American Bulldog vs Pitbull: American Bulldog and Pitbull Terrier Differences and Similarities

Discover the differences and similarities between these two breeds.

If you are a lover of large muscular breeds, then the American Bulldog and Pitbull are sure to catch your eye. These dog breeds have become synonymous with the American spirit. Unlike many other dogs, they both bear the country’s name in their registered breed names, and you are likely to find their faces on branding or as a sports team’s mascot. Many types of dogs can be listed under the title of a pit bull, but for the purpose of this article, we will be focusing on the American Pit Bull Terrier.

At first glance, the American Bulldog and the American Pitbull Terrier share quite a few similarities in their appearances and personalities. Let’s break these breeds down to discover what makes them unique and what brings them together. This article contains all of the information that you will need to distinguish an American Pitbull Terrier from an American Bulldog confidently, and it may even help you decide on which of these dog breeds to choose as your next four-legged friend! Let’s dive into the discussion of American Bulldog vs. Pit Bull.

Basic Distinguishing Characteristics; American Bulldog vs Pitbull

 

	American Bulldog	American Pitbull Terrier
Height	20 to 27 inches	17 to 21 inches
Weight	60 to 100 pounds	30 to 60 pounds
Coat Color and Patterns	It contains a minimum of 10% white markings and can be any color except; solid black, full black mask, solid blue, tricolor, or merle. Brindle patches are generally preferred.	Any except merle
Coat Length	Short	Short
Coat Texture	Smooth and soft to stiff	Smooth and moderately stiff
Energy Level	Moderate	High
Lifespan	10 to 12 years	12 to 14 years
Personality	Loyal, loving, and confident	Eager to please, affectionate, and full of energy

 

How To Tell American Bulldogs From Pitbulls?

These breeds’ heights, weights, and color patterns can overlap at times, so it is often easiest to distinguish between the two breeds through their facial characteristics.

American Bulldogs come in the Scott type and the Johnson or “Bully” type. ^[3] The bully type has a very square and broad head. Though the pitbull skull is also known for its broad and muscular shape, it tends to be tapered past the cheeks, giving them a slightly less angular head shape.

Both the American Bulldog and Pit Bull have a muzzle that should be flat across the bridge, but they attach to their faces differently. A pit bull’s muzzle should start from a gentle slope beneath the eyes, whereas an American Bulldog’s muzzle should be joined to their face with a well-defined stop that slopes minimally. With a focus on the muzzle, it is also worth noting that pit bulls tend to display tighter, cleaner lips, while American Bulldogs are known to have larger and thicker lips without major jowls. ^[4]

While both breeds display a strong jaw and powerful bite, their teeth can be a dead giveaway of their breed. American Bulldogs have a chin that is always visible, resulting in a slight underbite and is considered acceptable by the breed standard. ^[2] A purebred pitbull should never display a visible under-bite, making this detail an apparent distinguishing factor when present. ^[4]

The ears can be another significant distinguishing factor. Pitbulls have ears that are separated by a broad forehead, yet they are high set. Their ears can be pricked up, or the upper half can fold flat over the lower half, but they are not known to have broad or drooping ears. In comparison, American Bulldogs can have semi-prick, drop, or rose ears, all of which are medium to small with a high set position on the head.

Aside from their variance in height and weight, these American Bulldogs and Pit Bulls share very similar deep-chested and well-muscled body types. You may be able to differentiate the two by their tails, as some breed standards suggest the tails of American Bulldogs are cropped while the Pitbulls’ breed standard only recognizes a natural tail. Even if both dogs have a full tail, you should still be able to differentiate them as a broader tail is more natural to an American Bulldog. ^[2]

What Similarities Do American Bulldogs And Pitbulls Share?

Many of the attributes that define Pitbulls and American Bulldogs are more similar than they are different. Their muscular and angular builds are countered by athletic bodies that enhance their strength and agility. These attributes were bred into both dogs to enhance their abilities to work, and as a result, the breeds resemble each other with much of their physical build, but what about more specific attributes?

