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12 Dogs That Look Like Pit Bulls (With Pictures)

Picture this—a dog with a strong jaw, square face, and a muscular body.

The first thought that comes to mind is a Pit Bull.

However, there are more than ten other breeds that have the same features.

It could be a Presa Canario or Dogo Argentino, which both have almost the same look.

In this article, you will get to know 12 breeds that look like pit bulls.

12 Dog Breeds That Look Like Pit Bulls

You will see why most confuse them for pit bulls and how you can tell them apart.

Continue reading to find out more.

1. Staffordshire Bull Terrier

staffordshire terrier swimming

This is the dog that resembles a pit bull the most.

You will often hear people confusing it with a pit bull with the body.

They have a large neck and square face hence misidentification.

They can also get defined muscles in the torso and the legs.

Just like pit bulls, they have an aggressive appearance, but they are reasonably calm.

They are friendly, playful, and have low aggression levels even with strangers.

If you give them affection, they will stay loyal to you.

A Staffordshire Bull Terrier is also known for its fearlessness and intelligence.

All you have to do is train them well.

2. Ambullneo Mastiff

Ambullneo Mastiff dog breed

An Ambullneo mastiff is the newest breed in this list that looks like a pit bull.

It is not well known, but its body and facial build resemble a pit bull.

However, they have short pointy ears and less droopy faces.

Their coats are either deep grey or black with dark eyes.

Their personality resembles that of a pit bull.

Mastiffs are loyal, protective, and affectionate.

However, they require intensive training to prevent overprotectiveness.

They will serve you well if you have a family.

3. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

The Greater Swiss Mountain dog is another working breed that also resembles the pit bull.

However, it is significantly larger, weighing between 115to 140 pounds.

They are strong, agile, and have a great musculature that makes them distinct.

These lovable creatures are great for farms since they have a herding instinct.

Their personality and features make them perfect herding dogs.

Greater swiss mountain dogs have a tri-colored coat; black, red, and white.

Their muzzles and heads have blaze-like markings. E

ven if they don’t exactly look like pit bulls, many people mistake them for one.

4. Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog

Alapaha Blue-Blood Bulldog
AlapahaOtis, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Alapaha blue blood bulldog is an old breed not recognized by many.

It is an ancestor of the American Pit Bull Terrier.

Unlike pit bulls, they need a lot of socialization when young to avoid aggressive behavior when they get older.

They are inherently aggressive but can be loving and loyal with the right training.

They can make great family companions with their loyal, protective, and loving nature with proper training.

5. Rhodesian Ridgeback

Rhodesian Ridgeback dog breed

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is classified as a hound by many experts.

Their huge muscles can make them weigh around 70 to 80 pounds and are 24 to 27 inches tall.

Their courage can make them approach wild cats, earning them the name, African Lion Hound.

Their reputation can scare you away.

However, Rhodesian ridgebacks can be great with kids with proper training and socialization.

They are strong, active, and show a lot of affection.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not have the same features as pit bulls, but many say they are alike.

6. Rottweiler 

Rottweiler in forest

Most people consider Rottweilers to be pit bulls due to their appearance.

They can weigh up to 130 pounds and make the best police dogs.

Rottweilers have a strong musculature and are confident and independent.

They are best for therapy, herding, or guarding.

Their intelligence, high endurance, and confidence make them the best for such roles.

A rottweiler can be a great family dog with proper training during childhood.

If they are untrained, it is crucial to supervise any interaction with kids.

7. Dogo Argentino

Dogo Argentino dog breed

The Dogo Argentino is a huge and white breed that is mostly used as guard dogs.

They resemble pit bulls a lot, except that they are bigger and not as hyper.

If you are an athlete, this is the dog for you.

It requires a lot of exercises to keep its impressive musculature intact.

One thing with these strong canines is that they can’t be trusted with other pets such as cats.

However, with the right training, puppies are safe around them.

If you have experience with dogs and need a companion, this can be perfect for you.

Also, they do not have a pack mentality, and keeping another dog can lead to disaster.

