Are Pit Bulls and Bulldogs Related? 6 Key Differences You Must Know

Many people often confuse American Bulldogs and American Pit Bull Terriers because they have many similar physical and behavioral traits.

Although they are entirely separate breeds, many people think they’re somewhat related. So, are Pit Bulls and Bulldogs Related? 

Pit Bulls and Bulldogs are related as they share a common ancestor. However, they are completely separate breeds. Because of their common ancestor, they share few physical characteristics, including having strong physical builds as well as short, glossy coats, but they have many differences as well. 

Keep reading to learn more about the key differences between Pit Bulls and Bulldogs, so you can tell them apart and choose the one that best suits your preferences.

Are Pit Bulls and Bulldogs Related?

Pit Bulls are somewhat related to Bulldogs because they share a common ancestor, as they both descend from old English Bulldog bloodlines.

However, Pit Bulls and Bulldogs are two completely separate breeds. There are various dog breeds that are referred to as Pit Bulls, including the American Pit Bull Terrier, the American Bully, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and American Staffordshire Terrier, but Bulldogs aren’t among them.

Since Pit Bulls and Bulldogs share a common ancestor, both appear similar at first glance. For instance, both the American Pit Bull Terrier and American Bulldog have impressive muscular builds and short shiny coats. You can learn more about what kind of coats Pit Bulls have here.

Even though there are many similarities between Pit Bulls and Bulldogs, there are also many differences that will help set them apart.

The 6 Key Differences Between Pit Bulls and Bulldogs

As mentioned before, there are many differences between Pit Bulls and Bulldogs, including origin, temperament, physical appearance, training, health, and cost.

So, let’s break down each of these differences in more detail:

History & Origin

Looking at the Pit Bull’s and Bulldog’s history and origins is one approach to identifying the difference between the two breeds.

American Bulldog

The American Bulldog is descended from the English Bulldog. 

In the 19th century, working-class immigrants brought their ancient English Bulldogs to America to aid with a variety of chores, such as farming, herding, and hunting.

The breed was named a Bulldog because they engaged in the English sport of bull-baiting, which included handling a bull to a post on the ground and urging dogs to attempt to bite the bull’s snout.

American Pit Bull

The American Pit Bull Terrier was developed by mixing Old English Bulldogs with terriers to generate a dog that blended the power of the Bulldog with the prey drive and speed of the Terrier. 

The Pit Bull Terrier became famous in the United Kingdom for the bull-baiting sport as well. However, these violent sports became illegal, and Pit Bulls were used as house pets instead.

Behavior & Temperament

American Bulldog

American Bulldogs are known for their courage, loyalty, and protective nature. They are generally good with children and other animals and make excellent family pets.

They can be independent and can be wary of strangers, but they are highly trainable and respond well to positive reinforcement techniques.

American Pit Bull

Pit Bulls are also friendly and loyal, but they can be more energetic and active compared to American Bulldogs.

They are known for their high prey drive, which means they may have a strong instinct to chase small animals. With proper socialization and training, however, Pit Bulls can be excellent family pets and are generally good with children and other animals.

These dogs are also recognized for their bravery and power, making them popular among dog owners for protection purposes. 

Physical Appearance

The physical appearances of an American Bulldog and an American Pitbull Terrier are close. However, they differ in several characteristics.

American Bulldog

Bulldogs are a medium-sized breed, typically weighing between 40 to 50 pounds and standing about 11 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder.

They are a muscular and compact breed with a distinct, stocky build. They have broad chests, big square heads, strong jaws, and ears that stick up.

When it comes to their colors are mostly white with red, black, brown, or brindle. They usually have brown eyes, but they can have any eye color. 

American Pit Bull

Pit Bulls tend to be larger than Bulldogs, typically weighing between 35 to 60 pounds and standing about 18 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder. You can learn more about when Pit Bulls become fully grown here.

They have a slimmer build compared to Bulldogs, and their head is more rounded. Their ears are typically folded over, unlike Bulldogs.

When it comes to their color, they come in a variety of colors, including red, blue, grey, and black. Some of their colors are rarer than others, with the Merle being the rarest color. You can learn about Merle Pit Bulls and why they’re so rare (and expensive) here.

Intelligence & Training-ability 

American Bulldog

American Bulldogs are very clever canines. They are highly trainable and respond well to positive reinforcement techniques such as treats and praise. They are also known for their eagerness to please their owners, which makes training easier.

So, if you want to train your American Bulldog properly, you must start the training process when it’s young. It must also be socialized with other dogs, toddlers, and children at a young age to avoid becoming violent.

American Pit Bull

Pit Bulls are also highly intelligent and trainable, but they can be more independent and have a higher prey drive compared to American Bulldogs.

They tend to be very energetic and active, which can make them more challenging to train, but they are also highly loyal and affectionate with their owners. With consistent and positive training methods, Pit Bulls can excel in obedience and agility training.

Cost

Costs are subject to change! However, here’s what you might anticipate spending for a Bulldog or Pit Bull puppy.

American Bulldog

In general, American Bulldogs tend to be more expensive than Pit Bulls due to their rarity and popularity. They are also more commonly found in specialty breeders, who may charge a premium for their puppies.

The average cost of American Bulldogs ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 or more.

American Pit Bull

Pit Bulls, on the other hand, are more commonly found in shelters and rescues, where they can often be adopted for a lower cost or even for free.

However, purchasing a pit bull from a reputable breeder can still be relatively expensive, especially if the puppy has desirable characteristics or comes from a champion bloodline.

The average cost of American Pit Bulls ranges from $500 to $2,500 and higher. It is also important to note that the cost of owning an American Pit Bull Terrier is not just limited to the initial purchase price. Other expenses such as veterinary care, food, training, and grooming must also be taken into consideration.

You can learn all about Pit Bull costs and expenses here.

Health Problems

American Bulldog

American Bulldogs are prone to certain health problems, such as a joint disorder that causes mobility problems as your dog matures. The breed is also prone to bone cancer and thyroid disease.

They are not particularly prone to allergies or skin conditions that make them difficult to manage, so they should be capable of living close to the normal average lifespan without difficulty. 

It is generally recommended to take your American Bulldog to the veterinarian on a frequent basis to make sure it’s in good health.

American Pit Bull

Pit Bulls are prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia, various skin conditions, allergies, and heart problems.

It is also generally recommended to take your Pit Bull to the veterinarian on a frequent basis to make sure it’s in good health.

Pit Bulls VS Bulldogs Conclusion: Which One Is Best for You? 

As you can tell, the American Bulldog and the Pit Bull Terrier are both excellent dog breeds.

Pit Bulls are not better than Bulldogs, nor are Bulldogs better than Pit Bulls. Both breeds have certain physical and behavioral characteristics that set them apart; choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference and lifestyle.

Here are some things to consider when deciding between an American Bulldog and a Pit Bull:

1. Energy level: American Bulldogs tend to be more laid-back and less energetic compared to Pit Bulls. If you have a more active lifestyle, a Pit Bull may be a better fit.
2. Space requirements: Both breeds can adapt to different living situations, but Pit Bulls tend to be more energetic and may require more space to run and play.
3. Socialization: Both breeds can be excellent with children and other animals with proper socialization, but Pit Bulls may have a higher prey drive and may need more training to curb this instinct.
4. Training: Both breeds are highly trainable and respond well to positive reinforcement techniques, but American Bulldogs may be more independent compared to Pit Bulls.

Both American Bulldogs and Pit Bulls can make great pets with the proper socialization and training. It is important to do thorough research, visit breeders and meet both breeds in person, and choose a breed that matches your lifestyle and personality.

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