The Difference Between The American Bulldog and The English Bulldog [Quick Facts]

If you’ve ever seen an American and an English Bulldog side by side, you might not believe they’re related because they appear to have so little in common.

You might be astonished to hear that both dogs share a common ancestor: the Old English Bulldog, a now-extinct breed.

(The Old English Bulldog should not be confused with the Olde English Bulldogge, a newer breed created to remedy some of the problems that modern English Bulldogs have.)

We’ll compare English and American Bulldogs in this article so you can have a better understanding of each of these beautiful breeds.

A Few Words on Bulldogs

When it comes to bulldogs, not every one is the same. Bulldog breeds, contrary to common opinion, come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

For most people, the phrase “bulldog” conjures up images of a powerful, big dog with a wrinkled face.

Do you know what an English Bulldog, an American Bulldog, a French Bulldog, and an Olde English Bulldogged are?

These distinct dog breed of Bulldogs have different backgrounds, appearances, and even temperaments.

Bulldogs, on the other hand, all have one thing in common: their forebears were once used for “bull baiting,” which is how they got their name “bull.”

What is the definition of bull baiting? Tethering a bull while a “bulldog” grabbed the bull by the snout and pinned it to the ground was known as bull baiting.

Dogs with large heads, stocky bodies, and strong jaws were developed specifically for this duty. Furthermore, these canines have a stubborn and stern demeanor.

In early modern England, it was customary practice to bait a bull’s flesh before slaughtering and selling it.

There was a time when baiting was thought to help improve the flesh.

Unfortunately, bull baiting was also considered a recreational activity, and it was thankfully outlawed in 1835 when Parliament approved the Cruelty to Animals Act.

This act made “blood sport” illegal in the United Kingdom for good.

Bulldogs were suddenly unemployed as a result of the ban on bull baiting, and their numbers began to dwindle.

When dog fanciers formed dog clubs, the Bulldog’s numbers began to rise again, and the breed was able to resuscitate in some ways.

Many of today’s bulldogs are descendants of this resurrection.

• English Bulldog
• French Bulldog
• American Bulldog
• Olde English Bulldogge

Olde English Bulldogge Vs. English Bulldog

History

As previously stated, both dogs are descended from the Old English Bulldog, a breed whose origins are contested.

Some believe this dog was a large dog, Bull Mastiff-like beast used in ancient Greek battle, while others claim it was descended from war dogs used by Caucasus Mountain tribes.

We know the breed was utilized for bull baiting in England as early as the 17th century C.E., regardless of where it originated.

Bull baiting is a cruel pastime in which dogs attempt to pin a pit bull by its nose to the ground; thankfully, humanity came to its senses and outlawed the practice.

After the bull baiting was finished, some Old English Bulldogs were sent to the newly discovered American continent and put to work on farms.

They guarded ranches, herded animals, and, most importantly, pursued feral pigs.

Because the Old English Bulldogs that remained in the United Kingdom were mostly kept as pets, they no longer required the huge bodies and violent temperaments that made them such formidable bullfighters.

Appearance

The reason that they had to be huge enough to hunt down wild hogs explains why American Bulldogs are significantly larger than their British counterparts.

These pups can reach up to 130 pounds and are quite powerful.

The noses of American Bulldogs are stubby in comparison to many other breeds, yet they aren’t so pushed in that they create respiratory difficulties.

These dog are still capable of working for an entire day.

English Bulldogs, on the other hand, have been bred primarily for their cuteness.

They’re no longer capable of bringing a bull to its knees (or anything bigger than a large pizza, really).

They have problems breathing since their noses are so short, and they have very little stamina.

Both breeds have wrinkly faces and tend to be bow-legged with wide chests (although English Bulldogs tend to have more loose skin).

Their coats come in a variety of colors, and their faces have multicolored markings.

Temperament

However, because American Bulldogs are more active, if you don’t give them enough exercise, they may take their frustrations out on your home.

They enjoy playing, and they respond well to instruction (though they will attempt to put you to the test, so be tough and constant).

The English Bulldog, on the other hand, is a natural couch potato.

If they don’t get enough exercise, they can still be disruptive, although “enough exercise” for them could be a walk around the block.

They’re also quite easy to train, despite not being as bright as their American counterparts.

Both are amiable and ready to spend time with their masters, yet both have a mile-wide obstinate streak.

Both require much training and socializing from the time they are puppies.

Both work well with children if they’ve been properly taught and socialized to be a family dog.

English Bulldogs get along well with other dogs and pets; American Bulldogs aren’t as good, although they still take a lot of socialization and training.

Health

This is one area where their disparities in breeding procedures are obvious.

Modern British Bulldogs were primarily bred to be cute, but American Bulldogs were developed to be hard workers.

However, their obsession with adorability has taken a toll on their health.

Simply told, English Bulldogs have terrible health problems, to the point where an entirely new breed, the Olde English Bulldogge, was created to treat them.

While their stubby noses are cute, they make breathing difficult for them, and the breed is prone to respiratory disorders.

Their little round bodies, too, have joint and bone difficulties, and they’re more prone to fat and cancer.

Meanwhile, because of their enormous heads, most English Bulldogs are unable to give birth naturally and must be delivered via C-section.

They have a short lifespan of roughly eight years and are prone to overheating.

Although American Bulldogs are more healthier (and live roughly twice as long as English Bulldogs), they are not without flaws.

They frequently suffer from hip dysplasia and other joint problems, and if they are not adequately exercised, they might become overweight.

American Bulldogs, on the other hand, are considerably healthier dogs in general.

Requirements for Grooming

Both dogs have short coats that don’t shed excessively, so they don’t require much care.

Bathing isn’t a big deal either, and you can probably get away with only one or two baths every year.

Both, however, must have their wrinkles cleansed on a regular basis to avoid infection.

Two Extremely Distinct Canines

While both English and American Bulldogs have the same name, they are totally distinct canines.

They are, however, comparable in one key way: they are both adorable, loyal, and fun-loving.

In the end, if you’re seeking to adopt one or the other, an American Bulldog will give you more bang for your buck (both in terms of cost of ownership and lifetime).

They are, however, more high-maintenance, which may not be a trade-off you are ready to make.

The good news is that neither dog will let you down.

Whichever one you choose, you’ll have a friend for as long as you’re together, and one that will give back to you as much as you give back to it (and we’re not just talking about flatulence).

Other Types of Bulldogs

• Miniature English Bulldog
• Victorian Bulldog
• Australian Bulldog
• Miniature English Bulldog
• Scott American Bulldog
• Olde English Bulldog
• Johnson American Bulldog

Related Dogs

• American Pit Bull Terrier
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• American Pitbull
• American Bully
• Dogo Argentino

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)