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Pitbulls are a popular and often discussed breed of canine that is often incorrectly classified or misunderstood. A robust and active breed that came from fighting dogs like the Staffordshire bull terrier, they have grown into wonderful companions when trained right and excellent choices for a home protector.

If you are wondering which types of dogs are considered pit bulls and what makes them stand out, stay tuned. The following paragraphs will look at the different pitbull types found in the world today.

Types of Pitbulls

Despite popular belief, a pitbull can range anywhere from twenty to hundred and twenty pounds. The popular canine descends from various ancestral breeds with unique physical and personal characteristics. The following are the five different breeds commonly classified as pit bulls.

To learn about the Blue Nose Pitbull and how to best look after one, check out this complete guide!

American Pit Bull Terrier

Descending from a mixture of British bulldogs and terriers, the American Pit Bull Terrier is an energetic, handsome breed with a high prey response and sharp disposition. They weigh anywhere from thirty to sixty-five pounds and range between seventeen and twenty inches. Their coat color can be black, white, fawn, brindle, red, blue, brown, and silver.

American Staffordshire Terrier

An imposing middle-sized breed, the American Staffordshire terrier is another pitbull variant that can trace its lineage back to England. Short, stout, and fearless, the terrier will sit between fifty to eighty pounds and typically sit around seventeen to nineteen inches when fully grown. Their coat can come in several colors and typically sits tight to the body.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

With one of the most heart-melting faces in the animal kingdom, the Staffordshire bull terrier is a pretty and powerful pooch with a ton of personality and charm. The smallest of the pitbull variants, the Staffordshire, will weigh between twenty-four and thirty-eight pounds while measuring between fourteen and sixteen inches.

They have tight-fitting, smooth coats that can come in black, brindle, white, and blue hues, with less common variants.

American Bully

The American Bully looks like it was bred to take on mythical creatures and modern military equipment. A brawny and brave breed, the American Bully is a massive mutt that will sit between sixty-five and a hundred and twenty pounds. While they are more stout than other similar dog breeds, they will still stand between thirteen and twenty inches at maturity.

Because of attacks in the past, there have been heavy restrictions on the breed in Europe. Certain countries have banned the breed from being owned, while others have made it illegal to walk the dog without a muzzle.

American Bulldog

Perhaps the most iconic breed among the different classifications of pitbull, the American bulldog is a pet with a famous reputation for companionship and quirky antics. The affable goofs will stand between twenty to twenty-eight inches and can weigh between sixty and hundred and twenty pounds.

Their fur will be short and sit on a breathable loose coat on the dog’s frame. Their colors can be white, black, red, brown, gray, and even brindle in certain pups.

Summary of Pitbull Types

While the term may be used ad nauseam by those who adore the breed, technically, no breed is called a pitbull. Pitbulls will either be a purebred pup that belongs to one of the breeds listed above or a mix. While a “purebred” pitbull will have a four-digit price tag, several great mixed breeds sit in shelters throughout the country.

The canines have a violent reputation for past attacks, though they are also disproportionately used in illegal dog fighting events, which may explain their tendency towards aggression. A well-raised Staffordshire terrier or American Bully is just as worthy of a home as any other breed. However, they will require an owner with enough time to train and socialize them.