List of Different Pit Bull Breeds

"Pit Bull" itself is not an actual breed, but a label for many different bulldog breeds reports Pit Bull Advocate 101, a website dedicated to Pit Bulls. The most common breeds referred to as Pit Bulls include the American Bulldog, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. However, recent legislation includes physical characteristics to describe "Pit Bull Type" animals that include over 25 different dog breeds.

  1. American Bulldog

    • This dog used to be called an English bulldog but is now known as simply a bulldog.

      The American Bulldog, originally the English bulldog, was bred for the English sport of bull baiting. When the sport was outlawed in England in 1835, the English bulldog was preserved by immigrants leaving for America. The American bulldog weighs anywhere from 60 to 125 lbs and comes in a variety of white, red, brown or tan colors. The American bulldog is a strong and agile creature capable of cattle catching and personal protection. The American bulldog is also a gentle and family friendly, but high-maintenance animal, reports Bull Dog Breeds.com, a website dedicated to bulldogs.

    American Pit Bull Terrier

    • The ancestors of the pit bull terrier came to the United States around the 1800's with Irish immigrants. Like other bulldogs, the pit bull terrier was a fighting dog for bull baiting in England. During World War I, the pit bull terrier was extremely popular and was the mascot for many companies such as Buster Brown Shoe company. The pit bull terrier weighs between 30 and 60lbs and comes in almost any color. The temperament of the dog is courageous and loyal but needs socialization with children at an early age.

    American Staffordshire Terrier

    • The American Staffordshire terrier is a distinctive breed which includes a number of ancestral breeds such as the bull terrier, the old English terrier, the mastiff, the black and tan, the bulldog, the pointer, the Staffordshire bull terrier and the dalmatian. The American Staffordshire terrier weighs between 40 and 50 lbs and comes in several colors such as red, white, black or blue, white and any shade of brindle. This breed of bulldog is loyal and intelligent but does not do well with other pets in most cases.

    Staffordshire Bull Terrier

    • The Staffordshire bull terrier came into existence towards the end of the bull baiting era. This specific breed was the result of an experiment to create a stronger and more agile fighting dog. The Staffordshire bull terrier is known for its tenacity and courage during fighting and its friendly companionship with younger children. The dog's weight is approximately 24 to 38 lbs and comes in a variety of colors including black, blue, brindle, red, fawn and white.