Top 15 Dogs That Look Like Pit Bulls
Last Updated on: 26th June 2023, 12:09 pm
Are you a dog lover with a special affinity for pit bulls? Or perhaps you’re just curious about dogs that resemble this popular breed? Look no further!
This article’ll explore the top 15 dogs that look like pit bulls, delving into their unique characteristics and differences.
From their physical features to temperament, these breeds can sometimes be mistaken for pit bulls, but each has its distinct charm.
So whether you’re considering adopting a new furry family member or want to learn more about these fascinating breeds, read on and discover the amazing world of dogs that look like pit bulls!
Physical Characteristics of Top Dogs That Looks Like A Pitbull
| Dog Breed | Physical Characteristics | Main Differences from Pit Bulls |
|---|---|---|
| American Bulldog | Larger and stockier, with a broader head | Heavier, more muscular, and less agile |
| Boxer | Shorter muzzle, more muscular body | More playful and energetic, with a distinctive underbite |
| Staffordshire Bull Terrier | Smaller, with a broader head and shorter legs | Friendly and affectionate, with a stronger build |
| American Bully | Thicker neck, wider chest, and shorter legs | More muscular and stocky, with a friendly temperament |
| Bull Terrier | Egg-shaped head, with a longer, more muscular body | Unique head shape, with a more independent personality |
1: American Pit Bull Terrier
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a breed that often gets mistaken for other breeds due to its strong, muscular build and similar facial features. This breed is known for its intelligence, loyalty, and courage, making it a popular choice for families and working roles.
Originally bred for bull-baiting and later for dog fighting, the American Pit Bull Terrier has come a long way from its controversial past. Nowadays, these dogs are cherished as loving family companions and can be trained for various purposes such as search and rescue, therapy work, and even agility competitions.
Despite their tough exterior, American Pit Bull Terriers are affectionate and gentle with their loved ones, making them excellent companions for those who understand and appreciate their unique qualities.
2: Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a breed that often gets mistaken for a Pit Bull due to their similar muscular build and strong features. However, they have the unique characteristics that set them apart from Pit Bulls.
Staffies, as they are affectionately known, are a medium-sized, short-coated dog breed that originated in England. They are known for their loyalty, courage, and affectionate nature towards their family, making them excellent companions.
Characteristics and Differences
While the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Pit Bull share some physical traits, there are notable differences between these two breeds:
- Size: Staffies are typically smaller than Pit Bulls, with an average height of 14-16 inches and weight of 28-38 pounds.
- Head: A Staffordshire Bull Terrier’s head is broader and shorter than a Pit Bull’s more elongated head.
- Temperament: Both breeds are known for their loyalty and love for their families, but Staffies are generally more pleasant and less prone to aggression towards other dogs.
These differences are important to consider when choosing a dog that may resemble a Pit Bull, as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier offers a distinct personality and appearance that sets it apart from its lookalike.
3: Bull Terrier
Bull Terriers are often mistaken for pit bulls due to their muscular build and distinct head shape. These dogs are known for their fearless nature and strong loyalty to their owners. They are also recognized for their unique, egg-shaped head and small, triangular eyes.
Originally bred for dog fighting, Bull Terriers have since transitioned into loving family pets. They are intelligent, and playful, and require regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental well-being.
Despite their tough appearance, Bull Terriers are affectionate and loving companions eager to please their owners. Proper socialization and training are essential to ensure that they grow up well-behaved and confident pets.
4: American Bulldog
The American Bulldog is a powerful and muscular breed that closely resembles the pit bull. With its strong build and love for physical activities, it’s no wonder that this breed is often mistaken for a pit bull. However, the American Bulldog has its unique characteristics and differences worth exploring.
5: Boxer
The Boxer is a medium to large-sized breed that often gets mistaken for a Pitbull due to its muscular build and square-shaped head. Originating from Germany, Boxers are known for their playful, energetic, and loyal personalities.
These dogs typically have short, sleek coats in various colors like fawn, brindle, and white. Boxers are intelligent and can be trained easily, making them excellent companions for families and individual owners.
6: Dogo Argentino
Originating from Argentina, the Dogo Argentino is a large and muscular breed known for its striking similarity to the Pit Bull. With a strong, athletic build and a friendly demeanor, it’s no surprise they’re often mistaken for Pit Bulls.
However, there are some key differences between the two breeds. The Dogo Argentino is typically larger, with a solid white coat and a wide, slightly convex head. They were initially bred to hunt big game, such as wild boars, and as a result, they possess great power and agility.
Despite their physical prowess, Dogo Argentinos are known to be loyal, affectionate, and excellent with children. They require consistent training and socialization, but they can make wonderful family pets with the right guidance.
7: Cane Corso
Cane Corso, also known as the Italian Mastiff, is a large and powerful dog breed that shares some resemblance to the Pit Bull. Its muscular build and square-shaped head make it easy to see why some people might confuse the two breeds.
