Due to their similar appearance and physical characteristics, American Bulldogs and American Pitbull Terriers are often confused and mistaken for each other. The truth is that these two breeds differ a lot from each other based on characteristics, temperament, origin, and history, to name a few. Following is a list of all the fields in which these two beautiful breeds differ from each other.


1. History and Origin

American Bulldog

English Bulldogs were brought to the states by workingclass citizens. These dogs were really popular amongst the working class of the United Kingdom, and hence they were primarily brought to the states by the common folk to work on farms.

American Pitbull Terrier

Pitbulls got their name from the ratting pits they often sported in. This breed was specially brought from the British Isles to the United States to be used in the ratting pits. Ratting was a betting sport in which people bet to see how many rats a dog can kill in a specific time frame.

2. Appearances

The American Bulldog is much larger than pit bulls, standing tall anywhere from 22 to 27 inches. Bulldogs also overshadow pit bulls in the weight department and can weigh from 60 to 120 pounds.

American Pitt bulls are naturally smaller and lighter than American Bulldogs and can only hit the height threshold between 17 to 21 inches. They usually weigh 30 pounds, although they can go up to 60 pounds.


3. Temperament comparison


American Pit bulls were recently used in dogfighting rings and ratting pits, and that the exact reason why this breed was developed. Therefore, these dogs find it hard to leave their past behind. That’s why Pitbulls get the bad reputation of being violent and overly aggressive.

On the other hand, American Bulldogs are much more friendly than Pitbulls, and therefore they can be trained to not show aggressive behavior around other animals and strangers. But keep in mind that we are using American Pitbulls as a scale here, and if analyzed alone, American Bulldog can also be a really violent breed.

4. Training comparison


American Pitbull Terrier

The characteristic traits expected from American Pit Bull Terriers, behaviorwise, are strength, confidence, and zest for life. All in all, this breed is very friendly towards humans. Pitbull terriers these qualities very seriously and therefore can often act as stubborn, selfish, and not devoted enough. American Pitbull Terriers require a skilled and experienced owner who is ready to go strict with them in order to socialize them, and obedience trains them.

American Bulldogs

This breed is used to being around other animals as their primary purpose in their farm days was to handle and guard the cattle animals. Also, Unlike American Pit bulls, American Bulldogs are not that trusty towards strangers and won’t usually let them tress pass until you assure them that they are not a threat.

5.Grooming requirements

American Bulldogs and American Pitbull Terriers have different grooming requirements. American Pit bulls are well adapted to hot climates, and therefore they don’t need baths to cool them down. The same can’t be said about American Bulldogs as this breed is meant for colder places and therefore may require frequent baths to calm them down in summers.

6. Health and Exercise


American Pitbull Terrier

American Pitbull Terriers are generally quite healthy dogs and can live for up to 16 years, but just like any other dog breed, this breed is also prone to medical problems such as

• Hip Dysplasia
• Allergies
• Hypothyroidism
• Heart Disease

American Bulldog

Although also a healthy dog, bulldogs score lower in the health department as compared to American Pit Bull Terriers simply because they are susceptible to more problems and diseases. Bulldogs generally have a lifespan of 10 to 16 years. Some common disorders associated with this breed are as follows.

• Cataracts
• Mange
• Hypothyroidism
• Obesity
• Hip Dysplasia

The breed is also brachycephalic, meaning that they have small snouts and therefore can easily have respirationrelated problems