We might get caught up in the wonderful swirl of wagging tails and eager eyes when we think of our furry friends. Despite the delightful chaos of our canine companions, there is usually uncertainty, especially regarding breeds with similar appearances and histories.
Meet the Pitbull and American Bully, two breeds that are typically compared most of the time. A robust and muscular build mixed with broad, charming smile traits that might define both the pit bull and the American Bulldog.
Despite their similarities, there are some differences as well. We have to understand the attraction of our beloved four-legged friends. Pitbulls and American bulls have a specific place in many people’s hearts, whether dashing across fields with endless energy or cuddling up on the sofa beautifully.
However, what separates these breeds? Despite their shared characteristics and linked history, what distinguishes them individually? So, to understand those differences and similarities deeply, stay with us and let us shed some light on them.
Pitbull vs American Bully Comparison
History of Pitbull and American Bully
The Pitbull and American Bully breeds can be traced back to their origins. They came from the same ancestral stem of bulldogs and terriers. Pitbulls are formally known as American Pit Bull Terriers, with their history dating back to the 19th century; they bred first for bull-baiting and then later for farm working dogs.
Their great strength, agility, and loyalty made them precious, so they became pretty welcomed by American households in no time. However, they received a bad reputation during the early 20th century when people used them in illegal dogfights. Despite such dark times, those Pit Bulls have now been rehabilitated and cherished for their gentle nature and versatility as family pets, therapy dogs, and service animals.
In contrast, American Bullies are relatively newer and were derived in the early 1990s when people started breeding American Staffordshire Terriers with Pitbull’s. The latter fact was concreted because Dave Wilson was looking for a dog that had two things: superior muscles and the other is a unique look.
This newer type spread like wildfire for its friendly nature and was recognized by the American Bully Kennel Club in 2004.
Although Pitbulls have a rich and varied history, firmly ingrained in their role as working dogs, American Bullies are a recent addition to the canine world, distinguished by their unique characteristics.
Let’s look here at XL Bullies vs Pitbulls, as these differences are essential when purchasing your next dog.
The Pitbull: From Misunderstood to Beloved
They have survived all the peaks and valleys with humans, yet pitbulls, labelled as the “all-American dog,” possess all the traits of which man can be proud. Long ago, they were even considered heroes, a symbol of affection by many. But a little while back, they also received so much negative press.
However, change is now occurring in the communities that support pit bulls and teach people about them. While Pitbulls have passed a hard time, they show loyalty and intelligence. It’s impossible to name an activity they don’t participate in with their human friends or offer help with themselves.
For example, they participate in dog sports, weight-pulling, or even racing while maneuvering obstacle races, serving as service animals, and helping people who need additional support.
These are very special types of dogs who have changed the lives of many. People who thoroughly examine this breed of dogs say that even though Pitbulls are underestimated dogs, they still make a difference in people’s lives and prove that, like other dogs, they need love and respect from people.
The American Bully: A Newcomer with a Unique Legacy
While pit bulls have a long history, the American Bully is much newer in the dog world. It all began during the early 1990s when Dave Wilson developed this idea. He wanted to create an atypical type of dog by combining American Staffordshire Terriers with pit bulls.
The final result was the subsequent American Bully. The distinctive feature of this breed is that it possesses a muscular body and distinctive looks. He worked very diligently to set two main bloodlines of the American Bully: Razor’s Edge and Gray Lines. These bloodlines played a significant part in shaping the American Bully of current days.
It was not, however, until 2004 that the American Bully received its official registry since it is relatively new; it derived from the American Pitbull Terrier. This registry makes it an officially recognized breed amongst dog lovers.
The American Bully has grown popular with dog lovers due to its demeanour and appearance characteristics, defining it differently from the general pit bull types. They are famous for their solid and muscled bodies and great self-confidence. These dogs may look rugged on the outside, yet most of the time, they are usually too much of a softie.
Spotting the Differences
Typically, pit bulls are leaner and more athletically built than American bullies, who are larger and have more pronounced muscles and massiveness in the structure of their heads.
Though Pitbulls usually take high energy and more exercise, as well as mental stimulation, American Bullies possess the trait of being relaxed, easy-going animals, similar to cats. Where the Pitbull might like one to have more things to keep them busy, the American Bully likes to be a people-loving family dog. Pitbulls make excellent companions in agility and obedience classes that are best for families with an active life full of sports.
American Bullies might be lazier and prefer just lying around with the family. Even so, the two breeds are very tolerant and good with children. Pitbulls are more prone to prey drive due to their hunting background, unlike the smaller ones that are less likely to chase after smaller animals.
They are more accessible when handling and socializing through the energy it takes, while American Bullies are born very sociable and friendly to other kinds of pets. Both breeds like to pamper, and they like to be the center of attraction for their owner; where a Pitbull dog is known to have protective instincts and serve well as a guard dog and an American Bully is known to be a headstrong, inbuilt superior bond.
Similarities
Pitbulls also share many similarities with American Bullies, apart from the differences. Some similarities include being loyal and affectionate towards a human family, bonding strongly with their family members for life, having a solid muscular build but with a gentle and loving temperament, and suiting well in families that include children.
Also, being very intelligent and handy, these two species can become a real find for service dogs or even plain friendly pets with big hearts. Besides that, Pitbulls and American Bullies do share the toughest past, as both these species used to fight against prejudice and misinterpretations regarding their well-earned reputation today.
Whether cuddled up on the couch or going nuts outside, that is what Pitbulls and American Bullies epitomize; they deliver unwavering loyalty, unconditional love, and endless delight to those who may be so lucky as to call them family.
Wrapping it Up
The comparison between Pitbull’s and American Bullies shows how unique they are, but they have a few things in common that bring them together as lovely pets. Whereas Pitbulls have roamed the world for many centuries, pulling working-type duties, American Bullies are newer and are known to be full of solid muscles and looks.
Different by breed, they may be, but loyalty, love, and smartness still define them both. Whether bouncing around with a furor for movement or lounging on the couch, they bring smiles and friendship day in and day out.
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