American Bulldog vs Pitbull What is the Difference

Last Updated on March 13, 2024 by Aftab Tariq

American bulldog vs pitbull, one big difference is how they behave. Pitbulls were originally bred for fighting, so they tend to have a more aggressive nature. On the other hand, American Bulldogs are known to be much friendlier. Harvey says,

“In the heartland of American breeds, the Bulldog’s might faces the Pitbull’s fight—a testament to grit and grace, where legends are born in every bark.”

Another noticeable contrast is their size, with American Bulldogs generally being larger than Pitbulls. These two breeds, American bulldogs and pitbulls, are quite popular, but only sometimes for positive reasons. People often confuse them because they share many similarities.

Both are muscular, stocky dogs with high energy levels. Despite these resemblances, there are distinct characteristics that help in telling them apart. Here we will discuss about American bulldog vs pitbull, and pitbulls, American bulldog vs pitbull who would win.

Comparing American Bulldog vs Pitbull

Let’s talk about American Bulldogs and Pitbulls. Both of these dogs have some similarities because they come from a similar ancestor called the Old English bulldog. However, Pitbulls also have terriers in their family tree, which were mixed with bulldogs to make them strong and quick for fighting.

The term “Pitbull” is often used loosely to describe different dogs used in dogfighting, like Staffordshire terriers, American pitbull terriers, and others. Pitbulls have gained a reputation for being aggressive, partly because they’ve been used in dogfights and even bullfights in the past.

This has led to some countries banning them altogether. The confusion between American Bulldogs and Pitbulls has also made some people think American Bulldogs are aggressive, even though they might not be. As we learn more about these dogs, we find out they’re actually quite different.

Feature	Pitbull	American Bulldog
Size	Weight: 30 to 60 pounds Height: 17 to 20 inches	Weight: 60 to 120 pounds Height: 19 to 28 inches
Colour	Any colour and any pattern	Solid colours, usually white with black, brown, or red patches
Build	Lean, muscular, well-proportioned	Stocky with broad shoulders and a wide chest
Face	Slightly rounded with a wide jaw. No underbite and no facial wrinkles	Large and square, slight underbite and facial wrinkles
Tolerance for other animals	Can be aggressive towards others	Good tolerance
Bite Force	235 pounds	305 pounds
Lifespan	12 to 14 years	10 to 12 years

The Key Difference Between American Bulldog And Pitbull

1: Colour

Another big difference between American Bulldogs and Pitbulls is their coat color. Pitbulls can come in a wide range of colours and patterns.

They might have a coat that’s any color you can think of. On the other hand, American Bulldogs have a more consistent look. Their coats are usually just one solid colour, but it’s common to see white with patches of black, brown, or red.

2: Size

When we talk about American Bulldogs and Pitbulls, one big difference is their size. American Bulldogs are much bigger than Pitbulls. They can weigh between 60 and 120 pounds.

Males are usually heavier than females, weighing between 66 and 120 pounds, while females typically weigh between 60 and 90 pounds. American Bulldogs also stand taller, ranging from 19 to 28 inches high at the shoulder.

On the other hand, Pitbulls are smaller compared to American Bulldogs. They weigh around half as much, ranging from 30 to 60 pounds. Female Pitbulls are generally lighter, weighing between 30 and 50 pounds.

In terms of height, Pitbulls stand between 17 and 20 inches at the shoulder, making them shorter than American Bulldogs.

3: American bulldog vs Pitbull: Temperament

When it comes to temperament, there’s a lot to consider between American Bulldogs and Pitbulls. American Bulldogs often get mistaken for being aggressive, but they’re actually quite energetic, eager to please, and loyal. Pitbulls, despite their reputation, can also be loving and devoted dogs.

One big difference in temperament is how they interact with other animals. American bulldogs usually have a better tolerance for cats and other dogs than pitbulls. However, it’s still super important to train and socialize them from a young age to ensure good behavior.

Pitbulls, due to their history in dogfighting, might be more aggressive towards other animals. They may view smaller creatures as prey since they have a strong predation drive. But with proper training and socialization, their behavior can improve, just like American Bulldogs.

4: Facial Shape

When we compare American Bulldogs and Pitbulls, one obvious difference is their facial shape. American Bulldogs have big, square faces with broad muzzles and sometimes a little underbite.

You can easily spot them by the wrinkles on their cheeks and around their mouth. Their ears might fold forward or stand straight up.

Pitbulls, on the other hand, have more rounded faces with ears set high. Their jaws are wide, and their noses have a slight upward curve. Unlike Bulldogs, they don’t have an underbite or any facial wrinkles.

5: Build

When we look at the build of American Bulldogs and Pitbulls, we see they’re both strong and muscular, but there are some slight differences.

Bulldogs have sturdy frames with broad shoulders and a wide, deep chest. Pitbulls, on the other hand, are a bit leaner and have a more balanced physique. Their muscles are well-defined, but their chests aren’t as broad as those of American Bulldogs.

American Bulldog Vs English Bulldog

American Bulldogs and English Bulldogs have noticeable differences in appearance, partly due to their long separation and lack of a standardized breed standard for American Bulldogs.

The classic American Bulldog, also known as the Johnson type, is the largest. It has a wide, flattened face with a short nose and typical bulldog features like an underbite and prominent jowls.

The standard American Bulldog, known as the Scott type, is slightly smaller and may resemble a pitbull. It has a longer nose and less pronounced jowls compared to the classic type.

English Bulldogs are shorter and stockier than both types of American Bulldogs. They have a very pronounced underbite, short nose, and thick facial skin folds. However, due to health concerns related to their brachycephalic features, efforts are being made to breed English Bulldogs with less exaggerated traits.

Why Are Pit Bulls Banned In Some Countries?

Some countries ban pit bulls because they were bred for fighting, which makes them strong and aggressive. They were originally trained to fight bulls while being chained up, and later on, they fought other dogs, too.

Pit bulls are muscular dogs with a powerful bite, and they tend to be aggressive. They have a bad reputation even though organizations like the ASPCA and AVMA support them.

People who support banning pit bulls say that they were involved in 66% of all dog attack deaths in the U.S. from 2005 to 2019. However, supporters of pit bulls argue that a dog’s upbringing and environment matter more than its breed. Because of this disagreement, many countries have decided to ban pit bulls to be safe.

The following nations have outlawed pit bulls:

• Argentina
• Belarus
• Bermuda
• Israel
• Guyana
• Ireland
• Italy
• Malaysia
• Malta
• Latvia
• Norway
• New Zealand
• Poland
• Puerto Rico
• Russia
• Romania
• Spain
• Singapore
• Switzerland
• Turkey
• United Arab Emirates
• Ukraine
• United Kingdom
• Venezuela

Which is more dangerous pitbull or bulldog?

Pitbulls, bred for fighting, are known to be somewhat dangerous.

Which Is Better American Bully Or Pitbull?

American Bully dogs are often considered more suitable for family environments compared to Pitbulls, making them a preferred choice for some individuals.

Is An American Bulldog The Same As A Pit Bull?

No, American Bulldogs are not Pit Bulls. They might look similar, but they are different breeds.

Are Pitbulls Stronger Than Bulldogs?

There’s a possibility that pit bulls may be stronger than American Bulldogs, even though the latter is heavier, stronger, and more muscular. Pit bulls were initially bred for fighting.

Source

American Bulldog vs. American Pitbull Terrier: Breed Comparison

Bulldog vs Pitbull: Know the Differences

American Bulldog Vs Pitbull: 10 The Differences