American pitbull terrier vs american bully
Understanding the differences through practical breeding experience
The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) and the American Bully
are often confused due to their names and shared historical background.
At Dognik Bulls, we work with both American Pit Bull Terriers and American Bullies,
which allows us to clearly understand and explain the differences between these two breeds
based on real breeding and ownership experience.
This page provides an objective comparison of APBT and American Bully,
focusing on breed purpose, structure, temperament, and selection goals.
American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT)
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a functional terrier-type breed with a long,
well-documented history.
APBTs were traditionally selected for:
- athletic and functional structure
- efficient movement and endurance
- balanced proportions
- high intelligence and trainability
- stable and confident temperament toward humans
A correct APBT is a medium-sized, athletic dog built for function rather than exaggerated appearance.
Human aggression is not a breed trait and is considered undesirable.
American Bully
The American Bully is a distinct breed that was developed later,
with selection focused on a different set of goals.
American Bullies are primarily selected for:
- heavier bone and more compact body
- broader chest and head type
- calm, companion-oriented temperament
- specific show-oriented appearance
While the American Bully shares ancestry with the APBT,
it is not the same breed and should not be evaluated by the same functional criteria.
Key Structural Differences
- APBT: lighter, more athletic, terrier-type structure designed for movement and endurance.
- American Bully: heavier, more compact structure emphasizing mass and visual impact.
These differences reflect the distinct purposes for which each breed was developed.
Temperament Differences
Both breeds are known for their people-oriented nature when correctly bred.
However, selection priorities differ.
- APBT: energetic, driven, highly trainable, suitable for sport and active lifestyles.
- American Bully: calmer, more laid-back, focused on companionship.
Understanding these temperament differences is essential for choosing the right breed
for a particular owner or lifestyle.
Why Experience with Both Breeds Matters
Working with both APBT and American Bully allows breeders and owners
to make informed, responsible decisions.
At Dognik Bulls, our experience with both breeds helps us:
- avoid misleading comparisons
- explain realistic expectations to owners
- preserve correct breed identity
- promote responsible ownership
Neither breed is “better” than the other — they are simply different,
with different purposes and selection criteria.
Common Misconceptions
A common misconception is that American Bullies are “just bigger pitbulls.”
This is incorrect.
Another misconception is that APBTs are inherently aggressive.
Correctly bred APBTs are stable, confident, and human-oriented dogs.
Clear terminology and education help protect both breeds and future owners.
Educational Purpose
This page is part of the APBT Knowledge Hub created by the Dognik Bulls kennel.
It exists to provide factual, experience-based information without marketing claims.
For further educational articles, please explore the other sections of the Knowledge Hub.
Email: dognikb@gmail.com