Types of Pit Bull Dog Breeds

Meet the bully breeds that’ll melt your heart. By Courtney Elliott

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The term “Pit Bull” often gets thrown around haphazardly to describe any dog with a stocky, muscular build and short coat. But did you know that a Pit Bull isn’t a breed? It’s a commonly used catch-all term for any dog with Pit Bull-like features; a few breeds actually make up the Pit Bull group.
To better understand our pittie friends, let’s uncover the facts about the breeds considered Pit Bulls, the common characteristics they share, and why these loyal and loving pups are so often misunderstood.

What are Pit Bull dog breeds?

The five types of Pit Bulls include the American Bully, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and the American Bulldog. While these bully breeds share some similar characteristics, each one brings their distinct charm, quirks, and personality to the table. From the compact and lovable Staffordshire Bull Terrier to the robust and athletic American Bulldog, there’s a Pit Bull type for every dog lover out there.

What are the main characteristics of Pit Bull breeds?

Pit Bulls are known for being athletic, affectionate, and unconditionally devoted to their humans. Despite some unfair Pit Bull stereotypes proliferated by the media, pitties are gentle and patient in nature and make great family dogs.

When it comes to color and size, endless combinations make these big-hearted pups unique. The most common Pit Bull colors are black, brown, white, tan, gray, and brindle.

Depending on the breed and sex of the dog, they can weigh anywhere between 24 and 120 pounds. If you’re looking for a lap-size Pit Bull, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are the smallest of the bunch. And while American Bulldogs are the biggest, they definitely think they’re lap dogs.

Let’s break down each of these lovely bully breeds to see how they differ in size, temperament, and personality.

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American Bully

The American Bully is the newest addition to the Pit Bull family of breeds, first recognized as a breed by the American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) in 2004. These pups are the life of the party — outgoing, happy, and confident. They’re known for their eagerness to please, making them quick learners and great candidates for training. If you’re in need of a friend who’s always up for a cuddle session or game of fetch, the American Bully’s got your back.

These lovable pooches typically weigh between 65 and 85 pounds. Unfortunately, due to unethical breeding practices, these poor pups are prone to a lot of health issues like heart disease, hip dysplasia, and arthritis. So, if you’re considering welcoming an American Bully into your family, it’s important to go through a reputable breeder and keep a close eye on their health.

Weight: 65 and 85 pounds

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American Pit Bull Terrier

The American Pit Bull Terrier is all about personality and charm. Their happy-go-lucky nature makes them excellent family dogs, and their loyalty knows no bounds. They’re always ready to join in on an adventure or snuggle up on the couch. If you welcome an American Pit Bull Terrier into your home, you may notice a strong prey drive, so don’t be surprised if you catch them chasing all the things.

These athletic dogs are on the larger side of the Pit Bull group. With a weight range of 30 to 65 pounds, they fall right into that sweet spot of being big enough to be sturdy playmates yet compact enough for some serious cuddle sessions. Their short coat comes in a variety of striking colors like black, brown, white, tan, or gray, giving them a unique look that matches their distinctive character. American Pit Bull Terriers are recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) but not the American Kennel Club (AKC). Like any breed, they come with their own set of health considerations, so keep an eye out for issues like hip dysplasia, allergies, skin issues, and thyroid conditions.

Weight: 30 to 65 pounds

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American Staffordshire Terrier

With a big heart and a mellow personality, American Staffordshire Terriers are a popular pick for people looking for an endearing pittie friend. They love to love on their humans and literally everyone else (so they may not make the best guard dogs for this reason). They’re known for being very sociable and especially safe around kids, and their confidence and high intelligence make them extremely trainable, so feel free to teach yours all the cool tricks.

Weighing in at 40 to 70 pounds, you’ll find these pups in more than a dozen color combinations — in fact, they come in 18 standard colors, according to the AKC. While the American Staffordshire Terrier is recognized as a breed by the AKC, it is not recognized by the UKC. Common health issues that may crop up include skin and coat allergies, cardiac disease, and hip dysplasia.

