bedlington Terrier
Physical Traits
Personality & Temperament
American Staffordshire Terrier
"The American Staffordshire Terrier is a confident, good-natured, and intelligent breed with a strong bond to its family. Energetic and playful, they thrive on interaction and mental stimulation but can be reserved or wary around strangers or other dogs if not properly socialized. Their protective nature and loyalty make them excellent companions for the right owner."
Owners may face challenges with stubbornness during training, potential aggression toward other dogs if not socialized early, and managing their high energy levels in a controlled environment.
This breed is best suited for an experienced, confident owner or family who can provide firm but fair leadership, ample exercise, and early socialization to ensure a well-adjusted, balanced dog.
Bedlington Terrier
"The Bedlington Terrier is a charming and loyal companion with a playful, frollicking spirit. Despite their gentle and affectionate demeanor, they retain a strong watchful nature and can be quite energetic, requiring both mental and physical stimulation to thrive. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them engaging pets, though their stubborn streak may occasionally challenge training efforts."
Owners may face challenges with stubbornness during training and the need for regular grooming to maintain their coat, as well as ensuring they are securely contained due to their strong prey drive.
This breed is ideal for an active, patient owner or family who can provide consistent training, regular exercise, and enjoys a dog with a mix of affectionate and spirited energy.
Purpose & Suitability
Coat & Appearance
Care & Health
American Staffordshire Terrier
Care
- •American Staffordshire Terrier grooming is simple and low-maintenance
- •weekly brushing with a soft bristle brush removes dirt and distributes skin oils
- •baths only needed for messes or when a 'doggy' smell develops
- •short, stiff coat requires minimal upkeep
- •nails should be trimmed regularly to prevent pain and mobility issues
- •overly long nails can cause discomfort during walking and running
- •American Staffordshire Terrier exercise needs: requires lots of exercise as an athletic, energetic breed
- •thrives with family interaction—not just yard time—needs active play with owner
- •benefits from long play sessions for physical and psychological health
- •enjoys canine sports like obedience, agility, and dock diving
- •trained and excels in search-and-rescue work.
- •American Staffordshire Terrier training requires early socialization and structured classes due to their strong will, physical strength, and exuberance
- •Their intelligence and eagerness to please make training enjoyable and effective
- •Addressing persistent behaviors like chewing and digging may prove challenging
- •Supervision with other dogs is mandatory to prevent aggression, even in well-socialized individuals
- •Avoid leaving them unattended with other dogs under any circumstances
- •American Staffordshire Terrier nutrition: feed high-quality dog food (commercial or vet-approved homemade) suited to age (puppy, adult, or senior)
- •monitor calorie intake and weight to prevent obesity
- •use treats for training but limit to avoid weight gain
- •consult vet about safe human foods and dietary concerns
- •ensure constant access to clean, fresh water
- •check with vet for weight or diet-related questions
Health
The American Staffordshire Terrier is generally a sturdy and healthy breed, but responsible breeders prioritize screening for common genetic issues, including hip dysplasia, heart conditions, and skin allergies. A recent genetic test for cerebellar ataxia—a progressive neurological disorder affecting muscle coordination—allows breeders to prevent its occurrence in future litters. Regular ear checks and dental care are essential for maintaining the breed’s overall well-being, as with any dog.
Recommended Tests:
Bedlington Terrier
Care
- •Bedlington Terrier grooming involves maintaining its soft and harsh, non-wiry, curly coat that grows quickly and requires clipping every two months using electric clippers and scissors
- •Brushing or combing the coat once or twice a week is essential for upkeep
- •Owners can either learn to groom their Bedlington themselves or take them to a professional groomer
- •Regular nail trimming is necessary to prevent pain and mobility issues from overly long nails
- •The breed virtually does not shed, making it a low-maintenance option for owners who dislike fur around the home.
- •Bedlington Terrier exercise needs: energetic but not hyperactive, enjoys fetch and long walks/runs but relaxes afterward
- •bred to chase small animals so needs a fenced yard and leash for walks
- •thrives with structured activities like agility, obedience, tracking, or earthdog competitions
- •moderate energy level suits active owners who balance playtime with downtime
- •playful yet content to cuddle post-exercise
- •requires consistent outdoor engagement to prevent boredom-driven behaviors
- •Bedlington Terrier training requires early socialization and puppy training to harness their intelligence and eagerness to please
- •They can be stubborn, so patience and consistency are key
- •Avoid harsh training methods or physical correction, as these can provoke resistance
- •Positive reinforcement—like praise and food rewards—works best for obedience
- •Their intelligent nature responds well to engaging, reward-based techniques
- •Harsh methods risk turning training into a battle of wills instead of cooperation.
- •Bedlington Terrier nutrition: feed high-quality dog food (commercial or vet-approved homemade) suited to age (puppy, adult, or senior)
- •monitor calorie intake and weight to prevent obesity, limit treats to avoid excess weight gain
- •consult vet about safe human foods for dogs and dietary concerns
- •ensure constant access to clean, fresh water
- •watch for signs of weight issues and seek vet advice if needed
Health
Bedlington Terriers are typically a robust and healthy breed, but potential owners should prioritize breeders who test for genetic conditions. Key health concerns include hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, von Willebrand’s disease (a blood-clotting disorder), thrombopathia, and hereditary eye disorders. Regular ear checks and daily teeth brushing are essential maintenance tasks to ensure long-term well-being.
Recommended Tests:
Trait Comparison
Note: Scores reflect typical breed tendencies. Individual dogs may vary based on training, environment, and genetics.
Note: Some traits may be unavailable for certain breeds due to limited or inconsistent data from recognized sources.
Common Questions
Answers to popular questions about American Staffordshire Terrier and Bedlington Terrier.
Related Comparisons
Explore similar breed comparisons
Airedale Terrier
vs American Staffordshire Terrier
Airedale Terrier
vs Bedlington Terrier
American Staffordshire Terrier
vs Border Terrier
Bedlington Terrier
vs Border Terrier
American Staffordshire Terrier
vs Australian Terrier
Australian Terrier
vs Bedlington Terrier
Based on breed similarities between American Staffordshire Terrier and Bedlington Terrier
Trust & Transparency
About Our Data
At BreedsFinder, every breed profile and comparison is created using reliable, publicly available data from recognized canine organizations and trusted breed resources.
Accuracy Assured
Our breed data is standardized using a consistent scoring system across temperament, trainability, and care needs to ensure fair comparisons based on the same criteria.
Experience & Care
BreedsFinder focuses on practical, real-world guidance. While well-researched, our content is educational and should not replace advice from certified professionals.
Transparency
We regularly update information as new data becomes available. Our goal is to provide an honest, helpful resource for researching dog breeds and adoption decisions.