There is a slight difference between Staffies and Pits, due to their coloring. Staffies can’t have pink noses. My pit has a pink “dudley” nose therefore she can’t be classified as a Staffie. Staffies are defined by strict coloring guidelines.
There are three different breeds -
American Staffordshire Terriers (Amstaff for short) - the AKC version of Pitbulls
Pitbulls - UKC
Staffies - abbreviation for English Staffordshire Terrier, recognized by AKC and UKC
Staffies are not pitbulls. They are smaller 30-35 pounds. They are the ones who cannot have a pink nose. In the UK they were known as the “Nanny dog.” But now they suffer from the same breed issues as pitbulls here.
Shelters in the US are 80% pitbull and pit mixes. Huge problem.