Surely you already know that this is a controversial topic. When it comes to Pitbulls, opinion often varies depending on the breeder or owner. Is there a pit bull breed? How many types of pit bulls are there? Take a look at the following summary of the different popularly recognized types of Pitbull’s chart, where they come from, how they differ…and much more.
Table of Contents
What is a pit bull exactly?
Pitbull is the name under which the type of dog descended from the bulldog and terrier breeds are recognized. In other words, the so-called pit bulls emerged as a “type of dog”, not as a breed. These share similar physical characteristics and can be purebred or mixed. Many of them are not even recognized by international associations and kennel clubs.
See later: What is the Origin of the Pitbull? Know the History and its Ancestors
What are the types of Pitbulls?
Strictly speaking, we cannot say that there are types of Pitbulls. The authentic pit bull is the American Pit Bull Terrier or APBT, a unique dog with no variations. However, that is a term widely used to refer to other related, independent bloodlines. They are considered bull-type terriers.
Even so, it is common that all these dogs are still grouped under the common name of “pit bulls”, especially in the popular field. Generally, there are 5 types of pit bull dogs:
- The American Pit Bull Terrier (American Pitbull Terrier)
- The American Staffordshire Terrier (American Staffordshire Terrier)
- The American Bully (American Bully)
- The American bulldog (American Bulldog)
- The Staffordshire bull terrier
Let’s see what its main characteristics are and how they differ…
1. American Pit Bull Terrier
This is the one and only true pitbull. It is said that the other bull-type terriers were created from him. Contrary to what many think, aggressiveness is not a pronounced trait in their behavior. The American Pit Bull Terrier has a friendly and balanced personality, is highly intelligent, and shows a good disposition for work.
Their weight can range between 13 and 25 kilograms (28 and 55 pounds), reaching 6-8 inches taller than other pit bulls; for example, it is usually taller than the Staffordshire bull terrier.
Although it has traditionally been bred as a fighting dog and still retains certain aggressive traits, the truth is that the American Pit Bull Terrier is friendly and obedient by nature.
American Pit Bulls can be either a Red Nose Type or a Blue Nose Type. This does not mean that there are two separate varieties or breeds. Both specimens have the same physical characteristics and the same temperament.
Note: Red-nosed pit bulls and blue-nosed pit bulls are the results of breeding red noses to red noses, or blue noses to bluenoses, depending on the desired color.
Red nose pitbull
Characterized by their red nose and copper-colored coat, these specimens are highly admired among lovers of pit bulls. It is said that they come from an Irish line called the Old Family Red Nose (OFRN), and therefore were brought to America by the Irish, who traditionally used them as co-workers in bull fattening.
You will be able to identify a “red nose” from birth; puppies are born with the distinctive reddish color not only on their nose, but also on their eyes, nails, and fur. It should be noted that the tone can vary between reddish, brown, or copper.
The red-nosed pit bull is like all of his breed: smart, trainable, loyal, and gentle. It suits most families, especially when you have experience dealing with large, powerful dogs.
Blue-nose pitbull
The blue-nosed pit bull is distinguished by its bluish-colored nose and coat. Many breeders tend to market it as a rare type of pit bull, which is why it is extremely desired and admired. Like the red-nosed pit bull, it can also be easily recognized from birth; Puppies are born with blue noses, showing shades of blue and gray in their nails, eyes, and fur.
He is a great lover of family fun. He does very well while being kept busy exercising or playing in the yard, but the “blue nose” has a downside, and that is his health.
Because the blue and gray tones are caused by a recessive gene that produces low levels of melanin, these dogs can experience a variety of health conditions, including a weakened immune system, deafness, cataracts, alopecia, and heart problems.
2. American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier is another “pit bull” or bull-type terrier, whose origin describes it as a working dog. Breeding is said to date back to the 1970s when Americans preferred a versatile working dog.
He is considered to be the strongest and tallest among the different types of Pitbulls, weighing approximately 60 to 90 pounds and averaging 17 to 19 inches in height. However, his drive to perform very heavy tasks and his natural aggression level is usually relatively minor.
Fans of the American Staffordshire Terrier will be able to find specimens with plain, bicolor or spotted coats. Although he is described as a calm pitbull, it is important to note that he still retains his strong instincts.
