Dog breed comparison
Bulldog vs American Bulldog
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The American Bulldog is the bigger breed, about 20 kg heavier on average. The American Bulldog tends to live about 3 years longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Bulldog | American Bulldog |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Companion Dogs | Working Dogs |
| Size | Medium | Large |
| Height | 12 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder | 20 to 28 inches |
| Weight | 40 to 50 pounds | 60 to 120 pounds |
| Life span | 8 to 12 years | 10 to 16 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Apartment living
The Bulldog copes better in an apartment than the American Bulldog.
Friendly with strangers
The Bulldog is friendlier with strangers than the American Bulldog.
First-time owners
The Bulldog suits first-time owners better than the American Bulldog.
Energy
The American Bulldog has more energy than the Bulldog.
Shedding
The Bulldog sheds more than the American Bulldog.
Barking
The Bulldog barks more than the American Bulldog.
Which to choose
Bulldog or American Bulldog?
Choose the Bulldog if…
- You want a dog that copes better in an apartment
- You have lots of visitors (it is friendlier with strangers)
- You want a dog that suits first-time owners better
- You’d like a calmer pet (it is calmer)
Choose the American Bulldog if…
- You want a more watchful dog (it is more reserved with strangers)
- You want an active, playful companion (it has more energy)
- You want a dog that sheds less
- You want a dog that barks less
Questions.
Is the Bulldog or the American Bulldog bigger, and which lives longer?
The American Bulldog is the bigger breed, about 20 kg heavier on average. The American Bulldog tends to live about 3 years longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Bulldog or the American Bulldog?
The American Bulldog is generally easier to train than the Bulldog. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Bulldog or the American Bulldog?
Both are usually good with children when well socialised. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The American Bulldog sheds less than the Bulldog. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
