Have you ever wondered whether pitbulls are really dangerous and aggressive, or just thought to be brutal because of a few terrible incidents?
But firstly, we need to understand that the pitbull is an umbrella term that constitutes not only a single breed but a large variety or group of different dog breeds, such as the American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. But there are also many other dogs that look and behave similarly to the world’s most misunderstood pit bull breeds.
Generally, Pitbulls are known for their small size and muscular build. These dogs require the right family and owner who gives them attention, love, and consistent training along with early socialization from a young age. Pitbulls can be some of the most delicate, loyal, and friendliest pets you can own if you know how to handle them.
7 Pitbull-Like Dog Breeds
Not all pit bull breeds, like American Staffordshire terriers and American pit bull terriers, are aggressive, as they are often thought to be. Most dogs just require a firm and strong owner who can consistently train and mould these pups with patience and persistence to harness their protective instincts in a positive way.
Other bulldog breeds consist of Presa Canarios that are large and muscular, resembling Pitbulls, but are often less affectionate than Pitbulls. Moreover, Bullmastiffs also share the muscular build characteristic of Pitbulls but differ in face shape and overall temperament. The Bullmastiffs are firm and dedicated dogs, but not as sensitive or emotional as pitbulls.
1. American Bulldog
The descendant of the old and laid-back English bulldogs, the American bulldog is often mistaken to be a pit bull. But there is a strong reason why? They are small, burly, muscular, and fierce-looking, just like the pit bulls.
However, American Bulldogs are intelligent, headstrong dogs that have a strong-willed nature. These pooches are quite independent and are better suited to an active lifestyle in comparison to their English counterparts, who prefer a quite chill and relaxed routine.
Purina says American Bulldogs resemble Pitbulls in physical appearance and personality traits. These pups are loyal and easy-to-train dogs due to their smart and affectionate nature.
American Bulldogs are suitable for families interested in physical activities and exercise, cause these pooches like to flex their muscles and run in a great open field. These pups are ideal for owners who have big ranches, farms, and large estates with proper dog fences.
2. Boxer
These goofy fella might look daunting, but they are completely a class clown who make their owners laugh uncontrollably at their antics. Boxers can share a similar color pattern with Pitbulls and have a stocky physique, making them look alike in some cases, but are known for their sweet-tempered personality.
According to Pawlicy Advisor, the boxers can get stubborn but are not aggressive or dangerous in any form or way to other people and dogs in your neighborhood. They can be shy in the beginning, but once they are socialized well with other dogs and people, they make wonderful hosts of doggie play dates and adventure partners.
It is essential to understand that Boxers need positive reinforcement in training and don’t appreciate any negative vibes or behaviour from owners. Hence, try to deal patiently with them to control their bad behaviour.
3. Boerboel
This South African mastiff is an incredible deterrent for baboons and lions. The name of this dog is a pun on its Dutch name, boelhound. These daring, fearless, and ferocious protectors make incredible watchdogs and guardians. These pooches are considerably larger, more muscular, and daunting than the pit bulls. Although they do match a pit bull in their strong, stubborn, and protective nature.
According to VCA Animal Hospitals, these reliable and devoted pups are both agile and versatile. They have a stubborn streak but can be trained with patience and consistency. If they are socialized early from a young age with other dogs and family members will make loyal dogs that you won’t have anything to worry about later on.
Boerboels are quite large dogs with a weight of 150-200 pounds and a height of 22-27 inches, compared to the pit bull, which only stands at a height of 17-21 inches and a weight of 30-60 pounds.
4. Dogo Argentino
These beautiful, large white dog breeds of mastiff type are a cross of the MastÃn del Pirineo or Pyrenean mastiffs, bull terriers, a fighting dog of bulldog type, and the now extinct Cordoba fighting dog. These pups were originally bred in the 20th century in Córdoba, Central Argentina, for hunting large game like peccaries, wild boars, and pumas.
Britannica states the Dogo Argentinos share a similar muscular build and facial structure as Pitbulls, though they are typically all-white in color and also much larger and stronger than the pit bull breeds. Dogo Argentinos are known for their cheerful and humble personality, are were bred for protection and hunting. These pups are quite cheerful and friendly with their owners.
