The American Pitbull Terrier (APBT) became famous in the 20th century after the story about its locking jaws spread throughout the world.But this is just a myth. Pitbulls are muscular, so they were initially used as catch dogs in America.Later they were used as companion dogs, therapy dogs, and police dogs. Pitbulls are very similar to other breeds like Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Boxers, Bullmastiffs, Bull Terriers, Cane Corsos, and the American Bulldog. The American Bulldog descends from the English Bulldog. Pitbulls descend from the old English Bulldog breed and the old English Terrier breed. Old English Bulldogs, which are now extinct, have passed on their genes to both these breeds. The American Bulldog is a utility dog. This breed was added to the American Kennel Club and Foundation Stock Service in 2019. Pitbulls and American Bulldogs are loyal pets that share many similarities. It is hard to spot the difference between them. We have curated a bunch of interesting facts about these dog breeds and their temperament, health, and training. Do not miss out on them.If you are a canine lover, you can also take a look at our other related articles on female vs male dogs and Doberman vs German Shepherd.Is an American Bulldog the same thing as a Pitbull?No, they are not the same dog. Because of the similarities in appearance, they are frequently mistaken for the same dog. Both these breeds are descendants of the Old English Bulldog.But the American Pitbull Terrier (APBT) is a mix between a Bulldog and a Terrier. In order to develop a powerful and nimble dog, these two breeds were crossed. The American Bulldog is a part of the Molosser dog family, whereas the Pitbull is a member of the Terrier dog family.Is an American Bulldog stronger than a pitbull?Though the American Bulldog is well built, it is still not stronger than a Pitbull.Both these dogs look like they do deadlifts and hit the gym regularly. But when you compare the athletic nature of these dogs, it is obvious the body of the Pitbull is well adapted for physical activities. They have shorter legs, and the center of gravity is low in Pitbulls, which makes them great for climbing and tugging. The Pitbull also has a vast chest and sturdy shoulders. This gives the dog tremendous explosive power, allowing it to sprint and pull with immense force. When it comes to biting force, both breeds have extremely strong jaws and can deliver a painful bite.Is an American Bulldog considered an aggressive breed?Dogs, in general, tend to be aggressive at times. The level of aggressiveness can slightly vary from one breed to another. American Bulldogs are as aggressive as any other working dog.Since they have a robust physique and are very loyal, American Bulldogs might be apprehensive of strangers. These dogs might come across as notoriously aggressive to people who are not familiar with the breeds. American Bulldogs are dominating and protective. This is one of the main reasons why people misinterpret them as hostile dogs. They are incredibly affectionate towards their family and owners but are aggressive towards outsiders due to their protective nature. The American Pitbull has been used as a guard dog and was mainly bred to excel in protective tasks. This justifies their slightly aggressive nature. Over time, with proper training and care, they can learn to identify what constitutes a threat. Pitbull attacks are quite common throughout the world, but they are rarely fatal.Did you know? Between 2007 and 2014, there was a 73% rise in Pitbull attacks in the United States. Pitbulls were responsible for nearly 203 of the 326 deaths caused by dog bites in America, accounting for over 62% of the total. This happened between 2005 and 2014.American Bulldog vs Pitbull: Appearance & SizeThe physical appearance of the American Bulldog and Pitbull is comparable. But they do have minute differences that help differentiate the two breeds.One of the major differences between the two breeds is their size. The American Bulldog is a large dog that is 22-25 in (55.8-63.5 cm) tall and weighs 75-100 lb (34-45 kg ). The American Pitbull Terrier is a medium-sized dog that is 17-21 (43-53 cm) tall and weighs 30-60 lb (13.6-27 kg). The American Bulldog is strong and sturdy. This dog is known for its powerful jaws. Their bodies are white for the most part and covered with black, brown, or red patches. The American Bulldog has brown eyes. Bulldogs have a small, silky coat and a thick tail.There are two types of American Bulldogs: the American Bulldog Scott type and the American Bulldog Johnson type. The former has a well-built lean frame, while the latter has a wider frame.The American Pitbull Terrier has a clean body when compared to the American Bulldog. Pitbulls come in a variety of colors, such as black, fawn, gray, red, and brindle. Their eye color differs from one dog to another. Several colors, like blue, hazel, green, and brown, can be seen.American Bulldog vs Pitbull: TemperamentBoth the American Bulldog and Pitbull have similar personalities. The difference in temperament is generally unnoticeable.American Pitbull Terriers and American Bulldogs are gregarious dogs that hate to be left alone. They are great family dogs. It is not advisable to leave them alone with children, though they are very affectionate. These heavy beasts can easily knock down your children, which can injure them. Pitbulls are also known as ’nanny dogs’ due to their relationship with children. However, one aspect that differentiates the temperaments of these dogs is how well they get along with other animals. In the olden days, Pitbulls were used in dogfighting. Hence, they are hostile and aggressive toward other pet animals like cats, any other dog breed, or other small animals. American Bulldogs are not that friendly either. However, over time, with proper training, they can cohabit with other animals peacefully. When trained at a young age, they will easily get along with other animals. Both these dog breeds are quiet and do not make much noise. They only bark when they are left alone or when they are enthusiastic.The American Bulldogs, as well as the American Pitbull Terriers, are not on the list of chronic barkers. Pitbulls love interacting with humans, so when