American Bulldog Vs Pitbull Terrier is a difficult decision. Especially if you are looking to adopt a loving, protective, responsible, durable, and sturdy dog, it will be challenging to choose. Both the breeds are very similar in their appearance, for which people are often confused.
To provide you with enough information to choose the right breed for you, we have compiled a comparison of both breeds. It includes their history, physical appearance, price, exercise, grooming, etc.
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American Bulldog Vs Pitbull – History & Origin
To understand both breeds, you must have a look at their history and origin.
American Bulldog History:
As mentioned above, the American Bulldog puppies are a product of interest in Bullbaiting in England. American Bulldog breed belongs to the mastiff group and roots back to the blood lineage of the Old English Bulldog. Initially used for guarding and bull-baiting from which it takes its name Bulldog. This breed has got fame for its farming abilities.
They proved to be best for farm work as well as for protecting the cattle from the wild pigs. Surprisingly, the breed suffered in the early 20th century, and it was about to extinct around World War II time. However, it survived with the efforts of Dr. D. Johnson, and some breeders again bred it for its characteristics. This made it a good family dog or maybe better than a farm dog.
American Pitbull Terrier:
Pitbull finds its origin with the breeding of Old English Bulldogs and Old English Terriers from the lands of Ireland and England. Just like the American Bulldog, Pit Bull Terrier was also a dog breed for sports like ratting, dog fighting rings. Ratting refers to a competition between two opponent’s dogs that will kill all the rats in a pit the fastest.
The game was arranged in a pit because it made it easier to keep the mice in one place. From this pit game, it takes its name the Pit Bull. When dogfighting and ratting lost popularity among people, pitbull become a family dog. Despite their wild history, they proved to be tolerant of other dogs like Labrador.
American Bulldog Vs Pitbull – Lifespan
Both these breeds are considered a healthy breed and do not have many health issues. This is the reason that they spend a long and healthy life as compared to other dogs. Both these breeds can live an average life of about 15 years. American Bulldog has a life span of about 10 to 15 years, whereas the Pitbull breed has a life span of 8 to 15 years.
Physical Appearance Of American Bulldog And Pitbull
When it comes to appearance, there not much difference in the American Bulldog Vs Pitbull Terrier comparison. Both the puppies are quite similar in their appearance.
The appearance of American Bulldog:
The well- balanced athletic American Bulldog weighs 75-100 pounds in males and 60-80 Pounds in females. They have a life expectancy of about 10-15 years. The height varies between 20-27 inches in males and 20-24 inches in females. Bulldogs have a sturdy and robust appearance overall. They have powerful jaws, deep & broad chest, and large attractive heads.
The breed comes mostly with white color having red, black, brindle, or brown patches. The tail is thick, and the coat is small. The eyes are mostly brown. However, there is an equal chance that it may be of any other beautiful color with black eyeliner.
The appearance of Pitbull:
The body of a Pitbull can be described as Strong jaws, broad Skull, and lean mass, just like the American Bulldog. Their weight ranges between 16-27 kg in males and 14-23 in females. In height, American Pitbull is somewhat shorter than an American Bulldog and stands approximately 17 to 21 tall. The shiny coat of Pitbull can be of different colors such as red, blue, grey and black, etc.
Temperament Comparison Of Both Breeds
There is nothing much in American Bulldog and Pitbull temperament. They have almost the same behaviors. Both the breeds are loving and friendly towards people. They may exhibit anxiety and worrisome behavior if they are left alone for long periods. You should not leave children alone with some dog and with a dog having such strength and wild lineage.
The Behavior of Pitbull Towards Other Pets:
Let humans aside, when it comes to tolerate or interact with other animals, the breeds differ significantly in their response. As the Pitbull puppies have a recent history of dogfighting, they are quite aggressive towards cats and other small dogs.
The Behavior Of American Bulldog Towards Other Pets:
Having said that regarding Pitbull, American Bull Dog is also not very friendly with other animals. However, if it is trained and socialized with other animals in its early childhood, then it can work. It has a significant tendency to get along with them and develops a level of tolerance in bulldog puppies.
Either an American Bulldog or an American Pitbull Terrier, both are not the breeds for inexperienced dog owners. They are not too good to go to a dog park. Even if they did not start a fight, but surely, they will be the ones to end it.
American Bulldog Vs Pitbull – Training
Training of both strong and stubborn breeds is a difficult task, and only a persistent and patient dog owner can handle that. Although they are intelligent, agile, and strong, they need proper time. It has been seen that early training, as well as old age socializing, is a must for both puppies. All they need to be tamed is a firm but friendly hand to establish boundaries for them.