Both American Pit Bull Terriers and American Bulldogs are known to have wide-set medium-sized eyes. The placement of their eyes suits the broadness of their facial structure and can lend these animals a penetrating stare when they are focused on something. Almond-shaped eyes are common to both breeds, and rounder eye shapes are also considered acceptable by breed standards, but no bulging eyes are allowed. ^{[3] [4]}

The breeds also look extremely similar when they pant. The broadness of their muzzle causes their lips to pull upward and wrinkle as their eyes squint slightly, creating a charismatic smile.

Once you get to know these breeds, you will also notice that their personalities have a major overlap, especially in terms of loyalty. American Bulldogs and Pitbulls are strong and highly affectionate family dogs. As a result, they are known to be loyal and display some guarding behaviors when it comes to keeping their loved ones safe. ^{[3] [4]}

Breed Histories Of The American Bulldog Vs Pitbull

Both of these breeds may have American in their name, but that is not the country of their origin. In fact, both breeds have a history that begins in old England, and their histories intertwine.

The American Bulldog is presumed to have existed as a distinct breed long before the American Pitbull Terrier. In England, these bulldogs were developed to be strong, athletic, and courageous for their original use as guard dogs and farm dogs. They are related to the English Bulldog, but they are far larger and more athletic than the English Bulldog.

American Bulldogs developed the latter part of their name from involvement in a cruel and now illegal blood sport known as bull baiting. This included a bull being tethered in place while dogs were sent to attack it. The dogs chosen for this sport had to be bold and strong enough to face off against a one-ton animal with horns, so the early American Bulldog was chosen and was referred to as a Bulldog long after the bull baiting was banned. ^[3]

Around the 19th century, dog lovers in England, Ireland, and Scotland took notice of the American Bulldogs’ strength and looked to create a hybrid with terriers’ game hunting attributes. The result? Bull and Terrier cross that are known as Pit Bull Terriers. ^[4]

Yes, this means that the two breeds share many genetic similarities, which is why they look so similar. So how did both breeds end up as American icons despite their European origins?

Both the Bulldog and Pitbull Terrier were brought to America by immigrants who needed courageous and strong farm dogs that could aid in hunting while being gentle and the protective family dog. They helped in hunting invasive wild pigs and were devoted family dogs. As a result, both of these breeds experienced their boom in popularity in America, securing their registered names, the American Bulldog and the American Pit Bull Terrier.  

Breed Appearances: American Bulldog Vs Pitbull

Unlike other dog breeds, the American Bulldog and the American Pit Bull Terrier come in nearly countless combinations of fur colors, patterns, heights, weights, and muscularities. While it is impossible to fit every dog in these breeds into a precise physical description, their physiques can be generally defined.

The American Bulldog is considered a large breed that is registered to the “Guardian Dog Group” in the UKC, and their physique reflects their purpose. ^[3] A broad chest and boxy head are matched with an equally muscular body. Their thick neck and athletic yet powerful legs are ideal for working with or even taking down large livestock like cattle. A short, mildly coarse coat makes them easy to maintain, and overall this breed looks like a dog that could easily spend long days outdoors working with large livestock and nights guarding property against any possible threat.

It is worth noting that American Bulldogs come in two main forms resulting from the breeds near extinction during World War II and refined uses. The Scott type of American Bulldog is built for work. Their body is more agile than it is bulky. The Johnson type of American Bulldog is far bulkier and broader in their bone structure. Shorter muzzles and the occasional underbite give them a more intimidating and iconic “bully” look. Occasionally the types cross, creating dogs that display characteristics of both types.

American Pit Bull Terriers are considered to be medium-sized dogs with a solid build. They tend to have a sturdy appearance as the body has many shared proportions, such as a tail similar in length to that of the body. ^[4] The primary purpose of this breed is athleticism, so their body is not overly bulky or muscular. While their muscle is present beneath their short, smooth coats, it will appear well balanced so as to not inhibit the dogs’ agility or speed. ^[5]

Dogs that appear overly muscular, stocky, or excessively lean and lanky are not suited to the breed standard and may result from poorly advised breeding.

Breed Temperments: American Bulldog vs Pitbull

While the American Bulldog and American Pit Bull Terrier share many physical attributes and are great family pets, there are distinct differences in their temperaments.

