Choosing the right breed of dog for you and your family is an important decision. In this article, we will delve into the world of two very intriguing breeds: the American Bully and the American Bulldog. While they share some similarities, the differences between the American Bully and American Bulldog are significant and play a pivotal role in determining which breed might fit best into your home and lifestyle. From appearance to temperament, exercise needs to health issues, we will provide an in-depth analysis to help you make an informed choice.
What is American Bully and what is American Bulldog?
The American Bully is a relatively new breed of dog, first recognized by the American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) in 2004. This breed was created with the goal of developing a dog with a calm and friendly temperament, coupled with a strong, muscular physique. American Bullies are characteristically stocky and heavyset with a powerful, imposing presence. Despite their tough appearance, they are known to be very friendly, sociable, and great with children, making them popular family dogs.
The breed is also very adaptable and can thrive in different living conditions. It’s crucial to note that the American Bully is distinct from other bully breeds, such as the Pit Bull Terrier or the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The American Bully is a unique breed with specific breed standards, such as their signature broad, square-shaped head and bulky body.
On the other hand, the American Bulldog is a breed with a much longer history, with roots tracing back to the 17th century. Bred initially for working purposes, they were used in farm work, including guarding the property and catching livestock. This breed is known for its strength, agility, and courage. They are muscular and sturdy with a powerful jaw, ideal for their original roles.
American Bulldogs are loyal, reliable, brave, and determined. Not typically aggressive, they tend to be reserved with strangers but should not display unwarranted aggressive behavior towards them. They get along well with children and tend to be protective, making them suitable family dogs when properly trained and socialized.
Key Differences between American Bully and American Bulldog
- Origin and History: The American Bully is a relatively recent breed, established in the late 20th century in the United States, whereas the American Bulldog has a much older history, tracing back to the early English working dogs of the 17th century.
- Physical Appearance: While both breeds are muscular and sturdy, the American Bully is more compact and shorter with a wider, square-shaped head. The American Bulldog, in contrast, has a longer, leaner body with a powerful, box-shaped head.
- Purpose: The American Bulldog was originally bred for farm work, guard duties, and catching livestock, making it an athletic working breed. The American Bully, on the other hand, was created as a companion breed with the aim of having an imposing, muscular appearance but a gentle temperament.
- Energy Levels: American Bulldogs are known for their high energy levels and need for regular, vigorous exercise. In contrast, American Bullies tend to be more relaxed and require less intense physical activity.
- Size Variations: American Bullies come in several size categories – pocket, standard, classic, and XL, depending on their height and weight. American Bulldogs, however, have fewer size variations, generally falling into either the ‘standard’ or ‘classic’ type.
- Recognition by Kennel Clubs: The American Bulldog is recognized by several major Kennel Clubs, including the United Kennel Club (UKC). However, as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the American Bully is recognized primarily by the American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) and a few other organizations, but not by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Key Similarities between American Bully and American Bulldog
- Muscular Physique: Both breeds have a muscular and robust body, reflecting their strength and power.
- Good Family Dogs: Despite their imposing looks, both breeds are known to be good with children and can be excellent family dogs when properly socialized and trained.
- Protectiveness: Both the American Bully and the American Bulldog are protective of their families, making them good watchdogs.
- Temperament: Both breeds are generally friendly, loyal, and intelligent. They thrive on human companionship and are happiest when they’re part of family activities.
- Exercise Needs: Both breeds require regular exercise to maintain their health and happiness, although the American Bulldog tends to require more vigorous activity.
- Grooming: Both breeds have short, smooth coats that are relatively easy to care for, requiring regular brushing but infrequent baths.
Pros of American Bully over American Bulldog
- Temperament: The American Bully was bred specifically to have a gentle, friendly temperament, making them particularly suited to being family pets. They are known to be sociable and great with children.
- Adaptability: The American Bully is quite adaptable and can comfortably live in a variety of environments, including apartments, provided they get enough exercise.
- Exercise Requirements: Generally, the American Bully doesn’t require as much vigorous exercise as the American Bulldog. While they still need daily walks and playtime, their energy level tends to be lower.
- Size Variations: The American Bully comes in several size variations – pocket, standard, classic, and XL. This allows potential owners to choose a dog that suits their lifestyle and living situation best.
- Consistency in Temperament: The breeding standards for the American Bully place a strong emphasis on temperament, aiming for a consistently friendly and sociable breed.
- Ease of Training: American Bullies are known for their eagerness to please their owners, which often makes them more responsive to training compared to American Bulldogs.
Cons of American Bully compared to American Bulldog
- Recognition by Kennel Clubs: As of my knowledge cutoff in 2021, the American Bully is not widely recognized by many major kennel clubs, unlike the American Bulldog. This may affect things like eligibility for certain dog shows or pedigree registrations.
- Health Issues: The American Bully’s unique physical features, such as their wide-set stance and large head, can sometimes predispose them to certain health issues, such as hip and elbow dysplasia or brachycephalic syndrome.
- Potential for Negative Public Perception: Due to their similarity in appearance to breeds like the Pit Bull, American Bullies can sometimes face negative public perception or breed-specific legislation.
- Breeding Practices: As the breed is still fairly new, there can be variations in breeding practices. Prospective owners need to be diligent to ensure they’re supporting responsible breeders who prioritize health and temperament.
- Cost: American Bullies, particularly those with a desirable pedigree, can often be more expensive to purchase than American Bulldogs.
- Availability: Because the breed is newer and less recognized, it may be more difficult to find a reputable American Bully breeder compared to finding an American Bulldog breeder.
Pros of American Bully over American Bulldog
- Temperament: The American Bully was bred specifically to have a gentle, friendly temperament, making them particularly suited to being family pets. They are known to be sociable and great with children.
