What Are the Different Types of Pit Bulls?

When you say the term “pit bull,” most people believe that it refers to a single breed of dog. But there are actually several types of pit bulls. The three most common types of pit bulls are the American Pit Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Here are some facts about these three different types of pit bulls.

American Pit Bull Terrier

The American Pit Bull Terrier typically weighs between 30 to 60 pounds and stands 17 to 21 inches high. This dog’s coat is short and smooth. The coat can be a variety of colors including red, brown, black, fawn, brindle and white.

The American Pit Bull Terrier is very muscular. This powerful dog can be a challenge to walk on a leash if not properly trained. The head of the American Pit Bull Terrier is proportionate to the rest of his body.

At one time the American Pit Bull Terrier was an iconic breed. They were used in advertising, and they were American military mascots. But once dog fighters began to exploit the breed, their reputation changed.

The American Pit Bull Terrier has a reputation for being aggressive because of his history as a fighting dog. But with the right people who understand his personality, the pit bull can be a good family companion. A pit bull requires a lot of love. With a loving owner and the right socialization, training, and love, the American Pit Bull Terrier can be a docile and affectionate family pet.

This breed is loyal and obedient but needs a firm owner so he will understand who is in control. The American Pit Bull Terrier is a pushy dog who will walk all over you if you let him. To begin training your puppy early on. If you wait until he is older to begin training you will be dealing with a headstrong dog.

The American Pit Bull Terrier is an active, athletic, intelligent, playful and confident dog who is typically very friendly to people. Because of this, even pit bulls from bad backgrounds can go on to be loving family pets with the right training and socialization.

This athletic dog can be a good partner for bicycling or jogging. The breed also enjoys swimming and retrieving.

Pit Bulls are known for digging, pulling and chewing – destructive behaviors that you will have to deal with as an owner. Give your American Pit Bull Terrier plenty of chew toys and a place where he is allowed to dig in the yard. And keep your prized belongings out of reach to protect them.

There is much misinformation about this breed, and there are also campaigns to outlaw the breed. In many cities, like Denver, pit bulls may be prohibited, and sometimes it is not easy to get a homeowner’s insurance policy if you own a pit bull. So check local ordinances carefully to make sure it is legal to own an American Pit Bull Terrier in your community.

One of the misconceptions about American Pit Bull Terriers is that they are vicious guard dogs. But while they may look intimidating, most of these dogs are friendly. Still, they are strong, determined and smart dogs – and they are not known for backing down.

While the American Pit Bull Terrier is drawn to people, it does not necessarily like other dogs, especially those of the same sex. They also tend to see cats as prey unless they are raised with them from a very young age.

There are many celebrities who own American Pit Bull Terriers including Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, Alicia Silverstone, Rachael Ray and Jon Stewart.

American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire Terrier is closely related to the American Pit Bull Terrier. The American Staffordshire Terrier is the larger of the two breeds, but they have a similar personality and activity level.

The American Staffordshire Terrier typically weighs between 50 and 60 pounds and stands about 17 to 19 inches high. This dog’s coat is thick but short and can be found in a variety of colors and patterns. The dog’s body is muscular with a square build.

Although he may look intimidating, when it comes to people this breed is more of a lover than a fighter. This breed is very friendly and devoted to its owner. Despite his formidable appearance, the American Staffordshire Terrier is a dog who loves people. With the right owners and the right socialization, training, and love, he can be a docile, trustworthy and affectionate family dog. This dog loves to be the center of attention and will often follow you around from room to room.

The American Staffordshire Terrier is an active and intelligent dog. He has been described as friendly, obedient and courageous. Because he is strong and muscular, he can be a challenge to walk on a leash and pulling may become an issue. Also, they often do not get along well with other dogs, especially those of the same sex. They are likely to view cats as prey unless they have been raised with them from an early age.

American Staffordshire Terriers are among the dog breeds that are sometimes targeted by legislation. For instance, in cities like Miami and Denver, there is a current ban on pit bulls, a category which includes the American Staffordshire Terrier. Sometimes it is also difficult to purchase homeowner’s insurance if you own a pit bull. Some cities also have ordinances that specify how a fence has to be constructed for a pit bull type breed. So make sure that you research your city’s ordinances and your insurance policy before buying a pit bull.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier typically weighs between 28 to 38 pounds and stands about 14 to 16 inches high. This dog’s coat is smooth and short. The coat can be found in a variety of colors including fawn, white, black, blue and brindle. This breed is known for its broad head.

Despite his pit bull reputation, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier loves people. In fact, in his native Britain, he is nicknamed “the children’s nursemaid” and the “nanny dog”. This breed makes an excellent playmate for children, but you should always supervise their interaction, as with any dog.

Whatever it is that you are doing, your Staffordshire Bull Terrier will be there doing it right along with you. Because of his love for people, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier will protect them from any threat.

Because of his terrier nature, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is known for digging, chasing cats and not getting along with other dogs.

This dog is courageous, intelligent and tenacious. This dog loves to chew and has powerful jaws, so make sure that you provide him with plenty of tough chew toys.

Weighing less than 40 pounds, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier looks similar to the larger American Staffordshire Terrier. Even with his relatively small size, he is a powerful dog that can be a challenge to walk on a leash if he is not well trained.

If you want to live harmoniously with a Staffordshire Bull Terrier you must take charge. Otherwise, he will definitely call the shots. Because of his exuberant and stubborn nature, you should train your dog from a young age to understand that you are in control and you’ll have a well-behaved and socialized family pet.

This breed does not do well when left alone for long periods of time and they are not happy as backyard dogs. When left alone they can become bored, noisy and destructive.

Blue Nose Pit Bulls and Red Nose Pit Bulls

What’s the difference between blue nose pit bulls and red nose pit bulls? Are they different breeds? The answer is “no”. It is simply a fact that pit bulls can have different color noses. One color is not better than the other, it is simply different. The nose color has no effect on how the dog will look or behave.

The Misidentification of Pit Bulls

Many dogs that are not truly pit bulls are sometimes lumped into the pit bull category. Any dog bearing even one or two of the physical characteristics of a pit bull are often called pit bull type dogs. These dogs include boxers, American bulldogs, and Old English bulldogs.

To learn more about pit bulls, go to All About Pit Bull Breeds.