Dog Breeds That Look Like Pit Bulls – Tips & Traits
Is pit bull a breed or a type? People have been asking this question for years. Even the ones who own the pit bulls are not sure. We can’t make it clearer, but we are going to identify the dogs that look like pit bulls but are not.
Before getting into the look-alike ones, let’s understand the reason why pit bulls have so many similarities with other dogs. They are descendent of the Molosser dog. They are a distinct breed, but because of the parents, they have similarities with other breeds. There are numerous names for pit bulls. The American pit bull, American Staffordshire, or the bull terriers. The misunderstanding between the breed and type has misled people for many years.
The main trait of an original American pit bull is its weight and size. At its largest, it does not weigh more than 60 pounds. The true pit bull is friendly and loving. We are going to tell you the difference between true and misidentified breeds to help you with the misunderstandings about pit bulls, so let’s get started.
Top 12 Dog Breeds That Are Similar to Pitbulls
1. Alapaha blue blood
Breed Overview
- Group: Mixes and more
- Weight: 60-90 pounds
- Height: 18-24 inches (from shoulders)
- Colors: Brindle, trimmed with white
- Traits: Playful, friendly, intelligent, territorial
Breed Description
A big-headed dog. It is a breed from England bulldogs. It is a watchdog or a catch dog. It is quite a large dog weighing up to 100 pounds. It is a really strong, large, and stubborn dog. It is protective, possessive, intelligent, and active.
It is never recommended for a first-time owner. Also, if you own it, you have to take it to socialize classes all your life. So, be thoughtful before owning a pit bull that looks like Alapaha blue blood.
2. Ambullneo Mastiff
Breed Overview
- Age: 10-12 years
- Weight: Males weigh between 130-150 pounds. Females weigh between 110-130 pounds
- Height: Males are usually 24-29 inches. Females are 21-25 inches
- Colors: Brindle, reverse gold, solid black
- Traits: Guard dogs, are intelligent, athletic, and outgoing
Breed Description
It is an unstoppable dog breed. They are extremely stubborn and athletic. They are extremely possessive about their territory, toys, and family. They can be trusted around the kids too. They are friendly. However, they need regular exercise.
Ambulleno is an intelligent dog. They can be trained to become well-behaved dogs. However, first-time owners can be really tough. The only way to control their stubbornness is to establish that you are an alpha. Otherwise, they are really difficult to control.
Read more: Skinny dog breeds
3. American Bulldog
Breed Overview
- Age: 14-16 years
- Height: Males are up to 28 inches. Females are between 22-26 inches
- Weight: Males are 80-120 pounds. Females are 65-100 pounds
- Ear: Cropped rose, forward flap, or half-pricked
- Color: Shades of brindle (red, white, brown, and fawn)
- Traits: Intelligent, stubborn, athletic, outgoing, and a pack leader
Breed Description
This breed is extremely muscular and strong. They are more sturdy and powerful than most breeds. They have strong jaws and large heads. This breed has a muscular neck and chest. The Head is shaped like a square and has a broad and wide chest.
4. Black Mouth Cur
Breed Overview
- Age: 12-18 years (expected)
- Height: 15-26 inches
- Weight: 50-100 pounds
- Ear: Medium-sized and hanging
- Color: Yellow, brindle, fawn
- Attributes: Loyal, friendly, athletic, and a natural hunter
Breed Description
This breed is muscular and sturdy. It is medium-sized as compared to other breeds. They have a deep and solid chest. They are good companions for hunting. They are stubborn and need constant assurance of being a beta. Even with a high prey drive, they are good with the children.
Find more: Bird hunting dog breeds
5. Bull Terrier
Breed Overview
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Age: 10 – 14 years
- Height: 45 – 55 cm (Male)
- Weight: 22 – 38 kg (Male)
- Origin: England
- Attributes: Stubborn, keen, active, and intelligent
- Colors: White, shades of brindle, and fawn
Breed Description
This breed is hyperactive and does not do well indoors. They need space for running and daily exercise. They require constant attention. They get anxious and angry if left alone for a long time. They are recommended to be owned by large families. They have a goofy personality and do well with the kids.
