There’s an ongoing debate concerning American Bulldog vs Pitbull as the two dogs share certain similarities.
There are hardly many types of animals that are as widely misrepresented as Pitbulls and American Bulldogs.
They have been given a terrible reputation, leading many individuals to advocate for an absolute ban on their use.
However, if you actually ask others to characterize a Pitbull, you will be astonished by the responses you get from them.
The vast majority of people have no concept of what a Pitbull is and instead group together dogs of all different kinds under the umbrella term “Pitbull.”
The American Bulldog is one of the canine breeds that is often misidentified as a Pitbull by uninformed people.
The American Bulldog is not even close to being the same breed as a Pitbull, despite the fact that they do have some superficial resemblance.
After reading this article, you should be able to tell the two dogs apart once and for all, and it would be even better if you could share the info with other people while you’re at it.
Below, we will provide a quick overview of some of the important distinctions between the two dogs.
Pitbull Vs American Bulldog: Breed History
Pitbull
The issue with classifying Pitbulls is that there is little consensus on what constitutes a Pitbull.
The American Pitbull Terrier is a specific breed of dog, however, it commonly gets confused with the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
A person who refers to a “Pitbull” may really imply any of the aforementioned canine types.
The terrible history of this breed’s beginnings cannot be overstated. In the past, they were commonly utilized for dogfighting before the bloody sports of bull and -bear baiting were banned.
As much as we’d want to believe that dogfighting is a thing of the past, it seems that human beings are capable of infinite cruelty.
True, criminals have always had a thing for Pitbulls. They utilize them as bodyguards for drug dens and chop shops, or to conduct random acts of violence against innocent people and police enforcement.
On the bright side, they’ve been put to work as cattle herders and other working dogs by farmers and ranchers.
In addition to their obvious use in washing ice cream from your lips, service dogs have found usage in law enforcement and as therapy animals.
American Bulldog
It’s no surprise that the American Bulldog is related to its English Bulldog relative. After arriving in the New World, those dogs were raised to work on farms by early settlers who imported them from England.
To do this, we had to make them bigger and give them longer snouts so that they could herd livestock and protect the ranch from wild pigs all day long.
The American Bulldog’s popularity waned as fewer people worked on farms and more people adopted other working dogs including Border Collies and Australian Cattle Dogs to care to their cattle.
Midway through the twentieth century, the breed was on the verge of extinction, but because of the work of a few passionate breeders, they were brought back from extinction.
Pitbull Vs American Bulldog: Appearance & Size
Pitbull
The original American Pitbull Terriers, weigh around 30 – 60 lbs, making them a medium-sized breed.
They have thick, tapering tails and short, bristly coats that come in a range of patterns and colors. Their coats are short and bristly.
In most cases, it is their heads that set them apart from other animals. They have large, blocky heads and ears that are medium-sized which are usually standing and flopping over, despite the fact that they are often cropped.
In addition to this, their eyes are in the form of almonds and they are quite expressive. Pitbulls often have black, red, brindle, or brown spots on their white bodies, but Pitties may be any color you can imagine.
American Bulldog
In comparison to the American Bulldog, the Pitbull has a more slender build, more clearly defined muscles, and a wider cranium.
The size disparity is perhaps the most glaring thing worth mentioning in the comparison of Pitbulls and American Bulldogs.
The American Bulldog is a much bigger breed, with some reaching up to 120 pounds in weight.
Due to the fact that they do, in fact, have a few superficial similarities, people have a tendency to get them mixed up with one another.
Both of them have big chests, strong jaws, and broad heads, which allow them to cut an imposing figure.
The American Bulldog differs from the American Pitbull Terrier in that it has a wider chest, wrinkles on its face, and less defined muscles than the American Pitbull Terrier.
It is simple to see why an American Bulldog can be misidentified as a Pitbull when one first looks at them both.
In spite of this, an American Bulldog is readily identifiable due to the characteristic “bully” look and behavior of the breed.
The American Bulldog is distinguished from the American Pitbull Terrier by having cheek muscles that are more pronounced and unique and by having a chest that is much larger than the American Pitbull Terrier.
The American Bulldog is also identifiable by its enormous and broad head, its broad snout, its strong cheek muscles, its massive and wide nose, its powerful jaws, and its prominent cheek muscles.
