Pic Credits: Johnrob
Pit bulls are famous yet one of the most feared dog breeds for their dog fighting and bull baiting history. In contrast to their controversial fame, they have still bred in different countries for dog fighting or as pets.
In this blog, we will discuss their different types and their characteristics.
What two breeds make pit bulls?
Pit bulls are a mixture of two English dogs: bulldogs and terriers bred in the 80s and 90s for blood sports. These dogs were violent towards other canines but didn’t harm humans.
These blood sports became illegal due to severe injuries inflicted on animals, however, some countries still train pit bulls for dog fighting.
There are following pit bull breeds most famous among them.
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American pit bull terrier
American pit bull terriers were bred for blood sports. They are not recognized dogs by the American Kennel Club yet, but The United Kennel Club vouchs for them.
Their parent breeds came from the United Kingdom to North America. They are known for their aggression and stubbornness, they can be loyal, kind, and friendly if their violent nature is tamed.
They look muscular and athletic, have short fur that sheds less, broad heads, and weigh up to 32kgs.
They come in colors: white, Grey, black, fawn, brown, blue, brindle, red, and tan.
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American Staffordshire terrier
This breed is similar to American pit bull terriers for their origin. However, they were not fighting dogs but were famous for assisting in hunting and farm work for their ability to do rough tasks.
They are keen learners and people pleasers and make good dogs for families having kids and a loving environment.
Due to their nonviolent nature, they are recognized dogs by the American Kennel Club.
They also have short coats, prominent jaws and cheekbones, stocky shoulders, and broad heads that look bigger than their body and weigh up to 37kgs.
The colors available in this breed are sable, brown, blue, white, black, and fawn along with white patches.
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Staffordshire terrier
Staffordshire was bred for blood sports in the black country of England, Staffordshire. They are also being called Stafford and Staffy.
Apart from their violent nature towards dogs, they can be trained as affectionate family pets. They are good dogs for kids and can make excellent nannies.
They go along with a social family who have loads of time to spend and cuddle with this dog, otherwise, they are prone to separation anxiety.
They are recognized as standard dogs by the American Kennel Club. They weigh up to 17kgs, are medium to large with short coats, and have colors available: white, black, fawn, blue, and brindle.
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American bully
American bullies come in shorter sizes, stockier bodies, and broader heads than other pit bull breeds. They are a combination of American pit bull terriers and English bulldogs.
They often look moody and angry and can be aggressive towards their fellow canines. That’s why they need early socialization with other dogs to make a friendly bond with them.
They weigh up to 38 kg and come in various colors like champagne fawn, brindle, black, and chocolate.
These were the four types of pit bulls.
However, people can still be confused about their purebred.
What is the real pit bull called?
Purebred pit bulls are only American pit bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers, and Staffordshire terriers.
Many suspicious types of them are circulating on the internet as pit bulls. They don’t have both parents of pit bulls in their breeds. Some of these are American bulldogs and bull terriers.
Hope you have finally got your questions answered in this blog.