As good guard dogs who develop strong bonds with their family, American Bulldogs can be standoffish at times. ^[3] This is especially common when they are young and learning how to interact with strangers. To them, family and property are priorities that must be protected at all costs. As American Bulldogs get older, they display more confidence, and while they may not be as standoffish with strangers, they maintain an awareness of their presence.

It would be very uncharacteristic for an American bulldog to display any signs of shyness, especially to the extent where they seek protection from their owner. It would also be considered a fault if an American Bulldog greeted a complete stranger who entered their territory without the family’s clear consent in a joyful or immediately accepting manner.

This breed may not be considered the smartest, but they know their job innately and are eager to please their owners, making them easily trainable in most cases and good for novice dog owners. ^[2] A well-trained American Bulldog will only display aggression when it senses a threat and will always stand by its owner. They are also great with children and other dogs, making them a gentle giant dog breed.

Where the American Bulldog displays stoic confidence, American Pitbull Terriers have a temperament that brims with energy and excitement, stemming from their terrier heritage. ^[4] They are eager to please their owners, so training is easy, especially if all that energy is channeled into functional behaviors.

Pitbull is a great family dog. Nicknamed the “Nanny Dog,” most Pitbulls are known for their gentle and loving temperament around children. ^[5] While children and dogs should always be supervised when together, it is very impressive to see such an energetic breed tone down its intensity, becoming a gentle and affectionate dog in the presence of a child.

When most people hear the word Pitbull they imagine fighting dogs. While the American Pit Bull Terrier and other variations of Pitbulls have been used for dog fighting rings, this was not their original purpose and does not highlight their true temperament. Pit Bulls aggressive nature is a mostly learned behavior. Encouragement of their intense behavior, prey drive, and strength can result in aggression towards other dogs, but dog aggression is a behavior that can be trained against.

A true American Pit Bull Terries should have a naturally welcoming temperament of people and be joyful about human interactions, even if they dont enjoy the company of other dogs. While Pit Bulls fiercely love their families and should be able to pick up on or act against threatening acts from strangers, they are considered to be less likely to stop an intruder than an American Bulldog due to their friendliness. ^[4]

RELATED: Best Online Dog Training Courses

Activity Levels: American Bulldog Vs Pitbull

It should come as no surprise that dog breeds with working lineages are not well suited to sit on the couch all day. Whether you get a Bulldog or Pit Bull, you will be spending a lot more time outside.

American Bulldogs have a large and hearty build meant for work and an energy level that matches. This breed requires daily exercise that is compatible with their bodies. Since American Bulldogs come in different types, they have other physical capabilities.

For example, the Scott type is leaner with a longer muzzle. This allows for better agility, speed, and oxygen intake, allowing this type to engage in a cardio-heavy exercise like running easily. The Bully or Johnson type has a bulky build, and any underbite or short muzzle may inhibit oxygen intake to some extent. These factors should be taken into consideration when exercising your American Bulldog to ensure that they are not in an environment where they could easily overheat or participate in an activity that may be too strenuous on their large build. ^[2]

The American Pitbull Terrier is packed with terrier-level energy in a powerful frame. This results in very high activity requirements, but the good news is that their balanced build makes them suitable for most forms of exercise. American Pit Bull Terriers have been known to compete well in obedience, agility, tracking, dock jumping, weight pulling, and hunting competitions. ^[4] They can be equally content with going on runs, hiking, playing fetch, or any other outdoor activity. Just be careful to keep them on a leash as an untrained Pit Bull has a strong prey drive and will eagerly run off after wildlife. ^[5]

Breed Related Health Concerns

The process of maintaining pure breed lineages and the physical attributes of a breed can predispose them to certain medical conditions. Here are the most common medical conditions faced by the American Bulldog and the American Pitbull Terrier.

Both of these breeds are considered to be generally healthy. The Pit Bull is seen as being especially healthy and resilient for a larger medium size dog. Their lifespan of 12 to 14 years is a testament to their health.

Pitbulls are most known for dealing with skin issues like allergies. ^[5] These conditions are related to extremely short and smooth dog hair; they often appear as itching, dander, and skin lesions. Skin ailments can be difficult to treat at times, but they are not considered to be a serious threat to your pet’s health as long as they are receiving veterinary treatment.