The similarity between Dogo Argentinos and pit bulls is their thundering temperament.

They also have the same life expectancy of 10 to 14 years.

One key difference is that these dogs have aggressive training compared to pit bulls.

8. American Bulldog

American bulldog

The American bulldog is either mostly white with color spots or white.

They are friendly and can weigh up to 100 pounds.

It is a great family dog that can fit in anyone’s life as long as he gets adequate exercise and socialization.

American bulldogs are working dogs hence best for farmers. They also thrive in show rings or as sports dogs.

However, this should not make you doubt their ability to stay in an apartment.

The only crucial thing to remember is that they need exercise and socialization, and they will remain happy.

There are two types of American bulldogs; the bully and the standard.

The standard is the one mentioned in this article, while the bully has a stockier body and shorter muzzle than the standard.

When it comes to similarities to pit bulls, the American bulldog shares the same personality.

However, they are different in physical features.

9. The Cane Corso

Cane Corso dog breed

This is a significantly bigger breed than the pit bull weighing 70 to 100 pounds.

Some people refer to it as the Italian mastiff.

It also has the same history as the pit bull, since it was a working and guard dog.

This dog does not fight and is not aggressive towards dogs.

But when it comes to guarding, it does its work pretty well.

He is a great family dog because he is protective of his family.

However, it is crucial to ensure that they socialize to avoid an overprotective nature.

Many people mistake them for pit bulls because of their ‘dangerous reputation’.

However, they are just as friendly as pit bulls.

If you want a cane Corso, you must be an experienced dog owner due to their huge size.

10. Bull Terrier

Bull Terrier dog breed

The bull terrier has the same build as the pit bull.

Its muscular, strong body, which is low on the ground makes it easy to confuse the two breeds.

However, it has distinct features such as small pointed ears and an oval-shaped face.

Bull terriers are very active and can’t stand apartment life unless the family is very active.

They are always attention seekers and never like spending time alone.

Their goofy personalities make them very lovable and sweet.

When getting these lovable dogs, remember that they need a lot of exercise and are very strong-willed.

They get into a lot of trouble and can’t be left alone for a long time.

It is crucial to get the right training before allowing them to be part of the family.

Let them go through socialization classes, or they will chase any small animal in their way.

Other than that, they make a great addition to the gang due to their territorial nature.

11. The Presa Canario

Presa Canario

The Presa Canario is a large powerful dog that can grow up to 150 pounds.

He is mostly used for guarding and herding cattle.

He is different from a pit bull in that he is aggressive and require an experienced dog owner to handle him.

The Presa Canario can have issues with other animals and humans.

He is a large dog that is well-aware of its size.

If not properly socialized, he can be aggressive.

They have striking similarities with pit bulls.

The colors, body structure, and head shape are the same.

However, they have different personalities and are significantly larger.

However, they do have the potential to be great family dogs.

With the right training, they fit in just fine with people they trust.

If a stranger approaches, their guarding nature is awakened.

The Presa Canario is great as a working dog because of its size.

12. Boxers

dog and woman on toilet

Many people mistake boxers for pit bulls.

They are playful, friendly, and weigh around 30 to 80 pounds almost the same as pit bulls.

They are great family pets. However, they need training while young to turn out as well-mannered.

One downside is that these energetic dogs do not live long due to health problems later in life.

The positive of having a boxer as a pet is that they like being around friends and family.

They are loving and playful, which makes them loved by many.

If you love a dog that is friendly to strangers, a boxer will do just fine.

Similarities between pit bulls and boxers are that they are both friendly and need the same level of training to turn restlessness into guarding and playfulness.

They also grow into almost the same size.

Differences include the coat color in that purebred boxers are black muzzle, and other boxers can be brindle or fawn.

Additionally, boxers have a shorter life span than pit bulls due to health problems.

Final Word

It’s crucial to keep in mind that just because a dog looks like a pit bull it does not have the same personality.

This list will help you figure out what is best for you and your family.

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National Canine Research Association of America