Bull Terrier vs Pit Bull: Cousins With Very Different Looks

Side by side

Size: the AKC lists Bull Terriers at 21 to 22 inches and 50 to 70 pounds. The UKC gives American Pit Bull Terrier males 18 to 21 inches and 35 to 60 pounds, females 17 to 20 inches and 30 to 50. Lifespan: AKC gives Bull Terriers 12 to 13 years. Registry: the Bull Terrier is AKC-recognized and ranks 72nd; the APBT is a UKC breed. Coat: both short; VCA calls the Bull Terrier coat short, flat and harsh.

Energy: VCA says Bull Terriers need a long walk, short jog or energetic games daily; the UKC describes APBTs as athletes that excel at sports. People: both are friendly. Other dogs: VCA says Bull Terriers are not very friendly toward strange dogs, and the UKC says most APBTs show some dog aggression. Training: both learn quickly but can be stubborn. Best for: experienced, active owners who enjoy a comical, strong-willed dog.

Shared history, separate paths

VCA explains that when bull and bear baiting were outlawed in England in 1835, bulldogs were crossed with terriers to make the smaller, more agile bull and terrier. Around 1860, James Hinks crossed these dogs with the White English Terrier and Dalmatian to create the all-white Bull Terrier, nicknamed the white cavalier; color returned around 1900. VCA notes Bull Terriers are sometimes caught up in breed-specific laws through confusion with pit bulls.

The American Pit Bull Terrier comes from the same bull-and-terrier crosses, which immigrants brought to the United States, where they worked as farm catch dogs and family companions, according to the UKC. The UKC was the first registry to recognize the breed, in 1898. So the two are cousins: one refined for the show ring and companionship, the other kept as a working, athletic dog.

How to tell them apart

The head settles it. The AKC calls Bull Terriers unique eggheads, and that long, egg-shaped head is unlike any other breed's. The APBT has a broad, flat skull and a wide, deep muzzle, per the UKC, with small to medium ears that may be natural or cropped.

Bodies differ too. The Bull Terrier is muscular and solid, and the AKC calls it an exuberant, muscular companion. The UKC describes the APBT as medium-sized and athletic, slightly longer than tall, never bulky, in every color except merle. Side by side, the Bull Terrier's head is the giveaway every time.

Temperament and training

VCA describes Bull Terriers as loyal and fun-loving, exuberantly comical and often mischievous, playful and good with children, fairly friendly with strangers and usually good with other pets, but not very friendly toward strange dogs. They learn quickly but can be stubborn and rebel against force. VCA also notes they can sometimes show compulsive behavior, which is worth discussing with your vet early.

The UKC describes APBTs as eager to please, enthusiastic, noted for loving children and too friendly with strangers to make guard dogs. Because most show some dog aggression and they are powerful, they need careful socialization and obedience training. For both breeds, reward-based training with firm, consistent rules works best.

Exercise and care

VCA calls the Bull Terrier a calm, alert housedog as long as it gets regular exercise, and says it enjoys cold-weather outings but its short coat is not suited to living outside. The APBT needs at least as much daily activity, and the UKC notes it is a capable climber, so fencing must be secure. Both are strong chewers; choose durable toys, such as a bite-resistant molar stick ball or rubber training toys.

Grooming is simple for both: a weekly brush, nail trims and ear checks. VCA says Bull Terriers tend to stay at a good weight or run slightly heavy, so measure meals. Ask breeders of either breed about health screening, and see your vet if you notice repetitive behaviors, itching skin or changes in movement.

Which to choose

Choose a Bull Terrier if you love a clownish, distinctive-looking companion, have time for daily exercise and training, and are prepared to manage it around strange dogs. Choose an American Pit Bull Terrier if you want a leaner, more athletic dog for sports and long outings that adores people, and you can manage it carefully with other dogs.

Both breeds can face local restrictions, so check ordinances, leases and insurance first. If adopting, ask the shelter how the dog has behaved with people, children and other dogs, since that history tells you more than a label. Browse our dog toys for pit bulls once the dog is home. More comparisons: American Bulldog vs pit bull, pit bull vs Staffordshire Bull Terrier and pit bull vs Rottweiler. For feeding, see the best food for pit bulls.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.