American Bulldog Vs Pitbull: Temperament & Personality
Pitbull
Due to instances of aggression, the much-debated Pitbull breed’s disposition is now in doubt.
Detractors assert, without much proof, that they are incredibly violent creatures simply waiting for the ideal time to go ballistic.
The majority of hostile canines have been conditioned to behave aggressively or have been put in inappropriate environments.
Pitbulls, on the other hand, are often friendly, sociable, and loyal dogs. Unfortunately for the crooks and criminals of the world, Pitbulls don’t make ideal security dogs because they’re too friendly to strangers.
They are so good with kids that they were formerly considered nanny dogs. However, both the dog and the children must be well-trained before they can be allowed in the same space.
The way they interact with other dogs is their major character flaw.
If you intend on getting one, you’d better be prepared to devote a lot of time to their training and socialization, since they have a tendency to be aggressive against other dogs if they are not aggressive overall.
American Bulldog
The two breeds may seem different, but their personalities are quite similar, so it’s impossible to tell them apart.
They are both quite energetic and need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation, but they are also incredibly sociable, loyal, and great with kids.
The degree to which they tolerate one another and other animals is a key distinction between the two.
Even while American Bulldogs tend to get along better with other animals (though they may want to herd them), they still need extensive socialization as pups to prevent any unfortunate mishaps.
Pitbull Vs American Bulldog: Training & Exercise
Pitbull
Crate training is a terrific concept for these two dogs since they both dread being alone, particularly the Pittie. When a large, aggressive dog has separation anxiety, the results may be catastrophic.
Dogs have an innate need for protection, and this will provide them a secure place of their own to feel at ease when you must leave them. These dogs are robust, so the crate you put them in has to be equally sturdy.
Both are high-energy dogs with a history of being bred for long shifts at work. They need daily exercise for at least an hour, ideally in a large, secure area.
While American Bulldogs may be great running partners, those with short muzzles should be careful not to overheat. Make an effort to vary their workouts to engage both their mind and body.
Pitbulls have a reputation for having “locking jaws,” where their mouths won’t open for anything short of a severe physical force.
Their jaw doesn’t lock in place, and their anatomy isn’t any different from that of any other canine breed.
Pitbulls, on the other hand, are persistent and obstinate and may cling to their possessions for way too long in comparison to other dogs. Because of this, you should stock up on tough toys that can withstand their powerful jaws when you’re not taking them outside to play.
Both dogs need a lot of exercise, yet they may not be able to go to the dog park because of where you live.
You need to commit to daily walks or jogs of at least an hour with your dog of any breed if you live in an apartment. They are best kept in houses with large, fenced-in yards.
American Bulldog
Despite their shared intelligence, American Bulldog puppies also tend to be somewhat willful. Both of these pets need a trainer that is not afraid to be strict with them.
However, the American Bulldog’s headstrong nature means he requires a knowledgeable owner to thrive.
Both breeds have a high degree of trainability and may be used for a variety of jobs and canine activities with the correct trainer. On the other side, these dogs may become aggressive or even antisocial if they are in the wrong hands.
Dogs like these, who may not interact well with other animals, need socialization even more than the average dog. When they’re young, it’s important to expose them to a wide range of dogs and humans as possible.
Three to twelve weeks of age is the sweet spot for puppy socialization. In training, like in life, you gain from it whatever you put into it.
In the long term, this will benefit your dog tremendously. Good manners go a long way with these breeds and may dispel the stereotype that they are vicious or aggressive.
Pitbull Vs American Bulldog: Health Issues
Pitbull
These are powerful and muscular dogs, but in spite of their ripped physiques, they nevertheless have a predisposition for a number of major health issues.
The most noticeable of these conditions is hip dysplasia, although they also often suffer from cataracts, heart problems, allergies, and skin irritations. Hip dysplasia is the most prevalent of these conditions.
Because their average lifetime is between 12 and 16 years, if you acquire one you ought to have a good deal of time to spend with your new companion.
Because they are such an energetic and active breed, they need to be exercised on a daily basis to release energy and keep them in good health.
American Bulldog
The health history of American Bulldogs is quite comparable to that of English Bulldogs.
