Despite the debate surrounding an American Bully (with more regions banning the breeds outright), more and more fur parents are opening their pleasant homes to Bully rescues.
But while much of the negative rep surrounding such dogs is overblown, it is still essential to determine exactly what you are getting into before bringing home a Bully.
So, if you are interested in learning more, keep reading to learn the differences and similarities between these two breeds.
Is An American Bully A Pitbull?
No, American Bullies may look like Pitbulls but they are not the same. The two breeds have many differences that set them apart but, both are in the same family.
Bullies are bred from Old English Bulldog and English Bulldog.
Did you know that American Bullies were produced over the years by breeding the American Pitbull Terrier and American Staffordshire and including other Bullies throughout the breeding process?
They’re bred to have a more muscular body and a bigger bone structure. Further, their coat was made from Bulldog and American Staffordshire breeds. That’s why they have wrinkles on their faces like those breeds.
That way, you can say that an American Bully has numerous similarities with a Pitbull, but they aren’t the same breed.
On the other hand, a Pitbull Terrier was first raised in England and utilized for bull baiting. That’s a harsh sport where canines were set against bears or bulls to attack them.
Fortunately, bull baiting was prohibited in 1835 by the British Parliament. But dog owners also started having their dogs fight against one another, and that’s how dog fighting came into existence.
Pitbulls were then brought to the United States and became famous as family pets, as they are very protective of children, gentle, loving, and loyal. They are also good with other pets like cats.
Overall, Pitbull’s history has some shadowy parts, but that does not mean all Pitbulls are aggressive.
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What Are The Differences Between Pitbulls And American Bullies?
Now that you have learned more about their history and breeding let’s move on to their physical differences:
Temperament
Both breeds are known to be very protective and loyal to their family, but American Bullies are a bit more aggressive than Pitbulls.
Generally, Pitbulls aren’t as aggressive as most people think, but American Bullies must always be supervised around small kids just to be safe.
On the other hand, Pitbulls are known to be gentle with children and do not want to see them upset or sad.
Remember that American Bullies could also make wonderful family dogs, but their overall temperament depends on how well you train them.
Physical Appearance
As stated earlier, American Bullies were bred to have muscular bodies, often weighing more than Pitbulls. Their chest is wider, and their head is shaped differently, too.
You can easily differentiate an American Bully from a Pitbull by their ears since the latter are mostly cropped, and American Bullies’ ears are floppy.
They also have a boxy body, but the Pitbull is leaner than an American Bully due to their muscle definition.
Weight And Height
A Pitbull is taller than an American Bully. They measure at least 18-22 inches, while the latter grows about 17-20 inches.
Regarding weight, American Bullies are more likely to be heavier than Pitbulls. Those medium-sized dogs could be as heavy as 30-150 pounds. On the other hand, Pitbulls weigh at least 30-90 pounds.
Is An American Bully Considered An Aggressive Dog?
Is an American Bully dangerous? The short answer is no. This breed is far from aggressive. Remember that this Bully breed was developed as a family-friendly companion dog.
Even though they possess the genes of a Pitbull, breeders ensure that aggressiveness is bred out of them.
Also, American Bullies are amazing canine friends to kids since they’re highly tolerant and gentle. Nonetheless, care must be taken when it involves engaging with other pets.
These American Bullies aren’t aggressive toward humans, but other animals tend to be an exemption from their friendliness. They may also exhibit aggression, particularly toward fellow canines.
But that’s not impossible for the American Bully to warm up with other pets. Pups that are properly socialized at a young age could bond well with their four-legged buddies.
To ensure no harm arises between pets when they interact, make sure you are always there to supervise them.
Are American Bullies And Pitbulls Related?
Yes, American Bullies and Pitbulls are related breeds. The American Bully is considered to be a ‘Pitbull-Type’ breed and falls under the general umbrella term of Pitbulls.
You may notice some physical differences between the American Bully and Pitbulls. The American Bully typically has a bulkier build, with a large blocky head and short legs compared to the Pitbull’s muscular and broad build. However, both breeds share a common ancestry, which explains their similarities.
To summarize, while American Bullies and Pitbulls share a common ancestry and some physical similarities, they are distinct breeds with noticeable differences in build and temperament. As always, it’s essential to research individual breed characteristics and requirements to determine the best fit for your lifestyle and home.
American Bully VS Pitbull – FAQ
Are American Bullies Better Family Dogs Than Pitbulls?
American Bullies and Pitbulls can make great family pets if they are properly trained and socialized.
It’s important to remember that all dogs are individuals, and their training and socialization influence their behavior and the environment they’re living in.
Also, it is important to research and learn about a specific breed before bringing a pet home.
Are American Bullies More Protective Than Pitbulls?
American Bullies and Pitbulls have strong protective instincts and can make excellent guard dogs if properly trained and socialized. However, it is inaccurate to say that one breed is inherently more protective than the other.
A dog’s protective behavior is influenced by its personality, training, and socialization. A well-trained and socialized American Bully or Pitbull can be just as protective as the other.
It is also important to note that protection training should be done by a professional trainer and should not be taken lightly, as it can lead to dangerous behavior if not done correctly.
Remember that a dog’s protective behavior should be directed towards its family and not towards strangers, as the dog should be able to distinguish between a real threat and a friendly visitor.
It is important to note that proper socialization and training are the keys to any breed. They will help them become well-rounded and well-behaved family pets that can be trusted around people and other animals.
Is The American Bully Stronger Than The Pitbull?
American Bullies tend to be larger and heavier than Pitbulls, with a more muscular build. This can give the appearance of them being stronger. However, Pitbulls have a leaner and more athletic build with well-defined muscles, making them strong and agile as well. The comparison of strength between these two dog breeds varies, as individual dogs within each breed can have varying levels of strength.
Which Breed Is Easier To Train?
When it comes to training, both American Bullies and Pitbulls are generally eager to learn and respond well to positive reinforcement. However, their temperament and intelligence may slightly differ:
- American Bullies: These dogs are known for their relaxed and friendly nature. They are typically easier to handle, which can make training sessions smoother. Their intelligence levels are average, but their desire to please their owners makes them highly trainable.
- Pitbulls: Pitbulls are more energetic and intelligent than American Bullies, which can make them more responsive to training. They can be more stubborn at times, but their intelligence and desire to please their owners mean they can learn quickly when given the proper guidance and positive reinforcement.
In summary, both breeds can be easy to train, but their unique traits and personalities may require different approaches and techniques suited to their specific needs. With consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement, both American Bullies and Pitbulls can become well-trained, obedient companions.
Conclusion
Even though an American Bully is not a Pitbull, both dogs share a handful of similarities despite their differences.
One misconception is the idea that they are inherently dangerous and aggressive. That’s one of the major reasons why people get cautious when they see one of those dogs walking down the street.
However, they fail to see that Pitbulls and American Bullies can be just as devoted and sweet as any other dog breed.
These misunderstood dogs simply need someone patient, knowledgeable, and willing to offer them the love they deserve.