The English Bulldog and American Bully are two popular breeds that often get lumped together, but they're actually quite different. The English Bulldog is a sturdy, compact dog with a distinctive "bull" face and a calm demeanor.
One of the key differences between the two breeds is their size: English Bulldogs typically weigh between 40-55 pounds, while American Bullies can weigh up to 120 pounds. This makes the American Bully a much larger dog overall.
Despite their size difference, both breeds are known for their gentle and affectionate nature. English Bulldogs are often described as laid-back and easy-going, while American Bullies are often referred to as " Velcro dogs" due to their strong attachment to their owners.
In terms of grooming, English Bulldogs require regular cleaning of their facial wrinkles to prevent skin infections, while American Bullies have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming.
Consider reading: American Xl Bully Size
Closer Look
The American Bully is a relatively new breed that originated in the United States in the 1980s, created by breeding various breeds including American Staffordshire Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers, American Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers.
If this caught your attention, see: American Bully Staffy Bull Terrier
American Bullies are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, which makes them a great fit for families with children.
They're highly trainable and are often used as therapy dogs, which is a testament to their gentle nature.
Unlike the American Bulldog, the American Bully breed isn't recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
For more insights, see: American Bulldog Dog Breeds
Breed Characteristics
English bulldogs are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, making them a popular companion dog. They can be quite laid-back and adaptable to city living.
Their physical characteristics, such as their flat face and wrinkled skin, require regular grooming to prevent skin problems. This includes daily cleaning of their wrinkles and regular nail trimming.
Despite their laid-back nature, English bulldogs can be stubborn at times, requiring patient and consistent training.
Trainability
Early obedience training and socialization are a must for these breeds, as they want to protect their guardians and territory. This can be achieved by enrolling them in a proper training class, starting as early as 8 weeks old.
If this caught your attention, see: House Training English Bulldog
Both breeds can have a stubborn streak, but with consistency and patience, training will start to stick. They're quite intelligent, so don't underestimate them.
They have a deep desire to please you, which makes training a breeze if you follow the right approach. Consistency and patience are key to getting them to listen and obey.
By socializing them early, they'll be able to greet guests, play with children and other dogs, and get along with just about anyone.
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Health Issues
Spaying or neutering your dog is crucial to prevent certain cancers and reduce the risk of overpopulation.
Dental disease is a common issue that can be prevented with regular dental care.
Hip and elbow dysplasia can cause joint issues, so it's essential to monitor your dog's movement and comfort level.
Heart disease is a serious condition that can be detected early with regular check-ups.
Parasites like worms, mites, and fleas can be prevented with regular vaccinations and treatments.
Mange is a skin condition that can be treated with medication and good hygiene.
Obesity is a significant concern, especially since both breeds are prone to it; ask your vet for recommendations on the best food for your dog.
Skin issues can arise from dirty skin folds and wrinkles, so keep them clean and dry.
Eye issues can be caused by infections or allergies, so monitor your dog's eye health closely.
Regular check-ups with your vet can help detect any potential health issues early on.
Here are some common health issues to be aware of:
- Spay or neuter
- Dental disease
- Obesity
- Parasites
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Eye issues
- Skin issues
- Infections
- Mange
Remember to take your dog to the vet twice a year for a check-up, and keep an eye out for any signs of illness or discomfort.
Grooming
Grooming is a breeze for both breeds, thanks to their short, bristly coats that don't require a lot of brushing or bathing.
They tend to do well in the summer, but should be kept indoors in the winter.
American Bulldogs need a bit more attention, as the skin folds on their face need to be wiped down every week or so to prevent bacteria from forming and leading to infection.
Difference Between American Bully
The American Bully breed was established in the mid-1990's with the purpose of creating the ultimate family companion.
The American Bully's height ranges from 13 to 21 inches and their weight can be anywhere from 70 to 120 pounds.
Their lifespan is between 8 to 12 years.
There are four height and size categories for the American Bully: Pocket, Standard, Classic, and Extra-Large (XL).
Weight and height vary greatly for the American Bully, but correct proportion of weight to height is considered important.
The American Bully has a short, close, stiff to the touch, and glossy coat.
All colors and patterns are acceptable for the American Bully.
The American Bully is a happy, outgoing, stable, and confident dog.
They are gentle and loving towards people and good-natured, making them an affectionate family pet.
The American Bully is almost always obedient and wants nothing more than to please its master.
They are extremely courageous and intelligent guard dogs that are very full of life.
The American Bully is noted for displaying extreme tolerance with children and an overwhelming eagerness to please its family.
Bulldogs, similar to the American Bully, are prone to breathing problems and some have small windpipes.
They are also prone to poor eyesight, cherry eye, and heatstroke in warm weather or hot rooms.
The American Bully, like Bulldogs, is susceptible to mast cell tumors, birth defects, skin infections, hip and knee problems, and flatulence when fed other types of food.
Physical Differences
The American Bulldog and the American Bully may look similar at first glance, but they have some distinct physical differences.
The American Bully is slightly larger than the American Bulldog, weighing up to 120 pounds compared to the Bulldog's 110 pounds. Both breeds have boxy heads and muscular bodies.
The American Bully takes its muscular body to an extreme, with taut skin and pointed ears. The American Bulldog, on the other hand, has loose, wrinkly skin, similar to the English Bulldog.
Both breeds come in a wide array of colors and markings, and both have short, smooth coats.
Related reading: Muscular English Bulldog
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bullies and English Bulldogs the same?
No, bullies and English Bulldogs are not the same, although they share a common ancestry. The term "bully dog" refers to a group of breeds that descended from the Old English Bulldog, including various breeds with distinct characteristics.
Is an old English Bulldog a XL bully?
No, an Old English Bulldog is not a XL Bully, but they are related breeds that have been crossbred together to create the XL Bully
Sources
- American Kennel Club (akc.org)
- Brachycephaly (humanesociety.org)
- Adopting a Bully (petsmart.ca)
- Difference between American Bully and English Bulldog (bullymon.com)
- American Bully vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison (mydogbreeds.com)
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