Pit bulls and bulldogs come from the same breed and look very similar at first glance. However, upon closer inspection, the dogs have numerous differences:
- #1 Bulldogs are primarily service dogs
- #2 Pit bulls are predominantly fighting dogs
- #3 Bulldogs are bigger
- #4 Pitbulls are more defined
- #5 Pitbulls have fewer spots
- #6 Bulldogs are heavier
- #7 Pitbulls don't have wrinkles on their faces
- #8 Bulldogs have broader chests
- #9 Pit bulls are more aggressive towards other animals
- #10 Bulldogs are a little more reserved
- #11 Pitbulls are more lively and energetic
- #12 Bulldogs are even more affectionate
- #13 Pit bulls are around twice as expensive
- #14 Bulldogs get sick more often
- #15 By law, pit bulls must wear a muzzle
- #16 Bulldogs are less easy to train
- #17 Pit bulls get older
To clarify: When we talk about a “pit bull” in this article, we are referring to the American Pit Bull Terrier. In addition, “Bulldog” is used here as an abbreviation for the American Bulldog.
Then let's take a closer look at the two breeds.
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Ancestry & History
Both the American Pitbull Terrier and the American Bulldog come from the same race from – the so-called “Olde English Bulldogge”. [1, 2]
And yes, it really does mean “olde”. Both have their roots in England. In addition, both bulldogs and pit bulls used to be “Bullbaiting” used.
In this cruel “sport” dogs and bulls fought to the death. Fortunately, these days such animal fights are forbidden. [3]
So much for the similarities. Then let's get to the differences:
- #1 Bulldogs are primarily service dogs
Like its direct ancestor, the American Bulldog belongs to the “Molosser” group. This refers to dogs that are particularly muscular and bulky.
This breed was primarily developed for… Work on the farm used. There she served as a guard dog, shepherd dog and sometimes also as a hunting dog.
This breed almost died out during World War II. However, thanks to a few dedicated dog breeders, the dogs were able to be preserved. [4]
- #2 Pit bulls are predominantly fighting dogs
Pit bulls were created with the goal of combining the strength of a bulldog with the agility of a terrier. This also explains why they belong to the “terrier” group.
Until the 20th century, American Pitbull Terriers were used primarily for bear and bull baiting as well for dog fighting used. [5]
Only when these cruel fights were increasingly banned did hunters also use the dogs to hunt wild boar. Nowadays they are also used as guard dogs.
Pit bulls and bulldogs share common ancestors and were both used in bullbaiting. However, the American Bulldog was primarily used for farm work, while American Pitbull Terriers were initially purely fighting dogs.
Look
At first glance, pit bulls and bulldogs look very similar. Because they share numerous visual similarities:
- Both have very short hair (
- Both are very muscular.
- Both have a large head and wide teeth.
- Both have medium-sized ears.
- Both have long and hard cocks.
Now about the differences:
- #3 Bulldogs are bigger
When fully grown, American Pitbull Terriers have a shoulder height of between 45 and 53 cm. Females are usually 2-3 cm smaller. [6]
American Bulldogs, on the other hand, grow between 56 and 69 cm tall. The females are slightly smaller, but still larger than a pit bull.
- #4 Pitbulls are more defined
When fed a species-appropriate diet, American Pitbull Terriers naturally have less body fat than bulldogs. This makes your muscles much easier to see.
- #5 Pitbulls have fewer spots
A typical American Bulldog is white with brown or black spots. Pit bulls, on the other hand, are more often completely brown or brown with white spots.
- #6 Bulldogs are heavier
An American Bulldog weighs up to 45 kg while an American Pitbull Terrier only weighs around 27 kg. So bulldogs are literally “beefier”. [7]
- #7 Pitbulls don't have wrinkles on their faces
Bulldogs usually have several wrinkles around their muzzle and forehead. In American Pitbull Terriers, on the other hand, the skin on the face is predominantly smooth and wrinkle-free.
- #8 Bulldogs have broader chests
Since pit bulls also have terrier ancestors, their chests are significantly narrower in comparison. Bulldogs' heads are also wider in direct comparison.
