American Bulldog vs English Bulldog - Which Is Best For You?

English Bulldog vs. American Bulldog-what are the differences if any? Most people picture a dog with a short-legged powerful body, big head, scrunched up face with masses of wrinkles when they think about bulldogs. Of course, the dog we’re describing here is the English Bulldog, but there’s another Bulldog out there that might not be quite so well known but is gaining popularity, and that’s the American Bulldog. American Bulldog American Bulldogs were not originally from the United States. English settlers brought their Old English Bulldogs with them when they emigrated to America. The owners needed the dogs in those days to work on their farms and settlements. However, farmers were more interested in the dogs’ working abilities than breed standards, so they bred dogs purely for working qualities. Guarding and herding cattle were the two most essential functions of the dog, but they were more than capable of hunting and killing wild pigs. The dog's power and build also led them into the so-called sport of bull-baiting and dogfighting. Almost extinct by the mid to late 40s, the dog a few breeders rescued the dog from obscurity. Seventy years on, the American Bulldog is making a famous comeback as a wonderful family companion dog. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the American Bulldog in 2019 into the Foundation Stock Service. English Bulldog It's believed that Bulldogs have a history in England going back to the 5th century and a dog breed called the Alaunt. Farmers and landowners used the dogs to catch horses, wild pigs, and cattle on their farms. Bulldogs were also one of the primary dogs used for bull-baiting. Bull-baiting was a brutal and disgraceful "sport" where dogs had to grab hold of the bull's nose and keep hold until the bull died of exhaustion or it managed to kill the dog. Fortunately, the British government passed a law in 1835 outlawing bull-baiting, and forty years on, the Bulldog began appearing in dog shows in England. Owners of the dog created a Bulldog club to promote a breed standard for Bulldogs. Images of Bulldogs going back to 1885 show a dog not too dissimilar to today’s Bulldog, although perhaps not so thickset and heavy. By the mid-1920s, the Bulldog looks much more like the modern-day Bulldog. English Bulldog Vs. American Bulldog Temperament American Bulldog Temperament American Bulldogs make lovely family pets; they are friendly and affectionate, but they are known to be wary around strangers, leading to the dog being territorial. However, that does mean they are protective of their family and make excellent watchdogs. Early socialization and obedience classes are necessary to ensure the territorial and protective nature of the dog doesn't get out of hand. American Bulldogs respond well to training because of their adaptability and intelligence. American Bulldogs have a playful nature and do best with active, outgoing families who enjoy exercise or hiking activities. They need plenty of exercise and interactive playtime to keep them physically and mentally fit. The dog needs a reasonable amount of space, so keeping an American Bulldog in apartments or small homes will distress the dog and possibly bring on behavioral issues. Owners of American Bulldogs will need to focus on the dog's exercise needs and, if possible, work on their athletic prowess. While they are still puppies, owners must avoid heavy-impact exercise because of damage to the dog’s growing bones and joints. English Bulldog Temperament English Bulldogs are incredibly sweet-natured dogs; they are seen as one of the most dependable dog breeds for families with or without children. Bulldogs love human interaction, being around and involved in everything going on with their human family. Bulldogs have an abundance of courage, so they make excellent watchdogs and protect their home and family. A typical Bulldog is good around other household pets, not fussed if they're the only pet in the home or not; they don't object to sharing a house with a cat either. However, they have shown some aggression to strange dogs, particularly if the dog encroaches on the Bulldog's home territory. Living in a small apartment is perfectly acceptable to the Bulldog; they don't need a lot of exercise and can cope pretty well with a small amount of space. Very hot and cold weather wipes them out somewhat; they don't really enjoy extremes. If you want to own a Bulldog, you'd better make sure you're not put off by the loud snoring, wheezing, and other assorted bodily noises the Bulldog emits. Final Thoughts If a loyal, affectionate family companion is what you’re looking for, then you can’t go far wrong with either the English Bulldog or American Bulldog. The American is more athletic and demands an active, outdoor lifestyle, while the English Bulldog is laid-back and loves the easy life. #chihulife #dogs #americanbulldog #englishbulldog #bulldog