- Adaptability: The American Bully is quite adaptable and can comfortably live in a variety of environments, including apartments, provided they get enough exercise.
- Exercise Requirements: Generally, the American Bully doesn’t require as much vigorous exercise as the American Bulldog. While they still need daily walks and playtime, their energy level tends to be lower.
- Size Variations: The American Bully comes in several size variations – pocket, standard, classic, and XL. This allows potential owners to choose a dog that suits their lifestyle and living situation best.
- Consistency in Temperament: The breeding standards for the American Bully place a strong emphasis on temperament, aiming for a consistently friendly and sociable breed.
- Ease of Training: American Bullies are known for their eagerness to please their owners, which often makes them more responsive to training compared to American Bulldogs.
Cons of American Bully compared to American Bulldog
- Recognition by Kennel Clubs: As of my knowledge cutoff in 2021, the American Bully is not widely recognized by many major kennel clubs, unlike the American Bulldog. This may affect things like eligibility for certain dog shows or pedigree registrations.
- Health Issues: The American Bully’s unique physical features, such as their wide-set stance and large head, can sometimes predispose them to certain health issues, such as hip and elbow dysplasia or brachycephalic syndrome.
- Potential for Negative Public Perception: Due to their similarity in appearance to breeds like the Pit Bull, American Bullies can sometimes face negative public perception or breed-specific legislation.
- Breeding Practices: As the breed is still fairly new, there can be variations in breeding practices. Prospective owners need to be diligent to ensure they’re supporting responsible breeders who prioritize health and temperament.
- Cost: American Bullies, particularly those with a desirable pedigree, can often be more expensive to purchase than American Bulldogs.
- Availability: Because the breed is newer and less recognized, it may be more difficult to find a reputable American Bully breeder compared to finding an American Bulldog breeder.
Situations when American Bully is better than American Bulldog
- Limited Space: If you live in an apartment or a house with a small yard, an American Bully might be a better choice. They are typically more adaptable to small living spaces compared to the American Bulldog.
- Family with Young Children: American Bullies are known for their friendly and gentle nature, especially around children. If you have young kids, an American Bully could be an excellent addition to your family.
- First-Time Dog Owners: American Bullies are generally easier to train due to their eagerness to please, making them a suitable choice for first-time dog owners.
- Lower Energy Household: If your lifestyle is less active, an American Bully may be a better choice, as they typically require less intense exercise compared to an American Bulldog.
- Preference for a Certain Look: If you prefer a compact, muscular breed with a wide, square head, the American Bully aligns with this aesthetic.
- Desire for a Variety of Sizes: If you prefer having options in terms of size, the American Bully offers a variety – pocket, standard, classic, and XL.
Situations when American Bulldog is better than American Bully
- Active Lifestyle: If you lead an active lifestyle and want a dog to join in your activities, the high-energy American Bulldog might be a better fit.
- Need for a Working Dog: American Bulldogs were bred for work and are excellent for roles like guarding or farm duties, making them a better choice if you need a working dog.
- Dog Sports Participation: If you’re interested in participating in dog sports, the American Bulldog’s athleticism and agility make them a great choice.
- Preference for a Certain Look: If you prefer a larger, more athletic dog with a lean, muscular build and powerful jaw, the American Bulldog could be a better fit.
- Experience with Dog Training: If you are an experienced dog owner and confident in your training abilities, the sometimes stubborn but intelligent American Bulldog could be a rewarding challenge.
- Availability of Outdoor Space: American Bulldogs thrive in environments where they have plenty of space to run and exercise, so they might be a better fit if you have a large yard or live in a rural area.
American Bully vs American bulldog Summary
Understanding the differences between the American Bully and American Bulldog is crucial in selecting the best fit for your family. Both breeds have their unique characteristics, pros, and cons, and the ideal choice will depend on your lifestyle, environment, and personal preferences. While the American Bully is known for its friendly nature and adaptability, the American Bulldog stands out with its working abilities and alert temperament. Whichever breed you choose, remember that proper care, training, and socialization are key to having a happy, healthy, and well-adjusted pet.
| American Bully | American Bulldog | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Compact, muscular with a wide stance, Comes in pocket, standard, classic, and XL sizes | Larger, athletic build with powerful jaws, Generally larger than American Bullies |
| Breed Recognition | Less widely recognized by major kennel clubs | Recognized by several major kennel clubs |
| Temperament | Bred for a gentle, friendly temperament, great with children | Alert and diligent, potential for aggression if not properly socialized |
| Exercise Needs | Lower energy, require daily walks and playtime | High-energy, require plenty of exercise |
| Training | Eager to please, responsive to training | Independent thinkers, can sometimes be stubborn |
| Health Issues | Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, brachycephalic syndrome | Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, certain skin conditions |
| Cost | Often more expensive, especially pedigreed | Generally less expensive |
| Availability | Newer breed, may be harder to find reputable breeders | Older, recognized breed, easier to find reputable breeders |
| Pros | Adaptable, friendly temperament, lower exercise needs, consistency in temperament, easier to train | Recognition by kennel clubs, excellent working abilities, natural watchdogs, less expensive, availability of breeders |
| Cons | Less recognized, potential health issues, negative public perception, varied breeding practices, higher cost, less availability | Higher exercise needs, potential for aggression, training can be challenging, certain health issues, generally shorter lifespan |
| Better for Situations | Limited space, families with young children, first-time dog owners, lower energy households, preference for certain aesthetic, desire for variety in sizes | Active lifestyle, need for a working dog, participation in dog sports, preference for certain aesthetic, experienced dog trainers, availability of outdoor space |
| Similarities | Both are strong, muscular breeds, friendly with proper socialization, require regular exercise, prone to certain health issues, can serve as family pets or working dogs, known for their loyalty and protective nature |