Upon initial observation, the American Bulldog and the Pit Bull may seem quite alike, sharing many muscular traits and robust physiques. Yet, there’s much more to these breeds than meets the eye. In fact, their disparities extend beyond mere appearance!
The American Bulldog originates from the United States, while the Pit Bull has its roots in England. If your household includes smaller pets, the American Bulldog is typically more compatible with them, as Pit Bulls possess a higher prey drive and exhibit more aggressive tendencies than Bulldogs.
These points highlight just a few significant distinctions between the two breeds… But there’s even more! Continue reading to discover additional information about the American Bulldog and the Pit Bull below.
21. Facial Features
The facial characteristics of the American Bulldog and Pit Bull are notably distinct. Pit Bulls possess rounded facial structures with high-set, triangular ears, wide jaws, and lack an underbite, facial folds, or wrinkles.
Conversely, American Bulldogs feature larger, square-shaped faces with noticeable facial wrinkles around their mouths and cheeks, along with a slight underbite.
20. Historical Background
The American Bulldog was originally bred for assisting humans in farm work—whether it be hunting wild pigs or herding cattle, these dogs excelled in various tasks with eagerness and skill. Over time, they transitioned from work roles to companionship.
In contrast, the Pit Bull has historically been associated with dogfighting and ratting, a sport wherein dogs were tasked with quickly killing as many rats as possible for betting purposes. This background has unfortunately contributed to their reputation for being fierce and aggressive.
19. Height
Both breeds are relatively large dogs, with the American Bulldog generally being larger. They are well-suited for homes with ample space.
Typically, American Bulldogs measure around 22 to 27 inches at the shoulder, while Pit Bulls are slightly shorter, ranging from 17 to 21 inches. They can adapt well to apartment living, especially if they have access to a yard or nearby dog park.
18. Weight
Given their greater size, American Bulldogs tend to be heavier than Pit Bulls. Adult male American Bulldogs typically weigh between 60 and 120 lbs, while females can reach about 90 lbs.
Pit Bulls, being slightly smaller, usually weigh between 30 and 60 lbs, with female Pit Bulls averaging around 50 lbs, remaining lighter than their female American Bulldog counterparts.
17. Body Structure
With inherited traits from the Old English Bulldog, American Bulldogs exhibit a bulky and muscular structure that appears quite rectangular.
Pit Bulls are also strong but are generally less dense than American Bulldogs. They have a low center of gravity, giving them an athletic look while remaining agile.
16. Coat Colors
Another significant contrast between these breeds is their coat colors. Pit Bulls can appear in a plethora of colors—such as black, brown, white, and variations of these shades. However, they rarely display the merle coat pattern as it is not recognized in breed standards.
On the other hand, American Bulldogs have a more limited palette, often showcasing colors such as red, brown, black, or white, often adorned with the iconic “eyeliner” pattern. They can also exhibit brindle patches, which are not uncommon.
15. Guarding Abilities
Given their history of herding cattle, it’s no wonder that American Bulldogs excel as guard dogs. They are reliable, brave, and assertive, displaying a fierce loyalty when their humans or homes are threatened.
Conversely, while Pit Bulls may present a daunting appearance, their natural curious disposition towards humans, including strangers, undermines their effectiveness as guard dogs.
14. Frequency of Barking
If a quieter dog is what you prefer, both breeds make excellent choices. Neither breed is known for excessive barking and tend to bark only for meaningful reasons such as excitement or boredom.
A distinctive feature of Pit Bulls is their vocal nature; they are known to express themselves through various sounds, including whining and other unique vocalizations which often serve as a means to communicate with their owners.
13. Family Companionship
Both breeds are exceptional companions, demonstrating outstanding qualities for family settings due to their affectionate and playful natures. That said, they exhibit different temperaments.
American Bulldogs tend to be hilarious and amusing, often displaying playful and clumsy behavior reminiscent of the Old English Bulldog. In contrast, Pit Bulls are generally less playful but are still great with children.
12. Physical Activity Requirements
For those leading an active lifestyle, finding a dog that matches their exercise needs is vital. Both American Bulldogs and Pit Bulls are energetic breeds, historically developed to be physically active.
However, Pit Bulls are more athletic and are better equipped to withstand warmer temperatures compared to American Bulldogs. Due to their shorter muzzles, American Bulldogs can be prone to overheating, which may cause respiratory issues. Thus, they should ideally be taken on walks during the cooler morning or evening hours.
