Although the American Pit Bull Terrier is the only official breed with “pit bull” in its name, the term is often used broadly for medium-sized dogs with bully-type traits rather than specific genetics.
Enter the XL dog breeds that carry a striking resemblance to Pit Bulls — broad heads, strong jaws, and stocky frames — but come in extra-large sizes that make them stand out even more. These dogs capture the same bold aesthetic while bringing their own unique personalities to the table.
From mastiffs that tower with confidence to bulldog mixes with Pit Bull-like features, these breeds embody strength and athleticism. They aren’t just about appearance, though — many of these XL dogs are also affectionate, loyal, and family-oriented.
For those who admire the Pit Bull’s commanding presence but want a larger, more imposing companion, these breeds are the perfect blend of looks and character. They turn heads at the park, offer steadfast protection, and bring enormous hearts to match their size.
Let’s dive into the world of extra-large dog breeds that mirror the Pit Bull’s iconic look while carving their own path as unforgettable companions.
Quick Insight: Because of this wide definition and their popularity, pitbull-labeled dogs make up an estimated 20% of the U.S. dog population.
XL Dog Breeds That Look Like Pit Bulls
1. American Bulldog
The American Bulldog is a strong, athletic, and well-balanced dog known for endurance, agility, and a friendly attitude.
Originally bred as a utility dog on farms, these dogs excelled at guarding property, working livestock, and even catching feral pigs.
Descended from the English Bulldog, American Bulldogs arrived in the U.S. with immigrants in the 1800s and thrived in the southern states thanks to their versatility and toughness, according to AKC.
Pit Bulls:
✔ Pit Bulls bring the fun and energy, always ready for playtime.
✔ Pit Bulls sport a sleek, athletic frame
✔ Pit Bulls thrive on high-octane play sessions
✔ Pit Bulls are eager learners who love pleasing their people.
American Bulldog:
✔ They’re the confident guardians, protective yet loving with their families.
✔ American Bulldogs stand out with their muscular, powerhouse build.
✔ American Bulldogs are content with steady, moderate exercise to keep them happy.
✔ American Bulldogs are smart but stubborn, needing firm, consistent guidance to shine.
American Bulldogs are loyal, smart, and energetic companions that thrive with consistent training and regular exercise. They enjoy activities like tug-of-war, agility courses, and long walks alongside their owners. With the right care and attention, they make a wonderful addition to the family.
If you want a dog with the pit bull look but slightly bigger and more protective, the American Bulldog is your versatile, loyal companion—built for work, but full of family love.
2. Bullmastiff
The breed originated as a cross between the English Mastiff and the Old English Bulldog and was later officially recognized as purebred by the Kennel Club. With their strength and build, they share many traits with other Molosser-type dogs.
Despite their intimidating size, these gentle giants are calm, affectionate, and loyal, making them excellent family protectors. They combine strength and courage with a quiet, low-key personality.
Pit Bulls:
✔ Pit Bulls are playful and social
✔ Pit Bulls have athletic, sleek bodies
✔ Pit Bulls love energetic play
✔ Pit Bulls are eager to please
Bullmastiff:
✔ Bullmastiffs are calm, protective, and family-oriented.
✔ Bullmastiffs are stocky, broad-chested, and powerful.
✔ Bullmastiffs need moderate daily walks.
✔ Bullmastiffs are intelligent but independent, needing patient and consistent training.
Bullmastiffs shine in a variety of dog sports and are also well-suited for work as therapy dogs, thanks to their naturally calm temperament paired with a gentle, often playful sense of humor.
For those who want the pit bull look but a bigger, stoic guardian, Bullmastiffs are gentle giants with a heart as big as their muscles.
3. Cane Corso
The Cane Corso, or Italian Mastiff, is a majestic and powerful breed respected since Roman times.
The Cane Corso is a medium-to-large breed with a powerful, stocky build and a broad, imposing head. In regions where it’s permitted, the breed traditionally has a docked tail and cropped ears, enhancing its strong, commanding appearance.
Bred as hunters and warriors, these dogs are protective and assertive toward strangers but loving, loyal, and affectionate with family. Forming a strong bond with a Corso rewards you with a devoted, obedient, and cuddly companion.
Pit Bulls:
✔ Pit Bulls are energetic and playful
✔ Pit Bulls need high-energy play
✔ Pit Bulls are eager to please
Cane Corso:
✔ Cane Corsos are protective, loyal, and family-oriented.
✔ Cane Corsos require moderate walks and mental stimulation
✔ Cane Corsos are strong-willed and require firm, consistent training.
As per Britannica, the Cane Corso makes an outstanding watchdog and, with proper training, can also serve as a reliable protection dog. While affectionate with its family, the breed tends to have a serious, no-nonsense demeanor.
Due to its powerful build and determined nature, the Cane Corso is generally not the best match for households with young children or elderly owners.
4. Presa Canario
The Presa Canario is a powerful Mastiff breed from Spain’s Canary Islands.
Built to guard property and even take on other dogs or wolves, these dogs are courageous, self-willed, and protective. Majestic in both looks and temperament, Presa Canarios have bodies that are longer than they are tall, and a massive head highlighted by a signature black mask and pronounced jowls.
Tough inside and out, these dogs are naturally watchful and steadfast, often holding their ground with a focused gaze and a charmingly wrinkled brow whenever something catches their attention.
