Breed Comparisons

American vs English Bulldog: Similarities & Differences

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American and English Bulldog side by side.

The American Bulldog and the English Bulldog are more different than similar. Although they share the same heritage, they took different paths, both geographically and in their canine careers, so there are many differences between them. Are you looking to welcome one of these fantastic Fidos into your family? Or are you simply looking to broaden your knowledge of the different types of Bulldogs? Either way, I explore everything you need to know about the American Bulldog vs English Bulldog.

Breed Comparison

American Bulldog
English Bulldog
  • Height20-25 inches
  • Height14-15 inches
  • Weight60-100 pounds
  • Weight40-50 pounds
  • Coat ColorWhite with fawn, brindle, red & fallow markings
  • Coat ColorWhite with black, brindle, tan, brown & red markings
  • TemperamentLoyal, self-confident, energetic
  • TemperamentFriendly, courageous, calm
  • EnergyHigh
  • EnergyLow
  • HealthAverage
  • HealthPoor
  • Lifespan10-12 years
  • Lifespan8-10 years
  • Puppy Price$1,500+
  • Puppy Price$1,500+

American Bulldog vs English Bulldog: 6 Key Differences

  • The English Bulldog is considerably smaller than the American Bulldog.
  • English Bulldogs have a flatter face and are more prone to brachycephalic syndrome.
  • American Bulldogs are prone to fewer health issues and have a longer lifespan.
  • English Bulldogs are much calmer and need less exercise.
  • American Bulldogs are more protective and need lots of physical and mental stimulation.
  • English Bulldogs have many skin folds, making them higher maintenance when it comes to grooming.

Breed History

To understand these pups, it’s essential to examine their origins. Although they share the same ancestors, they took a different evolutionary path, which is why there are many more differences than similarities.

English Bulldog

American Bulldog standing outside.

It is believed that the English Bulldog, sometimes known as the British Bulldog or simply Bulldog, was created in the 13th century for bullbaiting. Bullbaiting was where a staked bull fought a pack of large and ferocious dogs in the name of sport. Thankfully, blood sports were outlawed in 1835. Bulldog fanciers took the once brutish and bloodthirsty canines and transformed them into a family-friendly companion. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the modern Bulldog just over half a century later.

The Bulldog is a national symbol of England and one of the most iconic dog breeds in the world. This is due to their unique and striking resemblance to the jowly and tenacious Winston Churchill, the English prime minister during WWII. According to the AKC, the Bulldog is statistically one of the most popular breeds in America.

American Bulldog

English Bulldog standing outside.

The American Bulldog’s journey began when settlers arrived in America with their Bulldogs in the 1700s. The Bulldogs that arrived in America were more similar to bullbaiting Bulldogs than the modern-day British Bulldogs we know and love today. The settlers used their dogs as farm utility dogs, which were valuable tools in protecting the farm from intruders and catching feral pigs.

The American Bulldog nearly became extinct during the World Wars. Thankfully, two breed fans from the southeastern states, John Johnson and Alan Scott, prevented this beloved pup from becoming an extinct dog breed. Despite being a relatively popular ranch hand, this breed was only entered into the AKC’s foundation stock service program in 2019.

Appearance

Although the English vs American Bulldogs have some subtle similarities, they are different in appearance. For starters, their height and weight are incredibly different, which can be a deciding factor for many. The Bulldog measures between 14 and 15 inches tall, making them short. The American Bulldog measures between 20 and 25 inches tall. The Bulldog weighs 40 to 50 pounds, compared to the American Bulldog’s hefty 60 to 100 pounds of weight. The American is almost double the dog! But don’t let the Bulldog’s smaller frame fool you; they are sturdy and stocky.

Looking at their face, you can tell they are both Bully breeds thanks to their big eyes, square heads, and muscular frame. The English Bulldog has a flatter face than their American cousin, who has a more traditional square Bully face with a longer muzzle. However, the different American Bulldog strains have slightly differing profiles, with the Johnson line having a flatter face than the Scott line. The English Bulldog’s wrinkles are more pronounced on their face, which extends across their entire frame. The American’s larger frame fills out these skin folds, making them look much more athletic.

Look at this short video of an American Bulldog vs Bulldog playing. It shows their size difference, although American Bulldogs can be much bigger than this.

