You must have heard of these breeds, the American Bulldog and the Pitbull dog, which are very popular in the United States. These two breeds seem the same to some people as they have some similarities, but in reality, the key differences between American Bulldogs and American pitbull terriers are quite pronounced. If you are a dog lover, you must be able to tell the differences between American Bulldog vs Pitbull terriers. American Bulldog is a giant dog breed, standing 18-21 inches tall, and is kept by many households in the United States, often confused with the American Pitbull Terrier.
On the other hand, the American Pitbull is a medium-sized dog with a muscular build and solid structure, often compared to the American Bulldog’s physique, particularly in discussions about breed standards. The American Bulldog originates from the mastiff group, while the American Staffordshire Terrier belongs to the pitbull category of bull terriers. This article will compare the American bulldog and pitbull, including their histories, temperaments, and appearances. Keep reading the article to learn more about these popular dog breeds and the key differences between American Bulldogs vs Pitbulls.
Reference: @ChihuLife
American Bulldog vs Pitbull – Histories
The American Bulldog is a breed that has evolved from the Old English bully breed, showcasing a muscular build that is distinct from the pitbull category. This English bulldog breed was famous for hunting and guarding purposes, and after that, some immigrants brought it to America. The immigrants used them for fair work in hunting and managing cattle, showcasing their versatility beyond the pitbull vs American Bulldogs narrative. After some time, this breed led towards its extinction, which contributed to the decline of the dog population. While it would be nearly extinct, a few breeders saved this breed, among which Dr. Johnson was the most responsible.
On the other hand, the pitbull breed entered America from England for dogfighting or ratting, which used to take place in pits. Let me add some information about training and socialization here for potential pet owners. The rating was a popular sport in which people bet on dogs to kill the most rats. As time passed, both sports became less popular, making this breed more of a family companion. Breeders now extensively mix this breed with others, including the popular Labrador breed.
Temperament and Personality of American Pitbull Terrier vs American Bulldog
The personality of an American Bulldog is more confident, fearless, and courageous, which contrasts with the traits of Pitbull Terriers. This breed is famous for its loyalty to its owners and children, making them a popular choice for families in modern American households. There is not much difference in the American Bulldog vs. Pitbull comparison of their personalities, as both breeds are often misunderstood and labeled as dangerous dogs. However, the American bulldog has a more kind temperament than a pit bull.
On the other hand, American pit bulls, specifically American pitbull terriers, are also very loyal and friendly towards children, making them great family pets with proper socialization and training. This breed becomes too attached and emotional to its owner, which is often confused with the American Bully’s temperament; however, they are known to be loyal dogs to protect their families. As the American Pitbull has traits of being violent and active, it is not recommended to leave them alone with other animals or small children, as they were historically used for dog fighting. Additionally, this breed is mighty and daring, which makes them the perfect fit for the guarding purpose. They require extra care and exercise to maintain their health and fitness.
Training Differences Between American Pitbull Terrier vs American Bulldog
Talking about the training of an American Bulldog, this breed can be stubborn sometimes. It is recommended always to use positive dog training techniques to train your bulldog and make them obedient, as they are eager to please, especially in modern American households. The best way to teach this breed is to use verbal praise, treats, and gentle patting to encourage them, reflecting the training methods recommended by the United Kennel Club. When training a bulldog puppy, it is essential to expose them to some socialization so they can enjoy the company of others from an early age, highlighting the similarities and differences between breeds. They have a habit of chewing on anything they find; hence, teaching them how to prevent it becomes easy, particularly for guard dogs like the American Bulldog, which American dog breeders association often recommend for families.
If you are planning to bring home an American pit bull, bringing a puppy is recommended, as it is easy to train them from the start. It is also suggested that you keep your training short as long and repetitive sessions will bore them. You need to have some patience when training a Pitbull Terrier, especially since they have a high prey drive, which is a key difference between American Bulldogs and Pitbulls. Just like the American bulldog, you should also train this breed with rewards so that they stay obedient, as many shelters are pit bulls that require proper training.
