American Bully vs American Bulldog: Major Differences
You might have been strolling down the street and come across a medium-sized dog with a strong-looking head and a short, wide nose, but got confused about its breed. People are often puzzled when comparing American Bully vs American Bulldog due to their names and appearance.
In this article, we’ll provide you with a detailed comparison of these two breeds. So the next time you spot one, you’ll be able to tell which breed it is!
Physical Features and Comparison
Here is a quick overview comparing the physical features of the American Bully and the American Bulldog.
| Major Differences | American Bully | American Bulldog |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Stocky, muscular build with a broad head and short, wide muzzle | Powerful and muscular build with a large head and strong jaw |
| Temperament | Affectionate, friendly, loyal, and sociable | Confident, courageous, loyal, and protective |
| Size | Medium to large, weighing between 70 and 120 pounds | Large, weighing between 60 and 120 pounds |
| Coat | Short, stiff, and glossy coat that comes in various colors and patterns | Short, smooth coat that comes in white or patches of brindle, fawn, or red |
| Health | Generally healthy, but may be prone to hip dysplasia, skin allergies, and obesity | May be prone to hip dysplasia, cherry eye, and skin allergies |
| Exercise | Moderate exercise needs, including daily walks and playtime | High exercise needs, including daily walks and vigorous playtime |
| Training | Intelligent and trainable with firm, consistent training and socialization | Intelligent and trainable with firm, consistent training and socialization |
| Life Expectancy | 8-12 years | 10-15 years |
Appearance
If you look at American Bully and American Bulldog closely, you will notice that these two have very different looks from one another.
The American Bully is distinguished by its strong, stocky frame, big skull, and short, wide nose. They look robust and compact, oozing confidence and authority. They have an impressive body shape with broad shoulders, a deep chest, and solid bones.
The American Bulldog, on the other hand, has a huge head and a strong jaw along with a powerful and muscular body. Their faces are short and slightly wrinkled, and they have wide noses and broad, square-shaped heads. The muscular body of the American Bulldog is longer than it is tall, giving it strong and athletic features.
Temperament
When it comes to temperament, the American Bully is a sociable, outgoing breed that loves to get human attention. They are wonderful family pets because they are pleasant and affectionate with their owners. They have a reputation for being loyal, protective, and highly territorial. However, this type of breed still needs proper socialization and training to reduce any aggressive tendencies.
While the American Bully is a great family pet, the American Bulldog is a courageous and confident breed that makes a great guard dog. They can be rather quiet among outsiders but are fiercely protective of their families. They have a high tolerance for children and are renowned for their dedication to and loyalty to their owners. Given that American Bulldogs are great guard dogs, proper socialization and training are also crucial to prevent them from being extremely possessive or violent.
Size
One of the most significant variations between the American Bully and the American Bulldog is size. The American Bully is a compact, muscular breed that is of medium size. They normally range in size from 13 to 21 inches tall and weigh 70 to 120 pounds. American Bullies come in a variety of sizes, including Standard, Classic, Pocket, and XL, and the weight and height ranges are distinctive to each size.
The American Bulldog is a larger breed with a stronger build and a more solid frame. These canines normally measure 20 to 28 inches tall and weigh 60 to 120 pounds. They are more menacing-looking because of their large, muscular bodies. Despite their size, American Bulldogs are known for their athleticism and agility, which makes them perfect for a variety of tasks like hunting and weight-pulling.
Coat
Both breeds have short, smooth coats that are simple to maintain. The American Bulldog’s coat is typically white or has a solid color with some brindle or fawn markings, whereas the American Bully’s coat comes in a variety of colors and patterns including black, blue, fawn, brindle, and white.
Health
Overall, the American Bully and the American Bulldog are both relatively healthy breeds, although, like all canine breeds, they can be prone to certain health problems. You can give your dog the best care possible by being aware of these potential health problems.
Hip dysplasia, a disorder that affects several dog breeds often, may be present in the American Bully. Because of a hereditary issue, the hip joint does not grow normally, which can cause arthritis and lameness. In addition to this, skin irritations, itching, hair loss, and allergies are other major health problems among American Bullies. Due to these health problems, American Bullies can also develop skin infections.
American Bulldogs are also prone to joint problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia. Over time, they can also develop arthritis because of these disorders, which can also cause discomfort, inflammation, and lameness. Additionally, skin allergies and eye issues in American Bulldogs are possible; these conditions can be uncomfortable and have a bearing on their overall well-being.
Exercise
For both breeds to remain healthy and happy, frequent exercise and mental stimulation are essential. The American Bully needs light activity, such as a daily stroll or some outdoor fun. The American Bulldog, on the other hand, is more energetic and needs a greater amount of activity, like jogging or fetching.
Training
American Bullies and American Bulldogs are both clever dogs who take pleasure in fulfilling their owners and learning new things. Both of them are open to training approaches that use praise, rewards, and treats as positive reinforcement.
Due to its friendlier and more outgoing personality, the American Bully may be a little simpler to teach than the American Bulldog. With strangers and other animals, the American Bully is frequently more approachable, making socialization training less difficult.
The American Bulldog might be more independent-minded and stubborn, which makes training challenging. They need to be dealt with firmly, consistently, patiently, and with encouragement.
Life Expectancy
Both the American Bullies and American Bulldogs have an average life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, which is relatively long compared to some other dog breeds. This means that either of these breeds could be an excellent choice if you’re seeking a loyal companion that will stick by your side for a decade.
However, it’s important to remember that a dog’s lifespan can be affected by a variety of factors, including genetics, diet, exercise, and overall wellness making it critical to provide your American Bully or American Bulldog the right care and attention throughout their lifetime so they can live a long and healthy life.
This involves routine veterinary checkups, healthy food that is both balanced and nutrient-dense, a lot of mental and physical exercise, as well as socializing and training to prevent behavioral problems.
American Bully vs American Bulldog: Working and Companion Breeds
If you are a pet lover wanting to get either of these breeds, you should first consider your needs and decide if you require a working dog or a companion. Despite some similarities in their appearance, both breeds were originally bred for different purposes.
Originally bred as a working dog, the American Bulldog was primarily used for hunting, guarding, and even bull-baiting. They have become known for their power, flexibility, and stamina.
The American Bulldog can be the best option for you if you require a working dog who can keep up with your active lifestyle and protect your home or property.
Contrary to a working dog, the American Bully was bred primarily as a companion dog. They are widely known for being friendly, affectionate, and wanting to be near their owners.
The American Bully can be the ideal breed for you if you’re seeking an affectionate companion to keep you company and brighten your day.
As such, it’s crucial to remember that both breeds, with the right training and socialization, may succeed in both tasks. The American Bully can be trained for a variety of roles, and the American Bulldog can make a fantastic companion.
It all comes down to your personal preferences and needs. Either way, these two dog breeds can be a wonderful addition to your family with careful consideration and appropriate training.
