Pitbull vs. American Bully — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on December 25, 2023
Pitbulls are a type of terrier originally bred for bull-baiting; American Bullies are a newer breed developed for companionship.
Difference Between Pitbull and American Bully
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Pitbull is a common term referring to a group of breeds originally bred for bull-baiting and later for dog fighting. These dogs are characterized by their muscular build, short coat, and strong drive. American Bully, on the other hand, is a newer breed developed in the 1980s for companionship, created by crossing various bulldog breeds with Pitbulls.
Pitbull breeds, like the American Pit Bull Terrier, have a history filled with various tasks from farming to guarding. The American Bully, despite having Pitbull ancestry, was selectively bred primarily for its temperament, aiming for a more docile and friendly nature.
Pitbulls often face breed-specific legislation and bans in various parts of the world due to their history and the generalization of aggressive incidents. American Bullies, while sometimes confused with Pitbulls, are not typically the target of such legislation, though they can be lumped in due to their appearance.
The physical appearance of a Pitbull is more varied, given that it's an umbrella term for multiple breeds. They are usually athletic and lean. The American Bully has a more standardized look, characterized by a stocky build, broad head, and short muzzle.
When it comes to temperament, a well-socialized and trained Pitbull can be a loyal, loving companion. The American Bully was bred specifically to possess a gentle temperament, making them ideal family pets, with their loyalty extending to children and other pets.
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Comparison Chart
Origin
Bred originally for bull-baiting and later dog fighting
Developed in the 1980s primarily for companionship
Physical Build
Athletic and lean
Stocky build with a broad head and short muzzle
Primary Purpose
Various tasks like farming, guarding
Companionship
Breed-Specific Legislation
Often targeted
Sometimes confused with Pitbulls but not typically targeted
Temperament
Loyal and loving when well-socialized and trained
Specifically bred to be gentle and ideal family pets
Compare with Definitions
Pitbull
A group of breeds characterized by a muscular build.
The muscular Pitbull was admired by all at the dog show.
American Bully
Often confused with Pitbulls due to similar appearances.
Many mistakenly identify an American Bully as a Pitbull at first glance.
Pitbull
A type of terrier originally used for bull-baiting.
The Pitbull displayed remarkable agility during the agility course.
American Bully
Bred for a docile and friendly temperament.
The children played safely with the gentle American Bully.
Pitbull
Often misunderstood due to breed-specific legislation.
The city council debated the restrictions placed on owning a Pitbull.
American Bully
A newer breed developed primarily for companionship.
The American Bully was perfect for families seeking a gentle pet.
Pitbull
An umbrella term encompassing breeds like the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Many mistakenly label any muscular dog as a Pitbull.
American Bully
Resulting from a mix of various bulldog breeds and Pitbulls.
The American Bully's lineage can be traced back to several reputable breeds.
Pitbull
Known for loyalty and strong drive when well-trained.
The Pitbull loyally followed its owner, showcasing its obedient nature.
American Bully
Characterized by a stocky build and short muzzle.
The American Bully stood out with its distinctive physical features.
Pitbull
Form of shortened form
Pitbull
An aggressive person.
My mother was a pitbull.
Pitbull
NATO brevity code indicating a semi-active radar homing missile has begun active homing, and no longer requires its operator to maintain a radar track.
Common Curiosities
What is an American Bully?
A newer breed developed in the 1980s, primarily for companionship and created by crossing bulldog breeds with Pitbulls.
Is the American Bully a type of Pitbull?
No, but they share ancestry. The American Bully is its own distinct breed.
Are Pitbulls aggressive by nature?
Pitbulls, when well-socialized and trained, can be loyal and loving; however, their temperament can vary like any breed.
What is a Pitbull?
A term referring to a group of breeds originally bred for tasks like bull-baiting and dog fighting.
How did the Pitbull get its name?
The name originates from their historical use in bull-baiting, where they would "pit" against a bull.
What distinguishes an American Bully's appearance?
They have a stocky build, broad head, and short muzzle.
Which is bigger, a Pitbull or an American Bully?
Typically, the American Bully is stockier and can be larger, though size varies.
What are common tasks the Pitbull was used for?
They have been used for farming, guarding, and sadly, even dog fighting.
Are both the breeds good with other pets?
Both can be good with other pets if properly socialized from a young age.
Is the American Bully suitable for families?
Yes, they are known for their docile nature and compatibility with children and other pets.
Why do Pitbulls often face restrictions?
Due to their history and generalizations from aggressive incidents, they often face breed-specific legislation.
Is the American Bully an aggressive breed?
No, they were specifically bred to have a gentle and friendly temperament.
Why was the American Bully bred?
It was bred to be a companion dog with a gentle temperament.
Is it easy to confuse a Pitbull and an American Bully?
Yes, due to similar appearances, they are often mistakenly identified as each other.
Are there different types or classes of American Bullies?
Yes, there are various classes like Pocket, Standard, Classic, and XL, differing mainly in size and proportions.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
