Did you know that there are actually four distinct dog breeds that fall under the category of Pitbull dogs? Many prospective dog owners are unaware of this fact. Continue reading to discover the four distinct canines that are frequently grouped together as a single breed.

Distinguishing Pitbulls

Officially, the term “Pitbull” does not refer to a specific dog breed. The term is used to refer to dogs that are descendants of Bulldogs and Terriers.

There are four recognized breeds of Pitbull dogs. However, it is common for other breeds that resemble Pitbulls also to be categorized as such, which we will explore in more detail in the following section.

The American Pitbull Terrier is the primary dog breed commonly associated with the term “Pitbull.”

When people discuss Pitbull dogs, they are usually referring to the American Pitbull Terrier.

Terriers, known for their agility and feistiness, were intentionally bred with Bulldogs, known for their brute strength, in order to create a dog suited explicitly for fighting.

This breed was specifically designed to possess qualities of tenacity and power. Pitbull-type dogs have their origins in Great Britain.

This is the place where bear and bull-baiting were once famous, although they were cruel blood sports.

There are various types of Pitbulls.

The following four dog breeds are widely recognized as Pitbull type dogs. However, it is worth noting that certain Kennel Clubs only accept specific breeds, which can add a level of confusion.

All Kennel Clubs accept some breeds. There is a widespread argument that the American Pitbull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier are the sole breeds considered authentic Pitbull-type dogs.

Some argue that the American Pitbull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier are essentially the same breed of dog.

The information presented in this article reflects the most commonly held beliefs and widely accepted views among professionals in the canine world.

However, it is important to note that opinions may vary depending on who you ask.

Appearances

All dogs of the Pitbull type possess a distinctively athletic and muscular appearance. Specific individuals may appear more athletic than their counterparts.

There is variation among dogs in their body shape, with some squatter and broader while others are taller and leaner.

At the end of this section, you will find a table that allows you to compare their heights and weights based on their official breed standard.

All dogs of the Pitbull type possess a head that is square-shaped, a fleshy nose that is also square, and eyes that are almond-shaped and notably large.

All of their coats are short and smooth. All of them only need a minimum amount of bathing and brushing.

The cats have long and straight tails, and their ears typically have a rose-shaped appearance unless they have undergone cropping. Many owners still prefer and choose to adopt this appearance.

Coat coloring

Pitbull-type dogs are available in a wide range of animal colors, with the exception of Merle. Although there are Pitbull type dogs with merle coloring, it is essential to note that the merle color gene is not naturally present in these breeds.

This suggests that another breed carrying this color gene has been introduced into the mix at some point. Hence, a merle Pitbull-type dog does not have pure Pitbull lineage.

Before paying the extra price for this color, it is essential to consider that any breed club does not accept it.

Temperaments

All four dogs have a similar temperament; they all adore humans and crave their company. They also enjoy participating in family activities, such as playing football or relaxing on the sofa.

They possess a gentle, compassionate nature and a special affinity for children. This is the story behind how they acquired the nickname “the nanny dog.”

If puppies are not properly socialized, they may fear aggression toward other dogs. This applies to both Chihuahuas and Great Danes alike.

When properly associated, dogs often exhibit sociable behavior toward other dogs. Their eagerness to please their masters makes them incredibly easy to train.

You will discover that you have an obedient Pittie sidekick by maintaining consistency in your training. Let us examine each type of Pitbull dog and its characteristics in more detail.

Red Nose American Pitbull Terrier

An American Pitbull Terrier with a red nose will indeed have a red nose. The red nose is typically associated with coat colors that are copper or earthy brown, such as brown, red, fawn, or chestnut. His lips, eyes, and toenails are all red.

Although they are less common than the typical American Pitbull Terrier, they are identical in all other aspects. A few additional health concerns are associated with the recessive gene, which will be discussed in more detail below.

Unethical breeders often breed genetically similar red-nose dogs due to their rarity in color.

This practice aims to increase the likelihood of producing red-nose puppies, ultimately maximizing their profits. Breeding practices that result in genetic defects and poor health are widely disapproved of.

Suppose you are looking for a red nose American Pitbull Terrier. In that case, it is essential to collaborate with a reputable breeder who can provide evidence of the dog’s family lineage and the puppies’ health.

The fact that they frequently sell for a few thousand dollars does not necessarily indicate that they have been bred correctly or received proper care.

It is essential to conduct thorough research and analysis on your own.

Blue Nose American Pitbull Terrier

The blue-nose American Pitbull Terrier is essentially the same as the red nose American Pitbull Terrier, except for the difference in nose color.

The blue nose Pitbull has a blue nose, while the red nose Pitbull has a red nose.

From a young age, he will have distinctive blue or grey coloring on his nose, lips, eyes, and toenails, which sets him apart from the usual black nose. Similar to other breeds, having a rare coloring can increase prices.

Hence, it is crucial to partner with a reliable breeder.

Apart from the concerns related to inbreeding, the presence of various nose colors, including red, in these animals can be attributed to their limited gene pool and lower melanin levels.

This pigment provides color in all living systems, including humans.

A lack of melanin, caused by the recessive color gene, can lead to various health problems and diseases.

Pitbull-type dogs are already prone to skin allergies, heart diseases, eye conditions, an increased chance of cancer, and decreased immune system functionality.

Working with a reputable breeder is even more critical for this reason!

American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire Terrier, often referred to as the ‘AmStaff,’ is acknowledged by the AKC but not by the UKC. Out of 193 dog breeds, he is ranked 85th most popular.

Research suggests that he is significantly more popular than indicated, as most owners choose not to register their dogs for breeding or conformation purposes.

He has been a beloved dog in America for a long time. He not only served as the sidekick to three American Presidents, but he also held the distinction of being America’s most decorated war dog.

The American Staffordshire has been a beloved family companion for a long time. His endearing personality has captured the affection of countless individuals, not only in the United States but also worldwide.

Despite his imposing appearance, he is widely recognized as one of the most affectionate dogs. He adores his family and shows love and kindness to everyone he meets.

Due to this reason, he is not the best choice as a natural guard dog. The AmStaff is occasionally mistaken for the American Pitbull Terrier.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is the most popular dog breed in Great Britain.

However, despite its popularity across the pond, it currently ranks as the 80th most popular breed in America, indicating that its popularity has gained a different level of traction in the United States.

All significant Kennel Clubs, such as the AKC and UKC, acknowledge him. Staffies are known for their intelligence, courage, and determination. He is a loving dog who truly enjoys life!

He is also one of the most miniature Pitbull type dogs, often measuring up to 7 inches in height. The most prominent Staffordshire Bull Terriers weigh about the same as the smaller dogs compared to other breeds.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is an excellent choice for individuals who adore Pitbull-type dogs but have limited space for the bulkier variations due to its smaller size.

You can find more comprehensive information about his breed standard by clicking here.