So I have a American Bully and my good friend has an American Bulldog. Now this is ever a recipe for competition! I might mention, we are both good ole’ Southern gals that just can’t get done talking American Bully vs American Bulldog
How Different is an American Bulldog vs American Bully?
Let’s Find Out… Here is a Quick American Bulldog vs American Bully Difference Chart that I created that is handy to skim the differences in a few minutes.
American Bully vs. American Bulldog
| Aspect | American Bully | American Bulldog |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | The American Bully was developed in the United States in the late 20th century. It is a mix of various bull and terrier breeds, emphasizing on companionship and family-oriented temperament. | The American Bulldog, originally bred as a working farm dog, has a history that dates back to the 17th century in England. It was brought to the United States to work on farms and as a versatile working dog. |
| Height | 17 – 20 inches | 20 – 28 inches |
| Weight | 70 – 120 lbs. | 60 – 120 lbs. |
| Coat type | The American Bully has a short, stiff, and glossy coat. | The American Bulldog has a short and smooth coat. |
| Colors | Wide variety of colors including white, brindle, red, and black. | Common colors include white, fawn, striped, and tri-color. |
| Temperament | The American Bully is known for being happy, outgoing, and well-mannered. They are affectionate, social, and tend to be good with children and other pets. | The American Bulldog is smart, confident, and can be stubborn at times. They are loyal, protective, and often develop strong bonds with their families. |
| Trainability | American Bullies are generally easier to train due to their eagerness to please and high intelligence. | American Bulldogs can be more challenging to train because of their independent and strong-willed nature. Consistent and positive reinforcement training methods are essential. |
| Life Expectancy | 10 to 12 Years | 10 to 16 Years |
| Health Problems | Common health issues in American Bullies include hip dysplasia, heart conditions, skin problems, and vision issues. | Common health problems in American Bulldogs include obesity, thyroid issues, vision problems, and allergies. |
Origin and History What’s The Back Story?
The American Bully and the American Bulldog are two popular American dog breeds that often get lumped in the same dog house. But actually have distinctly different histories and characteristics.
I will delve into the differences between these breeds, highlighting their unique traits, temperaments, and needs. If you’re considering adding one of these “All American” dogs to your family, understanding their individual qualities will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle.
American Bully History
The American Bully dog originated in the United States during the late 20th century. It was developed by crossing various bull and terrier breeds to create a companion-focused breed that exudes confidence and affection. Originally, they were bred for their loyalty and gentle nature, making them ideal family pets…. Sounds just like my gal Waldo! ❤🐶
American Bulldog History
Dates back much further to 17th century in England. The American Bulldog was initially used as a working farm dog. Its main tasks were, herding livestock and guarding property. As time passed, the breed evolved, and with the influx of immigrants to America, the American Bulldog made its way across the Atlantic. In America it continued to work on farms and as a versatile working/guard dog.
Jump To American Bully vs American Bulldog Infographic
Physical Characteristics
A. Height and Weight: The American Bully stands between 17 to 20 inches tall and weighs around 70 to 120 pounds. On the other hand, the American Bulldog is larger, with a height ranging from 20 to 28 inches and a weight of 60 to 120 pounds.
B. Coat Types and Colors: The American Bully boasts a distinctive short, stiff, and glossy coat that enhances their muscular and athletic appearance. Their fur is low-maintenance and is a variety of colors such as white, brindle, red, and black. The most common Amercian Bully colors is Black, White or Fawn. The Brindle color is largely unpopular. Read why that is here .
American Bully’s coat is also quite functional. It provides them with protection from the elements, such as UV rays and minor abrasions during outdoor activities. While it offers protection from the elements, American Bully’s may require extra care in extreme winter weather. I recommend regular brushing and occasional bathing to maintain the skin and fur health.
In contrast, the American Bulldog has a short and smooth coat, and common colors include white, fawn, striped, and tri-color patterns.
The American Bulldog’s coat is short and smooth, giving them a sleek and polished appearance. Their coat texture is oh so soft to the touch! It lies flat against their skin, accentuating their strong and muscular physique. The breed is commonly seen in these colors, White with Patches of Brindle, Red or Fawn. It is typical for them to have striking striped or tri-color patterns.
The smooth coat of the American Bulldog requires minimal grooming, making them relatively low-maintenance in terms of coat care. This breed does not need to be bathed often! (luckily for owners:) I’d recommend the occasional baths when they become dirty. Regular brushing will help keep their coat clean, extra soft, and shiny. Their nails should be trimmed every 3-4 weeks and ears should be cleaned once a month or as needed.