Temperament

It isn’t just their appearances that are remarkably different; their temperaments are, too. Usually, their personality differences make them more suited to one type of family than another. The British Bulldog is a laidback (some say lazy) pup that is easygoing and calm. They’d happily snooze the afternoon away on their favorite bed or couch. Whereas the American Bulldog is wired differently. They almost always have to be mentally or physically active to be happy. This makes the American Bulldog only suitable for active families with the time and energy to entertain them.

Owing to their breed purpose, the American Bulldog is much more territorial than the English Bulldog, who is much more accepting of strangers. The American Bulldog is a protective dog breed and is suspicious of anyone outside the family unit. They watch their property, chasing away cats, squirrels, and sometimes delivery people. The English Bulldog couldn’t care less about visitors (or intruders) as long as they don’t interfere with their sleep and mealtimes.

However, these Bulldogs share the same loyalty and love for their families. If you’re seeking a courageous and devoted doggo, you can’t go wrong with either of these breeds. English and American Bulldogs thrive in human company and form strong bonds with their loved ones. They both make great family companions when placed with the right one.

Coat & Colors

The English and American Bulldogs’ coats are short and sleek, and neither are heavy shedders. The difference in their coats lies in their wrinkles. English Bulldogs are smothered in skin rolls, which require special grooming attention. Some American Bulldogs have more folds than others. But overall, American Bulldogs have low-maintenance coats, unlike English Bulldogs.

The primary coat color for both Bulldogs is white, although many have other colors mixed in. These include black, brown, tan, brindle, piebald, fawn, and red. Neither the English nor American Bulldog should have any merle coloration.

Exercise

american and english bulldog running side by side jpg

Again, exercise is where their differences shine. The average Bulldog isn’t built for speed and is happy with a calm stroll through the neighborhood. Sure, all dogs need stimulation. But the English Bulldog is one of the lowest-energy dog breeds out there. The American Bulldog is the opposite; they need strenuous exercise and constant stimulation to be content and are incredibly agile. So much so that they can jump vertically over three feet thanks to their athletic frame.

Investing in high-quality, durable dog toys for both breeds is essential. Bulldogs are excitable and quickly destroy their toys, so be prepared to invest in new dog toys regularly. Dog toys help stimulate dogs’ minds when you aren’t around or able to interact with them. They reduce unwanted behaviors such as chewing and barking and keep them happy.

BarkBox offers the Super Chewer dog subscription box for dogs who need tougher toys. It’s a convenient way to keep your dog mentally stimulated.

Training

Training any Bulldog is not for the fainthearted or first-time dog owner. They are both incredibly headstrong and require experienced dog owners to get the best out of them. The English Bulldog is more stubborn than the American Bulldog, and it can be tricky to motivate them. The American Bulldog is super protective, which can be tricky to train. However, the American Bulldog is more of a people-pleaser than their English counterpart, which gives owners an advantage.

Both breeds need early socialization to become polite adults who do well in a family setting. Like any dog, unsocialized or unruly Bulldogs can prove challenging to integrate into a family. It’s essential to research positive reinforcement training for both Bulldogs.

We have researched and reviewed the best online dog training courses, which are valuable tools for stubborn dogs like these two breeds.

Health

American vs British Bulldog health is a key consideration for those trying to pick between one breed or another. Unfortunately, the health of English Bulldogs is considerably lower than that of other breeds, including the American Bulldog. The life expectancy of an English Bulldog is 8 to 10 years, and the American Bulldog’s is 10 to 12 years. It’s important to know that every dog is different, but all dog owners should know the main health concerns linked to their dog’s breed.

The English Bulldog is a brachycephalic dog breed. Their flat face and narrow upper airway often cause breathing difficulties and a tendency to overheat, especially during exercise and warm weather. They are also prone to patella luxation and cardiac problems. Keeping an English Bulldog at a healthy weight is critical for their overall well-being and for not exasperating their common health issues.

Like most large dog breeds, the American Bulldog is prone to elbow and hip dysplasia. Ichthyosis is a heritable and incurable skin condition affecting American Bulldogs. It ranges from minor to severe, and in grave cases, it can reduce their quality of life so much that it warrants euthanasia. Deafness in American Bulldogs is more common than it is in English Bulldogs. Although deaf dogs still make excellent pets, you must adapt to their additional needs.