Conclusion
Both breeds carry their characteristics regarding their appearances, nature, health, and other specific breed traits. Both may seem similar to some people, but they are different in many ways. American Pitbull will live up to 12 to 15 years, while the pitbull has a lifespan of 8 to 14 years. You will find various other differences between the American Bulldog and the Pitbull, especially in their coat color and temperament. American Bulldog and Pitbulls are often compared to Bulldogs, leading to discussions about dog fighting and their temperaments, which highlight the differences between American Bulldogs and Pitbull Terriers.
This breed is known for its agility and muscular build, making it a popular choice for active families, especially when considering the differences between American Bulldogs and Pitbulls. These two breeds share many key differences despite their similar appearances. Make sure you research if you plan to keep any of these two breeds as a pet.
For both breeds, you must take your dog for at least one hour for a walk, as they are smaller than American Bulldogs and require sufficient exercise. Providing them with proper care, love, and attention is essential, as both breeds, the American Bulldog and the American Pitbull Terrier, require regular exercise and training to be eager to please. So which breed, American Bulldog vs. Pitbull, would you keep as the right dog for your family?
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FAQs
Are American Bulldogs and Pitbulls the same breed?
Nope! This is a common confusion regarding the differences between American Bulldogs and Pitbull Terriers. Here’s the breakdown of the main differences between the breeds, including how American Bulldogs were bred for strength and loyalty.
- American Bulldog: This breed standard highlights their impressive size and strength compared to other breeds, making them an athletic dog suited for various activities. This bully breed is known for its strong muscular build and loyal temperament, often seen in dog parks.A distinct breed recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), the American Bulldog is often discussed in the pitbull vs American Bulldogs debate.
- Pitbull: This breed is often associated with the powerful build and loyalty that many owners admire, despite misconceptions about being dangerous dogs.An umbrella term often used for several breeds like the American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and American Bully Dog, which are not recognized individually by the AKC.
What are the key physical differences?
- Size: The size of a bully breed can influence its agility and overall health. American Bulldogs are stockier and heavier, while Pitbulls are leaner, more athletic, and have notable agility, which makes them appealing to many pitbull owners.
- Build: The build of both American Bulldogs and Pitbulls is muscular, which contributes to their reputation among pitbull owners as strong and athletic dogs.Bulldogs have a broader head with wrinkles, while Pitbulls have a more rounded, smoother face.
- Coat: Both have short coats, but Bulldogs may have a slightly looser coat.
How do their temperaments differ?
- American Bulldog: Generally known for being loyal, protective, and good with families, but can be stubborn; this is one of the main differences when compared to other breeds.
- Pitbull: Often praised for their affectionate and playful nature, early socialization is key for any bully breed, especially since many dog shelters are filled with pit bulls.
What About Exercise Needs for Pitbulls Terriers and American Bulldogs?
Both breeds are energetic and require regular exercise, highlighting the key differences between American Bulldogs and Pitbull Terriers. American Bulldogs might be content with shorter walks, while Pitbulls may need more vigorous activity.
Which breed is right for me?
Consider your lifestyle: whether you can provide the activity level required for athletic dogs like American Bulldogs and Staffordshire Bull Terriers.
- Activity level: The activity level of bully breeds can vary significantly based on their training and socialization, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy dog population.Can you provide enough exercise for your farm dogs or giant breeds like the American Bulldog, which needs a lot of exercise to stay healthy, similar to the exercise needs of pitbull owners?
- Living space: Adequate living space is essential for the activity level of pitbulls and American Bulldogs.Do you have room for two dogs, like a giant dog and a smaller breed, as some pitbull owners do when considering their living space?
- Family situation: Are you looking for a playful companion or a protective guardian, considering the differences between American Bulldogs and Pitbulls?
Are Pit Bulls More Aggressive Than Other Bully Breeds?
Aggression can occur in any breed if not properly socialized and trained, including the American Pitbull Terrier and American Bulldog, both of which require obedience training to ensure they make excellent family pets. Responsible ownership is vital for any dog, especially for specific breeds like American Bulldogs and pitbulls.
