If you walk down the street and see an American Bulldog or a Pitbull, there’s a good chance that you won’t be able to tell them apart. When you’re not an expert, certain dog breeds are too similar physically for you to be sure of what you’re looking at.
Now, if you want to be able to tell the difference between an American bulldog and a Pitbull before you get one for yourself, all you need to is learn the physical characteristics that make it easier to tell the difference.
So, are American Bulldogs and Pitbulls the same? American Bulldogs and Pit Bulls are not the same dog breed. They are recognized as completely different dog-breeds by the American Kennel Club. Now, they’re similar due to their shared ancestor the Old English Bulldog. This makes these two breeds similar when it comes to physical appearance and personality.
Still, the important thing is that they’re different dog breeds. If you’re considering which one to have as your companion dog or you just want to know how to tell them apart, you can find out below. Knowing the difference between these two breeds is important if you’re considering getting a puppy.
Depending on what you’re looking for in your new dog, one may be better than the other for you. Especially when you consider temperament, these breeds have quite the difference between them.
So, the first thing is that these breeds are not the same. Then, secondly, they do share some similarities and differences that are important to know if you’re considering getting a new puppy.
Shared Lineage
The main reason people get Pit Bulls and Bulldogs confused is that they do look alike. The reason for that is the shared lineage that they have. Both breeds descend from the Old English Bulldog, which is an extinct dog breed. The physical appearance of the Old English Bulldog is similar to a modern-day Pit Bull.
This is the main reason why these two dog breeds look so much alike that most people do get them confused if they see one of them on the streets. If you compare the two side by side, you’ll notice the difference. Now, if you’re just looking at one outdoors, it’ll be more difficult to tell.
Pit Bulls originated from the breeding of Old English Bulldogs and English Terriers. They were trying to combine their qualities to form a new breed. Some experts also argue that once the British brought the new breed to America, they mixed other dog breeds as well, but that’s not an official version of the story.
So, the important thing is to know that the reason that both breeds share similar characteristics is that they share a common ancestor. These make them have similar head shapes and body sizes.
Physical Similarities
Since we’ve established that these are not the same dog breed, we can try to understand their physical similarities. Some breeds are considered the same even though they have different names in different places. This is not the case with the American Bulldog and the Pit Bull. They’re completely different dog breeds, so you should get them mixed up.
The main physical similarity that you may notice is their head shape. They look very similar. If you look from a distance, they might even seem the same dog breed. They’re wide, which makes both breeds look menacing to most people. Also, both breeds have muscular bodies, which makes them very strong and resistant to pain.
So, you’ll notice that they do have similar bodies and head shape. The best way to tell the difference is to pay attention to the jaw. The Pit Bull’s mouth is more protuberant. It goes forward unlike the American Bulldog that has a jaw that looks compact. This is the best way to know the difference right away between a Pit Bull and an American Bulldog.
How To Tell Them Apart
The easiest way to tell them apart is to look at their ears. Since most people Pit Bull owners have the dog’s ears partially cut off, you can tell the difference right away. This does not happen to bulldogs. The only problem is if you come across a Pit Bull that has his full ears. In this case, the best that you can do is look for the difference that we talked about above.
Now, the best way to tell them apart if by their head shape. Pit Bulls have narrower heads while American Bulldogs have wider head shapes. Another thing is that Bulldog’s heads look larger, especially due to their jaws. The last thing is to notice their height. American Bulldogs are considerably taller than Pit Bulls;
So, if you want to tell them apart all you must do is to pay attention to their height, head shape, and ears. These are the best ways to be sure at which dog breed you’re looking at.
American Bulldog Temperament
The American Bulldog is a gentle and affectionate dog breed. It is pretty much a big lap dog, which makes them perfect for families. They’re very loyal to their people and are easy to form a bond with the entire family. These dog breeds do get an initial bad impression due to their large size and angry face, but they’re loveable giants.
Dogs, in general, are all good and loyal. All you have to do is to make sure that you establish a bond and that you have a real friendship with your four-legged friend. The best way to do this is to make sure that you play every day with your American Bulldog. This way you establish an unbreakable bond. It is even more important to do this in the first few months of life.
So, the American bulldog is a loving, gentle companion that it’s marked by his loyalty and confidence. The best way to make sure that you have their loyalty is to establish a bond through love, care, and playtime. The best way to do this is to get lots of toys and play with your dog every day. The Dog Rope Toys is the best dog toy pack for large breeds. Check it out here.
Pitbull Temperament Can Be Good
Pit Bulls did get a bad rep because of the people that were raising these dogs more than because of their real temperament. Pit Bulls are playful and friendly by nature. They’re protective and fearless, but this does not mean aggressive. The breed got this reputation due to criminals raising the dogs, clandestine dog fight, and breeders selecting only the most aggressive ones to procreate.
Now, with time, responsible dog breeders are trying to end the stigma. They’re selecting only the dogs with the best temperament, which always was the default of the breed. Pit Bulls are protective and fearless, but they’re not supposed to be used to harm others.
So, their temperament is good, especially if you raise them well. Dogs need a good place with people that love them. Not only that but they need to have a bond with you and be raised in an environment that makes them healthier with clean rooms and good food. The best food for large breeds is the Pro Plan BRIGHT MIND. It has all the nutrients to make sure that your Pit Bull grows healthy and strong. Get yours here.
Which One Is Perfect For You
Pit Bulls and American Bulldogs are great dogs, but they’re perfect for different people. Although you can have both in different profiles, the Pit Bull is great for people that want independent dogs and are single or married with no kids. Pit Bulls are good with kids but are not perfect for that.
Now, the American bulldog is perfect for a family since they’re, again, big lap dogs. They’re also more patient since kids do tend to be a little clueless about their strength and what hurts and what doesn’t.
So, if you’re still single or married with no kids, the Pit Bull is perfect. It requires more discipline from you in educating the dog, but they’re loyal and friendly. The American Bulldog is affectionate and gentle. The perfect dog for the entire family.
Make Sure To Train Them Early On
No matter what dog you decide to choose, you must make sure that you train them well. This is the foundation to make sure that you always have the best relationship with your dog.
Now, the best way to do this is to teach them discipline, command, and respect. You do this by walking them every day and teaching them how to behave. The way to do it is to use treats to make sure they understand what you want from them.
So, make sure to train your dog 5 minutes every single day. Use dog treats to generate a positive, fast response. The PURINA Beggin’ Dog Training Treats is the best dog treat for training. Grab yours here.
Final Thoughts
So, American Bulldogs and Pit Bulls are not the same dog breed. They share a common ancestor, which is the Old English Bulldog. That’s why they do look similar. The best way to tell them apart is by their head shape, height, and ears.
