American BulldogVSEnglish Bulldog
The American Bulldog and the English Bulldog share a name and a stocky, muscular build, but they are very different dogs in practice. The American Bulldog is an athletic, energetic working breed capable of agility and farm work, while the English Bulldog is a calm, brachycephalic companion with significant health limitations. Here is a full comparison of these two bulldogs.
Last reviewed: June 2026
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | American Bulldog | English Bulldog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | ✓60–120 lbs, 20–28 in | 40–50 lbs, 14–15 in |
| Energy Level | ✓High | Low |
| Trainability | ✓Good | Moderate (stubborn) |
| Shedding | Moderate | Moderate |
| Good With Kids | Very Good | ✓Excellent |
| Good With Other Dogs | Fair | ✓Good |
| Life Expectancy | ✓10–15 years | 8–10 years |
| Exercise Needs | 90+ min/day | ✓20–30 min/day |
| Health Issues | ✓Moderate (hip dysplasia, NCL) | Severe (BOAS, joint, skin) |
| Price Range | ✓$1,500–$3,500 | $1,500–$4,000 |
✓ indicates advantage in this category. Tie = comparable.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Choose a American Bulldog if…
Choose an American Bulldog if you want a larger, athletic, energetic working bulldog with a significantly longer lifespan and fewer respiratory issues.
Choose a English Bulldog if…
Choose an English Bulldog if you want a very calm, gentle, famously affectionate companion who needs minimal exercise and has iconic bulldog appeal.
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Compare Pet Insurance QuotesFrequently Asked Questions
Are American Bulldogs related to English Bulldogs?
American Bulldogs descended from working bulldog stock brought to the American South by settlers, where they were preserved as farm utility dogs. English Bulldogs were selectively bred in England toward a more sedentary, flat-faced companion appearance. While they share historical ancestry from the original bulldog type, they have diverged dramatically in physique and temperament and are now completely distinct breeds.
Which bulldog is healthier?
American Bulldogs are significantly healthier than English Bulldogs. English Bulldogs suffer from severe brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, hip and elbow dysplasia, skin fold infections, cherry eye, and numerous other conditions — many of which require expensive surgery. American Bulldogs are not free of health issues (hip dysplasia and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis are concerns) but have far fewer systemic problems and live considerably longer.
Which bulldog needs more exercise?
American Bulldogs need substantial exercise — 90 or more minutes daily of vigorous activity. They are athletic working dogs who need outlets for their energy. English Bulldogs need very little exercise — 20 to 30 minutes of gentle walking is typically sufficient, and overexertion can cause serious respiratory problems due to their flat faces. The two breeds could not be more different in their activity requirements.
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