Is the American Bully or the American Pit Bull Terrier better for families with children?

The American Bully tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.

Which sheds more, the American Bully or the American Pit Bull Terrier?

The American Bully and American Pit Bull Terrier shed a similar amount (low).

Which is easier to train, the American Bully or the American Pit Bull Terrier?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is American Bully or American Pit Bull Terrier bigger?

American Bully and American Pit Bull Terrier are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, American Bully or American Pit Bull Terrier?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, American Bully or American Pit Bull Terrier?

For apartment or apartment living, American Bully has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

American Bully vs American Pit Bull Terrier: Which Is Calmer?

American Bully vs American Pit Bull Terrier: full comparison

Trait	American Bully	American Pit Bull Terrier
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	Medium	High
Trainability	High	High
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	Very High	High
Grooming needs	Low	Low
Shedding	Low	Low
Barking	Low	Low
Protectiveness	High	Medium
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	11 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The American Bully is a mid-sized breed that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. By comparison, the American Pit Bull Terrier is a mid-sized breed that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The American Bully thrives on daily walks plus a bit of active play. The American Pit Bull Terrier needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The American Bully needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and sheds very little. The American Pit Bull Terrier needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and sheds very little. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The American Bully takes to training fast and works willingly, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. The American Pit Bull Terrier takes to training fast and works willingly, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. On guarding instinct, American Bully is naturally watchful and protective of its family and home, whereas American Pit Bull Terrier will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, American Bully has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, American Bully has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, American Pit Bull Terrier has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, American Pit Bull Terrier has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, American Bully and American Pit Bull Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the American Bully if you want the more child-friendly companion, you want a more protective, watchful guardian, or you want a calmer, lower-energy companion.

Choose the American Pit Bull Terrier if you want a longer-lived breed or you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the American Bully or the American Pit Bull Terrier better for families with children?: The American Bully tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
Which sheds more, the American Bully or the American Pit Bull Terrier?: The American Bully and American Pit Bull Terrier shed a similar amount (low).
Which is easier to train, the American Bully or the American Pit Bull Terrier?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is American Bully or American Pit Bull Terrier bigger?: American Bully and American Pit Bull Terrier are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, American Bully or American Pit Bull Terrier?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, American Bully or American Pit Bull Terrier?: For apartment or apartment living, American Bully has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

American Bully vs American Pit Bull Terrier