Pitbulls are very different from other dog breeds; they have stocky builds, square heads, and are muscular. Although they are usually very notorious and aggressive dogs, they are loyal, friendly, and often socialize well with people when properly trained. So, before you venture into purchasing a Pitbull, you should know everything about it.
There are four breeds of Pitbulls; American Pit Bull Terrier, American Bully, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. All Pitbulls have an athletic and muscular look and build; they are also very strong due to their squat, muscular bodies. However, Pitbulls have a weak bite.
How Many Kinds of Pitbull are There?
The term Pitbull is a general label representing a group of breeds (Terriers and Bulldogs). Many people are misinformed about pitbull being a particular breed of dog. They were bred initially for dogfighting, ratting, and bull-baiting. Thankfully, these sports have been banned today, so they are now used for home security.
American Pitbull Terrier
The American Terrier Pitbull is the most popular Pitbull breed globally. Due to its popularity, people think this breed is the only and original type of Pitbulls. Research has it that this breed has been maintained for more than 150 years. It is considered by the United Kennel Club (UKC) as purebred.
However, the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize the American Pitbull Terrier. During previous centuries, farmers used Pitbulls as hunters and on ranches as herders to drive livestock on their farms. The pitbull is very much agile, obedient, and versatile to date.
The American Pitbull Terrier is athletic and powerful. They are medium-sized with a well-defined muscle system built solidly in general appearance. They come in different colors, such as brown, white, and black.
Also, they come in varieties: Red Nose American Pitbull Terrier and Blue Nose American Pitbull Terrier. Their height is usually about 18-21 inches, and they weigh about 35 -60 pounds. The price range for the American Pitbull terrier is between $500 – $1000.
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American Staffordshire Terrier
Unlike the American Pitbull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier is recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and not by the United Kennel Club (UKC). Out of 193 breeds of dogs, this dog is ranked 85th in popularity. They are also known as AmStaffs.
AmStaffs are mellow and friendly compared to other pitbull breeds, as they were not used for dogfighting. When properly bred, they are usually very loyal, playful with their families, and trustworthy dogs. However, it could be aggressive to other animals.
AmStaffs are the most decorated war dogs in the United States of America. They come in different colors, including brown, red, black, and could also have some white markings or brindle patterns.
Their height is usually between 17 – 19 inches, and they weigh about 50 – 80 pounds. On average, they cost about $1500 – $2500. Whenever you want to get one of these dogs, ensure you make proper findings and get one from a responsible breeder.
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American Bully
This particular breed is a new breed developed around the 1980s and 1990s. A crossbreed between the AKC American Staffordshire Terrier and UKC American Pit Bull Terrier resulted in the American Bully. Over time, this dog has shown unique appearances, and it is now being considered a breed of its own.
However, it is shorter than the American Pitbull Terrier but more aggressive. In 2013, the American Bully was recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC). Also, it is recognized by the American Bully Kennel Club in four distinct sizes (standard, XL, pocket, and classic).
However, the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize this breed. The American Bully is wider than other Pitbull breeds. It is about 16 – 20 inches tall, and it weighs around 30 – 65 pounds. It has a medium-length head, broad skull, and high set ears which can be cropped or uncropped. Also, they have large and well-defined muscles.
If taken care of properly, the life expectancy is between 10 – 13 years. American bullies cost around $2000 – $5000, depending on their structure and pedigree. Some people claim that Micro and XXL breeds of American Bullies are sold, but these have not been officially recognized. The most expensive American Bully was sold for $250,000.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), the United Kennel Club (UKC), and other major Kennel clubs. Amongst all pitbull breeds, it is the smallest of all, usually having a height of about 14-16 inches. They weigh around 24 – 37 pounds.
This is the most popular dog breed in the United Kingdom and the 80th most popular dog breed in the United States. They are described as very clever, tenacious, and brave breeds. Just like other Pitbulls, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is muscular and agile. Also, when properly trained, they are very friendly around kids, intelligent, loyal, and family dogs.
Their colors are fawn, blue, tan, brindle, white, black, red, or even a combination of all for some. They have a lifespan of about 12-14 years. The price range for the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is within the range of $1500 – $2500. These breeds require constant human attention because they are prone to separation anxiety.
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What Breeds Make A Pitbull?
We mentioned earlier that Pitbulls are not a specific breed of dogs; rather, they are the product of mating Bulldogs and Terriers. So, we will look at the two breeds that make a pitbull.
Bulldog
Originally used to round up cattle during the trip to the market for sale and compete in bull-baiting, an extreme and bloody dog sport, Bulldogs are now gentle companions of man. Bulldogs descended from Fighting Mastiffs imported into the British Isles by the Romans.
Today, Bulldogs have a slight resemblance with Mastiffs; they are medium-sized with a low-slung, thick-set body. They also have a short-muzzled, massive, and squared head with broad chests and shoulders, as well as thick, sturdy limbs. Bulldogs stand at about 12 to 15 inches at the shoulder and weigh about 50 pounds.
Terriers
There are various breeds of Terriers, and it is difficult to tell which breed Pitbulls were bred from. However, some sources claim cross-mating bulldogs and the Manchester Terrier produced the Pitbull. The Manchester Terrier stands at about 17 inches in height and weighs between 12 to 22 pounds.
The Manchester Terrier was originally bred for ratting and rabbit coursing, and it is also called the Gentleman’s Terrier. They have a life expectancy of up to 15 years, and they are energetic dogs that are ferocious when trained.
What Is The Most Expensive Pitbull?
It is not a thing of surprise that Pitbull dog breeds are usually very expensive, considering the time and effort usually taken to produce these top quality and high standard dogs. The most expensive pitbull is an American Bully named White Rhino and was sold for $250,000.
One of the reasons this White Rhino Pitbull is unique is because of the pattern and coloring of its coat; it has colors like black and brown that are combined with white, the dominant color of its coat. Various owners have bred the White Rhino, but the first owner was Mike R. Wallander.
He mated two of the Pitbulls in his kennel, resulting in producing the best quality Pitbulls. The White Rhino was sold to Armando Perez, and while in his care, the dog became popular. Moreover, the dog was later sold to David Potter, an associate of Iron Kast Kennels. David Potter bought the dog for a whooping sum of $250,000.
Final Thoughts
Pitbulls are one of the most dangerous dogs on the planet, so it is imperative to acquire all the pieces of knowledge about the breed before you purchase one. There have been cases of Pitbulls attacking their owners; this is a result of inadequate knowledge. You do want that to happen to you.
Additional reading:
Shawn Manaher is a serial entrepreneur but when he isn’t working, he loves dogs. He’s owned different pets over the years, and always gives a part of his heart to each pet.
