American Vs. English Bull Dogs

Bulldogs were first created as a breed in Victorian England, where they were used for bull baiting and dog fighting. They have since mellowed as a breed and made more suitable for family life as pets. Bulldogs, like many breeds, they have become specialized into American and English types.

  1. American Bulldogs--Features

    • American bulldogs are taller than their English cousins. They have compact bodies, but longer legs. American bulldogs have wide, flat heads with short faces and drooping ears. Coloration can range from brown and black to pure white and combinations of these. American bulldogs stand at 20 to 28 inches in height and weigh up to 120 pounds. They are able to jump significantly higher than English bulldogs.

    English Bulldogs--Features

    • English bulldogs are wider and shorter than their American cousins. Their cheeks droop down from their wide heads, and their eyes are particularly deep. Their jaws sit in an under bite. Coats are short and glossy, and range from white to red, fawn, fallow, piebald, pale yellow, pale red or a combination of these. They stand at 12 to 16 inches in height and weigh up to 55 pounds.

    American Bulldogs--Temperament

    • American bulldogs are happy, reliable and brave. These dogs are very determined and can be stubborn. They are very good with children, but need extensive obedience training. Because they are relatively large dogs, it's important to train them when they're young.

    English Bulldogs--Temperament

    • English bulldogs are extremely gentle. They are affectionate and clownish and make dependable companions to children. These dogs can be stubborn and bull-headed. They should go through obedience training as pups, but their smaller size makes the timing less vital than with American bulldogs.

    Considerations

    • All bulldogs are prone to breathing and respiration difficulties due to their flat faces and shortened nasal passages. American bulldogs are prone to hip dysplasia when they are older. They live up to 16 years. English bulldogs are prone to heat stroke and skin infections. English bulldog puppies have to be delivered by C-section. These dogs only live for an average of eight years.