The Difference Between American Bulldog And A Pitbull [Facts]

Some dog breeds are frequently confused with others.

This could be due to factors such as appearance, stature, or even temperament.

The American Bulldog and Pitbull are the two most commonly confused dog breeds in the world.

Many people mistakenly believe that an American Bulldog and a Pitbull are the same breed.

Pitbulls can refer to any Pitbull type breed, such as the American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or American Staffordshire Terrier.

American Bulldogs, on the other hand, are a separate breed.

The kind American Bulldog and the loving American Pit Bull Terrier breed, which will be referred to as Pitbulls in this article, will be compared in this article.

Prepare to discover the key similarities and distinctions between their traits.

Let’s get started!

Origins and History

American Bulldog

The history and origins of the American Bulldog can be traced back to the 1800s, when working-class immigrants brought Old English Bulldogs to America.

They were thought to be good agricultural guard dogs.

They assisted in herding livestock, hunting, and keeping feral pigs away from crops.

The Old English Bulldog got its name because it was utilized in a sport called bull baiting in England.

This pastime is tethering a bull to the ground while dogs attempt to bite the bull’s snout.

After WWII, the breed was on the verge of extinction.

American Bulldogs were still developed as companions rather than farm dogs thanks to the efforts of breeders like Dr. John D. Johnson.

American Pit Bull Terrier

Crossbreeding an Old English Bulldog with an Old English Terrier from Ireland and England is thought to have developed the American Pit Bull Terrier.

Immigrants, like American Bulldogs, brought them to the United States.

Bull baiting was also popular with American Bulldogs and American Pit Bulls.

Pitbulls were later utilized for dogfighting and ratting when this sport was banned.

These antics give the breed its well-known name and reputation as a vicious dog.

Ratting, in specifically, is a wagering sport in which participants wager money on whose Pitbull can kill the most rats in the shortest length of time.

The term “Pitbull” comes from the location where rats were generally placed to keep them from escaping while the dogs hunted them.

As the popularity of these heinous blood sports faded, determined breeders attempted to keep the breed alive by converting them to become farm dogs and household pets.

Recognition from the Kennel Club

American Bulldog

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the American Bulldog as a distinct dog breed in 2019.

Despite their recent recognition, other kennel clubs such as the National Kennel Club (NKC) in 1970 and the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1999 had already approved them.

However, when registering with UKC, American Bulldogs must not be confused with the American Bully, which is a separate registry classification.

American Pit Bull Terrier

The American Kennel Club does not officially recognize American Pit Bull Terriers (AKC).

Other Pitbull breeds, such as Staffordshire Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers, are the only ones allowed to be registered.

Dogs can still be registered with the United Kennel Club (UKC) or the National Kennel Club (NKC) (NKC).

In 1898, UKC was the first registration to recognize them.

Appearance

American Bulldog

They are powerful, stocky dogs with pronounced cheek muscles, robust shoulders, and a broad chest, as you can see.

Bulldogs have a wider, rounded head, a square nose, and folded rose-shaped ears than the American Pit Bull Terrier.

Their medium-sized eyes are round or almond in shape and are positioned wide apart on their skull.

The snout is long with broad nostrils while the neck is muscular and almost as wide as the dog’s head.

The feet of the Bulldog are well-arched and well spaced.

By default, their tail is positioned low and thick at the base.

The owner, on the other hand, has the option of keeping it natural or docked.

American Pit Bull Terrier

Both the American Bulldog and the American Pit Bull are strong, muscular dogs.

However, Pitbulls are noted to be slimmer and have more defined muscles.

The head also looks to be broader and less round.

The Pitbull’s ears are positioned high on its head and can be left natural or clipped to the owner’s liking.

The eyes are medium-sized and spherical, with a wide gap between them and a low position on the skull.

Pitbull Terriers have tiny to medium sized ears that are positioned high on their heads.

They can also be cropped or natural.

The muzzle is broad and deep, and the nose is massive with wide nostrils.

The Pitbull’s feet are round and proportionate to the dog’s size when compared to American Bulldogs.

Their tail begins as a natural extension of their topline and gradually narrows to a point.

Ear clipping and tail docking of American Bulldogs and American Pit Bull Terriers are controversial among animal rights groups.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) cautions owners that this technique may give their dogs unnecessary misery and pain.

It has no medical value for their pets.

Dimensions and Weight

American Bulldog

If you want a larger breed, an American Bulldog is a good choice.

When fully grown, these dogs can reach anything from 60 to 100 pounds.

Males weigh 75 to 100 pounds on average, while females weigh 60 to 80 pounds.

