Pit bulls are a generally polarizing breed. They have an attractive look, however, they tend to trend towards aggression. Some cities have even banned pet owners from keep pit bulls within city limits.
Of course, any dog can be raised to be loving and kind, but as a breed, pit bulls are naturally aggressive. If you love the look of pit bulls, there are several other dog breeds that you can choose from.
We have put together a list of beautiful dog breeds that look like pit bulls but without the aggression.
15 Breeds That Resemble Pit Bulls
1. Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog
The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is a customized breed that comes from the south. This dog was a favorite for pet owners who needed help herding farm animals over large spaces.
They share a similar stocky build and pugged facial features of a traditional pit bull, but without the characteristic aggression.
As a breed, they are very outgoing and self-sufficient but are not tolerant of other dogs. If you have a nice size yard and love the look of bulldogs, this breed is a great alternative.
2. Ambullneo Mastiff
The Ambullneo Mastiff features a short muzzle and a broad head that closely resembles a traditional pit bulldog.
Made for guard duty and active play, this is the perfect breed for families with plenty of space to move around. These territorial dogs are very loyal but also easy to care for.
This breed originated in California in the ’80s and is a popular alternative to the common bulldog. Unlike other dogs, it prefers to walk next to or behind its owner as opposed to leading the charge.
3. American Bulldog
The American Bulldog is highly loyal in addition to being self-confident. For those who like the look of traditional pit bulls, the American Bulldog is a great alternative.
With a short snout and blocky ears, this affectionate animal is great for any family.
They tend to live for about 10 to 12 years with a healthy diet and proper care. They are very athletic and historically have been used as work animals on farms.
4. Black Mouth Cur
The Black Mouth Cur originates from the southern part of the US and is well known for being a great working dog.
Known as both a hunter and a farm dog, this loyal breed is both fearless and strong. The squared head and muscled upper body make allow it to pass as a pit bull from afar. Their eyes may be green, yellow, or brown.
This breed requires ample room to play and run, but they may be a bit too rough for smaller children. They tend to be very sensitive and do not respond well to constant scolding or rebuke.
5. Boxer
If you are looking for a nearly identical replacement for a pit bull, a boxer is a great alternative breed.
The boxer is a very active and intelligent breed that is great for families. These fun-loving dogs are of the working class of canines and tend to have a generally long lifespan of 12 years.
Most boxer dogs grow to be 70 pounds and feature the snubbed noses and short ears that are common with their breed. Similar to pit bulls in appearance, their strong muscles give them support when guarding their turn or their owners.
6. Bullmastiff
When it comes to loyalty, bravery, and affection, the Bullmastiff ticks all boxes.
This dog is classified as a working breed and tends to live between nine and twelve years.
Often mistaken for a pit bull due to its square-shaped head and flattened snout, it is much more amiable than its look-alike. Another plus, is that this dog breed that doesn't mind being left alone, if you have a busy work schedule.
7. Cane Corso
Cane Corso dogs are born and bred mainly for personal protection.
This breed is often mistaken for the much smaller pit bull, but are equally attractive. These guard dogs are very loyal and territorial, but they also serve as great companions. They also happen to one of the most commonly used breeds in law enforcement.
8. Dogo Argentino
Those who love the look of a pit bull but prefer a bit larger breed can adopt a Dogo Argentino to meet their needs. Just like a pit bull, this breed has a squared skull, a strong upper body, and pointed ears.
Historically raised as a hunting dog, this breed also exhibits extraordinary bravery and loyalty.
Their life span ranges from 10 to 15 years making them a great choice for families with growing children.
9. Dogue de Bordeaux
Dogue de Bordeaux may sound like fine wine but this pit bull look-alike is far from a flowery pushover. This large mastiff has strong jaws, a squared skull, and plenty of upper body strength to protect your family just like a pit bull.
They have a muscular body, a short coat and eye color ranges from hazel to dark brown.
This powerful breed generally lives between five and eight years with proper care and is a very loyal pet. It has a gentle temperament but will also protect its owners when needed. Loyal to a fault, these medium-sized giants need plenty of affection and exercise
10. Fila Brasiliero
The Fila Brasileiro is an attractive mastiff breed that is often mistaken for a pit bull. This large breed of dog hails from Brazil and is known for its skills in tracking.
It has been used as a hunting dog for generations and has a very aggressive temperament. It has a short snout, squared skull, and wedged ears which is why it is often mistaken for a pit bull.
Although the breed is aggressive, it is very loyal and docile unless threatened. The average lifespan for the Fila is 10 years.
11. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Greater Swiss Mountain dogs were officially recognized as a separate breed in 1995. They belong to the herding class of dogs in addition to being classed as a guard dog. They share a similar coloring and temperament as pit bull dogs which makes them a popular alternative.
They have an average life span that ranges between eight and eleven years and is a very good family dog.
Their muscular build gives them the strength they need to defend, just make sure you have plenty of space for them to play.
12. Olde English Bulldogge
Guard dogs are always in style, in fact, many people choose pit bulls exactly for that reason. Olde English Bulldogges are even better guards dogs that resemble pit bulls closely but have less aggression.
This short but stocky breed has a pudgy face and blocky ears that are paired with a very macular upper body.
This breed loves companionship with both humans and animals making it a great option for multi-pet households.
13. Presa Canario
For those who love the look of pit bulls, but prefer a more family-friendly pet, the Presa Canario is a comparable alternative. This hardy dog has a stocky build and a short snout similar to the pit bull.
This large breed is best known for its work in rounding up livestock but can also double as a family pet.
They are highly territorial and do not like to share their space with other dogs. Presa’s are also very active and due to their size are suitable for families with older children only.
14. Rottweiler
After pit bulls, Rottweiler’s are considered the ultimate guard dogs.
This breed looks very similar to pit bulls, however, they tend to be larger in stature. These dogs are highly loyal and very protective of their owners and their home turf.
They live for ten years on average and are considered a working breed. They are high energy so they need proper training, a firm hand, and plenty of space in order to thrive.
15. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
If you are looking for a pit bull look-alike that will stay with your family for over a decade, the Staffordshire bull terrier is a great option.
The average lifespan of this stocky British breed is 14 years. With a small stature, squared face, and muscled torso, this little dog will give pit bulls a run for their money.
They are naturally strong-willed but very affectionate and family-oriented. When faced with encroaching animals or even strangers, however, they may show moderate aggression.