compared to the American Bulldog, it is noisier. American Pitbull Terriers use a wide range of noises to convey different messages.American Bulldog vs Pitbull: Training & ExerciseThe American Bulldogs and the American Pitbull Terriers are well suited for labor and have ample amounts of energy. So, at the very least, they need an hour of exercise on a daily basis. They are much more comfortable in an extensive area. Pitbull Terriers are great running companions. American Bulldogs can overheat easily, so it is better to give them moderate workouts. Both these breeds have strong activity needs. In order to burn their energy, they need to exercise often. So, keeping them occupied with different tasks is very important. Pitbulls will need durable toys to chew on as they are tenacious.According to experts, it is usually advisable to train all dogs at an early age since they build resistance as they grow older. Both the American Bulldog puppy and the American Pitbull Terrier puppy are exceptionally bright. Owners must use caution with these dogs since they might be difficult to handle. Because these dogs do not get along with other animals, they must be allowed to socialize while they are young. As a result, owners must introduce their American Bulldogs and American Pitbull Terriers to other dogs and humans. Owners can begin socializing their pets between the ages of three and 12 weeks. If they are hard to manage, owners should send them to a dog school that will guide them and help them use their intelligence and potential to the fullest. The level of intelligence depends on how they are trained.American Bulldog versus American Pitbull: LifespanBoth of these dog breeds are quite healthy and live long lives. The life expectancy of an American Bulldog is 10-15 years. In 2019, reports stated that some American Bulldogs even lived up to 17-18 years. The life expectancy of an American itbull Terrier is 8-15 years. These muscular dogs live longer as they are active and do a lot of physical work.Did you know? Ear cropping is done in both breeds. The flappy portion of the ear, often known as the pinna, is removed in American Bulldog puppies, Pitbull puppies, and most guard dog puppies. The surgery is only performed on puppies that are 9-12 weeks old. Ear cropping is used to keep the ears of these dogs at a medium-size to give them a more aggressive and menacing look. Ear infections and other health problems are reduced when the ear is kept at a small or medium size.American Bulldog Vs Pitbull: Health ProblemsBoth breeds stay healthy throughout their lives and only have fewer health complications.American Bulldogs have some health problems. These problems are due to genetics and hence are not prevalent in all dogs. Other health problems that are prevalent in all dogs of this breed are ichthyosis, kidney disorder, thyroid disorder, bone cancer, cherry eye, elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, entropion, and ectropion. Ichthyosis and NCL can easily be identified by DNA testing. American Bulldogs also develop allergies as they grow up. Some dogs also have skull deformities, also known as brachycephaly.American Bulldogs have cataracts and breathing issues as well. The average rate of hip dysplasia is higher in American Pitbull Terriers. They are prone to develop congenital heart disease, patella problems and thyroid dysfunction are some of the health. Skin allergies and other skin ailments are less common in Pitbull Terriers that have a diverse coat color. American Pitbull puppies easily acquire parvovirus. So, it is important to vaccinate them when they are 39 days old. They should be vaccinated every two weeks until they are four months old. Demodex mange, a skin disorder caused by mites, is common in puppies with a compromised immune system. It can also be hereditary.Which is the right dog for you?While both dogs share a lot of similarities, you need to pay attention to the minute details before choosing which dog is the best-suited pet for you and your family.Here are a few things you need to consider before purchasing your pet dog:Size is the first thing. Big dogs tend to occupy more space. They also eat more. The American Bulldog is much larger than the American Pitbull. The American Bulldog loves to stay outdoors and is not really active indoors. So, if you are living in an apartment with less play area, you might want to think twice before choosing this dog breed. American Pitbull also demands space for playing. However, Pitbulls are okay with staying indoors. The American Pitbull is an ideal dog for owners who do not mind a naughty dog. The American Pitbull is active and has an aggressive temperament. Strict owners can easily manage these dogs. But if you are one of those owners who give in to the puppy eyes of your pet dog, the American Pitbull is not for you. Both these dogs are great family dogs. Pitbulls are clingy and form deep bonds with their owners.The American Bulldog has a laid-back temperament. So, the American Bulldog is the most popular family dog. The American Bulldog and Pitbull are great companion dogs and are loyal. If you are somebody who has little time and is not ready to spend a good amount of time on training and exercise sessions, then both of these dog breeds are not for you. Though they are not demanding, they are high-energy breeds that need regular exercise and training sessions. The price of Pitbulls can vary. But the usual cost is between $900 and $1000. The American Bulldog will cost around $1450–1500. Both of these breeds are friendly with children. But experts do not encourage families with small children to pick these breeds as they are too strong and somewhat aggressive. These breeds are well suited for families with older children. The grooming requirements of both dog breeds are the same. Their grooming needs include brushing once a week, giving them a bath once every month, and brushing and trimming their coats. Grooming the American Bulldog and Pitbull is easy.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for American Bulldog vs Pitbull, then why not take a look at Akita Pitbull mix, or Pitbull facts?
The American Pitbull Terrier (APBT) became famous in the 20th century after the story about its locking jaws spread throughout the world.
