If you have ever seen an English Bulldog and an American Bulldog side by side, you may find it hard to believe that they are related. They may seem common and little in size.
You may be surprised to learn that both dogs have a common ancestor, the English Bulldog. The English Olde Bulldogge was designed to address some of the issues with modern English Bulldogs, so it should not be confused with the Old English Bulldog.
In this guide, we will demonstrate how you can better appreciate and compare both American and English Bulldogs, showcasing the amazing breeds they are.
A Quick Overview: English Bulldog vs American Bulldog
Does the shared ancestor result in shared characteristics? We have a brief summary of the two breeds below.
History
Some believe that the dog used in combat by the ancient Greeks, which others say descended from war dogs used by native tribes to the Caucasus Mountains, was a large Mastiff-like creature. The history of this breed, whose descendants are both the Bulldog and the Old English Mastiff, is disputed.
In England as early as the 17th century, the practice of bull baiting was used for sport, where dogs were brought in to try to pin down a bull by bringing it to its senses and grinding its nose into the ground. Regardless of the breed of dogs used, we now know that bull baiting is a terrible sport.
Feral hogs were notably hunted and they were herded to protected ranches. They were put to work on farms, after being taken to the newly-discovered American continent, following the end of bull baiting with some Old English Bulldogs.
The Old English Bulldogs, which were kept largely as pets in the United Kingdom, had such fearsome temperaments and large bodies that bullfighters no longer needed them.
Appearance
These pups can weigh as much as 130 pounds and are incredibly strong. One reason for their large size is due to the fact that they had enough wild hogs to take down, which is much larger than their British cousins, the American Bulldogs.
Bulldogs American have relative noses that are stubby, so they are still capable of putting in full work days even though it causes respiratory problems for them, unlike many other breeds.
Primarily bred for their cuteness, English Bulldogs, on the contrary, are not at all capable of overpowering a bull (or anything larger than a large pizza, to be honest). They frequently face difficulties in breathing due to their short noses and possess very limited endurance.
Both breeds, Bulldogs and English Bulldogs, have faces adorned with a wide range of multi-colored markings. While they both have wrinkly faces, English Bulldogs have looser skin and tend to have broader chests and be bow-legged.
Temperament
Personality is another aspect in which the two dogs can vary greatly.
Being consistent and determined is very important, even though they will try to test you. They should take training seriously and enjoy playing. If you don’t provide them with enough exercise, they might take out their frustrations outside your house. However, American Bulldogs are much more active.
Their American relatives, despite being generally slightly less intelligent, are also easily teachable. “Sufficient physical activity” for them may involve taking a stroll around the neighborhood, but they can still cause disturbances if not provided with adequate exercise. Conversely, the English Bulldog is inherently inclined to be a couch potato.
Puppies require plenty of socialization and training when they are starting out. Both puppies have a stubborn streak and tend to be eager and friendly when spending time with their masters.
They have been trained and socialized, which benefits children. Bulldogs English get along well with other pets and dogs. However, Bulldogs American, while they do require plenty of socialization and training, are not inherently bad.
Health
Their divergent breeding practices, particularly in terms of their health, are readily apparent. American Bulldogs were selectively bred for their hardworking nature, while modern British Bulldogs were predominantly bred for their cuteness. However, this focus on adorability has had negative consequences for their overall well-being.
The development of addressing their problems was intended to acknowledge the fact that the English Olde Bulldogge breed is a completely new breed that, simply put, has numerous health issues.
Afflicted by obesity and cancer, they are susceptible to experiencing joint and skeletal complications due to their petite, plump physiques. The breed is prone to respiratory issues, making it more challenging for them to breathe with their cute, short noses.
Most English Bulldogs are unable to be born naturally and typically require a C-section due to their excessively large heads. Additionally, these dogs have a relatively short lifespan of approximately eight years and are susceptible to overheating.
American Bulldogs are considerably healthier and have a lifespan that is approximately twice as long. However, they do have certain issues. They frequently experience hip dysplasia and other joint problems, and if they are not exercised adequately, they can become overweight. Nevertheless, when considering their overall health, American Bulldogs are significantly healthier dogs.
Grooming Requirements
You can only get a bath once or twice a year, and it’s not a big issue if you don’t excessively shed or have short coats, as neither dog requires much grooming.
Both individuals must have their facial wrinkles cleaned regularly, however, failing to do so could lead to infections.
Two Very Different Dogs
English Bulldogs and American Bulldogs share a name, but despite their similarities, they are actually very different animals. Nevertheless, both breeds are known for their lovable and loyal nature.
If you are looking to adopt an American Bulldog, you may have to make a trade-off as they are high-maintenance. However, in terms of lifespan and cost of ownership, you will get more for your money compared to other breeds.
(And we’re not just discussing excessive gas here) it is about reciprocating the same amount of care that you receive from that person, and together you long to treasure that friendship. If you choose the wrong dog, you can’t go wrong with either one, so the news is good.