6. Cane Corso
Breed Overview
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Age: 10 – 12 years
- Origin: Italy
- Weight: Female: 65-90 pounds, Male: 70-100 pounds
- Height: Female: 58–66 cm, Male: 62–70 cm
- Power traits: Stable, Intelligent, Fearless, Loyal, and Calm
- Colors: Black, Brindle (different shades), fawn, and red
Breed Description
They are extremely energetic and athletic. Due to their extreme loyalty, they make excellent guard dogs. They are descendants of the Italian breed that was great hunters, so they share some traits. Although, this breed is not a member of the terrier family, but shares the attitude with them.
7. Presa Canario
Breed Overview
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Age: 9 – 11 years
- Origin: Canary Islands
- Attributes: Suspicious, dominant, and stubborn
- Height: Female: 56–61 cm, Male: 60–65 cm
- Weight: Female: 38–50 kg, Male: 50–65 kg
- Colors: Different shades of brindle & fawn, and black
Breed Description
It is an extremely large breed and could weigh more than 150 pounds. This is a special breed that is usually mistaken as the pit bull but isn’t. They can be used for guarding and herding. This breed is particularly aggressive and well-known for its demeanor. It is recommended to be owned by highly-trained owners.
8. Boxer
Breed Overview
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Origin: Germany
- Age: 10 – 12 years
- Colors: White, Brindle, Fawn
- Attributes: Intelligent, energetic, fearless, and loyal
- Height: Female: 53–60 cm, Male: 57–63 cm
- Weight: Female: 25–29 kg, Male: 27–32 kg
Breed Description
They have numerous similarities in terms of shape and size to the pit bulls and are often mistaken for them, but aren’t. They are strong with square faces and muscular bodies.
9. Staffordshire Bull terrier
Breed Overview
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Age: 12 – 14 years
- Colors: Black, Blue, White, and Brindle (mix with other shades too)
- Attributes: Intelligent, fearless, loyal, and courageous
- Height: Female: 33–38 cm, Male: 36–41 cm
- Weight: Female: 11–15 kg, Male: 13–17 kg
- Origin: United Kingdom, England
Breed Description
They are often mistaken for the American pit bull terriers, however, they are not. They are no longer the same breed, however, at some point in history, they were the same breed. They are loyal, courageous, and hyperactive.
10. Bullmastiff
Breed Overview
- Age: 8 – 10 years
- Origin: United Kingdom
- Height: Male: 64–68 cm, Female: 61–66 cm
- Attributes: Protective, devoted, loyal, calm & courageous
- Weight: Male: 50–59 kg, Female: 45–54 kg
- Colors: Brindle, Red, and fawn
Breed Description
They are similar to pit bulls in terms of the body, however, the face is different. They have hanging jowls. They drool most of the time. They can weigh more than 100 pounds. They are loyal and courageous. If you are a first-time owner, please avoid this breed.
11. Dogo Argentino
Breed Overview
- Age: 10 – 15 years
- Color: White
- Origin: Argentina
- Height: Female: 60–65 cm, Male: 60–68 cm
- Attributes: Tolerant, loyal, affectionate, and protective
- Weight: Female: 35–40 kg, Male: 40–45 kg
Breed Description
They are loyal and protective of their territory and family. They make excellent guard dogs. If you encounter one in the wild, always run for your life. Because of their physical appearance and similarities, they are often mistaken for pit bulls. This breed is calmer than pit bull terriers.
12. Dogue de Bordeaux
Breed Description
- Age: 5-8 years
- Height: 55-68 cm
- Color: fawn, mahogany, and red
- Attributes: Loyal, compassionate, and vigilant
Breed Description
This is a French breed. Their bodies are strong and muscular. In the past, this breed was used to pull carts and transport. They are work dogs and with proper training can be guard dogs too.
Read more: Most affordable dog breeds
Final Thoughts
Numerous breeds are considered to be fierce and harmful just because they are large and strong and look like pit bulls. Well, this is not the case. Although for novice owners it might be difficult to handle a large and powerful dog, however not all large, big-mouthed dogs are dangerous.
Also, the appearance of some dogs might be deceiving. You can always mistake a large-faced dog with a pit bull, however, there are several differences among the breeds. You should always do proper research on a breed before buying it. If you are a fan of true pit bull and you want to own one, always make sure that you are buying the true one. We have identified various mistook breeds today, we will come up with more so you can make a better choice.
