Keeshond vs American Staffordshire Terrier
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Keeshond
Non-Sporting Group
American Staffordshire Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Keeshond Overview
Keeshonds are distinctive spitz-type dogs featuring a luxurious double coat in silver and black, with distinctive 'spectacles' around their expressive eyes. Their fox-like face, coupled with a proud, plumed tail and thick ruff around the neck, creates an instantly recognizable silhouette. Medium-sized and well-proportioned, they carry themselves with confidence and grace.
American Staffordshire Terrier Overview
Muscular and agile, the American Staffordshire Terrier showcases a powerful build with a broad head, pronounced cheek muscles, and a distinctive smile. Their short, stiff coat comes in various colors and patterns. Despite their strong appearance, they display remarkable gentleness and intelligence, combining confidence with a good-natured demeanor that makes them devoted family companions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Keeshonds are less energetic than American Staffordshire Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Keeshonds require more grooming attention compared to American Staffordshire Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Keeshonds tend to be more outgoing with strangers than American Staffordshire Terriers.
- Trainability: American Staffordshire Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their American Staffordshire Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: American Staffordshire Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Keeshonds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Keeshond and American Staffordshire Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Keeshond | American Staffordshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-16 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Keeshond | American Staffordshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 17-18 inches 43-46 cm | 17-19 inches 43-48 cm |
| Weight | 35-45 lbs 16-20 kg | 40-70 lbs 18-32 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Keeshond | American Staffordshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Lively, Outgoing | Confident, Smart, Good-Natured |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Keeshond | American Staffordshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Keeshond Temperament
The Keeshond is known for being friendly, lively, outgoing, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
American Staffordshire Terrier Temperament
The American Staffordshire Terrier is characterized by being confident, smart, good-natured, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Keeshond and American Staffordshire Terrier, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Keeshond
Rating: 5/5
American Staffordshire Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Keeshond
Rating: 5/5
American Staffordshire Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Keeshond
Rating: 3/5
American Staffordshire Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Keeshond
Rating: 1/5
American Staffordshire Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Keeshond
Rating: 4/5
American Staffordshire Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Keeshond Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Keeshonds require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Keeshonds require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
American Staffordshire Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
American Staffordshire Terriers need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, American Staffordshire Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Keeshond Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
American Staffordshire Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Heart Disease
- Skin Allergies
- Thyroid Problems
- Eye Issues
Pros & Cons
Keeshond
Pros
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Intelligent and trainable
- Alert watchdog
- Adaptable to different living situations
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- Regular grooming required
- Can be vocal
- Needs regular exercise
- May be stubborn
American Staffordshire Terrier
Pros
- Loyal and devoted to family
- Excellent with children
- Strong and athletic
- Easy to groom
Cons
- Strong prey drive
- Need extensive socialization
- May be dog aggressive
- High exercise needs
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Keeshond and American Staffordshire Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.