Difference Between English and American Bulldog: A Comprehensive Guide

The English Bulldog and the American Bulldog are two distinct breeds that often get lumped together. The English Bulldog is a smaller, more laid-back breed that originated in England.

In contrast, the American Bulldog is a larger, more energetic breed that was developed in the United States. Its ancestors were brought over by English immigrants in the 18th century.

Despite their similarities, the two breeds have distinct physical characteristics. The English Bulldog has a flat face and a more compact body, while the American Bulldog has a longer muzzle and a more muscular build.

The English Bulldog is also known for its calm and gentle nature, making it a great companion for families with children.

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The origins of breeds are fascinating, and understanding where they come from can give us a lot of insight into their characteristics. The English Bulldog, for example, was born in the 17th century as a result of breeding dogs for bull baiting.

In 2006, David Leavitt formed a registry for the original Olde English Bulldogge, which he called the Leavitt Bulldog, to ensure the purity of the breed.

Breeding dogs for bull baiting led to the creation of large-headed, stocky, and muscular dogs like the English Bulldog. Unfortunately, this also led to a host of health problems, including breathing difficulties and joint issues.

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The English Bulldog has a rich history that dates back to the 17th century. People began breeding dogs with characteristics suitable for bull baiting, a popular sport at the time.

Large heads with strong jaws and stocky, muscular bodies were the desired traits. This led to the creation of the English Bulldog breed.

Bull baiting was eventually outlawed, but the English Bulldog's unique appearance won over the hearts of many. They became popular companion dogs and breeders focused on accentuating their cute features.

Unfortunately, this exaggeration of characteristics led to numerous health problems.

The American Bulldog has its roots in the 18th century, specifically in the southern United States.

These dogs were bred from various English Bulldogs brought over by English settlers, who valued their strength and tenacity.

The American Bulldog's ancestors were often used for tasks like guarding, hunting, and even fighting, which helped shape their distinct characteristics.

In the early 1900s, the breed nearly went extinct due to a combination of factors, including the decline of its original purpose and the rise of other breeds.

However, dedicated breeders worked tirelessly to preserve the American Bulldog's heritage, and their efforts ultimately paid off.

The breed's resurgence in popularity can be attributed in part to its unique appearance, which includes a muscular build and a distinctive "bull-like" face.

The English Bulldog has a rich history that dates back to 1874, when it was first formalized by the official English kennel club (KC). This formalization came after the breed was selectively bred to become a companion animal.

English Bulldogs were bred to be smaller in size, but it's unclear whether cross-breeding with pugs was involved. The breed's smaller size was a deliberate attempt to create a more suitable companion animal.

In contrast, the American Bulldog has a more rugged history, having been bred for bull-baiting, a traditional blood sport that involved having dogs fight a bull. This brutal sport led to the extinction of the Old English Bulldog.

The American Bulldog was brought to the United States by immigrants who valued its athleticism and strength. These dogs were used for tasks like warding off feral pigs on rural farms.

The breed was never formally registered, and its standardization efforts began during World War II, when the breed became rare. It wasn't until 2019 that the American Bulldog was recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club).

Expand your knowledge: Well Bred English Bulldog

The physical characteristics of English and American Bulldogs are quite distinct. The English Bulldog is much shorter and stockier, with a very pronounced underbite and very short nose.

One of the most notable differences is the weight and height of the breeds. The Classic American Bulldog and Standard American Bulldog can weigh up to 120 pounds and reach a height of up to 27 inches at the shoulder, while the English Bulldog weighs up to 55 pounds and reaches a height of up to 15 inches.

Here's a comparison of the breeds' physical characteristics:

The English Bulldog's appearance is quite distinctive.

Their broad, flat face is one of their most recognizable features.

Their short, stout body is also a defining characteristic.

They typically weigh between 40-55 pounds and stand about 10-14 inches tall at the shoulder.

Their wrinkled skin and loose, hanging lips are also notable features.

Their coat is short and smooth, coming in a variety of colors including brindle, fawn, and white.

The American Bulldog is a breed that comes in two main types: the Classic (or Johnson) and the Standard (or Scott). The Classic American Bulldog is the larger of the two, but its face is surprisingly similar to its English counterpart.