Weight: 40 to 70 pounds

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Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are the ultimate people pleasers. They’re known for being affectionate and devoted to their families, and they’re always up for some playtime or snuggles on the couch. But here’s the catch: These little darlings can be prone to separation anxiety, so it’s best if you have people around the house most of the time. Staffies may also prefer the spotlight all to themselves. They often shine brightest as the only dog in the house, reveling in all the attention and affection you can muster.

These pint-sized Pit Bulls typically weigh in at a range of 24 to 38 pounds, making them the smallest of the bully breeds. But what really steals the show is their distinctly large heads, giving them that adorable and oh-so-pettable bobblehead appearance. You won’t be able to resist giving them a head scratch or two.

Weight: 24 to 38 pounds

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American Bulldog

Often referred to as “gentle giants,” the American Bulldog is known for their unwavering loyalty and affection. These athletic and outgoing pups thrive in an active household. Whether hiking, jogging, or playing a game of fetch, count them in for all the fun. American Bulldogs are easily recognizable by their shorter muzzles and deep, powerful chests, giving them a distinctive and rugged appearance. With a weight range of 60 to 120 pounds, they’re the largest of the Pit Bull breeds and make great guard dogs. Just make sure you socialize them from a young age so they don’t go into protection mode whenever they see another human outside your household.

Weight: 60 to 120 pounds

While these breeds are the only ones officially recognized as part of the Pit Bull family, it’s important to note that the term “Pit Bull” is often used broadly to describe any dog with similar features or characteristics. The widespread use of the term can lead to significant overreporting of aggression-related incidents involving dogs that may not actually belong to these recognized breeds. This inadvertently contributes to a false narrative surrounding Pit Bulls, suggesting that they’re inherently dangerous, when, in fact, their behavior depends on various factors like upbringing, training, and socialization. By understanding the nuances of breed identification and focusing on responsible pet parenting, we can dispel these misconceptions and foster a more accurate and compassionate perspective towards our pittie pals.

Commonly Asked Questions

Are Pit Bulls good family dogs?

Absolutely, Pit Bulls can be wonderful additions to the family. They’re overflowing with love and loyalty, and, with proper care, training, and socialization, these pups can be the ultimate playmates, not only for kids but also for other furry pals in your household. Their warm hearts and affectionate spirits make them ideal companions.

Are Pit Bulls dangerous?

No, Pit Bulls are not dangerous by nature. While they were originally bred for purposes like dog fighting and bull baiting, it’s essential to remember that they don’t come hardwired with aggression. Their temperament largely depends on factors like socialization, training, and the care they receive, which is the case for all dogs regardless of breed.

When it comes to temperament, Pit Bulls have proved their mettle. In fact, they performed remarkably well in one of the most extensive and comprehensive temperament tests conducted on dogs, coming second only to the sporting group. It’s also worth noting that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that a dog’s behavior primarily depends on responsible pet parenting rather than the breed itself. So, in a nutshell, it’s not about the breed, but how they are nurtured and cared for that truly matters.

How can I be a responsible Pit Bull parent?

Being a responsible Pit Bull parent is similar to being a good pet parent to any dog: It’s all about setting them up for success with training, frequent vet visits, early socialization, adequate nutrition, and lots of exercise and affection. If you decide to adopt a Pit Bull breed, ask the rescue organization about their history so you can address any behavioral or health issues from the get-go. If you decide to go through a breeder, make sure they have high-quality, ethical breeding practices to avoid any health or temperament concerns down the line.

References

Assessment of Canine Temperament in Relation to Breed Groups

Are “Pit Bulls” Different? An Analysis of the Pit Bull Terrier Controversy

Courtney Elliott, a proud Cleveland native living in Manhattan, blends her decade of writing and editing expertise with her unshakable devotion as a pet parent to her French Bulldog, Gus. When she’s not at her desk, you’ll find her frolicking in Central Park or engrossed in a good book at a local coffee shop.

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