In the 20th century, pit bulls became popular as family dogs; for a good reason, they are highly social and loyal animals. Today we also see them used as K9 police dogs, therapy dogs, and service dogs. Even though the American Pit Bull Terrier is the only breed with the term pit bull in its name, many other dogs are loosely described as pit bulls. Most dogs who look like pit bulls are mixed-breed dogs of varying ancestry. Many dogs who aren’t even related to pit bulls are confused with pit bulls often. We will mention a few of them here as well. Here are some of the cutest pit bulls!
American Pit Bull Terrier
The American pit bull terrier is a muscular and active dog known for its agility. These dogs are also super cute! They are medium-sized with solid bodies and short coats. They have a short tail that is pointed at the end. Historically, American pit bull terriers have been bred for about 150 years. In England, breeders began mixing bulldogs and terriers, trying to create a dog with the agility of a terrier and strength of a bulldog. When they came to America, farm and ranch owners fell in love with them for hunting and driving livestock. The United Kennel Club first registered them in 1898. American pit bull terriers are special animals with a zest for life. They love to please their humans and make excellent companion animals. They especially love children and take to socializing easily, as they are naturally friendly dogs. Aggressiveness toward humans is not their normal behavior, so they make terrible guard dogs.
American Staffordshire Terrier
Fans of the American Staffordshire terrier have nicknamed them AmStaffs. These cute dogs are smart and confident. They come in many colors and patterns, with a short coat and a medium-length pointy tail. The full history of the American Staffordshire terrier is often difficult to ascertain, as it is constantly in dispute. We know several varieties of bull and terrier mixes came from Britain in the mid-19th century. Some for farming and hunting and some for dog fighting. Breeders chose the name because the breed is believed to be from Staffordshire, England, although various sources disagree with this claim. What we know for sure is that AmStaffs are muscular and highly aware of their surroundings. They are loyal and trustworthy and make good-natured companion animals. Their life expectancy is between 12-16 years with excellent care.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
This super cute pit bull is muscular and courageous. These dogs are wonderful playful companions and are especially fond of children. They are on the shorter side, about 16 inches high. They originated from Staffordshire in the 19th century and were first recognized as their own breed by the Kennel Club of Great Britain in 1935. Nicknamed Staffies, these cute dogs are all heart and patience. They are highly social and take to training well. They are family dogs and love nothing more than to be in a houseful of happy people who want to play. They have a strong desire to please their companions and make excellent pets.
American Bully
The American bully is an extension of the American pit bull terrier. It is natural when different types evolve from the parent breed and take on their own characteristics. The American bully takes on features of the American Bulldog, but also the English bulldog and Olde English Bulldogge. It has been its own breed, recognized by the United Kennel Club, since 2013. American bullies are known for their compact structure and athletic appearance. This breed has several sizes, from 17 to 21 inches tall. They have smooth, short coats in many colors and patterns. They are exuberant animals that are playful and funny. American bullies are very trainable dogs and love to play sports, especially those that involve pulling or chasing. They are also lapdogs and like snuggling on the couch with their companions.
Bullmastiff
This cute dog is not a pit bull at all, but it often gets confused as one because of its size and having the word bull in its name. They are not classified as a pitbull-type breed by any organization, but they occasionally get mixed in with the bunch. Bullmastiffs are much larger than any pit bull, coming in at 27 inches tall and weighing over 100 pounds. They don’t come in as many colors as the pitbull family either, with only fawn, red, and a few brindle variations of these colors to offer. They are more docile than pit bulls, leaning on the lazy side. They are reliable, trainable, and make intelligent and confident companions.
Dogo Argentino
Dogo Argentino is another cute dog often mistaken for a pit bull. Dogo Argentino is quite a bit taller (27 inches) and heavier (80-100 pounds) than a pit bull. They were bred as pack-hunting dogs to catch wild animals like boar and puma. They are fast and strong, and highly intelligent. Unlike pit bulls, Dogo Argentino comes in only white, sometimes with small darker patches on their heads. They are known for being full of energy, and they love to run.
American Bulldog
American Bulldogs are often mistaken for pit bulls, which is understandable as they are relatives. The American bulldog descends from the English bulldog; both dogs are famous for being working dogs on the farm. Interestingly the American bulldog wasn’t given its name because it looked a certain way but because it did genuine bulldog work, like its predecessor. American bulldogs are social and fully alive. They are most at ease living with a family and form very strong bonds with their companions. Anyone who lives with an American bulldog will tell you that they want every minute of your attention, time, and affection. They are definitely not the type of dog you can leave alone in the house all day, as they suffer terribly from boredom. You will be rewarded for your efforts with unconditional love and snuggles.
Cane Corso
Cane Corso is very cute, but it is not a pitbull, either. Cane Corso is much taller than any pitbull, coming in at a whopping 28 inches tall and up to 100 pounds. They are strong, muscular dogs that were bred for hunting large game animals and herding livestock on the farm. Cane Corso is closely related to the Neapolitan Mastiff. They are known for being loyal to their companions. They are also highly intelligent and often outsmart humans. They are willful, have their own agenda, and require early socialization and training. The extra effort is worth the work as they are highly entertaining companions.
Five Fun Pit Bull Facts
NEXT UP…
American Bully Vs American Bulldog: Is There a Difference?Pit Bull Lifespan: How Long Do Pit Bulls Live?Dog Breeds that Start with A
