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Rat Terrier vs American Bulldog vs American Pit Bull Terrier Comparison - Dog breed selector: Decker Giant or AM Bulldog or Pit? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Rat Terrier vs American Bulldog vs American Pit Bull Terrier" Compare Rat Terrier and American Bulldog. Which is better: Rat Terrier or American Bulldog or American Pit Bull Terrier?
 
 
 
Name Rat Terrier American Bulldog American Pit Bull Terrier
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States United States flagUnited States United States flagUnited States
Group Hunting Dogs Guard Dogs Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank97272336
Reviews2314
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Rat Terrier, American Bulldog, and American Pit Bull Terrier breeds.
Decker Giant
Rat
Rattie
Ratting Terrier
American Rat Terrier
AM Bulldog
American Bulldogge
American Bulldoggee
Old Country Bulldog
AmBulldog
Pit
Pit Bull
Pitbull
Pitty
APBT
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Rat Terrier, American Bulldog, and American Pit Bull Terrier? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Rat Terrier vs American Bulldog vs American Pit Bull Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Rat Terrier, American Bulldog, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which breed is the largest?
Small Large Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Rat Terrier, American Bulldog, and American Pit Bull Terrier? Compare adult weight ranges.
Standard: 12-35 pounds (5.5-16 kg) Male: 70-120 pounds (32-54 kg), Female: 60-100 pounds (27-45 kg) 22-78 pounds (10-35 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Standard: 23.5 pounds (5.10.5 kg) Male: 95 pounds (43 kg), Female: 80 pounds (36 kg) 50 pounds (22.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Rat Terrier or American Bulldog or American Pit Bull Terrier? Rat Terrier vs American Bulldog vs American Pit Bull Terrier height comparison:
Standard: 14-23 inches (35.5-58.5 cm) Male: 22-28 inches (55-70 cm), Female: 20-26 inches (52-65 cm) 14-24 inches (35-60 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Standard: 18.5 inches (35.5-58.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm) 19 inches (47.5 cm)

Rat Terrier vs American Bulldog vs American Pit Bull Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Rat Terrier, American Bulldog, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Find price differences between these breeds.
$300-$500 $500-$600 $500-$700
Availability
Which is easier to get, Rat Terrier or American Bulldog or American Pit Bull Terrier?
Very frequent: The Rat Terrier is quite easy to get.
Average: The American Bulldog is a commonly available dog breed.
Average: The American Pit Bull Terrier is a commonly available dog breed.

Rat Terrier vs American Bulldog vs American Pit Bull Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Rat Terrier, American Bulldog, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which breed ranks highest?
Smart: The Rat Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Rat Terrier, American Bulldog, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which is easiest to train?
Rat Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
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American Bulldog dogs are quite easy to train.
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American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Rat Terrier, American Bulldog, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which breed is most alert?
Rat Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
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American Bulldog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Rat Terrier, American Bulldog, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which breed is most protective?
Rat Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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American Bulldog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are average defenders.
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Rat Terrier vs American Bulldog vs American Pit Bull Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Rat Terrier, American Bulldog, and American Pit Bull Terrier? Compare temperaments.
Loving
Alert
Affectionate
Lively
Inquisitive
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Courageous
Affectionate
Gentle
Going
Social
Stubborn
Clownish
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Obedient
Loyal
Strong
Willed
Aggressive
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Rat Terrier vs American Bulldog vs American Pit Bull Terrier?
High: Rat Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: American Bulldog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Rat Terrier vs American Bulldog vs American Pit Bull Terrier social needs comparison:
Rat Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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American Bulldog dogs are a social breed.
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American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
The wanderlust potential of the Rat Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
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American Bulldog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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The wanderlust potential of the American Pit Bull Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Rat Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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American Bulldog dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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American Pit Bull Terrier dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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Rat Terrier vs American Bulldog vs American Pit Bull Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Rat Terrier, American Bulldog, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which breed is most vocal?
Average: The Rat Terrier barks occasionally.
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Low to Average: The American Bulldog rarely barks.
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Average: The American Pit Bull Terrier barks occasionally.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Rat Terrier, American Bulldog, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Rat Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The American Bulldog is a playful breed.
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The American Pit Bull Terrier is a playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Rat Terrier, American Bulldog, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Rat Terrier breed.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep American Bulldog indoors.
It is not recommended to keep the American Pit Bull Terrier breed in the home.

Rat Terrier vs American Bulldog vs American Pit Bull Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Rat Terrier, American Bulldog, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which breed is most flexible?
Rat Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
American Bulldog dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Average: American Pit Bull Terrier dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Rat Terrier or American Bulldog or American Pit Bull Terrier?
Rat Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
American Bulldog dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Rat Terrier vs American Bulldog vs American Pit Bull Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Rat Terrier, American Bulldog, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Rat Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The American Bulldog has an average chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The American Pit Bull Terrier has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Rat Terrier, American Bulldog, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which uses mouth most during play?
Rat Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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American Bulldog dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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American Pit Bull Terrier dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Rat Terrier, American Bulldog, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Rat Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

American Bulldog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

American Pit Bull Terrier bite force: Ordinary.