C. Distinguishing Features:
The American Bully’s muscular build and compact frame are characteristic of its breed.
The American Bulldog, with a strong, athletic body, often displays a more boxy head and pronounced jawline.
Temperament and Personality
How different is the American Bulldog vs the American Bully in personality and temperament?
A. American Bully: The American Bully is known for its happy, outgoing, and well-mannered disposition. They are highly social and enjoy the company of children and other pets. Their affectionate nature and desire to please make them excellent companions.
B. American Bulldog: American Bulldogs are smart, confident, and fiercely loyal. They are protective of their families and have a strong sense of responsibility. Their loyalty makes them great guard dogs, and their affectionate nature extends to their human pack.
C. Comparison: While both breeds are affectionate, the American Bully may display a more outgoing and friendly demeanor, while the American Bulldog’s loyalty and protective instincts can sometimes lead to a reserved nature around strangers.
Trainability and Intelligence
A. American Bully: American Bullies are highly trainable dogs owing to their innate intelligence and eagerness to please their owners. They have quicker ability to grasp commands quickly and their strong desire to make their humans happy make training sessions relatively smooth and enjoyable.
Here’s the methods I used to train Waldo my American Bully.
The best method I found is, a mix of positive reinforcement training methods, including praise, treats, and rewards. I feel these work exceptionally well with this breed. Another good way to teach obedience to your American Bully is through crate training. This method will will overtime, train your American Bully to seek out his crate as a place of refuge and security. He will also learn to relax there as well. The biggest key to crate training is that it is not meant as a punitive method. I have found Consistency is key, and regular training sessions will help reinforce learned behaviors and prevent any undesirable habits from forming.
B. American Bulldog:
Training an American Bulldog can present more challenges compared to the American Bully. These dogs have a streak of independence and a strong-willed nature, which can sometimes lead to a stubborn attitude during training. It is important for owners to be patient in their training efforts.
Experts recommend that Clicker Training combined with Positive reinforcement is the best way to train an American Bulldog. This must be combined use of firm but gentle commands will help establish the owner’s authority without resorting to harsh punishment. American Bulldogs respond best to consistent routines and clear, concise instructions. Early socialization and exposure to various people, animals, and environments can help in shaping a well-rounded and obedient companion.
Training Tips: Top dog training experts agree that, early socialization and obedience training are crucial for both breeds. Using positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, will yield the best results in their training journey.
Lifespan and Health Issues
A. Lifespan: The American Bully has an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years, while the American Bulldog can live slightly longer, with an average lifespan of 10 to 16 years.
B. Health Concerns: American Bullies are prone to hip dysplasia, heart conditions, skin problems, and vision issues. American Bulldogs are more genetically prone experience obesity, thyroid issues, vision problems, and allergies.
Tips Related To Both Breeds: Monitoring weight and providing regular exercise is essential for both breeds to prevent joint-related health issues. Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet are key to maintaining their overall health.
Exercise and Activity Needs
A. Exercise Requirements: Both breeds are energetic and require regular exercise to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. However the American Bully will definitely require more regular exercise (for sure if it is a house dog) and will require more companionship activities. Versus the American Bulldog is more easily self entertained. This is partly because of the breeds working background.
B. Mental Stimulation: Both the American Bully and the American Bulldog minds will be benefited by mental enrichment, such as puzzle toys and training activities, can prevent boredom and keep their minds sharp.
What’s Best Living Environment
A. Living Environments: American Bullies and American Bulldogs can adapt well to various living environments, including apartments, houses, or rural settings.
B. Climate Adaptability: Both breeds are generally adaptable to different climates, but extra care should be taken in extreme weather conditions.
Known Pros and Cons
American Bully
American Bully Pros: Very Friendly, outgoing, easy to train and is great with families.
American Bully Cons: Will likely require much more regular exercise and socialization to prevent boredom-related behaviors.
American Bulldog
American Bulldog Pros: Fiercely Loyal, protective, intelligent and great as a guard dog.
American Bulldog Cons: Will require experienced training due to their independent nature, potential reserved behavior around strangers.
So There You Have It!
In conclusion, the American Bully and the American Bulldog are unique breeds with distinct qualities that suit different lifestyles.
Did I cover all differences and similarities? Comment Your Experiences Below!
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