Are Pitbull And American Bully The Same?

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The terms “Pitbull” and “American Bully” are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion. While both breeds share a common ancestry and possess some similar physical characteristics, they are not the same breed. Understanding their distinct histories, standards, and temperaments is crucial.

The Pitbull: A Lineage of Purpose

The term “Pitbull” is itself an umbrella term, generally referring to several breeds with similar traits and fighting heritage. These commonly include the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT), the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff), and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. These breeds were originally developed from bull-baiting dogs and terriers, bred for strength, tenacity, and gameness – the willingness to continue fighting even when injured. The APBT is the only breed officially recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) as a “Pitbull” breed, though the term is colloquially applied to the others. These breeds were later used for various working roles on farms and as companions. The hallmark of the Pitbull type, particularly the APBT, is a powerful build, strong jaws, and a high drive. Breed standards often emphasize athleticism and agility.

The American Bully: A Newer Breed with a Specific Goal

The American Bully is a much newer breed, developed in the late 20th century. It was created with the specific goal of creating a companion dog with a similar “bully” appearance to the Pitbull breeds but with a more predictable and family-friendly temperament. Breeders intentionally crossed APBTs and AmStaffs with other bully breeds, including (but not limited to) the American Bulldog and English Bulldog. The goal was to minimize the prey drive and gameness associated with the traditional Pitbull breeds and emphasize a more docile and loving nature.

Key Differences: Appearance and Temperament

While both breeds share a muscular build, the American Bully tends to be stockier and more heavily boned than the APBT. Bullies often have wider chests, broader heads, and more exaggerated features. The American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) recognizes several varieties of the breed based on size and build, including Standard, Classic, Pocket, and XL. This range of varieties is not typical of the APBT. Temperamentally, the American Bully is generally bred to be more laid-back and tolerant. While responsible breeders of both breeds prioritize temperament, the American Bully has been selectively bred to be less reactive and more suitable as a household companion.

Conclusion: Two Distinct Breeds

In conclusion, while the American Bully and Pitbull breeds share a common ancestry and some overlapping physical characteristics, they are distinct breeds with different histories, purposes, and breed standards. The Pitbull, especially the APBT, represents a lineage of working dogs selected for their strength and tenacity. The American Bully is a newer breed intentionally designed to be a companion dog with a specific appearance and temperament profile. Understanding these distinctions is essential for responsible ownership, breeding, and education.