11. Chewing Ability
Chewing ability is a significant consideration when purchasing toys for your dog. Strong jaws necessitate more durable toys. American Bulldogs exhibit a higher bite force, around 305 PSI, while Pit Bulls exert an average of 235 PSI. However, the natural stubbornness and tenacity of Pit Bulls often mean they require tougher toys compared to American Bulldogs.
10. Trainability
For new pet owners, the trainability of a dog is a crucial aspect to consider. After all, you wouldn’t want to struggle with training, which may necessitate professional assistance.
While both breeds display average intelligence, American Bulldogs exhibit a more pronounced stubbornness during training sessions, requiring additional patience and consistency as opposed to Pit Bulls.
9. Independence
For those who leave home for extended periods, having a pet that can be independent is essential to avoid behavioral issues related to separation anxiety.
Sadly, both Pit Bulls and American Bulldogs are not very independent. They thrive on human companionship and may experience separation anxiety. Pit Bulls, in particular, are more susceptible, and their strong nature can create problems if they are left alone and bored.
8. Health Concerns
A healthy pet is a priority for every owner, as they wish for their furry friends to live long, fulfilling lives without incurring heavy veterinary costs.
Pit Bulls tend to be more susceptible to serious health issues, including cancer and heart disease, as well as skin sensitivity. Meanwhile, American Bulldogs face challenges related to breathing and joint problems that can affect their overall quality of life.
7. Lifespan
Both breeds can be expected to live a decade or more with proper care. While they may be prone to hereditary conditions, a nutritious diet and healthy lifestyle can mitigate these risks.
With proper care, American Bulldogs can live between 10 to 12 years, whereas Pit Bulls, being smaller and more athletic, generally have lifespans of up to 16 years, averaging around 12 years.
6. Nutritional Needs
Due to their larger frame, American Bulldogs require more food compared to Pit Bulls, necessitating around four cups of quality dog food per day, while Pit Bulls generally consume about two cups.
This often leads to a higher monthly food expense for American Bulldog owners, who must ensure their pup’s diet is balanced to avoid obesity, which can lead to various health complications.
5. Grooming Requirements
Both breeds have short hair and are considered moderate shedders, yet neither is hypoallergenic and tend to drool, which may trigger allergies in certain individuals.
Both American Bulldogs and Pit Bulls require periodic baths and weekly brushing to eliminate loose hairs and distribute their natural oils. Nevertheless, Pit Bulls have more sensitive skin, necessitating careful selection of grooming products suited for their specific skin conditions.
4. Cost
In terms of initial costs, American Bulldogs are generally more expensive than Pit Bulls. The price for an American Bulldog puppy averages around $1,500, though this number may vary depending on the breeder.
In contrast, Pit Bulls typically cost around $800. As there are usually more Pit Bulls available in rescue shelters than other breeds, their demand tends to be lower; however, reputable breeders may charge more for their pups.
3. Aggression Levels
Typically, American Bulldogs are known for being friendly and loyal, exuding a calm demeanor while being protective of their families, lacking general aggression.
Pit Bulls, in contrast, carry a more aggressive reputation stemming from their historical fighting background. However, proper training and socialization can help mitigate these tendencies.
2. Compatibility with Small Animals
If your household includes small pets, selecting a dog that can coexist peacefully with them is critical. Thus, tolerance levels toward smaller animals can be a deciding factor for many pet owners.
American Bulldogs generally show a higher tolerance towards cats and smaller dogs. With proper training and socialization from an early age, they can develop appropriate behaviors. In contrast, Pit Bulls possess a high prey drive, making them less likely to engage positively with small animals.
1. Ancestry
The American Bulldog was originally developed as a guard and farm dog in the United States, tracing its ancestry to English Bulldogs, but has been present in America since the 17th century.
Pit Bulls, on the other hand, have roots going back to the 1800s in England, where they gained popularity for bull baiting and ratting—both cruel forms of entertainment that put them at risk of injury and exhaustion.
Related Questions
What Are The 4 Categories Of American Bulldogs? The four main types include the Painter, Old Southern, Johnson, and the Scott or Standard. The Hybrid, considered the fifth type, is a mixed breed combining any of the aforementioned four.
Is The American Bulldog A Restricted Breed? Yes, it is considered restricted and may even face bans in certain states such as Missouri, Ohio, Nebraska, Washington, Texas, Oregon, New York, Arkansas, and Colorado.
Can A Pit Bull Mate With A Bulldog? Yes, a Pit Bull can indeed mate with a Bulldog. The offspring of an American Bulldog and Pit Bull is known as a Pit Bull Bulldog mix. These mixes are loyal, hardworking, and intelligent dogs.