Since pit bulls and bulldogs come from the same breed, they have many visual similarities. In general, however, American Bulldogs are significantly larger and beefier. American Pitbull Terriers, on the other hand, are more often solid colored and more defined.
#3 Characteristics
Because of their common ancestry, pit bulls and bulldogs have many character similarities. This includes:
- Both are very loyal and protective.
- Both are very confident and courageous.
- Both have a strong hunting instinct.
- Both are very energetic and playful.
- Both are family and child friendly.
However, since pit bulls are a cross between bulldogs and terriers, there are also some key differences:
- #9 Pit bulls are more aggressive towards other animals
Cats and other pets are generally not a good idea with American Pitbull Terriers. Bulldogs are generally much friendlier towards other animals. [8]
- #10 Bulldogs are a little more reserved
American Bulldogs can react a little more cautiously and suspiciously to strangers. Pit bulls, on the other hand, are noticeably more open.
In addition, both breeds tend to behave silly and clown-like when they are excited or particularly happy. The saying applies here: “Hard shell, soft core”.
- #11 Pitbulls are more lively and energetic
Here too, the characteristics of terriers come into their own. Because in direct comparison, American Pitbull Terriers are visibly livelier and more entertaining.
- #12 Bulldogs are even more affectionate
In many ways, American Bulldogs behave like large lap dogs. They get along very well with children and babies, and can also be used to cats.
Don't get me wrong: American Pitbull Terriers are also very warm-hearted. They are just a little less affectionate compared to bulldogs.
Pit bulls and bulldogs are both very loyal, confident, energetic and playful. However, American Pitbull Terriers are somewhat more lively and aggressive towards other animals in comparison. American Bulldogs, on the other hand, are a little more reserved and warm-hearted.
Miscellaneous
There are several differences when purchasing, caring for and caring for animals. Let's take a look at these together:
- #13 Pit bulls are around twice as expensive
American Bulldogs usually cost between €1,000 and €1,500 to purchase. American Pitbull Terriers, on the other hand, cost an average of between €2,500 and €4,000.
In addition, you have to expect significantly increased costs for dog liability insurance for a pit bull. Many companies don’t even insure fighting dogs.
- #14 Bulldogs get sick more often
Both American Pitbull Terriers and Bulldogs are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and demodicosis. [9, 10]
The American Bulldog also suffers more often from breathing problems and cataracts. Pit bulls, on the other hand, are more prone to skin allergies but generally get sick less often.
- #15 By law, pit bulls must wear a muzzle
American Pitbull Terriers are among the so-called “list dogs”. These dogs must wear a muzzle in public due to their increased risk potential.
Exemption is only possible if a so-called “character test” is carried out. Here the dog has to prove that it poses no danger.
American Bulldogs are not considered fighting dogs and are therefore exempt from this regulation.
- #16 Bulldogs are less easy to train
Both pit bulls and bulldogs are only moderately trainable. Since they tend to be stubborn, they need a strict owner.
Both breeds are therefore rather unsuitable for first-time owners. However, in direct comparison, American Pitbull Terriers are somewhat easier to train. [11, 12]
In addition, both dog breeds need a moderate amount of exercise and bark a moderate amount compared to other dogs.
- #17 Pit bulls get older
American Bulldogs live an average of 10 to 12 years. Since pit bulls are a lot smaller, they usually live between 12 and 15 years. [13]
Furthermore, both breeds shed little to an average amount. They are also considered relatively clean. They only stink – if at all – when they are wet.
Compared to bulldogs, American Pitbull Terriers are slightly more expensive, are more trainable, live longer and get sick less often. American Bulldogs are allowed to run around in Germany without a muzzle.
Pitbull vs. Bulldog – Which is the better choice?
There is no general answer to this. Because it depends on the individual situation and your personal preferences.
When a American Bulldog the better choice is:
- If you have other pets.
- If you want to walk your dog without a muzzle.
- If you want to save money on the purchase.
When a American Pit Bull Terrier the better choice is:
- If you've never had a dog before.
- If a long lifespan is important to you.
- If you want to carry your dog every now and then.
Both dog breeds definitely need an experienced trainer. As a first-time owner, an English bulldog is much more suitable.
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