Different Types of Pit Bulls

The pit bull breed of dogs often produces confusion as to what exactly is being referred to. To many people, pit bull is a single breed of dog, but this is inaccurate; pit bulls are a group of different types of dogs that often get lumped together as a single breed. The controversy over pit bulls has contributed to this confusion, as many legislatures have clumsily attempted to restrict or ban pit bulls without thorough knowledge of the species, resulting in many other dogs that are similar being defined in the public perception as genuine pit bulls.

  1. American Pit Bull Terrier

    • The most recognizable name associated with the pit bull dog breed is the American Pit Bull Terrier. This dog is, like all pit bulls, is short, stocky and extremely powerfully built. The dogs usually weigh between 35 and 65 lbs. and have very short hair that can come in a variety of colors, such as red, black, fawn and solid white. They are sociable and obedient dogs, but need a firm hand when being socialized. Like all varieties of pit bulls, they are extremely protective of their owners and their owners' property, which makes them very effective guard dogs.

    American Staffordshire Terrier

    • The American Staffordshire Terrier is a larger type of pit bull than the American Pit Bull and generally weighs 65 to 90 lbs. It has large forequarters and a massive head and was bred to combine the agility and doggedness of the terrier with the strength and courage of the bulldog. Like most breeds of pit bull, it as extremely sociable and loving dog and incredibly loyal to its human masters. The courage of these dogs is legendary too.

    Staffordshire Bull Terrier

    • This is the smallest of the types of pit bulls, and unlike the American Pit Bull, which uses extremely powerful hindquarters as the basis of its fighting power, the Staffordshire Terrier has more well-developed and muscular forequarters. The smaller stature of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was developed when authorities in early American immigrant areas clamped down on dog-fighting requiring a smaller dog to be bred for easier concealment. The smaller size also meant they were ideal for the cramped living conditions of immigrant areas, where many dogs were kept not only as pets but also as a useful means of controlling often rampant rat populations.

    Other Dogs

    • Many other breeds or types of dogs often get mistaken for genuine pit bulls, because they look very similar or because they are some form of pit bull crossbreed. Among the breeds commonly mistaken by the public, the media and law enforcement agencies are the American Bulldog and the Bull Terrier.