Whilst this is far from the truth, it doesn’t stop them from being one of the most common breeds to be given and left at rehoming shelters.
They might look like they could take out a dozen men at once, in reality they are wonderful companion dogs who love lots of attention.
However, did you know that some dogs actually get misdiagnosed as a Pitbull? This is usually due to mixed breeds.
Because Pitbulls can have such a negative connotation, this can create a devastating life for a dog who actually isn’t a Pitbull, but has been told is one.
In this article we shall take a look at what a Pitbull looks like, and what the most common breeds are.
What Is A Pitbull And What Do They Look Like?
Whilst Pitbull isn’t actually a breed in itself (though is often referred as one), instead it is a collective term for dogs who all descend from both Terriers and Bulldogs.
Usually a Pitbull has quite a wide mouth which often makes it look like they are giving you a big smile – maybe they are? Their heads can appear in a block-like shape that looks strong, and their ears stick out.
Their eyes look almost like dark almonds, and their nose is square.
Their size and body shape can vary, but the most common are quite stocky and athletic looking, though short, or tall and a little lanky – or still athletic looking. It all basically depends on the breed or the mix.
Colors Of The Coat
Pitbulls can be found in a number of colors, however, the one that is rare is merle.
Whilst people do own dogs that have a merle coat, they are usually bred to look this way by breeding the dog with another dog who isn’t a Pitbull.
That’s because a merle coat isn’t natural for a Pitbull, and having this coat means your Pitbull actually isn’t 100% considered a Pitbull.
If you decide to spend a lot of money to get a dog with a merle coat, just make sure that you understand that it won’t be accepted as a Pitbull.
Temperaments Of A Pitbull
The breeds below are very similar when it comes to their temperaments. Each one loves to be around humans and to socialize with them.
It also means that they are great in a family environment and are happy to partake in whatever is going on.
Pitbulls are often referred to as the ‘nanny dog’ because they are good with children.
Whilst they have a bad reputation for being an aggressive dog, if they are trained well whilst growing up, they can be wonderful dogs to have around.
Just like other dogs, if they are not cared for properly and trained, they will show aggressive behavior. This means that a Pitbull is no different from other breeds.
They also need to partake in socialization as a pup too. Just like any other dog, if they are not, they may show aggression towards humans and dogs.
If they learn to play with dogs at a young age, they are less likely to become aggressive with dogs that are curious about them.
Not only that, Pitbulls are known to be fantastic to train because they are eager to please and are an obedient dog to have by your side if they consider you their master.
However, the Pitbull breeds can be very confusing because not only are there a number of mixed breeds, people cannot agree on what makes a true Pitbull.
For example, some people say that only the Staffordshire Terrier and American Pitbull Terrier are in fact the only real Pitbull breeds.
On the other hand, it is noted by some that an American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pitbull Terrier are the exact same dog.
Even so, take a look below at the common breeds which are associated with being a Pitbull:
American Bulldog
An American Bulldog is tall and has risen in popularity due to an influence from media like films. They are heavy too, and can reach well over 100 pounds in weight.
Their snout is flatter, yet they are super athletic and enjoy exercise. Whilst they can look intimidating, they do make a great dog to have around.
American Pitbull Terrier
This breed is tall just like the American Bulldog and they have long legs. Their heads are square and quite block-like, but their tails are long and their snout narrow.
A common color is the gray coat, which is also said to be blue. Another thing to note is their weight, because it can vary from light to heavy.
Bull Terrier
The Bull Terrier is recognizable with its smaller eyes, long snout and large forehead. Whilst at first they are quite energetic, they begin to become calmer as they get older. They are also pretty headstrong, but this is normal for Pitbull types.
They are very friendly and make a good family dog. However, they do cost a lot of money to own. Target used the breed in their marketing campaign once, and now they are a highly wanted dog breed.
Staffordshire Terrier
A Staffordshire Terrier has many coat colors and are rather stocky and broad. Despite their body type, they are super energetic and protective. They also look like what most people think of when the word ‘Pitbull’ is mentioned.
A lot of people crop their ears just because they think it looks nice, but it is just unnecessary for them. They have a rather wide mouth which likes to drool a lot.
This breed also makes the perfect family dog too!
Final Thoughts
There are different types of Pitbulls, though there are 4 which are considered to be the main breeds within the collective term for their breed.
Hopefully you have learned something new about Pitbulls!
Hi everyone, I’m Emily Andrews and I can’t wait to explain why Bullypaw.org means so much to me.
For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to be a veterinarian. I loved every dog, horse, bird, and squirrel. But from an early age, I noticed that bully dogs like Pitbulls and Staffordshire Terriers were given a different treatment than their friends.
Everyone said they were prone to aggression, but I didn’t believe it. They seemed just as friendly as my family Labrador. Turns out I was right. These dogs are loyal and were once considered the perfect nanny dogs.
My love for animals wasn’t just a childhood fantasy. In 2002 I graduated from my veterinary school in New Zealand with a BVSc. I wanted to travel the world and help rejected animals as I went, but to do that I needed to pass the American Exams. It didn’t take long for me to earn a DVM, and soon I was heading to Florida.
We want to show everyone why bully dogs can be amazing pets. If you like any of our work, share it among your friends and help reduce decades of misinformation.
