Dogs are often considered man’s best friend, and not without reason. They are loyal, protective, and make affectionate pets. Two popular breeds in the United States are the American Bully and the American Bulldog. While they share some similarities, some key differences set them apart.
Let’s review the American bully vs American bulldog – which characteristics are the same, which are the same and which of these two different breeds is right for you?
Contents
Understanding the Parent Breeds
Both the American Bully and American Bulldog have unique histories and qualities that make them beloved by many.
Origins of the American Bully Breed
The American Bully is a relatively new breed developed in the 1990s in the United States. It is a cross between the American Pitbull Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and other breeds like the Bulldog, Mastiff, and American Bulldog. This breed was created to be a companion dog, and breeders focused on developing a dog with a friendly and loyal disposition. The American Bully is known for its muscular build, broad head, and short, glossy coat.
One of the most notable characteristics of the American Bully is its temperament. This breed is known for being affectionate, loyal, and eager to please. They are excellent with children and make great family pets. American Bullies are also known for their intelligence and trainability. With proper socialization and training, they can be well-behaved and obedient companions.
Regarding health needs, the American Bully is relatively low maintenance. They are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they can be prone to specific health issues. Common health concerns for American Bullies include hip dysplasia, allergies, and skin irritations.
Origins of the American Bulldog Breed
In contrast, the American Bulldog has a more extended history and was first bred in the United States in the 18th century. It comes from English Bulldogs used for bull-baiting but were later selectively bred for farm work. American Bulldogs played a vital role in farming, hunting, guard duty, and as family pets.
The American Bulldog is a large and powerful breed with a muscular build and a short, smooth coat. They are known for their strength and athleticism and excel in activities like weight pulling and agility. American Bulldogs are also known for their loyalty and protective nature, making them excellent guard dogs.
Regarding temperament, American Bulldogs are known for being confident, assertive, and independent. They are loyal to their families but can be wary of strangers. Early socialization and training are essential for this breed to ensure they are well-behaved and obedient companions.
Like all breeds, American Bulldogs can be prone to specific health issues. Common health concerns for this breed include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and skin allergies.
American Bully vs American Bulldog
Here are some of the significant differences between these large dogs.
1. Physical Characteristics
One of the most striking differences between these breeds is their physical appearance.
Size and Build
The American Bully is a broad, stocky dog with a muscular physique and a shorter stature. They typically weigh between 70 and 120 pounds and stand between 13 and 21 inches tall at the shoulder. This breed has a compact, sturdy build making them perfect for families with children.
On the other hand, the American Bulldog is a large, imposing dog that is typically larger and taller than the bully breed. They can weigh between 60 and 120 pounds and stand between 20 and 28 inches tall at the shoulder. This breed has a powerful, athletic build making them perfect for working on farms or as guard dogs.
Coat and Colors
The American Bully’s coat is short, glossy, and smooth to the touch and comes in various shades of colors and patterns. Some of the most popular colors for this breed include black, blue, fawn, and brindle. They may also have white markings on their chest, paws, and face.
The American Bulldog also has a short coat denser than the Bully, with color variations that range from white to brindle and fawn that can have black markings. This breed has a distinct look sets it apart from other breeds, with its muscular build and striking coat colors.
Facial Features
The American Bully has a broader head, shorter muzzle, sharper cheekbones, and small, downturned eyes. Their ears are usually cropped or left natural, and they have a friendly expression that makes them perfect for families with children.
The American Bulldog has a wider skull, an undershot jaw, and a more pronounced stop, giving it a distinct look that sets it apart from most dog breeds. The eyes are usually almond-shaped and in various shades of brown. They have a determined expression that makes them perfect for working on farms or as guard dogs.
You might be interested to read my article on the American bulldog Great Pyrenees Mix.
2. Temperament and Personality
American Bully Traits
The American Bully is confident, outgoing, and friendly toward humans. They are excellent family pets that thrive on attention and affection from their owners.
One of the most notable traits of the American Bully is their intelligence. They are quick learners and are easy to train, making them well-suited for various activities such as obedience, agility, and weight-pulling competitions. They are also known for their loyalty and will go to great lengths to protect their family members.
American Bulldog Traits
The American Bulldog is also confident and assertive but requires a firm, consistent owner who can provide them with leadership and guidance.
Despite their protective nature, American Bulldogs can be friendly and affectionate towards their family members. They are known for their love of children and make excellent family pets if properly trained and socialized. However, they can be aggressive towards other dogs and animals, so it’s important to supervise them when around other pets.
3. Health Problems and Lifespan
Like many other breeds, American Bullies may face certain health issues throughout their lifetime. One common issue is hip dysplasia, which occurs when the hip joint doesn’t develop properly. This can lead to discomfort, pain, and even arthritis.
Another health issue that American Bullies may experience is heart valve disease, which can cause heart failure if left untreated. Additionally, skin allergies are a common problem for this breed, which can cause itching, rashes, and discomfort.
Similarly, American Bulldogs are also prone to specific health conditions. One of the most common issues is hip dysplasia, which can lead to arthritis and mobility problems. Elbow dysplasia is another issue that can occur, which causes the elbow joint to develop abnormally and lead to lameness.
Eye problems, such as cherry eye, can also concern American Bulldogs. This condition occurs when the gland in the eye that produces tears becomes inflamed and protrudes from the eye.
Lifespan Expectancy
Despite these potential health issues, the American Bully and American Bulldog have relatively long lifespans. They can live up to 12-15 years with proper care and attention.
4. Proper Training and Exercise Needs
Training Techniques for American Bullies
To train an American Bully, it is essential to establish yourself as the pack leader. Consistency is key when training them, and positive reinforcement methods such as praise, treats, and playtime can be very effective. Daily exercise is crucial to prevent boredom and keep them healthy and happy.
Training Techniques for American Bulldogs
American Bulldogs require a firm, consistent training approach focusing on positive reinforcement and leadership. They respond well to obedience and socialization training, and their natural athletic abilities make them ideal for agility and weight pulling competitions. Like the American Bully, daily exercise is a must and helps them stay physically and mentally fit.
Exercise Requirements
The amount of exercise required for both breeds can differ, but a minimum of 30-60 minutes of daily activity is essential to keep them physically and mentally healthy. Both breeds can enjoy walking, running, hiking, and swimming are great forms of exercise.
American Bulldog or American Bully: In Conclusion
While both the American Bully and American Bulldog have some similarities, they are unique breeds with their own distinct traits, personalities, and physical characteristics. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision on which breed may be suitable for you and your family’s lifestyle and needs.
Do make sure you only deal with a reputable breeder if you’re thinking about getting a puppy in any of the bully breeds. If you’re not sure what to check read this article from the American Kennel Club.
You might enjoy reading my posts on:
American Shih Tzu vs European Shih Tzu
Amanda O’Brien is the owner of The Dog Snobs website. She is dog mad and dog aunt to Clover in London and Poppy in Sydney. She can’t wait to have a schedule that allows her to have a dog of her own (for now it is two Siberian cats) and loves learning about dog breeds and dog behavior.