Originating in Italy, the Cane Corso was bred as a working dog, fulfilling roles such as guarding property, herding, and hunting large game. They are intelligent, loyal, and protective, making them excellent family companions when trained and socialized properly.
Despite their similar physical appearance, Cane Corsos are quite different from Pit Bulls in temperament and size. They tend to be more reserved and cautious around strangers, and they can weigh up to 120 pounds, which is significantly larger than most Pit Bulls.
8: Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as the French Mastiff, is a large and muscular breed that can sometimes be mistaken for a Pit Bull due to its stocky build and powerful appearance. However, there are some key differences between the two breeds. While both are strong and muscular, the Dogue de Bordeaux has a more massive and wrinkled head with a distinctive short and wide muzzle. They also have a thicker and more muscular necks compared to Pit Bulls.
9: Presa Canario
The Presa Canario, also known as the Canary Mastiff, is a large dog breed originating from the Canary Islands. Known for its muscular build and imposing presence, this breed often gets mistaken for a Pit Bull.
Presas are intelligent, loyal, and protective, making them excellent guard dogs. However, they require experienced owners who can provide consistent training and socialization from a young age. Otherwise, their dominant and strong-willed nature can become challenging to handle.
10: Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is a large, powerful breed often mistaken for a Pit Bull due to its muscular build and broad head. However, there are some key differences to be aware of.
- Size: Bullmastiffs are significantly larger than Pit Bulls, weighing between 100-130 pounds and standing 24-27 inches tall at the shoulder.
- Temperament: While both breeds are loyal and protective, Bullmastiffs tend to have a more laid-back and gentle demeanor compared to the energetic nature of Pit Bulls.
- Appearance: Bullmastiffs have a short, dense coat that comes in various shades of fawn, red, or brindle, and they typically have a distinctive black mask on their face.
Understanding these differences can help dog lovers and Pit Bull enthusiasts better identify and appreciate the unique qualities of the Bullmastiff breed.
11: Rottweiler
Rottweilers are a large and powerful breed that can sometimes be mistaken for a pit bulls due to their muscular and robust appearance. They originated in Germany and were historically used as herding dogs and protectors of livestock.
Characteristics of Rottweilers
- Size: Rottweilers are larger than pit bulls, typically weighing 80-135 pounds and standing 22-27 inches tall.
- Coat: They have a short, dense, and straight coat that is primarily black with rust or mahogany markings.
- Temperament: Rottweilers are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and protective instincts. They require consistent training and socialization from a young age.
Note: While Rottweilers may resemble pit bulls in some aspects, they have distinct differences in size, coat pattern, and ancestry.
12: Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a breed that shares similarities with the Pit Bull, but has its own unique characteristics. Originating from Southern Africa, this breed is known for its distinctive ridge of hair along its back, which grows in the opposite direction of the rest of its coat.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are intelligent, loyal, and protective, making them excellent family companions. While they have a strong resemblance to Pit Bulls, their striking ridge and slightly larger size set them apart.
13: Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is a muscular and powerful breed that may resemble a pit bull due to its athletic build and short coat. However, they have a few distinct characteristics that set them apart.
Dobermans are typically larger than pit bulls, with males weighing 75 to 100 pounds while females weighing 60 to 90 pounds. They are more slender and elegant, with long, straight legs and a tapered muzzle.
Though they are often portrayed as aggressive in popular culture, Dobermans are known to be loyal, intelligent, and protective dogs. They are well-suited for work in law enforcement, search and rescue, and as family pets.
14: Black Mouth Cur
The Black Mouth Cur is a versatile working dog breed known for its loyalty, intelligence, and strong work ethic. They are often mistaken for Pit Bulls due to their muscular build and similar facial features. However, some key differences set them apart.
Black Mouth Curs have a distinctive dark muzzle, which gives them their name. They typically have a short, dense coat in shades of yellow, fawn, or brindle. These dogs are larger than Pit Bulls, with males weighing between 40 to 95 pounds and females weighing 35 to 80 pounds.
15: Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is a popular dog breed known for its intelligence, friendly demeanor, and versatility. Often mistaken for a Pit Bull, this breed has distinct features and characteristics that set it apart.
Labrador Retrievers are often used as service dogs, therapy dogs, and in search and rescue missions due to their incredible work ethic and loyalty.
Characteristics:
- Size: Medium to large, weighing between 55-80 pounds
- Coat: Short, dense, and water-resistant
- Colors: Black, chocolate, or yellow
- Temperament: Friendly, outgoing, and eager to please
- Energy level: High
Although they share some physical similarities with Pit Bulls, Labrador Retrievers have a unique charm and are loved by families worldwide for their gentle and affectionate nature.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, many dog breeds resemble pit bulls, each with their unique characteristics and traits. By understanding the top 14 dogs that look like pit bulls, dog lovers and pit bull enthusiasts can better appreciate the diversity and charm of these breeds. Remember, the key to a happy, well-behaved dog is proper training, love, and care, regardless of appearance. Happy dog parenting!