Consider Pet Insurance For Your American & English Bulldog

It’s essential to consider pet insurance for all dogs. Pet insurance can help cover the cost of care in an emergency and allow you to focus on their health instead of your financial responsibility. Our pet insurance experts also cover the best pet insurance for English Bulldogs to help pup parents get the right plan for their breed.

Nutrition

American and  English Bulldog eating side by side.

Both English and American Bulldogs need a high-quality diet to meet their nutritional needs. As American Bulldogs are a large breed, I recommend feeding them a diet designed for large breeds. Feeding them a large breed puppy food is particularly important during puppyhood as it supports healthy joint development. As smaller dogs, English Bulldogs naturally need less food than American Bulldogs, so feeding them is less costly.

It’s crucial to keep both Bulldogs at a healthy weight and not overfeed them. This is especially important for the English Bulldog, who is already prone to breathing problems, heart concerns, and joint conditions. Being overweight dramatically increases the chance of and exacerbates these issues. Consider low-calorie treats for both of these breeds, as well as fiber-rich vegetables, to keep them feeling fuller for longer.

Grooming

The English and American Bulldogs have short, sleek, low-shedding coats that are relatively easy to maintain. The best type of brush for both Bulldogs is a slicker brush. I recommend the Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush with gentle bristles as it doesn’t irritate their skin.

The English Bulldog’s skin is trickier to care for because of their skin rolls. Skin rolls harbor sweat and bacteria, leading to severe odor and skin infections. Dr. Rebecca MacMillan, BVetMed MRCVS, a companion animal veterinarian and surgeon in the U.K., states, “I see English Bulldogs regularly in my clinic, and they often come to see me because of their recurrent skin problems. Many of these dogs have underlying skin allergies but also other issues like extreme facial folds. Some American Bulldogs can suffer from these issues, too. I recommend regularly using Vetnique Labs Dermabliss Medicated Wipes to help manage potential problems.

Consider An At-Home Dog Allergy Test

Consider giving your pup an at-home dog allergy test if you suspect allergies. These kits test for food intolerances, sensitivities, and environmental factors. They are simple; all you have to do is send in a saliva or hair sample, and you receive the results within a few weeks. You can then share these results with your vet to determine possible causes and create a management plan.

Puppy Prices

My research shows that both breeds command the same price for puppies. Bulldog puppy prices vary and are influenced by various factors, including bloodline, breeder reputation, location, demand, season, and more. On average, you can expect to pay $1,500 and up for a purebred Bulldog puppy from a reputable breeder. The AKC website is a good starting point in your search for a well-bred English Bulldog puppy or American Bulldog puppy. There, you can find a list of licensed, reputable breeders throughout the U.S.

It’s important to conduct your own research and work with a breeder that feels right for you. Ask to see the relevant health certificates, meet the puppies in person, and get to know the breeder. Knowing the tactics irresponsible breeders use and how to find a responsible breeder is essential when looking for a Bulldog puppy. If you already own your Bulldog and are curious about their breed makeup, you can conduct a test at home with one of these dog DNA kits.

Other Bully Breeds To Consider

If you adore Bully breeds like me, there are others to consider besides American vs English Bulldogs. The sweet American Pitbull Terrier is one of the most popular breeds in America, and for good reason. American Bullies are another handsome breed to think about. Bull Terriers are my favorite breed, and if you’re looking for a comical canine, you can’t do much better than one of these pups. But they are all incredible in their own way; you just have to find the right Fido fit for your family and lifestyle.

Do you have a Bulldog? Do you have any thoughts on adding to the American vs English Bulldog discussion? We love to hear from our readers, so let us know in the comments below.

Why Trust Canine Journal?

Emma is a dog mom to two rescue dogs, Bonkers, a sweet Bull Terrier mix, and Chips, a diva Dachshund. Before joining the Canine Journal team, she was a professional full-time dog walker and sitter. Emma loves Bully breeds and has met and cared for many English Bulldogs. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge and research with her readers to help them care for their pets. Emma works with a devoted team to ensure Canine Journal remains a trustworthy and current online dog resource.

Emma Braby

For the last 5 years, Emma has specialized in writing canine content on Canine Journal, sharing her expertise with dog lovers around the world. Her dog knowledge comes from being a dog owner, professional dog walker, time spent traveling around Europe as a dog sitter, and volunteering in her local rescue centers for the last 15 years. Emma currently has two rescue dogs and hopes to adopt as many dogs as her backyard will allow.

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