Bull Terrier vs Pitbull: Main Differences (With Pictures)

Bull Terrier vs Pitbull: A Comprehensive Comparison
The bull terrier and the pitbull are two distinctive and often misunderstood dog breeds. While they share some similarities in appearance and lineage, there are also key differences between these powerful terriers. In this in-depth comparison, we‘ll explore the history, traits, care requirements and suitability of bull terriers and pitbulls to help you determine which breed (if either) is the right fit for your lifestyle.

Breed Origins and History
Both bull terriers and pitbulls descend from crosses between terriers and bulldogs originally bred for the brutal sports of bull-baiting and dog fighting in the 19th century. However, the bull terrier and pitbull diverged into separate breeds with different purposes over a century ago.

The bull terrier was developed in England to be a stylish companion dog and showman‘s dog known for its unique egg-shaped head, erect ears and fun-loving personality. The colored and white varieties were recognized as separate breeds by the AKC until 1936 when they were merged into one.

"Pitbull" is actually a broad category encompassing the American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier and American bully. These bully breeds continued to be bred for dogfighting longer than the bull terrier. Once dogfighting was outlawed, they transitioned into working roles like hunting, herding, guarding and companionship. The American pit bull terrier is not recognized by the AKC but the closely related American Staffordshire terrier is.

Physical Appearance
Bull terriers and pitbulls are both muscular, athletic dogs with broad heads and strong jaws. However, there are some distinct physical differences between the two breeds.

Bull terriers stand 21 to 22 inches tall and weigh 50 to 70 pounds, with males larger than females. They have a very unique head shape – the profile is oval or egg-shaped when viewed from the front, tapering smoothly into a muzzle that curves downward. The eyes are small, dark and triangular, and the ears are upright. The body is full and round and the tail is short to medium in length. Bull terriers have short, flat and glossy coats that come in white as well as combinations of fawn, brindle, red or black with white.

Pitbulls have a more squared-off, blocky head shape compared to the curves of the bull terrier. Their ears are typically cropped into an upright shape or left natural in a rose or half-prick. Pitbulls are slightly larger and more variable in size depending on the specific pitbull breed. They range from 17 to 21 inches tall and 40 to 70 pounds. The coat is also short and close, but tends to be a bit stiffer in texture than the bull terrier‘s and can come in any color except merle.

Temperament
Both breeds tend to be affectionate, loyal and good with children in the right hands, but they do have some general temperament differences.

Bull terriers are known for being extremely friendly, comical and endlessly energetic. They are intensely devoted to their families and can suffer from separation anxiety. Their goofy and fearless nature shines through in their love of games and tricks. They can have an independent streak and a high prey drive, especially if under-stimulated.

Pitbulls tend to be a bit more serious and stoic than the extroverted bull terrier, though they are still playful, affectionate and gregarious with family. They may be a bit more aloof or reserved with strangers compared to the bull terrier. Pitbulls have a strong desire to please and a sensitive nature that does not respond well to harsh training methods. They are also very athletic with a high prey drive.

Both breeds can have issues with dog aggression or selectivity, especially toward dogs of the same sex. Socialization from a young age is very important. Their strength and tenacity means that if a fight breaks out, it can lead to serious injuries. For this reason, both breeds may be a poor fit for dog parks and require a vigilant eye.

Trainability & Intelligence
Bull terriers and pitbulls are both highly intelligent breeds that excel in sports like obedience, agility, pulling and nose work. However, they do differ somewhat in trainability.

The bull terrier is notoriously independent-minded and can have a stubborn streak a mile wide. They bore easily with repetition and require a creative, upbeat approach to keep them engaged. For the novice owner, their combination of high energy, intensity and owner-oriented work needs can feel overwhelming to meet.

Pitbulls are a bit more biddable and handler-focused, with a strong desire to please. They respond very well to reward-based methods and tend to be a bit more consistent, though their sensitivity means they need a very patient and measured approach.

Both breeds need extensive socialization to overcome their natural wariness of strangers and dog selectivity or aggression. Attending a formal obedience class is recommended, as are ongoing activities that engage their minds and bodies.

Exercise Needs
As former athletes, both bull terriers and pitbulls have significant exercise requirements to stay happy and balanced. They need more than just a walk around the block.

Bull terriers are always on the go and often seem to have boundless reserves of energy. They require at least an hour to 90 minutes of vigorous exercise each day, whether that‘s in the form of jogging, hiking, biking, fetching, or playing. They also need plenty of mental stimulation in the form of training, puzzle toys and interactive play. Without an outlet for their energy, bull terriers can easily become destructive.

Pitbulls have similarly high needs for physical and mental activity. At minimum, they require 60 to 90 minutes of exercise daily along with plenty of engaging toys and training to keep them challenged. If participating in a dog sport like weight pull, they may need even more to stay in top shape.