3. American bully
Also included in this group, there is no doubt that the “bully” is a very peculiar dog. It is the result of crossbreeding between the American Pit Bull Terrier, the Staffordshire Terrier, and English Bulldogs. It can measure between 16 and 20 inches, reaching a weight proportional to its height.
The American Bully possesses great fighting instincts and a strong drive for hard work, both traits inherited from his parents, but that doesn’t stop him from making an excellent family pet.
Being such a popular dog among breeders, different breeding lines have already emerged. These are the types of American bullies recognized so far:
- Standard
- Classic
- XL
- Extreme
- Pocket-size
Note. Due to the evolution and standardization of this dog as a separate breed, many have stopped considering it as a type of pit bull.
4. American Bulldog
Another of the most popular and controversial pitbull breeds, the American bulldog, emerged as a guard, working, and tracking dog. He was commonly assigned the task of watching the house or performing tasks that required strength and endurance. It is an assertive, loyal and affectionate dog, which is why it is also considered a good companion for the family.
Recommended: How Many Types of American Bulldog Are There?
5. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is considered a lightweight dog, ranging in weight from 24 to 38 pounds and 14 to 16 inches tall. As his name suggests, he was first bred in Staffordshire, England, where coal miners began searching for a lighter, faster, and more reliable working dog.
It is a compact, muscular and agile dog. While some bull-type terriers may display territorial behavior toward other dogs and animals, this one shows a friendly nature, particularly with children. Staffordshire Bull Terriers are intelligent, playful, and full of vitality. The strong bond they develop with their owners makes them one of the best family dogs.
Note. It should be noted that these are not the only specimens labeled as pit bulls. Mixed dogs such as the Chamuco (Mexican Pit Bull), Spike, Monster Blue, Colby, Stuffawler, Cobra, Tex Mex, Johnsons, Villaliberty, and the Pynat are often included in this group, but the truth is that they are not officially recognized as breeds or like pit bulls.
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Quick Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there so many types of pit bulls?
Unlike other breeds and types of dogs, Pit Bulls don’t fall into one category; There is a wide variety of breeds that are considered to be Pit Bulls. Due to the absence of a central registration system, breeders have some freedom to breed dogs according to their choice and preference, with virtually no authoritative body to oversee them.
This is coupled with the fact that most Pit Bull breeders and owners are of a younger generation. Many of them prefer their bloodline to be known for having certain physical characteristics, abilities, or attributes, rather than the traits stipulated by a standardized system.
Sometimes this process leads to remarkable results, inspiring other dog breeders to follow the same path. This is why new unofficial bloodlines and subtypes keep appearing, without much structure or organization.
Which breed is the closest to the original pit bulls?
In terms of physical characteristics and a bloodline, the American Pit Bull Terrier is the only one closest to the original Pit Bulls. Like these, the current American Pit Bull shows traits of tenacity and courage. It can be aggressive towards other animals but is generally friendly and obedient towards humans.
What dogs are wrongly classified as pit bulls?
Yes. Many people often confuse the muscular structure of some dogs with the robust appearance of the pit bull, but in reality, they are not. These are some of the breeds mistakenly considered to be types of pit bulls:
The boxer
The Boxer is a brave and devoted dog, originally bred in 19th-century Germany. He is often mistaken for Pit Bulls due to his muscular body and confident stance.
The mastiff or presa canario
This dog was originally bred in Spain for livestock work. His firm posture and muscular body give him a great physical resemblance to many pitbull dogs.
The Italian mastiff
This muscular dog of Italian origin is among the most popular guard dogs in the world. His large head is the most notable feature, although his muzzle is probably the cause for some to think he is a pit bull. The truth is that it is a much taller dog, with characteristics inclined towards the mastiff breed.
The Argentine Dogo
Without a doubt, it is a strong and powerful dog against which few attackers could stand a chance. Firm posture and well-formed muscles are also the main causes of confusion in this case.
The bulls terrier
Of all the dogs that we have mentioned in this list, the bull terrier is the least similar to traditional pit bulls. Its particular head, similar to the shape of a shark, distinguishes it among all other races. However, his stubbornness and muscular body make him seem like a potentially aggressive dog, hence why many people mistake him for a pit bull.
