The animal kingdom is full of creatures with unique strengths and abilities. When comparing different species, especially canines, it's crucial to consider their physical attributes, hunting styles, and potential outcomes in hypothetical scenarios. This article delves into a detailed comparison between the African Wild Dog (AWD) and the Pit Bull, specifically focusing on the English Bull Terrier (EBT) variant.
The Pitbull VS African Wild Dogs
Understanding the African Wild Dog
The African painted dog (Lycaon pictus), also known as the painted dog or Cape hunting dog, is a wild canine native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is the largest wild canine in Africa, and the only extant member of the genus Lycaon. The African wild dog is the bulkiest and most solidly built of African canids.
Physical Attributes:
- Height: The species stands 60 to 75 cm (24 to 30 in) at the shoulders.
- Length: Measures 71 to 112 cm (28 to 44 in) in head-and-body length.
- Tail Length: Has a tail length of 29 to 41 cm (11 to 16 in).
- Weight: Adults have a weight range of 18 to 36 kg (40 to 79 lb). On average, dogs from East Africa weigh around 20-25 kg (44-55 lb) while in southern Africa, males reportedly weighed a mean of 32.7 kg (72 lb) and females a mean of 24.5 kg (54 lb).
African Wild Dog.
The Pit Bull: A Closer Look
Pit bull is an umbrella term for several types of dog believed to have descended from bull and terriers. In the United States, the term is usually considered to include the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and sometimes the American Bulldog, along with any crossbred dog that shares certain physical characteristics with these breeds.
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Pit bull-type dogs have a controversial reputation as pets internationally, due to their history in dog fighting, the number of high-profile attacks documented in the media over decades, and their proclivity to latch on while biting. The term has been used since at least the early 20th century. It is believed all dogs that are now classified as pit bulls descend from the British bull-and-terrier, which were first imported into North America in the 1870s.
English Bull Terrier (EBT): The English Bull Terrier (EBT) is a fighting/hunting dog originating in England, where it was since shipped across the world for bloodsport and big game hunting. EBTs are most often found hunting in America and Australia, where they're used to catch a variety of species. Boar is the primary quarry for EBTs, although bulls, bobcats, coyotes, raccoons, goats and several other animals are hunted with EBTs.
English Bull Terrier.
Physical Comparison
Comparing the physical attributes of the African Wild Dog and the English Bull Terrier provides a foundation for understanding their capabilities:
| Attribute | African Wild Dog | English Bull Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 60-75 cm | 55 cm (average) |
| Weight | 18-36 kg | 22-38 kg (average) |
| Build | Lean, Bulky, Solid | Muscular, Compact |
| Hunting Style | Teamwork, Endurance | Aggressive, Tenacious |
Hunting and Fighting Styles
Many EBTs hunt alone due to dog aggression issues, but some can hunt in conjunction with other dogs. Despite many dog enthusiasts speculating EBTs can't work or breathe on a hold due to their head shape, it is not true. Their head shape doesn't hinder them in any way, and can even be beneficial by allowing them to recklessly crash through brush without issues.
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Pit bulls are known for their tenacity and refusal to release a bite, even in the face of great pain.
Hypothetical Combat Scenarios
In a hypothetical one-on-one scenario, some argue that the EBT would have the upper hand due to its powerful build and aggressive nature. However, the dynamics change in group scenarios:
- 1 vs. 1: A one-on-one match is often considered a stomp in favor of the EBT.
- 1 vs. 2: In a one-on-two scenario, the AWDs' superior group coordination could turn the tables. One AWD could distract the EBT while the other attacks from behind.
The Pit Bull Controversy
Pit bull breeds and their mixes can be prone to certain health issues and proactive care can prevent or mitigate certain issues. Pit bull breeds, pit bull type dogs, and their mixes are legally regulated or banned in many countries. The burden of proof can lie with the dog owner or with the authorities. In Denmark, the police can request that a dog owner provides proof that the dog is not prohibited under the Danish Dog Act. In the United Kingdom it is also a dog owner's responsibility to prove that the dog is not one of the prohibited types (dog types bred for fighting) under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 or that the dog has a Certificate of Exemption (grandfather clause).
Level I trauma centers, pit bulls were found to inflict a higher prevalence and severity of injuries compared with other breeds. A 2020 literature review in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that from 1971 to 2018 of all pure breed dogs in the United States, pit bull-type breeds were second, behind the German Shepherd, and ahead of Labradors, Chow Chows, and Rottweilers (in that order) for the most bites severe enough to require hospital treatment. The study found that the proportion of bites caused by German Shepherds decreased by 0.63 percent per year over that time interval while the proportion caused by pit bulls increased by 1.17 percent per year.
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