The American Bully vs American Bulldog: two distinct breeds that often get confused due to their similar names and appearances. Both breeds are known for their muscular builds and loyal temperaments, but there are key differences that set them apart.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive comparison of these two popular breeds, shedding light on their origins, physical characteristics, temperaments, and more.
Understanding the differences between the American Bully and the American Bulldog can help potential dog owners make an informed decision about which breed is the best fit for their lifestyle and preferences.
Whether you’re a dog enthusiast or a prospective dog owner, this article will provide you with the insights you need to understand these two unique breeds.
Origin and History
First let’s take a look at the history of the American Bully versus American Bulldog:
The American Bulldog: An Old Breed
The American Bulldog is a breed with a rich history that dates back to the 17th century. Originally bred for farm work, these dogs were used for tasks such as guarding property and hunting.
They are descendants of the Old English Bulldog, a breed brought to the United States by early English settlers. Despite facing near extinction after World War II, the breed was revived and is now popular worldwide.
The American Bulldog is known for its bravery, intelligence, and loyalty. These traits, combined with their physical strength, made them excellent working dogs in their early history. Today, they are cherished as family pets, known for their protective nature and love for their human families.
The American Bully: A New Breed
The American Bully, on the other hand, is a much newer breed. Developed in the United States in the 1980s and 1990s, the American Bully was bred as a companion dog from various bulldog and terrier breeds.
The breeders aimed to create a dog with the loyalty and tenacity of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the muscular build and boldness of the American Staffordshire Terrier, but with a gentler, more relaxed temperament.
Despite their intimidating appearance, American Bullies are known for their affectionate and friendly nature. They are excellent with children and get along well with other pets, making them a popular choice for families.
The breed was officially recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 2013.
Physical Appearance
There is a difference in physical appearance when it comes to the two breeds:
The American Bulldog: Size and Features
The American Bulldog is a large and powerful breed, standing between 20 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 60 to 120 pounds.
They have a large head with strong jaws, a broad chest, and a muscular body. Their coat is short and generally comes in a variety of colors and patterns, including white, brindle, and various shades of brown.
One of the distinguishing features of the American Bulldog is its athletic build. These dogs are agile and strong, with a body built for work. Their eyes are typically a shade of brown and are set wide apart, giving them a confident and alert expression.
Despite their tough exterior, American Bulldogs have a gentle and affectionate demeanor.
American Bulldog vs American Bully: Size and Features
The American Bully is a medium to large breed, with a height ranging from 17 to 21 inches and a weight that can vary significantly depending on the specific bloodline and breeding.
They are known for their muscular build, blocky head, and short muzzle. Their coat is short and glossy and can come in any color, pattern, or combination thereof.
American Bullies are divided into four categories based on their size: Pocket, Standard, Classic, and XL. Despite the variation in size, all American Bullies share a similar physical appearance characterized by their muscular build and distinctive head shape.
Their eyes are round and can be any color, and their ears are often cropped, although this is not a requirement.
Temperament
What about temperament when it comes to the American Bulldog versus American Bully? Is there a difference?
Actually, there is.
The American Bulldog: Loyal and Protective
American Bulldogs are known for their loyalty and protective nature. They form strong bonds with their families and are known to be particularly good with children.
Despite their tough exterior, they are gentle and affectionate with their loved ones. They are also known for their bravery and will not hesitate to protect their families if they sense danger.
However, their protective nature can sometimes lead to aggression if not properly managed. Early socialization and consistent training are crucial for this breed. With the right guidance, American Bulldogs can be well-rounded dogs that are both protective and friendly.
The American Bully: Friendly and Sociable
Despite their intimidating appearance, American Bullies are known for their friendly and sociable nature. They are excellent companion dogs and are known for their love of people.
American Bully’s are patient with children and generally get along well with other pets. They are eager to please and thrive on attention from their families.
American Bullies are less protective than American Bulldogs and are more likely to welcome strangers than to guard against them. However, like any breed, they require early socialization and consistent training to ensure they grow into well-behaved and balanced adults.
Their eagerness to please makes them responsive to training and they are known to excel in various dog sports.
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Training and Exercise
When it comes to training and exercise, here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to these two breeds:
Training the American Bulldog
American Bulldogs are intelligent and eager to please, which can make them relatively easy to train. However, they can also be stubborn at times, so consistent, positive reinforcement methods work best.
