Is an American staffordshire terrier a pit bull?

American Staffordshire Terriers are often referred to as "pits" or Pit Bulls but are NOT the same breed.
The term Pit Bull is a gerneric term for dogs that were raised for fighting. It should not be used to refer to any specific breed of dog.
"Courageous and strong, the American Staffordshire Terrier (Am Staff)'s athletic build and intelligence make him ideally suited to many dog sports such as obedience, agility, tracking and conformation. He is often identified by his stocky body and strong, powerful head. The breed's short coat can be any color, and either solid colored, parti-colored or patched.
A Look Back

Until the early 19th century, the Bulldog used for bullbaiting in England was more active and longer-legged than the breed as we know it today. It is thought that the cross of this older Bulldog and a game terrier breed created the Staffordshire Terrier. Originally called the Bull-and-Terrier Dog, Half and Half or Pit Dog, it became known as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier in England. When accepted for AKC registration in 1936, the name changed to American Staffordshire Terrier to reflect the heavier American type and to distinguish them as separate breeds.
Right Breed for You?
The Am Staff is a people-oriented dog that thrives when he is made part of the family and given a job to do. Although friendly, this breed is loyal to his family and will protect them from any threat. His short coat is low-maintenance, but regular exercise and training is necessary.
If you are considering purchasing an American Staffordshire Terrier puppy, http://wiki.answers.com/breeds/american_staffordshire_terrier/puppy.cfm.

• Terrier Group; AKC recognized in 1936.
• Ranging in size from 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder.
• General purpose dog."

© The American Kennel Club, Inc.

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Additional
Staffordshire Bull Terriers are NEVER to be confused with AST or APBT.
They're way to small, laid back and playful. They've got short, blocky heads, and are very muscular, but a bit more bull-doggy then APBT/AST.

The AST and APBT are from the same lines, but have been bred apart enough to have significant difference.

APBT are sleek, muscular (but it is not obvious from a far), light and very agile. They're generally on the skinny side, with out the more obvious bulk of the AST. They are not supposed to be over 65lbs, and are taller then AST. the APBT has more 'tuck' in its abdomen, if it is well kept, and gives you a general idea of intelligence and speed.

AST are larger overall, with more block-heads, more muscularly defined, and thicker. But they are NOT ''American Bullies''. They are very correct creatures, that are simply a bit thicker, more laid back and with less drive then a APBT.

Most 'APBT' you see now are not truly purebred, nor of very good lines.

check out: StoryTime Kennel for AST examples (great examples) and Caragan kennels & WorkingPitBull for APBT (great examples).

Additional:

American PitBull Terrier is a breed that is only recognized by the UKC, and the UKC does not recognize the American Staffordshire Terrier. The reverse is true of the AKC. Because of this, many people believe that the APBT/AST are the same breed, but called different names.