However, the dogo argentino is also a considerably dangerous dog that, if not trained and socialized well, can cause much harm and destruction. These pups have a strong prey drive and can get aggressive if not trained well towards other animals and humans that are completely harmless.
5. Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog
Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs are descendants of Pitbulls and Old English bulldogs and maintain similar muscular builds and protective instincts. These pooches have retained the temperament and nature of their ancestors. These pooches are quite powerful and muscular breeds that weigh around 55-90 pounds and have a height of 18-24 inches.
Continental Kennel Club says these pooches are now predominantly used as guard dogs and cattle or pig herders, but were previously utilized for the blood sport of bull baiting and bear baiting in the 18th century. These catch dogs that have similar features to the early bulldogs of England were originally bred in Georgia.
These pups are versatile and adaptable, making them ideal for various environments and most suited for big homes, farms, and ranches because of their high energy and very high prey drive. These confident and bold alapaha blue blood bulldogs should never be kept off leash and allowed to roam alone, only in a six-foot-high secure fenced area where no small pets or other dog breeds are present.
These pooches are fierce protectors and loyal guardians who get along well with children and make good watchdogs, guards, and family pets.
6. Bull Terrier
Bull Terriers have distinctive features and muscular builds similar to Pitbulls, due to which people commonly mistake them for Pitbulls. The egg-shaped heads of this bulldog breed are quite distinctive. Bull Terriers need lots of attention and do not thrive when left alone for long periods.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) states that this medium to large breed originated in 19th-century England. These dogs were originally bred for vermin hunting and the blood sports of bull baiting. However, these pups have a playful personality and are also great companion animals.
These energetic dogs require regular exercise and consistent grooming. These pups are also available as designer breeds and come in miniature versions.
They are good family pets and can get along well with children. These pups, when well-trained and socialized, are quite people-oriented due to which means they are friendly with strangers; however, not trained and socialized pups can also get aggressive with them. They make good guard dogs because of their protective, alert, and watchful nature.
P.S. It is also always advised to supervise the interaction of small kids and dogs to avoid misfortune and bad circumstances from happening.
7. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Staffordshire Bull Terriers are muscular and share several physical traits with Pitbulls, including an intense gaze and bold temperament. These pups are quite protective of their owners, and a well-socialized Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a loyal and cheerful pup.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers make great companions and family dogs because they love children and will happily play tag and tug of war with your babies.
The AKC says these pooches are sweet-natured and gentle companions who are totally misunderstood to be aggressive. Their unique traits make them ideal nanny dogs, and if well-socialized and trained, they are the reason for endless joy and happiness in every home.
Nicknamed Staffies, these medium-sized pooches with a short stature are quite sensitive, endearing, and affectionate dogs. They get along well with pups from other breeds if introduced at an early age and are also comfortable with other animals and bond well with dogs from the same breed.
These pups were used for the blood sport of bull baiting, which is now banned because of its gruesome and cruel nature.
Conclusion
On an ending note, Pit bull breeds are intimidating, courageous, and inherently stubborn, but have several misconceptions about them. Because a dog’s behaviour is reflective of how they were raised from a you age. These dogs might seem predominantly aggressive, but can become wonderful, well-behaved pups if trained with the right approach of patience and persistence. All breeds mentioned above are highly perceptive and emotional canines that require time, love, and attention from their owners.
The biggest underlying factor that makes these pups aggressive is fear or neglect. Hence, they can be tough to raise if they have been neglected or punished brutally for their mistakes throughout their life or in the fragile early stages of growing up. Hence, make sure to pay attention to the behavior of your pups and if you feel they are showing signs of separation anxiety, fear, and depression. Take them to a therapist and trainer to help them feel better.
If handled well, these pups are naturally affectionate and always eager to please their loved ones. Moreover, there are also some breeds that were not mentioned on the list, like English Bulldogs that are known for their muscular bodies and caring nature, making them appealing to some Pitbull fans. Even Cane Corsos, which are strong, protective dogs, share some physical similarities with Pitbulls, but are larger and heavier. These pups are athletic, like pit bulls, sharing a similar personality and look, and make excellent guard dogs and are quite protective of their owners.