The Classic American Bulldog has a wide, flattened face with a short nose, known as brachycephaly. It also has a slight underbite, significant jowls, and skin folds, which are all characteristic features of the breed.

The Standard American Bulldog is a bit smaller and can lean towards a pitbull in terms of appearance. Its nose is longer than the Classic's, and while it still has jowls, they are less pronounced.

Here's a comparison of the two American Bulldog types and the English Bulldog:

The American Bulldog's size and build can vary depending on the type, but they all share a muscular and athletic appearance.

English and American Bulldogs have some key differences when it comes to their health and temperament. English Bulldogs can struggle with significant health issues due to their appearance, such as overheating, infected skin folds, and hip dysplasia. They also tend to have a shorter lifespan, typically not making it past 8-10 years.

Related reading: English Bulldog Health Issues

In contrast, American Bulldogs tend to live longer, up to 16 years, and have fewer health issues. However, they can still be prone to certain neurogenerative diseases, hip dysplasia, and eye problems.

English Bulldogs are known for their friendly, patient, and child-proof nature, making them a great fit for family life. American Bulldogs, on the other hand, retain more of a working dog attitude and need proper training to thrive. They can make great family pets if trained correctly, but may not be the best choice for first-time dog owners.

Here's a comparison of the two breeds' health and temperament:

English Bulldogs have a higher risk of health issues due to their brachycephalic (short-nosed) appearance.

These issues can include overheating, infected skin folds, hip dysplasia, protrusion of the inner eyelid (cherry eye), and bad knees.

Most English Bulldogs don't make it past 8-10 years due to these health problems.

In contrast, American Bulldogs tend to live up to 16 years, which is a significant difference.

Related reading: English Bulldog 1900 vs Now

They still have health issues, such as neurogenerative diseases, hip dysplasia, and certain eye problems, but overall they're a lot healthier than English Bulldogs.

Here's a comparison of the average lifespan of both breeds:

The main reason for this difference is that American Bulldogs are less brachycephalic, which means they're less prone to breathing problems and skin fold infections.

English Bulldogs are known for their patient and dignified nature, making them a great fit for families with children.

They're also known to get along well with other pets, but don't think that means they don't need training - all dogs do.

American Bulldogs, on the other hand, still retain a working dog attitude and need a firm hand to thrive.

With the right training, they can be social, fun, and confident family pets, but improper training can lead to fear, destruction, or aggression.

English Bulldogs are often considered child-proof, whereas American Bulldogs may not make the best first dog due to their potential for fear and aggression.

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EngAm Bulldogs are playful, affectionate, and constantly pushing boundaries, keeping their owners on their toes with their goofy antics.

As they mature, they typically calm down and become cuddly, but be careful not to let them gain too much weight.

EngAm Bulldogs are incredibly loyal and protective of their owners, but can be territorial and aggressive without proper socialization.

They're intelligent, but can be stubborn, so it's essential to be firm and consistent in your actions to prevent unwanted behaviors.

Despite their potential for stubbornness, EngAm Bulldogs can thrive with the right owner who provides daily attention and maintains ground rules.

If you're thinking of bringing a Bulldog into your family, you'll want to consider the energy level of the breed. American Bulldogs are high-energy dogs that thrive on activity, while English Bulldogs are more laid-back and don't require as much exercise.

American Bulldogs are a great choice if you have experience training dogs and want a breed that can keep up with your active lifestyle. English Bulldogs, on the other hand, make perfect first dogs for families with a more relaxed pace.

English Bulldogs are known for their patient and dignified nature, making them a great fit for families with children. They're even known to get along well with other pets.

They're not born with good manners, though - they still need training to become well-behaved dogs. Don't think they're low-maintenance, either - they require regular attention and care.

English Bulldogs are incredibly loyal and protective of their owners, but can be a bit territorial if not socialized properly. With proper introduction to new people and places, they'll be happy to welcome new friends into their lives.

Despite their laid-back nature, English Bulldogs are intelligent dogs that respond well to firm and consistent training. They need to know you're the boss, or they'll have trouble taking you seriously.

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