Early socialization is crucial for this breed to promote a well-rounded temperament. They are active dogs and require regular exercise to keep them healthy and prevent boredom.
Exercise can include walks, playtime in the yard, or participation in dog sports like obedience or agility. Mental stimulation is also important for this breed. Training sessions, puzzle toys, and interactive games can help keep their minds sharp.
Training the American Bully
American Bullies are also intelligent and eager to please, making them responsive to training. Positive reinforcement methods are recommended, as they respond well to rewards and praise.
Early socialization is just as important for American Bullies to ensure they are comfortable with a variety of people, animals, and environments.
While they are less active than American Bulldogs, American Bullies still require regular exercise to keep them fit and healthy. This can include daily walks, playtime, and access to a yard where they can run around.
Mental stimulation is also important for this breed, and they can benefit from training sessions, puzzle toys, and interactive games.
Health Issues
Next, let’s look at the most common health issues in the American Bully and American Bulldog:
Common Health Issues in American Bulldogs
American Bulldogs are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain health conditions. These can include hip dysplasia, certain types of cancer, and a neurological condition called neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL).
Regular vet check-ups and a healthy diet and lifestyle can help prevent and manage these conditions.
It’s important to note that not all American Bulldogs will get any or all of these diseases, but it’s crucial to be aware of them if you’re considering this breed. When buying an American Bulldog puppy, ensure that the breeder has tested the parents for health issues that can affect the breed.
Regular exercise and mental stimulation can also contribute to the overall health of an American Bulldog, helping to keep them fit and happy.
Common Health Issues in American Bullies
American Bullies are also generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to certain health conditions. These can include hip and elbow dysplasia, heart disease, and skin issues such as allergies and mange.
Regular vet check-ups and a healthy diet and lifestyle can help prevent and manage these conditions.
Just like with American Bulldogs, not all American Bullies will experience these health issues, but it’s important to be aware of them. When choosing an American Bully puppy, look for a reputable breeder who tests their breeding dogs for common breed-specific health conditions.
Regular exercise and mental stimulation are also important for this breed, as they can help to prevent obesity and keep the dog mentally stimulated.
Living Conditions
Here are the differences and similarities of the two breeds as it pertains to living conditions:
Ideal Living Conditions for American Bulldogs
American Bulldogs are versatile dogs that can adapt to various living conditions. However, they are active dogs and do best in homes where they have plenty of space to move around.
They can live in apartments if they are provided with enough exercise, but a house with a yard is ideal. They are not well-suited to extreme temperatures, so they should be kept indoors during very hot or cold weather.
Despite their size and strength, American Bulldogs are very much indoor dogs that enjoy being part of the family. They form strong bonds with their owners and can become distressed if left alone for long periods. T
herefore, they are best suited to families where someone is home for most of the day.
Ideal Living Conditions for American Bullies
American Bullies are also adaptable dogs that can live in a variety of environments. They are less active than American Bulldogs and can do well in apartments as long as they get enough exercise. However, they also enjoy having a yard to play in.
Like American Bulldogs, they are not well-suited to extreme temperatures and should be kept indoors during very hot or cold weather.
American Bullies are companion dogs that thrive on human interaction. They do not like to be left alone for long periods and can become anxious or destructive if they are. They are best suited to families where someone is home for most of the day or where they have another dog for company.
Diet and Nutrition
What about diet and nutrition? Should these two breeds eat the same thing?
Dietary Needs of American Bulldogs
American Bulldogs are active dogs that require a diet high in protein to support their muscle mass. They can do well on a high-quality commercial dog food, but some owners choose to feed a raw or homemade diet.
Regardless of the type of diet, it’s important to ensure that it is balanced and meets all of their nutritional needs.
Portion control is important for this breed to prevent obesity, which can lead to health problems. The right amount of food for an American Bulldog can vary based on their age, size, activity level, and metabolism.
It’s always a good idea to consult with a vet to determine the best diet and feeding schedule for your individual dog.
Dietary Needs of American Bullies
American Bullies also require a diet high in protein, but they are less active than American Bulldogs and therefore may require fewer calories. They can do well on a high-quality commercial dog food, but some owners choose to feed a raw or homemade diet.
