What Is a Bully Dog?

A bully dog is an affectionate term for any dog that has a predominance of English bulldog in its bloodlines. Bulldogs were developed in England to fight bulls for the now-banned sport of bull baiting. They are the foundation for several other breeds, all of which are bred to be gentle with people but are often aggressive with other dogs.

  1. Bulldog

    • Also known as the English bulldog, the dog were originally a much longer-legged dog, but now it is bred to be short and squat. There is no miniature version of a bulldog.

    Bull Terrier

    • Also known as the English bull terrier, he is a ram-headed, pointy-eared breed developed around 1830 for dog fighting. However, they are gentle with people. There is a miniature version of this breed, called the miniature bull terrier.

    Staffordshire Bull Terrier

    • Also known as Staffies, these dogs were developed in the English county of Staffordshire in the 1800s by crossing bulldogs and terriers. They are nicknamed "nanny dogs" in England because they are so good with children.

    American Staffordshire Bull Terrier

    • This is a taller, longer version of the original Staffie and the main breed used for the development of the American pit bull terrier. This is not a recognized dog breed in England.

    American Pit Bull Terrier

    • This is another bully dog breed recognized in England. This breed was derived with mainly American Staffordshire bull terrier stock, but crossed with other breeds to make it a fighting dog. However, they are gentle with people. Helen Keller owned a pit bull.

    American Bulldog

    • This breed was developed after World War II to recreate or recapture the original look of the English bulldog. Some national kennel clubs do not recognize this breed.