You might need to give your dog small treats or gentle patting for performing well. Provide your puppy with the best training practices and with exposure to other dogs, people, and children other than home. It will help to shape their behavior inside as well as outside their comfort zone.
They get easily bored, so you must not repeat one thing again and again. Positive reinforcement polishes your dog skills even more and brings out obedience at its best. If you are firm and kind to them, you will know how intelligent and eager for learning these breeds are.
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American Bulldog Vs Pitbull – Exercise Requirements
The American Bulldog and American Pitbull both are athletic dogs with lots of energy, stamina, and a muscular body. Therefore, in an American Bulldog Vs American Pitbull comparison, no one wins. Both the puppies need a lot of exercise and stimulation both physically as well as mentally.
Exercise for American Bulldog:
American Bulldogs have been seen to enjoy activities such as jogs, hikes, and training games. They need ultimate mental stimulation as they are always ready to learn new things and tricks. Constant and frequent exercise helps this breed to develop Bulldog’s athletic abilities and to keep him healthy and happy.
As mentioned above, they produce several behavioral issues if they are left alone for long periods. It also happens if their energy is not being appropriately channeled. These issues may vary from being isolated to being destructive.
Exercise for Pitbull:
Pitbull also needs proper mental and physical stimulation daily to stay fit and healthy. The Pitbull puppies exhibit an overall high spirited and fearless personality. To channelize their energy, a Pitbull dog requires at least one hour of extreme workout. This is the minimum limit; however, they are never too tired to say no to more work.
If they do not get the chance to release their piled-up energy, they may start barking unnecessarily, digging, and destructive behaviors. They may even escape so that they could give themselves a treat on their own.
Health Issues Comparison of Both Breeds
Although both the breeds are healthy and robust, there are some health concerns with both breeds such as
- Hip or elbow dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Demodectic mange
Apart from these common issues, the American bulldog breed is vulnerable to cataracts and breathing problems. On the other hand, the Pitbull breed is more prone to skin allergies.
Mentioning these health issues does not mean that every dog of the breed will develop these issues. Still, it means to stay vigilant about the problems mentioned above and maintain a regular checkup routine with your vet.
American Bulldog Vs Pitbull – Grooming
Grooming of the dog should be the topmost concern of pet parenting. It should be considered on priority when choosing a dog for your home. American Bulldog, as well as American Pitbull Terrier both, are an excellent choice in this regard as both are low maintenance breeds. Their short coat does not need to be brushed so frequently; however, they may shed seasonally.
However, they might need occasional baths. In the case of the breeds, brushing the coat once a week is enough as they do not have a large coat.
Brushing and Trimming Nails:
Brush its teeth once a week so that no tar accumulates in its mouth. You need to trim its nails twice a month because they may hurt. They hurt while walking if they are too long to clench on the floor.
Bathing:
You must keep in mind that neither of the breeds needs frequent bathing. It may result in dryness and other skin problems otherwise. Moreover, you need to choose wisely about the shampoo you use to bathe your dog.
Last but not least, you need to check and clean your dog’s ears once a week to avoid any infections or skin abnormalities.
Price Difference Between Both Breeds
The price of American Bulldog and Pitbull can vary. An average estimate of a Pitbull Terrier is around 900 dollars. Whereas, for buying an American Bulldog puppy, the average price will be about 1500 dollars that you have to pay. Depending upon the price, you can choose between American Bulldog and Pitbull accordingly.
American Bulldog vs Pitbull – Shedding
No doubt that both of these breeds shed like other dog breeds. However, the amount of shedding is moderate. You must prevent your dog from dehydration during the period of heavy shedding. It will help your dog. Moreover, brushing once or twice a week will also be helpful.
The Popularity Of Both Breeds
Both of these breeds differ in the matter of their popularity. American Bulldog is more popular than Pitbull. If to talk about their ranking according to AKC, Pitbull stands on 81st position out of 194. On the other hand, Bulldog is on 4th number out of 194.
American Bulldog Vs Pitbull – Companionship
These breeds are known to be very strong and muscular. However, they adapt well to family settings and prove to be good family dogs. They are loyal, loving, courageous, and fearless breeds and have almost similar needs regarding training and socializing.
These breeds are excellent companions for experienced dog owners. This is because; it needs a lot of patience to bring out the best of these breeds. Socializing is very important at an early age, so your dog can interact with others. It will help in the comfortable and positive social interaction of your dog.
Conclusion
American Bulldog Vs. pitbull is a difficult decision; however, the above comparison will help you. Similarities and differences between physical appearances, price, training, grooming, etc., have been discussed above.
American Bulldogs are more popular than Pitbull, but American Bulldog is expensive as well. Therefore, based on the comparison made above and according to your budget, you can now make a choice.
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