In particular, they have an increased risk of developing hip dysplasia as well as joint problems and cataracts, however they do not have nearly the same risk of developing skin allergies. They usually live for anything between 10 and 16 years on average.
Pitbull Vs American Bulldog FAQ
Are American Bulldogs And Pitbulls The Same Dog?
Both the American Bulldog and the Pitbull are distinct dog breeds. The American Bulldog originated as a working dog breed, protecting livestock and herding animals.
Alternatively, Pitbulls, a sub-type of the terrier breed, were originally bred for combat. While both breeds are strong and muscular, their attitudes and physical appearances couldn’t be more different.
Are Pitbulls Or American Bulldogs Dangerous?
To claim that one certain dog breed is inherently more dangerous than another is incorrect. Any dog, regardless of breed, may become dangerous if not trained and socialized properly and kept away from people and other animals.
Dog owners have a duty to prevent aggressive behavior by ensuring that their pets get proper socialization and training.
Every dog, even bully breeds like American bulldogs and Pitbulls, may blossom into a dedicated member of the family with the right training and early socialization.
Every dog, even bully breeds like Pitbulls and American bulldogs, may blossom into a dedicated member of the family with the right training and early socialization.
Which Breed Is More Intelligent?
In terms of the ABI (Intelligence Scale for Dogs), American Pitbull Terriers score between moderately well and very well.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier, both members of the Pitbull group (i.e., APBT), scored in the middle to upper range of the intelligence spectrum on the Stanley Coren Test of Adult Dog Intelligence.
It also indicates that after 15–25 repetitions, these dogs can comprehend a new command and, on the first try, follow a known order 70% of the time.
In a similar vein, American Bulldogs are very bright canines. Because of their high IQ and robust work ethic, American Bulldogs make excellent pets and canine companions for people of all experience levels.
Even though American Bulldogs haven’t been formally tested for IQ, it’s reasonable to assume they’re just as bright as any other breed.
Herding cattle is a task that calls for a high level of intellect, focus, and deliberation, hence these canines were developed for that purpose. The typical dog just isn’t made for that kind of stuff.
American Bulldog Vs Pitbull Cost
Price ranges are not set in stone. But this is the average cost of a Bulldog or Pitbull.
The typical cost of an American Bulldog is about $1,700, with the price of a high-quality purebred American Bulldog reaching upwards of $8,000.
On average, an American Pitbull Terrier will set you back $1100. However, American Pitbull Terrier costs may range from $1000 to $6500.
If you’re looking to adopt a dog, check with your local shelter to see if they have any American Bulldogs or American Pitbull Terriers.
Which Breed Has A Longer Lifespan
It’s common knowledge that American Bulldogs are susceptible to respiratory issues and cataracts, but APBTs are more likely to suffer from allergies, particularly skin allergies.
Even while the American Bulldog’s respiratory issues shouldn’t be as severe as the English Bulldog’s, they may still have a significant impact on the dog’s quality of life.
Using a harness and exercising at night or in the early morning may help if he has trouble breathing while exercising.
The typical lifespan of an American Bulldog is between 10 and 16 years. Due to the fact that Pitbulls are a smaller and generally healthier breed, they tend to live for 12 to 16 years.
There are no certainties in life, but you can give your dog the greatest chance of a long, healthy life by acquiring it directly from a reputable breeder, feeding it a healthy diet, making sure it gets regular dental care, and keeping it from becoming overweight.
Final Words
The American Bulldog and the American Pitbull Terrier are fairly similar canines with a few notable distinctions.
These distinctions aren’t substantial enough to warrant a blanket statement about which is “better,” but that doesn’t imply one isn’t preferable to you.
The sad truth is that Pitbulls have become the target of breed prejudice through no fault of their own.
If you don’t already have a place of your own, this may make buying one more of a challenge. In addition, an American Bulldog is preferable than a Pitbull if you already have other animals at home.
With the right amount of training and socialization, though, any breed may become a wonderful addition to your home.
Remember that many shelters have too many Pitbulls, so adopting one will make a huge difference in the life of a wonderful dog.
One thing is clear when deciding between a Pitbull and an American Bulldog they both show a lot of love.