Unraveling the American Bully & Pitbull Conundrum
The question, “Is the American Bully a Pitbull?” is one that has been asked countless times. The rising popularity of the American Bully breed has sparked curiosity and confusion alike. The American Kennel Club, the governing body for dog breeds in the USA, has its role to play in this confusion, particularly as it does not recognize the American Bully Breed.
Instead, the AKC recognizes the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, which share similarities with the American Bully [1]. However, there are notable differences in appearance and temperament that set the American Bully apart from these breeds. Other organizations such as the United Kennel Club (UKC), American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC), National Kennel Club (NKC), and International Bully Coalition (IBC) do recognize the American Bully as a distinct breed, and The World Canine Organization (FCI) has granted it provisional recognition [1].
How does this relate to the American Bully and Pitbull conundrum?
The ambiguity surrounding whether an American Bully is a Pitbull stems from the breed’s name and physical characteristics. This article aims to dispel this confusion and provide clarity on the matter.
American XL BullyThe American Bully and Pitbull: Are They the Same?
Contrary to what the name might suggest, the American Bully is not a Pitbull, despite sharing similarities in name and genetics. The term “Pitbull” refers to a category of dog that encompasses four breeds and can also be used as shorthand for the American Pitbull Terrier breed. [6]
The four primary breeds under the Pitbull umbrella include: American Pitbull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bully & American Staffordshire Terrier
American Bully & The Origins of the Pit Bull
While the American Bully is a type of Pitbull, it is not the same as the American Pit Bull Terrier. To understand this better, let’s delve into a brief history lesson. The term ‘Pit Bull’ originated in the 1800s during the era of a brutal sport known as bull baiting in the British Isles. This sport involved a bull tied to an iron stake and a group of aggressive dogs, resulting in a gladiatorial spectacle for public entertainment.
Initially, the dogs used in the sport were English Bulldogs, which were later bred with terriers. This crossbreed between a bulldog and a terrier is what we refer to as a ‘Pit Bull’. Given the lack of precision in dog genealogy back then, the Pit Bull group includes several breeds, such as the Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pitbull Terrier, and the American Bully.
The American Bully is often mistakenly identified as a Pitbull due to its genetic makeup. The American Bully breed is a mix of American Staffordshire Terriers and American Pitbull Terrier, both of which fall under the Pitbull category. This means that while the American Bully shares similar genes with Pitbulls, it is not a Pitbull, despite certain resemblances.