Discover the 8 Largest Pit Bull Breeds and How They Grew So Large

Despite their reputation, pit bull breeds are loving companions to many families throughout the United States. In fact, these dogs have consistently achieved excellent temperament scores and thrive as therapy dogs, police dogs, and service dogs. When referring to a pit bull, many people immediately think of the most common breed, the American pit bull terrier. However, there are several types of pit bulls. They are grouped together because of similarities in size, physical appearance, genetics, and lineage. However, which ones are the largest? Discover the eight largest pit bull breeds below, listed from the smallest to the largest.

8. Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The Staffordshire bull terrier was originally bred in the 19th century for dog fighting purposes. However, today the breed is known as an affectionate and loyal companion. Staffies weigh between 24-38 pounds and grow 14-16 inches tall. These dogs are avid snugglers but have a lot of energy. They are also gentle and patient with children, so they make great additions to families with kids.

Staffordshire bull terriers need a home where they have company throughout the day, as they tend to suffer from separation anxiety. Their old fighting instinct still remains, so it is crucial for Stafford pups to be provided with plenty of enrichment and socialization from a young age. Staffies may not always get along with other dogs, especially males, but with proper training, many live harmoniously with other animals.

7. Pocket American Bully

The pocket American bully is the smallest pit bull on the list weighing between 30-60 pounds and measuring 13-16 inches tall. Males must be under 17 inches, while females must be under 16. While pocket bullies look like miniature versions of the American bully, they are not purebred. These small but stocky dogs are a mix of the Patterdale terrier and the American bully. Therefore, the American Kennel Club does not recognize them as a breed. However, they do belong to the United Kennel Club and the American Bully Kennel Club.

It all began in the 1980s when breeders crossed the American bulldog with the American pit bull terrier to create the American bully. Not long after, breeders wanted to produce an apartment-friendly bully, and the pocket bully was born. However, don’t let the name fool you, as they are not an average miniature breed. These dogs might be short, but they are muscular and broad. They are known to be loyal, easy to train, and affectionate with their families.

6. American Pit Bull Terrier

The American pit bull terrier weighs around 35-60 pounds and grows to approximately 18-21 inches tall at the shoulder. Like the pocket bully, the American pit bull terrier is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, but they are recognized by the United Kennel Club. American pit bulls descended from 19th-century bulldogs and terriers that originated in England, Ireland, and Scotland. However, the breed was perfected in the USA, where these strong, confident dogs quickly became popular.

Unfortunately, these types of pit bulls are the breed most commonly used for dog fighting. They have a high prey drive and may struggle to get along with other pets unless they are socialized and trained from a young age. However, they do form strong bonds with their owners and are noted for their love of children. While their reputation portrays them as aggressive killers, American pit bull terriers are actually highly affectionate and loyal. If you are considering getting one of these pit bulls, ensure you have enough time to socialize, train, play with, and exercise your dog.

5. American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire terrier is a descendant of English terriers and bulldogs from the 19th century. However, they were further developed in the U.S. to produce a breed larger than the Staffordshire terrier. Males typically weigh from 55-70 pounds and measure 17-19 inches tall. Unlike its cousins, the American Staffie wasn’t commonly used for dog fighting as their personalities are more laid back. However, they do share some similar characteristics with their cousins, like their high prey drive, so they don’t always play well with other pets.

American Staffordshire terriers are good-natured, playful, and loyal towards their families. They thrive in environments with plenty of mental and physical stimulation. While these dogs are good with children, they can be overly protective and need constant supervision when interacting with them. Additionally, their size might be a problem with younger kids, as they can accidentally knock a toddler over in excitement. If you are considering this breed for a pet, the most important thing to do is to socialize and train them from a young age.

4. Classic American Bully

The classic American bully weighs between 45-80 pounds, and their height ranges from 16-20 inches at the withers. The classic American Bully is a cross between an American pit bull terrier and an American Staffordshire terrier, as they are meant to have a bulkier, yet more terrier-like appearance. They are distinguished by their stocky build, short, dense coat, and broad chest.

Classic American bullies are characterized by their smaller body mass, size, and lighter body frames when compared to the standard American bully. Like the standard American bully, these dogs are powerful and athletic. They make great family companions because of their gentle and friendly natures.

3. Standard American Bully

The standard American bully is one of the largest pit bull breeds, weighing 50-85 pounds and growing between 16-20 inches tall. These dogs are distinguished by their blocky heads and muscular frames. Standard bullies are the most popular of all the American bully variations.

Compared to the classic American bullies, the standard is more athletic, with higher energy levels, and has a longer muzzle. Additionally, they are incredibly outgoing and friendly and come in many colors. As a result, they are best suited to active families that need an energetic companion dog.

2. Extreme American Bully

The extreme American bully has a heavier, more compact frame and more body mass than a standard American bully. These dogs were bred to give the appearance of the older style of American pit bull terriers, exhibiting a “bullier” body style than the more terrier-like body style seen today. Other than the difference in physique, these dogs follow the same basic breed standards as the standard American bully. No weight is provided in breed standards, but the extreme American bully generally weighs approximately 70-120 pounds and grows between 16-20 inches tall at the shoulder.

These dogs are very powerful because of their massive, muscular frames. Additionally, more mass means heavier bone densities, which led to their nickname, the bodybuilder dog. However, other distinguishable features include loose lips and a higher rear. Like other standard American bullies, they have a gentle demeanor and are great with kids and other animals.

1. XL American Bully

True to their name, the XL bully is larger than the standard American bully, but their height is what distinguishes these dogs from other bullies. The ideal height is considered to be over 20 inches to 23 inches for males and over 19 inches to 22 inches for females. No specific breed requirements for weight are given, but XL bullies generally weigh from 70-120 pounds. However, some individuals may be heavier.

The XL American bully has the same stocky build as standard bullies, but their heads are broader and they have large, deep chests. They also have thicker shoulders and slightly arched necks. These dogs are good with children, but owners need to supervise XL bullies around their kids due to the dog’s large size. Additionally, they are big droolers, so they are not for everyone. Finally, XL bullies need a lot of exercise and space. So, they will do well in a large home with an active family.