When you hear the word “Bulldog,” what do you picture? Do you imagine a short, stocky dog with a compressed face and wrinkled skin or a medium-sized dog with a muscular build? The truth is that either of these pictures could be accurate, depending which breed of Bulldog you’re imagining. There are a number of different Bulldog breeds but the two that most commonly just go by “Bulldog” are the American Bulldog and the English Bulldog. Keep reading to learn more about these breeds.

Size and Appearance

Both the American and English Bulldogs are heavy dogs for their size, though the American Bulldog is taller and has a more athletic build. American Bulldogs come in two types, classic and standard, and they generally stand 20 to 26 inches tall and weigh 60 to 130 pounds at maturity. The English Bulldog, on the other hand, weighs between 40 and 60 pounds at maturity. American Bulldogs have long legs, a strong build, and a short, smooth coat. They are a breed of utility dog that does well working on a farm, though they can also be used as guard dogs. English Bulldogs are a non-sporting breed with short legs, a heavy build, and wrinkled skin. Both breeds come in a range of different colors including various shades of red, black, brown, and fawn as well as different shades of brindle.

Temperament and Personality

Although the Bulldog has a somewhat intimidating appearance with his large head and stocky build, neither the American nor the English Bulldog is inherently aggressive. In fact, both Bulldog breeds are friendly, sociable dogs that love to spend time with people. The English Bulldog definitely has a goofy side – he is also easy to train and gets along very well with children. American Bulldogs bond very strongly with their owners, though they can sometimes be aloof around strangers until they get to know them. American Bulldogs tolerate children, but they may require a bit more socialization and training than the English Bulldog if you plan to keep him as a family pet.

The American Bulldog has more of a work ethic than the English and he can be trained for a variety of purposes. He has a moderately high energy level and requires a long daily walk to work off his energy. English Bulldogs, on the other hand, are fairly lazy by nature and they don’t require as much exercise. Both breeds may have some trouble with strenuous exercise due to their compressed faces, though this is more common in the English than the American Bulldog breed. Even so, you should be very careful with a Bulldog when exercising or exposing him to heat.

Though the American Kennel Club does not recognize the American Bulldog as a separate breed, it should now be clear to you that there are differences between these two bulldogs. If you’re thinking about bringing home a new dog and you’re considering a Bulldog, take the time to do some extra research into the differences between the American and the English Bulldog to ensure that you get the perfect dog for you and your family.

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