What are the bully breeds, anyway?

It seems that, when bully breeds are mentioned in the media or casual conversation, most people only think about pit bulls. The truth is, there are actually several bully breeds of dog, although the pit bull is certainly the one most talked about.

Despite their individual differences, bully breeds get their collective name because most of them were originally bred for the sport of bull baiting, which was very popular on farms in the 19th century. Dogs who were strong and determined enough to grab a bull by the snout and pull it down to its knees were highly valued.

Here is a brief introduction to the main bully breeds found in America:

Bull Terrier

1. Bull Terrier- This breed is strong, stubborn and active and recognizable by its oval head and triangular eyes. It can weigh between 45 and 80 pounds and stand 20 to 24 inches at the shoulder. Originally nicknamed "a gentleman's dog," the Bull Terrier is known for never provoking a fight. The Bull Terrier is not very vocal, and so makes a dreadful watchdog. However, it is effective as a guardian, ratter and herder and its trainability makes it popular in advertisements and movies. It is not shy about knocking a favorite human to the floor for face kisses, but belies its intimidating demeanor by tolerantly enduring pokes and pulls from children. Due to its trainability, this breed is popular in advertising and movies. Popular Bulls include Target's mascot as well as Spuds MacKenzie in the Budweiser commercials.

American Bulldog

2. American Bulldog - Fearless and sturdy, the American Bulldog stands 20 to 27 inches at the shoulder and has proportionate height. American Bulldogs appear in two types: the leaner, athletic "performance" type and the powerful, lower and wider "classic" type. Their history includes use as stock dogs, catch dogs and guardians, but the breed was also specifically used on farms to remove feral pigs. Although this breed is believed to carry the blood of Saint Bernards, Boxers, Pointers and Bulldogs, no formal records were kept to confirm this. The breed's working dog nature makes them difficult to keep as pampered house dogs, and they require plenty of strenuous exercise.

American Staffordshire Terrier

American Pit Bull Terrier

3. American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier-  These two breeds, which are nearly identical and often considered the same, both descend from Bulldogs and terriers and were bred for bull baiting, dog fighting, farm work and guard duty. Today, modern breeders have put a lot of effort into reducing these breeds' aggression while still making them effective at hunting game and guarding. Modern Am Staffs and APBTs work as drug- and bomb-sniffing dogs, service animals and livestock herders. Both breeds are 30 to 50 pounds and stand 17 to 19 inches at the shoulder. They are stubborn, determined, intelligent, loyal and lively and require at least 15 minutes of daily training.


"American Bulldog." Photograph. About Dog American Bulldog. Blogspot, 2009. Web. 7 Sept. 2014.

"American Pit Bull Terrier." http://americanpitbull.biz/, 7 Sept. 2014. Web. 7 Sept. 2014.

"The American Staffordshire Terrier." Photograph. Dog Breed Selector. Animal Planet, 2014. Web. 7 Sept. 2014.

"The Miniature Bull Terrier." Photograph. Dog Breed Selector. Animal Planet, 2014. Web. 7 Sept. 2014.

Morgan, Diane. "Hello, Bully!" Training Secrets for Bully Breeds 2014: 4-13. Print.