Pit Bulls:
✔ Pit Bulls are playful and social
✔ Pit Bulls are athletic and compact
✔ Pit Bulls love energetic play
✔ Pit Bulls are responsive and eager to please
Presa Canario:
✔ Presa Canarios are protective, independent, and sometimes aggressive.
✔ Presa Canarios are large, muscular, and imposing.
✔ Presa Canarios need moderate activity with structured mental stimulation.
✔ Presa Canarios require experienced, consistent training.
PetMD noted these dogs do best in households where they receive plenty of attention and steady leadership. While not overly high-energy, they still benefit from daily exercise to keep both their body and mind healthy.
Because of their strong prey drive, Presa Canarios may not be the ideal fit for homes with multiple pets. Presa Canarios are the “serious guardians” of the Mastiff world—impressive, loyal, and not for first-time owners.
5. Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentino is a powerful working breed that hails from Argentina.
Often called the Argentinian Mastiff or Argentine Dogo, it remains relatively rare in the United States. Built with a strong, muscular frame, this breed was originally developed for hunting large game such as mountain lions.
Fearless and intelligent, these dogs are both strong and affectionate, forming deep bonds with their families. Dogo Argentinos are intelligent dogs that excel in active games like fetch, as well as sports involving weight-pulling and agility, says WebMD.
Pit Bulls:
✔ Pit Bulls are energetic and playful
✔ Pit Bulls are compact and athletic
✔ Pit Bulls love high-energy play
✔ Pit Bulls respond well to consistent training
Dogo Argentino:
✔ Dogo Argentinos are brave, loyal, and protective.
✔ Dogo Argentinos are larger, muscular, and powerful.
✔ Dogo Argentinos need vigorous exercise and mental stimulation.
✔ Dogo Argentinos are intelligent but strong-willed, needing firm handling.
Proper socialization is key to managing their courage and high energy. If you love the pit bull look but want a fearless, athletic protector, the Dogo Argentino is the perfect blend of strength and family devotion.
6. Boerboel
Hailing from South Africa, the Boerboel—literally “farm bulldog” in Afrikaans—is a giant guardian breed built to protect farms, mansions, and everything in between.
These dogs are fearless and strong, historically even taking on big game like leopards! Talk about having nerves of steel.
Boerboels are incredibly loyal and protective, but their courage comes with caution: they aren’t naturally patient with strangers or other animals.
Pit Bulls:
✔ Pit Bulls are playful and social
✔ Pit Bulls are compact and athletic
✔ Pit Bulls need high-energy play
✔ Pit Bull responds well to positive reinforcement
Boerboel:
✔ Boerboels are courageous, protective, and strong-willed.
✔ Boerboels are massive, muscular, and imposing.
✔ Boerboels need moderate exercise and structured training.
✔ Boerboels require experienced, firm, and consistent training.
Boerboels are giant, loyal guardians—a step up from the typical pit bull in size, strength, and protective instinct.
Training one into a family companion is possible, but it requires dedication, consistency, and respect for their strength and instincts.
Important: Due to their protective nature, Boerboels are banned in several countries, including Denmark, France, Singapore, Russia, Ukraine, and Romania. They’re not a “casual” dog—they’re serious about guarding.
7. Dogue de Bordeaux
If you’ve ever seen a massive, wrinkly, muscular dog and thought, “That looks like a pit bull on steroids,” you might be staring at a Dogue de Bordeaux—aka the French Mastiff.
These gentle giants are one of France’s oldest and rarest breeds, known for their loyalty, calm demeanor, and—brace yourself—the largest head in the dog kingdom.
Despite their intimidating size, Dogue de Bordeaux dogs are sweet, quiet, and protective, making them excellent family pets. They’re stocky, muscular, and perfectly balanced, giving off an aura of “don’t mess with me… unless you bring treats.”
Pit Bulls:
✔ Pit Bulls have sleek bodies and short muzzles
✔ Pit Bulls love high-energy play
✔ Minimal drooling with Pit Bulls
Dogue de Bordeaux:
✔ Dogue de Bordeaux is stocky, wrinkly, with a massive head.
✔ Dogue de Bordeaux thrives on moderate walks.
✔ Maximal drooling with Dogue de Bordeaux.
But don’t expect them to thrive in small apartments; they need space to move and daily exercise, like one long walk or a few shorter walks totaling about 45 minutes. Be prepared for drool—lots of it—and a bit more grooming than your typical pit bull.
If you love the pit bull look but want a “giant teddy bear” personality, the Dogue de Bordeaux is your dream dog—loyal, protective, and surprisingly gentle despite their Herculean size.
Conclusion
When looking at XL dog breeds that look like Pit Bulls, it’s clear that many dogs share physical characteristics such as a muscular build, robust build, and confident standing posture. Breeds like the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terriers, and the American Bully—recognized by groups like the American Kennel Club and United Kennel Club—were initially bred for bull baiting, farm work, or security, but today are valued as family companions with an affectionate nature and friendly demeanor.
Though sometimes affected by breed-specific legislation, when properly socialized, these pit bull dogs and even mixed breeds can be excellent guard dogs. With responsible breeding, attention to their well-being, and dedicated owners, breeds from Rottweiler to Pitbull types can be trained not just to bark for protection, but to thrive as loyal breeds of dogs that balance strength with companionship.
