Pitbulls often get lumped into a single category, but the truth is, “Pitbull” isn’t a breed—it’s a group of breeds that share similar ancestry, features, and traits. These muscular, loyal, and energetic dogs are misunderstood but deeply loved by those who know their true nature.
In this guide, we’ll break down the main Pitbull-type breeds, explaining their strength, looks, personality, and loyalty so you can understand which one might be the best fit for you.
What Is a Pitbull, Really?
The term “Pitbull” commonly refers to four primary breeds that descended from bulldogs and terriers:
- American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT)
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- American Bully
Each of these dogs shares that trademark Pitbull confidence, power, and affectionate nature—but they have unique differences worth exploring.
1. American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT)
Appearance:
- Height: 17–21 inches
- Weight: 30–65 lbs
- Athletic and lean build
- Short, smooth coat in many colors
Strength:
Highly muscular and agile, bred for performance. They have impressive stamina and jaw strength.
Temperament:
Loyal, intelligent, and driven. Known for their determination and strong desire to please their owner.
Best For:
Active individuals or families who can provide training, exercise, and structure.
Fun Fact:
Despite the reputation, APBTs score higher on temperament tests than many popular breeds like Chihuahuas or Dachshunds.
2. American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff)
Appearance:
- Height: 17–19 inches
- Weight: 40–70 lbs
- Stockier and more muscular than APBT
- Wide head and broad chest
Strength:
Very strong, especially in the upper body. Built like bodybuilders with excellent endurance.
Temperament:
Affectionate, gentle with family, and especially good with children. More sociable than APBTs.
Best For:
Families who want a loving companion with guarding instincts and low maintenance grooming.
Fun Fact:
Many AmStaffs have been certified therapy dogs due to their calm, loving nature.
3. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Appearance:
- Height: 14–16 inches
- Weight: 24–38 lbs
- Compact and muscular
- Often called “Staffies”
Strength:
Despite their smaller size, Staffies are incredibly strong for their build. They have impressive tenacity and muscle density.
Temperament:
Affectionate and often referred to as “nanny dogs” due to their love for children. Known for their courage and cheerful energy.
Best For:
Families with young kids or people who want a smaller but mighty dog.
Fun Fact:
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is one of the only breeds that has earned the nickname “The Children’s Nursemaid.”
4. American Bully
Appearance:
- Height: 13–21 inches (varies by size class)
- Weight: 30–120 lbs
- Stocky, with a broad chest and large head
- Comes in Standard, Pocket, XL, and Classic sizes
Strength:
Extremely muscular and bulky. More mass-focused than performance-based strength like the APBT.
Temperament:
Calm, confident, and deeply attached to their families. Less driven than other Pitbull types, but very stable and loyal.
Best For:
Owners seeking a low-key, loving family dog with impressive looks and gentleness around people.
Fun Fact:
The American Bully was developed in the 1990s and is a mix of various bulldog and terrier breeds, bred specifically for companionship rather than work or sport.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Breed | Size | Strength Type | Temperament | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| APBT | Medium | Lean, athletic | Loyal, driven | Active owners |
| AmStaff | Medium-Large | Broad, strong | Friendly, protective | Families |
| Staffordshire Bull | Small-Medium | Compact, tenacious | Loving, kid-friendly | Small homes, kids |
| American Bully | Medium-Large+ | Bulky, muscular | Calm, affectionate | Families, laid-back lifestyles |
Why Pitbulls Are Synonymous with Loyalty
All Pitbull-type breeds are extremely loyal, forming deep bonds with their owners. They thrive on attention, affection, and being part of a family pack.
When socialized and trained properly, Pitbulls are:
- Playful and goofy
- Protective without being aggressive
- Emotionally intelligent and eager to please
- Surprisingly gentle, especially with children
Common Pitbull Myths—Debunked
- “Pitbulls are naturally aggressive.”
False. Aggression in any dog comes from poor socialization and irresponsible ownership, not breed. - “They lock their jaws.”
Myth. Pitbulls have strong jaws, but no locking mechanism. - “Pitbulls aren’t good family dogs.”
Totally false. With love, training, and respect, they are some of the best family companions out there.
FAQs
Q1: Which Pitbull breed is the friendliest?
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is often seen as the most affectionate and kid-friendly.
Q2: Are Pitbulls easy to train?
Yes, they are highly intelligent and eager to please—but consistency and positive reinforcement are key.