Thyroid issues and congenital heart defects are also found to be more common than other issues in Pitbulls, but proper breeding and regular veterinary appointments are great ways to manage these issues. ^[5]

American Bulldogs are most well known for a condition that also affects Pit Bulls and many other large dog breeds. Bone diseases focused on the joints, such as hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and kneecap dislocation, are observed in both breeds. While there is no way to be certain that your dog will not face these medical complications, insightful breeding and feeding a diet suited to the growth of large puppies are great efforts to reduce the chances of bone-related complications. ^[1]

Purchasing Bulldogs And Pitbulls

When purchasing any purebred dog, it is important to verify the health and lineage of your puppy. This is especially true in relation to American Bulldogs and Pitbulls. Both of these breeds have a number of unregistered variations that may appear similar to purebreds, especially when they are young. Attributes like temperament and developmental issues can be nearly impossible to gauge in a puppy, so if you purchase an unregistered American Bulldog or American Pit Bull Terrier puppy, you may be very disappointed in how they appear or act when they reach maturity.

A well-screened and registered American Bulldog puppy costs over $1,500. ^[6] In general, American Bulldogs cost more than Pit Bulls.

A well-screened and registered American Pitbull puppy costs between $1,500 to $2500. ^[7]

While these prices are quite high, they are for show quality, and AKC or UKC registered puppies. If you are looking for either of these breeds to keep as a house pet, there are also reputable breeders who may cost a bit less while still providing healthy and mostly purebred puppies. Be sure to do your research on any breeder you are considering, so you can be confident that you are getting a healthy puppy who is worth what you are paying.

Adopting Bulldogs And Pitbulls

It is a sad fact that many intimidating “Bully Breeds” like Pit Bulls and American Bulldogs end up being surrendered due to housing breed restrictions and a number of other issues. While this is sad for the individual animals it affects, it also provides committed pet parents a good chance of finding an American Pitbull Terrier or American Bulldog who is up for adoption.

In many cases, these dogs may be mixed, but there is also a chance that purebred dogs happen to be up for adoption as well. Pit Bull mixes, including the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, tend to be fairly easy to find due to the facilitation of increased breeding by individuals associated with dogfighting. American Bulldogs can be harder to find at your local pound, so looking into breed-specific shelters may be your best bet.

Organizations like American Bulldog Rescue ^[8] or Rescue Me ^[9] make it easier to locate the specific breed you are interested in. If you have a good understanding of what characteristics each breed should display, then you should be able to pick out a relatively purebred dog. DNA tests for dogs are also a possible option for determining the breed heritage of an adopted American Bulldog or Pit Bull.

READ MORE: How much does it cost to adopt a dog?

FAQs:

Article Sources:

1. “American Bulldog Dog Breed Information.” American Kennel Club, 16 Sept. 2021, akc.org/dog-breeds/american-bulldog/.
2. Kerns, David. “American Bulldog Breed: Characteristics, Care & Photos.” BeChewy, 26 Aug. 2021, be.chewy.com/dog-breed/american-bulldog/.
3. “Breed Standards : American Bulldog.” United Kennel Club, 16 Aug. 2021, ukcdogs.com/american-bulldog.
4. “Breed Standards : American Pit Bull Terrier.” United Kennel Club, 16 Aug. 2021, ukcdogs.com/american-pit-bull-terrier.
5. “American Pit Bull Terrier.” PetMD, 3 Nov. 2020, petmd.com/dog/breeds/c_dg_american_pit_bull_terrier.
6. “American Bulldog – Price, Temperament, Life Span.” Dogbreedslist.Info, dogbreedslist.info/all-dog-breeds/american-bulldog.html.
7. “American Pit Bull Terrier – Price, Temperament, Life Span.” Dogbreedslist.Info, dogbreedslist.info/all-dog-breeds/american-pit-bull-terrier.html.
8. American Bulldog Rescue, americanbulldogrescue.org/.
9. “Pit Bull Dogs for Adoption.” Pit Bull Rescue, pitbull.rescueme.org/.