When thinking of bulldogs, you might think of the wrinkled-faced, stocky-constructed English bulldog with its very distinct underbite. Another bulldog breed that is equally attractive and loyal and has its own rich story, too, is the American bulldog.
While both dogs share a common ancestor and several character traits, each has unique attributes that separate them from the other.
So, in this information, we’ll explore the remarkable differences between the American bulldog and the English bulldog- their sizes, energy levels, personalities, and health issues.
American Bulldog vs English Bulldog
While both American Bulldogs and English Bulldogs are cute, loyal companions with quite some history behind their breed lines, they have some stark differences.
Size and Physical Characteristics: The American Bulldog is usually larger and leaner than the English Bulldog with a long nose and athletic build.
English Bulldogs, on the other hand, are usually smaller and stockier in build, have a shorter nose, and a more wrinkled face.
Temperament: The American Bulldogs are reported to be a bit more playful and energetic than the English Bulldogs; they tend to be viewed and protective over their masters.
Lineage: The American Bulldog stems from the working dogs that English colonists brought to North America in the 1700s, while the English Bulldog descended from the now-extinct Old English Bulldog, a bull-baiting dog used in cruel bloodsports in the 1800s.
Health Issues: Both breeds are known for their various possible health concerns English bulls, in particular, are prone to breathing difficulties, skin allergies, and joint problems.
Exercise Requirement: The American Bulldog requires regular exercise to stay happy and healthy; the English Bulldog is not active and tends to tire easily.
Lifespan: The American Bulldog is slightly longer-lived than the English Bulldog, with an average life span of 10-15 years as opposed to 8-10 years for the English Bulldog.
English Bulldog
- Average Height (adult): 12-15 inches
- Average Weight (adult): 40-50 pounds
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
- Exercise: 20 min/daily
- Grooming needs: Very low
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Dog-friendly: Sometimes
- Trainability: Moderate
American Bulldog
- Average Height (adult): 20-28 inches
- Average Weight (adult): 100 pounds
- Lifespan: 10-16years
- Exercise: More than 50-60 minutes
- Grooming needs: Moderate
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Trainability: Moderate.
History of American Bulldog vs English Bulldog
As previously stated, both dogs are descended from the Old English Bulldog, whose history is contested.
Some believe the dog was a big, Mastiff-like monster employed in the fight by the ancient Greeks, while others claim it descended from war dogs used by Caucasus Mountain tribes.
Regardless matter where the breed originated, we know it was employed for bull baiting in England as early as the 17th century CE.
Bull baiting is a cruel pastime in which dogs try to pull a bull down by its nose and pin it to the ground; thankfully, humanity eventually came to its senses and outlawed it.
Following the conclusion of bull baiting, numerous Old English Bulldogs were transported to the newly discovered American continent and put to work on farms.
They herded animals, safeguarded ranches, and, most importantly, hunted feral pigs.
The Old English Bulldogs that remained in the United Kingdom were mostly kept as pets, and as a result, they no longer required the enormous bodies and savage temperaments that made them such formidable bullfighters.
Grooming Requirements
Both dogs require little care because their coats are short and do not shed excessively.
Bathing is also not a big deal, and you can probably get away with taking only one or two baths every year.
Both breeds, however, require regular cleaning of their facial creases to prevent infections.
Although English and American Bulldogs share the same name, they are distinct creatures.
However, they share the most crucial characteristics, such as being adorable, loyal, and fun-loving.
Finally, if you have to choose between the two, an American Bulldog will provide greater value for your money (in terms of ownership costs and lifetime).
They require more maintenance, which may not be a trade-off you’re prepared to make.
The good news is that both dogs are excellent choices. Whichever one you choose, you’ll have a friend you’ll treasure for as long as you’re together, and they’ll give you as much as you offer them.
Conclusion
Beautiful right? our comparison of the American Bulldog and English Bulldog, it is clear that these two breeds have their unique strengths and charms.
Whether you are attracted by the vibrant personality of the American Bulldog or the lovable, laid-back personality of the English Bulldog.
You need to take care of all the intricacies of their maintenance and behaviour before deciding in favour of one.
Regardless of which breed you choose, you can be sure that this new furry friend will bring joy and laughter, not to mention tons of slobbery kisses into your home!
