Pitbulls are not considered to be a separate dog breed by definition. This general title refers to all dogs with Bulldog and Terrier ancestry. The Pitbull type of dog comes in six recognized breeds.
Brief History Of A Pitbull Dog Breed

Bulldog and Terrier ancestors gave rise to the Pitbull dog breeds.
Pitbulls are frequently associated with other breeds with a similar appearance, which we will explore in more detail in the section after this. The dog breeds most closely linked with the word “Pitbull” is the American Pitbull Terrier.
When someone mentions a Pitbull, they almost certainly refer to an American Pitbull Terrier.
To create the ideal fighting dogs, breeders crossed Terriers. They are famed for their agility and tenacity, and Bulldogs, with their overwhelming strength. Breeders designed the dog to be powerful and tenacious.
Reputation Of A Pitbull Dog Breed
Their owners raised all fighting dogs to be incredibly violent toward other canines, which gave rise to the vicious reputation of the Pitbull dog breed.
Importantly, they were taught not to attack when a person entered the ring. This is also the source of their affection for people. It was common to put down any dog that showed aggressiveness toward people.
Following the Civil War, immigrants from the United Kingdom started coming to the country with their war dogs. American dogfighters intended to develop a larger, more powerful fighting dog breed in this region.
This phenomenon gave rise to the American Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pitbull Terrier, and American Bully in America.
Appearances Of A Pitbull Dog Breed

Pitbull dog types all have an athletic, muscular appearance. Some people could appear more athletic than others.
Some canines are taller and slimmer, while others are shorter and fatter. Every Pitbull dog breed has a square-shaped head, a fleshy square snout, and large almond-shaped eyes.
They all have short, silky coats and only need to brush and take a quick shower. Pitbull’s ears typically have a rose shape, except when their owners cut them. Their tails are long and straight. Many owners continue to favour this and embrace the appearance.
Coat Color
Except for the merle, the Pitbull-dog type comes in almost any animal colour you can imagine. Although there is a Pitbull-dog type that is merle in colour, these breeds do not naturally possess the merle colour gene.
This indicates that a different breed carrying the same colour gene was introduced to the mix at some point.
Therefore, a merle Pitbull-dog type is not entirely of Pitbull lineage. Consider this before spending the extra money for this colour since no breed clubs accept it.
Temperaments
All six dogs generally have the same temperament—they all adore people and long for human interaction. Pitbulls also enjoy joining in on family activities, whether watching a football game or taking a nap on the couch.
They have sensitive, gentle souls and have a special affection for kids. They acquired the moniker “the nanny dog” because of this.
If you do not correctly socialize them as puppies, they may exhibit fear and aggressiveness toward other dogs. However, this is true for all breeds, from Chihuahuas to Great Danes. They are more likely to get along with other dogs with good socialization.
They are easy to train because of their willingness to please their masters. You will have an obedient Pittie companion if you consistently train them. Let’s examine each Pitbull-type dog’s characteristics in more detail.
Six Types of Pitbull Dog Breed
There are different breeds of dogs that people refer to as “Pitbulls.”
The most popular breeds of Pitbull-like dogs are the next six. However, some Kennel Clubs will only accept particular breeds to add confusion. However, all Kennel Clubs permit some of them.
The American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pitbull Terrier are the only authentic Pitbull dog types. Some claim that the American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pitbull Terrier are the same canine breed.
American Pitbull Terrier
Brief Overview Of An American Pitbull Terrier
Weight | 13 – 27 kg |
Height | 17 – 21 inches |
Lifespan | 8 – 15 years |
Coat | Short-haired |
Coat colour | Black, white, brindle, fawn, tan, brown, blue, grey, red |
Temperament | Stubborn, friendly, intelligent, clownish, strong-willed |
This canine, often called the “Pitbull”, is the American Pitbull Terrier.
It is one that many believe to be the first or only dog of the Pitbull breed. The American Kennel Club does not recognize this dog as a specific breed.
However, the United Kennel Club has acknowledged him (UKC). For over 150 years, this breed has retained its breed type. The UKC regards the American Pitbull Terrier as a purebred dog.
The American Pitbull Terrier is one of the tallest of the four breeds. He is much more athletic-looking because he is taller.
Red Nose American Pitbull Terrier
Brief Overview Of A Rose American Pitbull Terrier
Weight | 13 – 29kg |
Height | 18 – 22 inches |
Lifespan | 12 – 15 years |
Coat | Fine and short |
Coat colour | Red, brown, copper |
temperament | Intelligent, energetic, playful |
An adaptation of the American Pitbull Terrier is the Red Nose Pitbull.
