American Bully vs. American Bulldog: Is There a Difference?

Although they share some similarities and have similar names, the American bulldog and the American bully are distinctly different dogs that were bred for different purposes. The American bulldog was bred as a working farm dog, while the American bully was designed as a companion pet. The American bulldog breed originated in the 17th and 18th centuries when English settlers brought their working bulldogs to America. However, the modern American bulldog as a distinct breed began to be formally developed in the mid-20th century. The American bully originated in the late 20th century through selective breeding of American pit bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers, and various bulldog breeds. The goal was to develop a companion dog with a muscular build and a gentler temperament. Continue reading to learn more about what sets these two breeds apart.

Size

Both American bulldogs and American bullies come in multiple sizes. The American bully is recognized in four sizes by the American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC): Pocket, Classic, Standard, and XL. The United Kennel Club (UKC) recognizes three sizes: Pocket, Standard/Classic, and XL. The American bulldog has its own standards and size variations, such as the Johnson and the Scott types, named after the breeders who helped develop the breed. The Johnson type is larger and stockier with a more pronounced underbite, while the Scott type is sleeker and more athletic with a lighter build and longer muzzle. 

A standard male American bully stands 17 to 20 inches tall and typically weighs 65 to 85 pounds. The typical female is 16 to 19 inches tall and weighs 60 to 80 pounds. XL American bullies can weigh more, sometimes exceeding 100 pounds. The typical female bully is 16 to 19 inches tall and weighs between 40 and 80 pounds. The American bulldog is taller than the American bully. Male American bulldogs typically stand 22 to 27 inches at the shoulder and weigh 75 to 100 pounds. Female American bulldogs are 20 to 24 inches tall and weigh 60 to 80 pounds.

Appearance

Both American bulldogs and American bullies have easy-to-care-for coats. The American bulldog has a short, smooth, and stiff single coat that is predominantly white with patches or markings of various colors, including black, brindle, brown, red, and fawn. The coat is low-maintenance, requiring minimal grooming beyond regular baths and brushing. American bulldogs have a compact, broad-chested frame that is slightly longer than it is tall, with a powerful build that is visibly larger and stockier in males than in females. The head is large and broad with a wide muzzle and powerful jaws, a deep, broad chest, and a back that slopes slightly down to the hindquarters. 

The American bully’s coat is short, glossy, and smooth to the touch, and can be any color or pattern except merle. Common colors include black, blue, lilac, chocolate, red, and fawn, which can appear in solid coats or in combinations with other patterns like white, brindle, and tan points (tricolor). The American bully tends to shed less than the American bulldog. The American bully has a compact, heavily muscled, bulky body with a broad chest. They have a large, blocky head with a short, broad muzzle.

Temperament and Trainability

American bullies are happy, outgoing, well-mannered dogs. Despite their fearsome appearance, American bullies are friendly and loyal household pets. They’re still powerful and require training to ensure they develop into well-behaved, confident, and well-rounded companions. The American bully is a highly trainable breed possessing a notable capacity for intelligence and an eagerness to please. Their ability to master a wide array of commands makes them well-suited as companion animals.

American bulldogs are smart, friendly family guardians. They are an energetic breed that requires routine physical activity. Bulldogs can be notoriously difficult to train due to their stubborn, independent, and sometimes lazy nature. However, successful training is possible with patience, consistency, and the right methods, such as using positive reinforcement with food or praise, keeping training sessions short and engaging, and starting training early. 

Health Issues

The American bulldog’s lifespan is slightly longer than the lifespan of the American bully. The American bulldog’s lifespan is slightly longer than the American bully’s. The American bulldog is a typically healthy breed, with a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. Some are prone to certain medical conditions, such as cataracts. If they are overweight at a young age, they may develop hip or elbow dysplasia.

The American bully’s average lifespan is 8-12 years. Providing a healthy diet and a loving environment can help your American bully live a longer, healthier life.

Obesity, overheating, vision problems, and allergies are all common health issues in American bulldogs. The American bully’s ancestry contributes to its overall health, with only a few inherited health issues, including hip dysplasia, heart disease, skin problems, and vision issues.