In this post, we are going to be discussing the difference between an American Bully and a Pitbull. While these two dogs may look similar, they actually have quite a few differences.
Once you know a bit more about these differences, it will be much easier to decipher which one is which.
Is An American Bully A Pitbull?
Many people are confused about the difference between an American Bully and a Pitbull. Although they have some of the same DNA, they are not identical. American Bullies were developed to be pets, while Pitbulls were designed for fighting.
As a result, American Bullies are typically much less aggressive than Pitbulls. They also have a different build, with a larger head and broader chest.
The American Bully is not just a large version of the Pitbull. It is actually quite insulting that people reduce it to just that as a lot of thought and effort has gone into creating a family-friendly, loyal and protective dog.
That isn’t to talk down on the Pitbull either, they Both have similar traits and sometimes temperaments, but it’s clear to anyone making a detailed comparison of them that these two breeds come from completely different strains.
– One being an evolved form while another has remained consistent over centuries in both appearance and behavior patterns.
The History Of The XL American Bully (A Quick Look)
The XL American Bully is a large, powerful dog with a thick build and strong, muscular muscles. The American Bully was originally bred in the United States during the 1990s, with the aim of creating an ideal family pet.
Through years of selective breeding, American Bullies have been bred to be extremely friendly and loyal to their owners and their families – despite their tough exterior.
The XL American Bully is easily recognized by its large head and wide body, which creates an impressive and intimidating figure.
However, don’t let this appearance fool you -XL American Bullies are gentle giants at heart, and make great companions for those looking for a big, lovable dog.
American Bully Body & Appearance
- The chest of the American Bully is wide and deep, with a tight-fitting body.
- The ribs are well-sprung and the chest is broad.
- The extension of the forechest does not extend beyond the shoulder point.
- The back is strong and firm, and the loins are short and wide.
- The croup is slightly downward to the base of the tail.
- The tail is medium in length and may be popped or straight.
- The coat is dense and may be short or medium in length.
- The coat is glossy and may be solid in color or have markings.
- Markings may include brindle, merle, patches, reverse brindle or a variety of exotic colors and patterns.
- The head is large and blocky with a short muzzle.
- The eyes are round and may be any color.
- The ears are medium in size and may be cropped or natural.
- The American Bully will likely be physically fit with muscular development that is not excessive.
American Bully Behavior
Depending on how it has been socialized, of course. But generally speaking, Bully Breeds have been known to exemplify gentle and loving behavior with a high tolerance for children and strangers alike. American Bullies are excellent family pets due to their vivaciousness and enthusiasm.
They are easily trainable dogs that will excel in obedience with a firm, yet loving owner. These dogs also have an innate desire to please their guardians, which coupled with their loyalty results in an excellent pet for houses with children.
Their even temperament makes them great around other animals as well, so long as they have been properly socialized.
The History Of The Pitbull (A Quick Look)
The Pitbull has a long and complex history, dating back to the 1800s. Originally bred for dog fighting, these dogs were prized for their aggression and strength.
However, they were also carefully bred to be tolerant of humans, so that they would not bite their handlers.
Pitbulls are increasingly common as pets in light of dogfighting being prohibited. They can be excellent friends depending on how they have been trained.
Of course, their history still shapes their reputation as one of the most aggressive dog breeds in the world, and stories of maulings by Pitbulls continue to make headlines (even if on a rare occasion with little context of how their handlers might have contributed to the dog’s aggression.)
Pitbull Body & Appearance
- The pitbull’s body is compact and muscular, with a strong, thick build.
- They have a wide, deep chest, and their ribs extend well back.
- Their shoulders are broad and muscular, and their back is level and firm.
- Their loin is short and muscular, with a slight arch.
- Their tail is thick at the base and tapers to a point. Pitbulls have wide, powerful jaws and strong teeth.
- Their ears are small and set high on their head.
- They have a short, smooth coat that can be any color.
- Pitbulls are medium-sized dogs, weighing between 30 and 60 pounds.
- They are about 18 inches tall at the shoulder.
Pitbull Behavior
While Pitbulls can make excellent companion dogs for families, they also have a certain level of canine aggressiveness that must be carefully managed by their owners.
Pitbulls require obedience training and socialization in order to prevent negative behaviors from developing.
However, with the proper care and training, Pitbulls can be friendly and loving pets. They are also intelligent and agile dogs that excel in many different types of activities.
Training & Socializing Both American Bullies & Pitbulls
It’s important to train and socialize all dogs from an early stage, but it’s especially important for pitbulls. Pitbulls are often misunderstood and feared, which can lead to them being mistreated.
As a result, they can be aggressive or even dangerous if they’re not properly trained and socialized. However, pitbulls are actually very loyal and loving dogs. With the right training and socialization, they can be wonderful pets.
When training a pitbull, it’s important to be consistent and firm. They respond well to positive reinforcement, so praise and treats are often effective motivators. Socialization is also crucial for pitbulls.
It’s important to introduce them to as many different people and animals as possible, so that they learn to be comfortable around new people and situations. With the right care, pitbulls can make great companions.
When it comes to American Bullies, however, they have been bred to be more gentle and loving. As a result, they are often less aggressive and easier to train than Pitbulls.
They still require early socialization, but you will find that they adopt commands and take discipline very well.
An American Bully will want to please you and make you happy, so they will respond very well to training and constant socialization.
What Breeds Make up American Bully?
To add to the confusion, the American Bully is sometimes also referred to as the Bullypit or Bulldogpit.
So, what exactly is an American Bully? In short, it is a hybrid dog that has been created by mixing several different bully breeds.
The American Bully is made up of the following dog breeds:
| Breed | Date Established | Build |
|---|---|---|
| American Pit Bull Terrier | 19th Century | Muscular, athletic, and powerful |
| American Bulldog | 19th Century | Stocky and powerful build |
| Bulldog | 16th Century | Compactly built, strong and muscular |
| English Bulldog | 16th Century | Muscular and powerful, with a large head and strong jaws |
| Olde English Bulldogge | 1970s | Muscular and athletic, with a broad chest and powerful jaws |
| French Bulldog | 19th Century | Small and muscular, with a large head and short muzzle |
| Boxer | 19th Century | Compact, powerful, and energetic build |
The most common breeds that are used in the creation of American Bullies include the American Pit Bull Terrier, the English Bulldog, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
However, there can also be some variations depending on which part of the country you are in. For example, in California, it is not uncommon to see American Bullies that have been bred with French Bulldogs or American Bulldogs.
You will also want to know more about each of their temperaments and how they craft the American Bully we know and love today.
It will help to explain why the breed is fast becoming a family favorite!
| Breed | Purpose | Temperament |
|---|---|---|
| American Pit Bull Terrier | Bull baiting, hunting | Intelligent, loyal, and affectionate |
| American Bulldog | Hunting, farm work | Loyal, courageous, and loving |
| Bulldog | Bull baiting, guarding | Affectionate, gentle, and loyal |
| English Bulldog | Bull baiting, guarding | Sweet, affectionate, and calm |
| Olde English Bulldogge | Bull baiting | Loyal, playful, and intelligent |
| French Bulldog | Companion | Playful, affectionate, and adaptive |
| Boxer | Hunting, guarding | Alert, loyal, and energetic |
The breeds that were used to create the American Bully were chosen for their strong and muscular builds, as well as their loyalty and affectionate temperaments.
These traits make them suitable for serving as protective and loving family dogs
The Chow Down…
In summary, the American Bully and the Pitbull are two very different dogs. The American Bully was bred to be a family companion, while the Pitbull was originally bred for dogfighting.
Their differences can be noticed in all areas, from their appearance to their behavior.