As with American Bulldogs, it’s important to ensure that their diet is balanced and meets all of their nutritional needs.
Portion control is also important for American Bullies to prevent obesity. The right amount of food for an American Bully can vary based on their age, size, activity level, and metabolism.
As with any breed, it’s a good idea to consult with a vet to determine the best diet and feeding schedule for your individual dog.
Grooming
The American Bulldog and American Bully actually has some similarities when it comes to their coat and grooming:
Grooming Needs of American Bulldogs
American Bulldogs have a short, smooth coat that is relatively easy to care for. They should be brushed weekly to remove loose hair and keep their coat healthy.
They are not heavy shedders, but they do shed more during the spring and fall. Bathing should be done as needed, but not too frequently as it can dry out their skin.
Other grooming needs include regular teeth brushing to prevent dental disease, nail trimming to keep their nails at a comfortable length, and ear cleaning to prevent infections. As with all breeds, early introduction to grooming procedures can help make them a stress-free experience.
Grooming Needs of American Bullies
American Bullies also have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming. They should be brushed weekly to remove loose hair and keep their coat shiny.
They are average shedders and may require more frequent brushing during shedding seasons. Bathing should be done as needed, but not too frequently as it can dry out their skin.
Other grooming needs are similar to those of American Bulldogs, including regular teeth brushing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning.
Regular grooming not only keeps the dog looking their best, but it also provides an opportunity to check for any signs of skin problems, infections, or other health issues.
FAQs
Are American Bulldogs or American Bullies Dangerous?
Despite their powerful appearance, neither American Bulldogs nor American Bullies are inherently dangerous. Both breeds are known for their loyalty and love for their families, including children.
However, like any dog, they require proper socialization and training to ensure they are well-behaved.
It’s important to remember that a dog’s behavior is largely influenced by their upbringing and treatment. With the right training and socialization, both American Bulldogs and American Bullies can make wonderful, loving pets.
Which Breed is More Intelligent?
Both American Bulldogs and American Bullies are intelligent breeds that are capable of learning quickly. However, intelligence can vary greatly within a breed, and individual dogs may excel in different areas.
Some dogs may be more adept at learning and performing tricks, while others may excel in problem-solving.
Intelligence in dogs is not just about learning commands. It also includes their ability to understand their environment, solve problems, and communicate with their human family. Both breeds have the potential to be intelligent companions, but they may show it in different ways.
Which Breed is More Expensive?
The cost of owning an American Bulldog or an American Bully can vary greatly depending on various factors such as the breeder’s reputation, the pedigree of the puppy, and the location.
In general, American Bullies tend to be more expensive than American Bulldogs due to their popularity and the specific breeding required to achieve their unique appearance.
However, the initial cost of the puppy is just one part of the total cost of ownership. Potential owners should also consider ongoing costs such as food, grooming, veterinary care, and insurance.
Both breeds can have health issues that may require veterinary care, which can add to the overall cost.
Which Breed Has a Longer Lifespan?
On average, American Bulldogs tend to have a slightly longer lifespan than American Bullies. The average lifespan of an American Bulldog is around 10-15 years, while the average lifespan of an American Bully is around 8-12 years.
However, lifespan can vary greatly from dog to dog and is influenced by factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, and veterinary care.
It’s worth noting that while American Bulldogs may live slightly longer on average, both breeds have relatively similar lifespans compared to other breeds of similar size.
Are American Bullies and American Bulldogs Good with Kids?
Both American Bulldogs and American Bullies are known for their love of children and can make excellent family pets. They are protective, loyal, and often patient with kids.
However, like any breed, they should be properly socialized and trained to ensure they are well-behaved around children.
It’s also important to teach children how to interact with dogs in a respectful and safe way. Even the most tolerant dog can become stressed or uncomfortable if a child is too rough or intrusive. Supervision is always recommended when dogs and young children are together.
Conclusion
While the American Bully and the American Bulldog share some similarities, they are distinct breeds with their own unique characteristics. Both breeds are loyal, protective, and love their families, but they differ in their history, physical appearance, and temperament.
Choosing between an American Bulldog and an American Bully will depend on your lifestyle, living situation, and personal preference. Both breeds can make wonderful pets for the right family.
Regardless of the breed you choose, it’s important to provide them with the care, training, and socialization they need to become well-behaved and happy members of your family.