Rat Terrier vs American Bulldog vs American Pit Bull Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Rat Terrier, American Bulldog, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which breed lives longest?
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Rat Terrier: 16 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of American Bulldog: 11 years
10-14 years
The average lifespan of American Pit Bull Terrier: 12 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Rat Terrier, American Bulldog, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Rat Terrier, American Bulldog, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which has fewer health issues?
The Rat Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
American Bulldogs tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
American Pit Bull Terriers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Rat Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Frequent
The American Bulldog should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Frequent
The American Pit Bull Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Rat Terrier vs American Bulldog vs American Pit Bull Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Rat Terrier vs American Bulldog vs American Pit Bull Terrier health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Eye Problems
Heart Problems
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Entropion
Cherry Eye
Ectropion
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Skin Allergies

Rat Terrier vs American Bulldog vs American Pit Bull Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Rat Terrier, American Bulldog, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which breed is most active?
Rat Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
American Bulldog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Rat Terrier vs American Bulldog vs American Pit Bull Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Rat Terrier or American Bulldog or American Pit Bull Terrier? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Rat Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
American Bulldog dogs have an average exercise need.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Rat Terrier or American Bulldog or American Pit Bull Terrier?
Rat Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.
American Bulldog dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Rat Terrier vs American Bulldog vs American Pit Bull Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Rat Terrier, American Bulldog, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Rat Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
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Low to Average: The American Bulldog has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average: The American Pit Bull Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Rat Terrier, American Bulldog, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which needs most food?
No data available 3 to 5 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Rat Terrier vs American Bulldog vs American Pit Bull Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Rat Terrier, American Bulldog, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Rat Terrier, American Bulldog, and American Pit Bull Terrier. What colors are available?
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Brown
Tricolor
Black
White
Brown
Fawn
Black
Gray
Tan
Red
Blue
White
Brown
Yellow
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Rat Terrier, American Bulldog, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which requires most maintenance?
Effortless: The Rat Terrier requires minimal grooming.
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Effortless: The American Bulldog requires minimal grooming.
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Effortless: The American Pit Bull Terrier requires minimal grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Rat Terrier, American Bulldog, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which drools least?
The Rat Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The American Bulldog drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
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The American Pit Bull Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Rat Terrier, American Bulldog, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Rat Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The American Bulldog has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The American Pit Bull Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Rat Terrier, American Bulldog, and American Pit Bull Terrier. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense
Shiny
Fine Fine
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Rat Terrier, American Bulldog, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Rat Terrier or American Bulldog or American Pit Bull Terrier? Rat Terrier or American Bulldog or {name3 shedding:
Rat Terrier dogs shed above average.
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American Bulldog dogs shed moderately.
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American Pit Bull Terrier dogs shed moderately.
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Rat Terrier vs American Bulldog vs American Pit Bull Terrier Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Rat Terrier, American Bulldog, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which is best with kids?
Rat Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
American Bulldog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Rat Terrier dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
American Bulldog dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Rat Terrier or American Bulldog or American Pit Bull Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?
Rat Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
American Bulldog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Rat Terrier or American Bulldog or American Pit Bull Terrier?
Rat Terrier dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
American Bulldog dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Rat Terrier or American Bulldog or American Pit Bull Terrier?
Rat Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
American Bulldog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are not dog-friendly.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Rat Terrier vs American Bulldog vs American Pit Bull Terrier?
Yes
Rat Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
American Bulldog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Rat Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
American Bulldog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
American Pit Bull Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Rat Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
American Bulldogs are usually recommended for elderly people.
American Pit Bull Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.

Rat Terrier vs American Bulldog vs American Pit Bull Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Rat Terrier, American Bulldog, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Rat Terrier, American Bulldog, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Rat Terrier, American Bulldog, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which has best nose work ability?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Rat Terrier, American Bulldog, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which is best for SAR work?

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Rat Terrier, American Bulldog, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Rat Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

American Bulldog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

American Pit Bull Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Rat Terrier, American Bulldog, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Rat Terrier, American Bulldog, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which has most military use?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Rat Terrier vs American Bulldog vs American Pit Bull Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Rat Terrier, American Bulldog, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which has most puppies?
5-7 puppies 7-14 puppies 5-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Rat Terrier, American Bulldog, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Rat Terrier, American Bulldog, and American Pit Bull Terrier. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Rat Terrier vs American Bulldog vs American Pit Bull Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Rat Terrier, American Bulldog, and American Pit Bull Terrier. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2013 as a Terrier breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Rat Terrier, American Bulldog, and American Pit Bull Terrier. How are they classified internationally?
Not recognized by FCI. Not recognized by FCI. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Rat Terrier, American Bulldog, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
American Canine Registry
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Backwoods Bulldog Club
Animal Research Foundation
American Rare Breed Association
American Bulldog Association
National American Bulldog Association
John D Johnson Bulldog Registry
American Bulldog Club Of Canada
All American Bulldog Club
American Canine Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Backwoods Bulldog Club

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