For both breeds, a secure yard to romp in is ideal. But never leave them unsupervised, as their strength and determination means they can be escape artists. Many are capable of scaling or burrowing under fences with ease.

Health Concerns
Bull terriers and pitbulls are generally healthy breeds with a lifespan of 10-14 years, but like all purebreds they can be prone to certain hereditary health issues.

For bull terriers, the most common concerns are:

Deafness (especially in white-coated dogs)
Heart disease
Skin allergies
Kidney stones
Patellar luxation
Spinning (compulsive tail-chasing)

For pitbulls, potential health issues include:

Hip dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia
Thyroid disease
Allergies
Cataracts
Heart disease

Testing breeding stock for common genetic conditions and getting health clearances from the OFA can help reduce the occurrence of many of these problems. Keeping the dog at a healthy weight, feeding a quality diet and getting regular vet checkups are also key for a long lifespan.

Grooming
The bull terrier and pitbull have similar grooming requirements. Both sport a short, close coat that sheds minimally year-round. Weekly brushing with a soft-bristle brush or hound glove can help keep the coat sleek and shiny while removing loose fur. They only need occasional baths unless they‘ve gotten into something messy.

Other basic grooming like regular nail trims, ear cleaning and teeth brushing is also important for both breeds to prevent issues. Starting these routines from a young age can help them accept handling more readily.

Ideal Home
The bull terrier and pitbull have somewhat demanding requirements that make them suitable for a more narrow range of homes compared to the average dog.

In general, bull terriers do best with active owners who can keep up with their antics and clownish energy levels. They thrive when made the center of attention in the household and are constantly engaged with training, play and exercise. They adore children but can easily knock over little ones with their boisterous bounding. Novice owners may find them quite challenging. Bull terriers also tend to be too prey-driven for homes with small pets like cats.

Pitbulls are a good fit for experienced owners who are confident leaders and can commit to consistent positive reinforcement training and socialization. Like bull terriers, they do best as the only pet in an active household free of young children. They need a securely fenced yard and should never be left unsupervised around strangers or loose dogs. Many pitbulls sport a very high prey drive that makes them incompatible with cats and other small furries.

For both breeds, finding rental housing or homeowners insurance may be difficult due to breed restrictions. Pitbulls in particular face widespread bans and ownership restrictions. Always check your local laws before acquiring one.

Getting a Puppy
Whether you decide a bull terrier or pitbull is right for you, it‘s critical to find a responsible preservation breeder rather than acquiring a puppy from unknown origins like a pet store, flea market or online ad. Reputable breeders perform genetic health testing on their stock, provide a written health guarantee, and strive to improve and preserve the breed.

When vetting litters, avoid breeders offering multiple breeds or designer mixes. Look for those active in AKC events and a national breed club. Meet the breeder, puppies and at least the dam in person. The dogs should be friendly and well-kept. Puppies should be raised in a clean home environment with plenty of socialization, vet care and enrichment – never a kennel.

Similarities & Differences
While there‘s certainly overlap between bull terriers and pitbulls, their differences are ultimately more prominent than their similarities. To recap:

Similarities:

Muscular, athletic build
Short coat
Confident, outgoing demeanor
Intense play style
High prey drive
Dog-selective or aggressive
Affectionate with family
Sensitive to owner‘s mood
Intelligent and trainable
Needs lots of exercise
Low-maintenance coat

Differences:

Unique egg-shaped vs blocky head
Smaller vs larger size range
More hyperactive vs steady energy
Stubborn streak vs eager to please
Center of attention vs aloof with strangers
Pushier with other dogs
More likely to resource guard
Escape artist tendencies
Higher pain tolerance
Breed restrictions & stigma against pitbulls

Which Breed is Right for You?
Still not sure whether a bull terrier or pitbull is the ideal match? Here are some final considerations:

A bull terrier may be a better fit if you:

Want a medium-sized rather than large breed
Prefer a dog that‘s endlessly silly and entertaining
Don‘t mind a stubborn, independently-minded dog
Can be the center of the dog‘s world
Have older, dog-savvy kids
Don‘t have cats or small pets
Aren‘t subject to housing restrictions

A pitbull may be a better fit if you:

Prefer a dog that‘s more handler-oriented
Want a serious, vigilant guard dog
Have plenty of training experience
Have no young kids or other pets
Can provide 2+ hours of exercise daily
Live somewhere without BSL

Of course, the individual dog is more important than the breed. Both bull terriers and pitbulls require specialized care and savvy handling to thrive. If you can meet their needs with eyes wide open, either of these often misunderstood breeds can make a loyal, loving companion for many years to come.