The Pit Bull or American Pit Bull Terrier dog breed, evokes different memories, reactions, and emotions from people all the time. Some see them as the perfect companion and guardian that suits their personality and lifestyle, while others dread them – seeing only ferocious and mindless beasts that can cause great bodily harm and even death. These sentiments are also extended to several other dogs that look like Pit Bulls.
The original Pit Bull is believed to have been brought about as a result of cross-mixing the original English Bulldog and the Terrier family of dogs. This cross-breeding gave rise to early American Staffordshire Terrier dogs – which were the forerunners of the breed now popularly known as the American Pit Bull Terrier dog. Though they were initially bred for fighting bulls or bears in a bloody sport much to the amusement of their bloodthirsty spectators; regulations have banned dogfighting of all kinds, and these dog warriors have been brought to homes to provide companionship for their owners.
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Features And General Characteristics Of A Pit Bull
A pit bull has an unmistakable personality that no one can deny. Its medium-sized head, prominent cheek muscles, cropped ears, short slanting body, muscular fore, and hind legs, as well as several other attributes, are unique. Coupled with their aloof, graceful, and very confident stance which sets them apart from other dogs.
A male Pit Bull is typically about 18 or 19 inches tall, while the female is just a few inches shorter. The male can weigh between 55 to 70 lbs, while the female weighs between 40 to 55 lbs. They have a life expectancy that extends from 12 to 16 years.
Breed Of Dogs That Look Like Pit Bulls
There are a few dogs that look like Pit Bulls, largely because of their similarities and looks. The following are often mistaken for Pit Bulls.
1. English Bulldog
The English Bulldog is one of the parent dog breeds stated to have been cross-bred to create the pit bull. They share the same features, strong build, and muscled body. The Pit Bull probably got its never-back-down attitude and aggression from the British Bulldog, as they were bred to take on large bulls as herding dogs. The major difference between a British Bulldog and a Pit Bull is in their size, as the former is smaller. Howbeit, they share the same “personality” as dogs – fearless, courageous, and ready to get the job done at all costs.
2. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The Staffordshire Terrier is probably one of the dogs that look like Pit Bulls the most, especially in recent times. In fact, history has it that the Staffordshire Terrier was the original version of the Pit Bull from the United Kingdom and that they were named Pit Bulls when they were brought to America, and made to fight bulls and other dogs in pit arenas in the early 1800s.
3. Ambullneo Mastiff
This dog breed has a very familiar appearance that puts it on the list of dogs that look like Pit Bulls in many ways, except for the color they come in. The breed also has Bulldog genes in its makeup, which explains the resemblance to Pit Bull. Ambullneo Mastiffs have those unique facial and body features that make them look like Pit Bull, the exceptions being that they are actually larger and more muscular. They are also very loyal and protective of their family and estate, just like the Pit Bull.
4. Bull Mastiff
Bull Mastiffs were originally created by crossing the English Mastiff with the English Bulldog, little wonder you might mistake them for a Pit Bull from afar – especially in their fawn color. On closer inspection, however, you will realize that the Bull Mastiff is actually larger and more muscular than the Pit Bull. They are both alert, intelligent and fearless dogs that will always protect their family and estate against harm and intruders.
5. Cane Corso
A Cane Corso is not a dog breed for the beginner dog owner or a lily-livered one, just like the Pit Bull. It has a reputation also of being a fighting dog in the past and must be trained quite early in order to overcome aggression issues later on in life. It is also a graceful and well-built dog that will always love its family and protect them from harm and intrusion at all times. The Cane Corso looks like Pit Bull a lot but the latter appears more sturdy and shorter.
6. Boxer
If you are staring at a Boxer dog from a distance, you will most likely get confused because it looks like the Pit Bull, especially if they are in their fawn color/coat. Both are fearless and alert dogs with very graceful and confident gait and stance. They both have muscled ripped torsos and share similar facial features. A close-up inspection of the Boxer will reveal it as a bigger and taller version of the Pit Bull but still listed as one of the dogs that look like Pit Bulls.
7. Presa Canario
The “Presa”, as it is commonly known, is a large working dog breed that can easily be mistaken for a Pit Bull anytime. The breed has the same facial features, head shape, and ears, with muscled bodies that ensure it looks like the Pit Bull. The major difference, however, is that it is much larger than the Pit Bull. Like the Pit Bull, Presa also has to be trained very early and requires an experienced and firm owner, in order to overcome aggression issues as it matures fully.
8. Dogo Argentino
This dog breed, originally bred in Argentina in the 1920s by doctor and surgeon, Antonio Martinez, was developed to hunt large game and protect large estates. Though it had the now extinct Cardoba dog as the predominant breed, it also included a potpourri of other dog genes – including an English Mastiff. Whether in fawn or other colors, the Dogo most likely looks like Pit Bull at first, before a closer look would reveal it as being taller and heavier. Both breeds come with about the same life expectancy.
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9. Bull Terrier
Not many dogs have the kind of striking resemblance the Bull Terrier shares with the Pit Bull. They have been mistaken for each other many times because of the physical attributes they share. Granted, the Bull Terrier is among the breed of dogs that look like Pit Bulls, especially in their sturdy body both distinct features like eyes, the shape of the head, and size set them apart. Again, if you thought the Pit Bulls can be aggressive, then you must be terrified of the Bull Terriers that have often been tagged as unpredictable. The Bull Terrier is smaller in size even after growing into an adult.
10. Boerboel
If you are not good at telling dog breeds apart, you would be forgiven for mixing up the Boerboel with the Pit Bull. Both breeds have distinct block-shaped head and muscular body that radiates an aura of strength with an air of confidence. The Boerboel, however, tends to get really big when fully grown and was bred in South Africa to work on farms. Though they appear ferocious, the breed is actually obedient, intelligent, and trainable if you start early. They can also co-habit with other dogs if socialization is incited from an early stage.
Summary of Dogs That Look Like Pit Bulls
- English Bulldog
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Ambullneo Mastiff
- Bull Mastiff
- Cane Corso
- Boxer
- Presa Canario
- Dogo Argentino
- Bull Terrier
- Boerboel