According to Bully Breed Magazine, Bully breeds are generally medium-sized dogs, muscular, and solidly built, with short, glossy coats. The heads and chests are broad, the topline typically level and the legs are muscular, well-boned and straight. Most have pronounced cheek muscles and a confident, wide-mouthed grin. The bully breeds are courageous, tenacious, smart, self-assured and affectionate with people. “Pit Bull” is not actually one breed but rather many breeds all falling into one general category. If you randomly ask 20 different people to describe a “Pit Bull”, you may end up with 20 different answers. Here is a brief profile of each of the bully breeds most commonly referred to as “Pit Bulls”.

Males: 22-27 inches; 75-125 pounds
Female: 20-25 inches; 60-100 pounds
Coat: Any color except solid black, blue or tri-color
Nose: Any color, dark preferred
Eyes: Any color, brown preferred
Ears: Cropped or un-cropped; drop, semi prick or rose
Tail: Medium, tapering; can be docked
Body: Sturdy, compact and agile
Head: Broad head with full lips
Nature: Alert, outgoing, self-assured

Ranging from mid-size to well over 100 lbs. the American Bulldog is affectionate, lovable and protective of its family-if need be. Dog aggression is not common with this breed, but as with any breed, it may be present in some individual dogs. Aggression toward humans is not in this dog’s nature although a dominant dog may try to boss a lenient owner. Smaller American Bulldogs are commonly mistaken in shelters as “Pit Bulls”.

Males: 35-60 pounds preferred
Female: 30-50 pounds preferred
Coat: Any color
Nose: Any color
Eyes: All colors, except blue
Ears: Cropped or un-cropped; rose or semi prick
Tail: Short and tapering
Body: Solidly built and muscular, agile, wide chest
Head: Wedge-shaped with forehead wrinkles
Nature: Zest for life, affectionate, confident, courageous, good with children

Sweet, devoted, highly intelligent and enthusiastic, This breed comes in a wide range of sizes, shapes and colors, weighing from 16 lbs. to over 100 lbs. APBTs can be registered with the United Kennel Club. If a dog resembles an APBT it is usually labeled a “Pit Bull”. This breed is the most popular breed in some areas like the San Francisco Bay area. APBTs have a high pain tolerance and many have a high energy level, for these reasons they are often targeted by criminals. Dog aggression is common but generally controllable with responsible ownership along with proper training and early socialization. When an APBT is specifically bred and trained for illegal dog-fighting it is usually too aggressive for an average pet owner to handle; however dog-aggression and human aggression are two completely different traits. One does not connect to the other. Ill-bred APBTs, as well as any other breed can end up with unbalanced temperaments, which can include unprovoked aggression toward humans. Human aggression in APBTs does not represent the breed it represents that individual dog and its strain. Pit Bulls are no more dangerous than any other dog. Aggression can be bred out as easily as it is bred in. They are highly trainable and yes, potentially dangerous if trained to be so, as any breed of dog in the same weight range would be.

Males: 18-19 inches; both 40-50 pounds
Female: 17-18 inches
Coat: Any color
Nose: Black
Eyes: Dark, round
Ears: Cropped or un-cropped
Tail: Short and tapering
Body: Stocky and muscular; broad head
Head: Broad head with distinct cheek muscles
Nature: Happy, intelligent, confident, courageous, good with children

The AmStaff is sometimes referred to as the “show-Pit Bull”. Since the 1970’the American Kennel Club (AKC) no longer allows United Kennel Club (UKC) registered APBTs to be crossed into the AKC lines; however, AmStaffs can be registered with the UKC as APBTs. This breed has an excellent, even-temperament; high endurance; and willingness to please that can easily overcome its independent streak. A well-bred and well-socialized AmStaff has patience with children. They have a high tolerance for pain and like the APBT, the AmStaff is known for having dog aggression, but it can be controlled with responsible ownership. Unprovoked human aggression is rare and mostly due to poor breeding practices.

Males: 28-38 pounds, both 14-16 inches
Female: 24-34 pounds
Coat: Many colors
Nose: Black
Eyes: Dark preferred
Ears: Un-cropped; rose
Tail: Short and tapering
Body: Muscular, agile, wide chest
Head: Round, broad head with distinct cheek muscles
Nature: Affectionate, stable, courageous, good with children

Although much smaller than the APBT & AmStaff, The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is often lumped together with these breeds and misidentified as a “Pit Bull”. The Stafford is a gregarious, fun-loving, intelligent dog with a natural affinity toward children. As with the APBT & AmStaff, dog aggression is common but can be controlled by an experienced, responsible owner who prevents the first fight from ever happening. Unprovoked human aggression is extremely rare and not tolerated by breeders.

Males: No size given; must be proportional
Females: No size given; must be proportional
Coat: White or colored variety
Nose: Black
Eyes: Dark, small triangular and piercing
Ears: Un-cropped; erect and thin
Tail: Short and tapering
Body: Muscular and symmetrical
Head: Egg-shaped, full head
Nature: Jaunty air, sweet disposition

* Note: The Mini bull Terrier has essentially the same standard, with a size of 10-14 inches.

Bull Terrier & Mini-Bull Terrier are separated from the other bully breeds by their distinctive noses. They are not prone to dog aggression, but like any breed, this characteristic can be present in some individual dogs. Although they can be a dominant breed, the Bull Terrier & Mini-Bull Terrier are mostly recognized for their highly tolerant temperament, high energy, uncanny intelligence, and silly sense of humor. Temperaments vary in litters even when well-bred, largely due to the mix of breeds that were originally used to develop the breed. A reputable breeder is essential in assisting pet owners with suitable puppy selection.