Last Updated on October 16, 2021 by Marco C.
The American Bulldog and Pitbull Terrier are two of the more intimidating breeds of Bulldog, with a fearsome reputation. However, both of these dogs have great personalities and many people are big fans! But when it comes down to American Bulldogs vs Pitbulls, which dog breed is better?
These two breeds of dog have many similarities, but also distinct differences. Let’s find out all there is to know about Pitbulls and Bulldogs and figure out which is the best!
Pitbull And Bulldogs – Similarities And Differences
To understand the similarities and differences between Pitbulls and American Bulldogs, we need to learn a bit more about these two dog breeds.
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American Bulldog
The American Bulldog is a medium-large-sized breed of dog. They are stocky and muscular and renowned for their athletic ability. Don’t be fooled by the sturdiness of this breed – they are very skilled at jumping great heights!
American Bulldogs are striking in appearance. They have a broad chest and strong body, with powerful limbs and a high, thin tail. Their cheeks are not as loose and wrinkled as other Bulldog breeds, and they have a wide, smiling mouth.
Many people are daunted by the fierce appearance of American Bulldogs. They can look very aggressive, especially when barking at an unknown visitor or delivery driver.
However, in reality, American Bulldogs are gentle and loyal dogs. They have a history of being used for fighting, but careful breeding has removed these aggressive instincts. However, they can have a dominant personality and need careful handling and training.
Learn more about: Breed Profile: American Bulldog Mix With A Pitbull
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American Pitbull Terrier
The American Pitbull (or Pit Bull) Terrier is a medium breed of dog, with an alert and intelligent appearance. Less muscular and stocky than the American Bulldog, the Pitbull is lithe and athletic. They have dark, kind eyes and ears which are held in a half-erect position.
Unfortunately, Pit Bull terriers suffer from a bad reputation – in fact, they are banned altogether in some countries. This is because they were used as fighting dogs in the past. This led to incidents where people and children were attacked by Pitbull Terriers.
However, these dogs actually have a loveable and gentle reputation. They are very loyal and will form a close bond with their human family.
Many people campaign against the ban on Pitbull breeds. They feel that this breed-specific legislation is unfair and discriminates against these breeds.
Are American Bulldogs and Pitbulls Dangerous?
So, if these two bulldog breeds were used for fighting, are they aggressive?
The reason that American Bulldogs and Pitbulls were chosen as a fighting breed is because of their strength, stamina, and agility. These traits were exploited and used to train them to fight other dogs. These dog breeds are not born with any more desire to fight other dogs than any other breed of dog.
One thing to bear in mind however is that good fighting dogs were often used for breeding. This could potentially increase the aggressive nature of the offspring. The result of this could be an overall increase of aggression in the breed.
The main area of concern when it comes to American Bulldogs and Pitbulls is how they react to other animals. Male dogs of both breeds can react fiercely to other male dogs. They are also inclined to chase prey, including other pets such as cats.
As with any dog breed, the key to reducing aggressive tendencies is through socialization and training. Both of these breeds have dominant personalities. It is advisable to seek expert help when training your Bulldog breed.
Bulldog Vs Pitbull – Which Is Larger?
Of these two Bulldog breeds, the American Bulldog is the larger and heavier.
This powerful breed weighs in at 60 to 120 pounds and stands 20 to 28 inches tall.
The American Pitbull Terrier is smaller than the American Bulldog but no less powerful. Pitbulls weigh between 30 and 85 pounds and are around 17 to 19 inches tall.
Which Is Better – American Bulldog Or Pitbull?
In all honesty, it would be impossible to pick a favorite when it comes to American Bulldogs vs Pitbulls! Which one you think is better will come down to your individual circumstances and preferences.
American Bulldogs are quite large and can jump high fences. If you have a smaller home, a Pitbull may be more suitable. They are potentially less likely to escape.
Both breeds are prone to similar health conditions, including hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism. Because of their short snouts, they are also susceptible to breathing difficulties. They will sometimes struggle to inhale enough air; this condition is called Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS).
Unfortunately, both of these dog breeds can also suffer from heatstroke. They have a large body mass and reduce breathing ability, so can struggle to stay cool. Neither of these breeds should be exercised in hot weather or left outside on sunny days.
When it comes to personality, the American Bulldog and Pitbull Terrier have many similarities. They are both dominant breeds of dogs and will need careful handling and training. However, if trained correctly, they make great family pets and will be very loyal to their humans!
What about price – is one of these breeds cheaper than the other? As with all Bulldog breeds, the price of American Bulldog and Pitbull puppies can vary widely. Expect to pay anything from $250 to $2000 for a puppy of either breed.
Before buying any type of Bulldog puppy, careful research is vital to find a reputable breeder. A cheaper puppy may come with multiple health problems. This means you could end up paying more in veterinary care in the long run.
Summary
So, as we have learned, when it comes to American Bulldogs vs Pitbulls there is no real winner! Each breed has its own traits and characteristics, and which one is best comes down to individual preference. Both breeds can make great family pets but need careful handling and training to avoid any aggressive tendencies.
We would love to hear about your experiences with American Bulldogs and Pitbulls – are you a big fan of these breeds? Perhaps you prefer one breed over the other, or just can’t decide? Add a comment below this post to let us know what you think!