An American Pitbull Terrier with a red nose will have one. Copper or earthy brown coat colourings like brown, red, fawn, or chestnut go along with the red nose. His toes, lips, and eyes are all crimson.
While they are undoubtedly more uncommon than the ordinary American Pitbull Terrier, they are identical. They do have a few additional health issues connected to the recessive gene.
Pitbull Dog Breeds – Blue Nose American Pitbull Terrier
Brief Overview Of An American PitBull Terrier
Weight | 13 – 27 kg |
Height | 17 – 21 inches |
Lifespan | 10 – 14 years |
Coat | Single-coated, short |
Coat colour | Blue, blue &white |
temperament | Fearless, loyal, wilful, intelligent |
The American Pitbull Terrier is another name for the breed of Pitbulls with this colour coat.
The only difference between a red-nosed and a blue-nosed American Pitbull Terrier is the colour of the dog’s nose. In contrast to the conventional black nose, his lips, eyes, and toes will all be blue or grey, making him instantly recognizable from an early age.
Working with a recognized breeder is essential since, like with other breeds, having a rarer colouration might result in a higher price.
American Staffordshire Terrier
Brief Overview Of An American Staffordshire Terrier
Weight | 18 – 32 kg |
Height | 16 – 19 inches |
Lifespan | 12 – 16 years |
Coat | Short & fine |
Coat colour | Black, white, brindle, fawn, sable, brown, blue |
temperament | Tenacious, friendly, devoted, attentive, loyal, courageous |
In the US, the American Staffordshire Terrier is a very well-liked breed.
The AKC, not the UKC, recognizes the American Staffordshire Terrier, sometimes known as the “AmStaff.”
The American Staffordshire has been a family pet for a very long time. His charming personality has captured the hearts of countless people, not just in America but all over the world.
Despite his intimidating appearance, he is one of the sweetest dogs in the area. He adores not only his family but also everyone he interacts with. He does not make the best natural guard dog because of this.
Pitbull Dog Breeds – The Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Brief Overview Of A Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Weight | 11 – 17 kg |
Height | 14 – 16 inches |
Lifespan | 12 – 14 years |
Coat | Single-coat, short |
Coat colour | Black, white, brindle, fawn, brindle & white, black & white, fawn & white, blue, red & white, red, blue & white |
temperament | Intelligent, reliable, affectionate, bold, loyal, fearless, courageous |
UK-born Staffordshire Bull Terriers are still in demand today.
Although the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is one of the most popular dogs in Great Britain, he is just the 80th most common breed in America. All significant Kennel Clubs, such as the AKC and UKC, recognize him.
Staffies are intelligent, courageous, and tenacious. He is a loving dog who genuinely loves life! He is also the smallest Pitbull-type canine, occasionally by 7 inches.
Pitbull Dog Breeds – The American Bully
Brief Overview Of An American Bully
Weight | 20 – 60 kg |
Height | 13 – 20 inches |
Lifespan | 8 – 13 years |
Coat | Single coat, short, fine |
Coat colour | Black, brown, blue, grey, tan, fawn, red and piebald |
temperament | Happy, outgoing, stable, confident, gentle |
The American Bully is significantly wider and stockier than the other canines on this list.
The American Pitbull Terrier is the ancestor of the American Bully. Over time, he has developed such a distinctive appearance that people now see him as belonging to a separate breed. It was in the 1980s that the American Bully came into existence, and the UKC recognized him as a breed in 2013.
However, he is substantially broader than any breeds mentioned in this article and shorter than the American Pitbull Terrier. These puppies might be so broad that it frequently appears as though he has muscles! A larger Pitbull-type dog, the American Bully, has particular dietary needs.
Conclusion On The Pitbull Dog Breed
All Pitbull-type dogs undoubtedly have a gruesome past, but they most likely wouldn’t exist without it. As a result, Pitbull admirers around the world are somewhat appreciative.
Always keep in mind that these are the dog breeds that are most frequently seen at shelters for rescued animals. If you want to bring one of these puppies into your house, please consider adopting.
They are the most loving canine dogs you will ever meet despite their background. More than anything else, they genuinely love people. They only require a warm place to live and a caretaker who will devote time to training and exercising them.
References: loveyourdog.com, hepper.com