Because American Bulldogs were once used to protect cattle and kill tiny predators, they needed to be strong and agile.

When completely grown, male Bulldogs stand between 22 and 25 inches tall, while female Bulldogs range between 20 and 23 inches tall.

American Pit Bull Terrier

In comparison to the American Bulldog, the American Pit Bull Terrier is a smaller dog.

A mature male Pitbull can weigh anything from 35 to 60 pounds, while a mature female Pitbull can weigh anywhere from 30 to 50 pounds.

Males stand about 18 and 21 inches tall, while females stand between 17 and 20 inches tall.

Pitbulls should have the proper weight-to-height ratio to appear well-proportioned and balanced.

Coat and Color

American Bulldog

An American Bulldog has a short coat that can be silky or stiff to the touch depending on the dog’s inherited features.

It can’t be too long or too wavy.

Except for pure black or blue, merle, and tricolor, the color can be any solid color, pattern, or color combination (white with streaks of black and tan).

White with black, brown, red, or brindle patches are the most common colors.

American Pit Bull Terrier

A Pitbull Terrier normally has a shiny and smooth coat that is relatively stiff to the touch.

Hair that is wavy, curly, or scant is not permitted.

Most registries, including the United Kennel Club, accept any solid color, pattern, or color combination in terms of color (UKC).

Merle Pitbulls are unattractive.

Personality and Temperament

In the garden, two Pitbull puppies are playing together.

American Bulldog

An American Bulldog’s behavior is similar to that of an English Bulldog.

They are gentle and affectionate with their owners and other household members as pets.

Despite their intimidating appearance, their friendly and loving nature belies this.

Bulldogs, as large lap dogs as they are, also have a stubborn streak.

They can have a strong will and be difficult to train.

They must be handled with caution.

Otherwise, they’ll take over as the pack’s leader.

An American Bulldog is an excellent choice if you want a dog that will protect your family.

Because of their keen sense of vigilance and strong protective instincts, they make excellent guard dogs.

Because American Bulldogs have a high prey drive, it’s preferable to introduce them to other creatures in the house as early as possible, such as cats, birds, or other small pets.

They can also get along with other dogs with sufficient socialization.

American Pit Bull Terrier

If you’re searching for a dog with a more lively or silly nature, an American Pit Bull Terrier is a good choice.

They have been shown to be the most affectionate, tolerant, and least aggressive dogs in comparison to other breeds, contrary to popular belief.

Many people are hesitant to own or even approach a Pitbull because of their history as fighting dogs.

The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) gave the American Pit Bull Terrier an 87.4 percent passing mark in a behavioral test, demonstrating how friendly and non-threatening they are.

Many Pitbull owners would claim that their dogs are only aggressive when they want attention and affection.

They are faithful dogs who make excellent family pets, just like American Bulldogs.

They will, however, be more lively and happy than Bulldogs, which is a frequent attribute of terrier breeds.

When it comes to barking, neither American Bulldogs nor Pitbulls are particularly obnoxious.

They only bark when they are agitated, just like other dog breeds, however when a stranger approaches, both of these canines stay quiet and reserved.

American Bulldogs and American Pit Bull Terriers have a lot in Common

When it comes to similarities, American Bulldogs and American Pitbull have a nearly same history and origin.

Both of these dogs have Old English Bulldog ancestors.

Both of them were used for bull-baiting and then as farm dogs.

Pitbulls and Bulldogs have similar muscular and stocky appearances.

In terms of behavior, both of these breeds require early socialization in order to become accustomed to new people and get along with other pets.

Whether you go with a Bully Pit or a Pittie, you’ll get a wonderful family dog that is sociable and affectionate.

They are also both extremely loyal and protective, making them excellent guard dogs.

Which is better, the American Bulldog or the Pitbull?

The ultimate question of which breed is better must be answered as the war between American Bulldogs and Pitbulls continues.

An American Pitbull Terrier is a better choice if you want a dog that can match your energy and active personality.

They are extremely active, which necessitates a lot of long walks and physical activity to empty this dog’s energy.

Pitbull breed, on the other hand, are not advised for people who need to leave their dogs alone for long periods of time.

This can result in separation anxiety and destructive behaviors such as biting shoes or destroying furniture.

American Bulldog Pitbull, on the other hand, are more laid-back but just as social.

Their low-maintenance coat is also advantageous.

They are similarly intelligent dogs, although they are relatively difficult to teach.

They may also be seen chasing after other animals.

Finally, they are two distinct breeds with a similar history but unique personalities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)