Is the American Bulldog Better than the American Pit Bull Terrier as a Pet? Our Answer.

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American Bulldog Versus American Pit Bull Terrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the American Bulldog and the American Pit Bull Terrier? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the American Bulldog and the American Pit Bull Terrier better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the American Bulldog and the American Pit Bull Terrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Bulldog and the American Pit Bull Terrier is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the American Bulldog and for the American Pit Bull Terrier. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the American Bulldog and the American Pit Bull Terrier.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the American Bulldog or the American Pit Bull Terrier.

American Bulldog versus American Pit Bull Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the American Bulldog and the American Pit Bull Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The American Bulldog is a large-sized dog while the American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the American Bulldog belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

On the other hand, the American Pit Bull Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

American Bulldog versus American Pit Bull Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Bulldog to the American Pit Bull Terrier based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the American Bulldog and the American Pit Bull Terrier

Factor American Bulldog American Pit Bull Terrier
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 16 years 12 to 16 years
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 3/5
Height 20 to 28 inches 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder
General Health 3/5 4/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 2/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Weight 60 to 120 pounds 30 to 85 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 14.0 years
Average Price $1400 $1160
Price Range $912 – $1600 $450 – $1200
Temperament Score 86.9 percent 87.4 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • approved laboratory
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • HYPERURICOSURIA
  • Ichthyosis
  • LIPOFUSCINOSIS (LAM)
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the American Bulldog in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the American Pit Bull Terrier. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the American Bulldog is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 75 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the American Pit Bull Terrier is a better pet than the American Bulldog. So, you should get the American Pit Bull Terrier!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the American Bulldog and the American Pit Bull Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the American Bulldog and the American Pit Bull Terrier

    Below is a list of where the American Bulldog and the American Pit Bull Terrier are most different:

    • American Bulldogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, American Pit Bull Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • American Bulldogs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, American Pit Bull Terriers are very friendly towards strangers.
    • American Bulldogs are not prone to nip and chew at things. However, American Pit Bull Terriers are prone to nip and chew at things.
    • American Bulldogs have a very high tendency to drool. However, American Pit Bull Terriers do not have the tendency to drool.

    The Similarities Between the American Bulldog and the American Pit Bull Terrier

    The American Bulldog and the American Pit Bull Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the American Bulldog and the American Pit Bull Terrier are most similar:

    • Both the American Bulldog and the American Pit Bull Terrier are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the American Pit Bull Terrier do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the American Pit Bull Terrier cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the American Pit Bull Terrier cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the American Pit Bull Terrier do not get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the American Pit Bull Terrier are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the American Pit Bull Terrier are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the American Pit Bull Terrier are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the American Pit Bull Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the American Pit Bull Terrier are very easy to groom.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the American Pit Bull Terrier are very easy to train.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the American Pit Bull Terrier have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the American Pit Bull Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the American Pit Bull Terrier do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the American Pit Bull Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the American Pit Bull Terrier are very playful.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the American Pit Bull Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Size Comparison of American Bulldog versus American Pit Bull Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Bulldog and the American Pit Bull Terrier.

    American Bulldogs weigh 60 to 120 pounds when fully grown. American Bulldogs are 20 to 28 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, American Pit Bull Terriers weigh 30 to 85 pounds when fully grown. American Pit Bull Terriers are 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of American Bulldog versus American Pit Bull Terrier

    The lifespan of American Bulldogs is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of American Bulldogs is 13.0 years.

    The lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is 14.0 years.

    American Pit Bull Terriers live longer than American Bulldogs.

    Temperament of the American Bulldog Versus the American Pit Bull Terrier

    The American Pit Bull Terrier has a better temperament than the American Bulldog.

    This is because the temperament score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 87.4 percent while the temperament score for the American Bulldog is 86.9 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 86.9 percent, the American Bulldog has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 87.4 percent, the American Pit Bull Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the American Bulldog and the American Pit Bull Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 214 American Bulldogs and 931 American Pit Bull Terriers.

    Price of American Bulldog versus Price of American Pit Bull Terrier

    The average price of the American Bulldog puppy is $1400. The price of the American Bulldog typically ranges from $912 – $1600. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 302 American Bulldog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy is $1160. The price of the American Pit Bull Terrier typically ranges from $450 – $1200. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 561 American Pit Bull Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The American Bulldog is more expensive than the American Pit Bull Terrier.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the American Bulldog and American Pit Bull Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many American Bulldog puppies or how many American Pit Bull Terrier puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of American Bulldogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of American Bulldogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of American Pit Bull Terriers

    A breakdown of the prices of American Pit Bull Terriers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the American Bulldog puppy or the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: American Bulldog versus American Pit Bull Terrier

    American Bulldogs do not like to be left alone.

    American Pit Bull Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do American Bulldogs shed more than American Pit Bull Terriers?

    American Bulldogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    American Pit Bull Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the American Bulldog or the American Pit Bull Terrier

    American Bulldogs have a very high tendency to drool.

    American Pit Bull Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the American Bulldog or the American Pit Bull Terrier?

    American Bulldogs are very easy to groom.

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Does the American Bulldog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the American Pit Bull Terrier?

    American Bulldogs have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    American Pit Bull Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do American Bulldogs Bark and Howl? What about American Pit Bull Terriers?

    American Bulldogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    American Pit Bull Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can American Bulldogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    American Bulldogs cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    American Pit Bull Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Bulldog vs. American Pit Bull Terrier

    American Bulldogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    American Pit Bull Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can American Bulldogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    American Bulldogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    American Pit Bull Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Bulldog or the American Pit Bull Terrier?

    American Bulldogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    American Pit Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are American Bulldogs good family dogs? What about American Pit Bull Terriers?

    American Bulldogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    American Pit Bull Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are American Bulldogs and American Pit Bull Terriers?

    American Bulldogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    American Pit Bull Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the American Bulldog Easier to Train than the American Pit Bull Terrier?

    American Bulldogs are very easy to train.

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to train.

    Is the American Bulldog Better for Apartment Owners than the American Pit Bull Terrier?

    American Bulldogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    American Pit Bull Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Bulldog or the American Pit Bull Terrier?

    American Bulldogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    American Pit Bull Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: American Bulldog versus American Pit Bull Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the American Bulldog and the American Pit Bull Terrier better suits you and your family.