Breeds
Pit Bull vs American Bully: Key Differences
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized, athletic, agile dog, while the American Bully is a thicker-set, heavier-built dog developed from it. Both have short coats and a strong, muscular look. The United Kennel Club (UKC) breed standards describe the differences in height, build and purpose, and those differences matter for exercise, fencing, equipment and sizing. This page compares them side by side.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 13, 20264 min read2 sources
Where each breed comes from
The American Pit Bull Terrier traces to 19th-century England, Ireland and Scotland, where Bulldogs were crossed with terriers to combine terrier gameness with Bulldog strength. According to the UKC, immigrants brought these dogs to the United States, where farmers and ranchers used them as catch dogs, hunting dogs, livestock drivers and family companions. The UKC was the first registry to recognize the breed.
The American Bully is a much newer breed. The UKC describes it as developed as an extension of the American Pit Bull Terrier, with other influences including the American Bulldog, English Bulldog and Olde English Bulldogge, and recognized it on July 15, 2013. In other words, the Bully started from the pit bull type and was bred toward a heavier, more compact look rather than toward working ability. That build affects equipment, so browse dog harnesses sized for muscular dogs before the puppy comes home.
Size and build compared
The UKC standard for the American Pit Bull Terrier gives an approximate height of 18 to 21 inches at the withers for mature males and 17 to 20 inches for females, with desirable weights of 35 to 60 pounds for males and 30 to 50 pounds for females. The standard calls the breed medium-sized, solidly built and athletic, and says it should never look bulky, muscle-bound or rangy.
The American Bully is divided into size classes. The UKC lists Standard and Classic males at 17 to 20 inches and females at 16 to 19 inches, Pocket males under 17 inches (at least 14 inches) and females under 16 inches (at least 13 inches), and XL males over 20 up to 23 inches and females over 19 up to 22 inches. The Classic is lighter-framed than the Standard but the same height. The UKC describes the Bully as compact, thick-set and strong for its size, so at the same height a Bully will usually look broader and heavier than a pit bull.
Coat, color and grooming
Both breeds have a short, glossy, close coat that feels moderately stiff. The UKC standards for both list curly, wavy or sparse coats as faults and a long coat as a disqualification. That makes grooming simple for either breed: a regular rubdown with a rubber curry or soft brush removes loose hair and spreads skin oils, and baths are needed only when the dog is dirty.
The APBT standard accepts any color or pattern except merle. Short coats offer little insulation, so both breeds can feel the cold and heat quickly. A dog that spends time outdoors in winter may need a coat, and in summer you will want shade and fresh water.
Temperament and energy
The UKC describes the pit bull as strong, confident and full of zest for life, eager to please and affectionate with children. It also notes that most APBTs show some level of dog aggression, so careful socialization and obedience training matter. The standard calls it a physically active, very agile breed and a capable climber, so good fencing is essential.
The American Bully standard describes a confident companion with a gentle, friendly demeanor that suits families, and treats aggression toward people as highly undesirable. A registry standard describes the ideal for a breed and is not a promise about any one puppy, so individual dogs vary. Whichever you choose, plan on daily exercise, positive training and early socialization.
Which suits your home
If you want an athletic partner for running, hiking or dog sports, the pit bull's agility and willingness to work is a fit. The UKC notes APBTs compete in obedience, rally, tracking, agility, dock jumping and weight pull. If you want a heavier, calmer-looking house companion, the Bully standard describes that temperament, though you should still meet the parents and ask the breeder about health testing.
Think about practicalities too. Both are strong dogs on a leash, so a well-fitted, secure dog harness, such as a breathable adjustable harness, spreads pulling force across the chest rather than the neck, and a wide, sturdy collar for a large or muscular dog, like a medium and large dog collar, suits the thicker necks of Bullies. Our harness guide for pit bulls and the best dog harness guide and pit bull breed profile cover fit and care in more detail.
Health, registries and what to ask your vet
Heavily built dogs of both types can be prone to joint strain and overheating, so ask your vet what weight is healthy for your individual dog and how much exercise suits her age. Registries differ in how they describe each breed,, so check which registry a breeder uses and what paperwork comes with the puppy.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
Are American Bullies and pit bulls the same breed?
No. The UKC recognizes them separately. The American Bully was developed as an extension of the American Pit Bull Terrier, and it was recognized in 2013 with a heavier, more compact build.
Which is bigger, a pit bull or an American Bully?
At the withers they overlap: Standard Bully males are 17 to 20 inches versus 18 to 21 for the pit bull. XL Bullies reach 23 inches, and Bullies are generally broader and heavier-built.
Which is better with kids?
Both standards describe affection toward family. The UKC still notes most pit bulls show some dog aggression, so any child and dog should be supervised, and individual temperament matters more than breed.
Do they need different equipment?
The main difference is neck and chest size. A thicker-set Bully may need a wider collar or a larger harness than a pit bull of the same height, so measure the neck and chest before buying.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
