Breed comparison
English Bulldog vs American Bully: a flat faced classic next to a muscular newer breed
Both breeds are stocky, sociable companions bred first for temperament rather than work, but their builds and health pictures diverge sharply. The English Bulldog carries an extremely flattened face that shapes nearly every part of its care, while the American Bully is a taller, more athletic muscular breed without the same degree of brachycephaly, though it brings its own set of size and joint considerations.
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
| English Bulldog | American Bully | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 18 to 25 kg | 20 to 36 kg |
| Height | 31 to 40 cm | 41 to 51 cm |
| Life expectancy | 8 to 10 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Daily exercise | 30 to 60 min | 60 to 90 min |
| Energy | 2 / 5 | 3 / 5 |
| Easy to train | 2 / 5 | 3 / 5 |
| Shedding | 3 / 5 | 2 / 5 |
| Good with children | 4 / 5 | 4 / 5 |
| Apartment friendly | 4 / 5 | 3 / 5 |
Size and build
The English Bulldog weighs 18 to 25 kg (40 to 55 lb) and stands 31 to 40 cm (12 to 16 in), a low slung, heavily built dog with loose skin that gathers into deep facial wrinkles.
The American Bully is taller and often heavier, 20 to 36 kg (44 to 79 lb) and 41 to 51 cm (16 to 20 in), with a noticeably more muscular, athletic frame and a moderate rather than extreme facial structure.
Face shape and breathing
The English Bulldog has one of the flattest faces of any breed, leading to a high rate of breathing difficulty, snoring and heat intolerance, and many bulldogs cannot manage more than a short walk in warm weather without distress.
The American Bully has a shorter muzzle than an average dog but nowhere near as extreme as the Bulldog's, giving it meaningfully easier breathing and better heat tolerance, though it still benefits from caution during intense summer exercise.
Temperament
English Bulldogs are famously easygoing, affectionate and sociable, scoring high for friendliness with children and strangers, and their calm, low energy nature makes them a popular choice for a laid back household.
American Bullies are also known for a friendly, people oriented temperament despite their muscular build, often described as gentle and eager to please, with a moderate energy level that suits an active but not extreme exercise routine.
Exercise and grooming
Bulldogs need only 20 to 30 minutes of gentle activity a day given their breathing limits, and their short coat needs little more than a weekly wipe down, though facial wrinkles need daily cleaning to prevent skin infections.
American Bullies need a bit more, around 30 to 45 minutes of activity, and their short, glossy coat is similarly low maintenance, needing just a weekly brush to stay tidy.
Health and lifespan
English Bulldogs live just 8 to 10 years, among the shortest lifespans of any popular breed, with a high rate of breathing difficulty, skin fold infections and joint problems tied directly to their extreme conformation.
American Bullies live a somewhat longer 10 to 12 years and are a generally sturdier breed, though their heavy muscling can strain joints, and responsible breeders screen for hip dysplasia and heart conditions before breeding.
Cost and daily practicalities
Veterinary costs tend to run high for English Bulldogs given the breed's well documented breathing and skin issues, and pet insurance premiums often reflect that elevated risk.
American Bullies carry lower average veterinary costs than Bulldogs but still benefit from insurance given their size, and both breeds do well with a wide, stable bowl that suits a broad chested, short muzzled eating style.
Choose the English Bulldog if
- Prefers the classic, low slung Bulldog silhouette
- Comfortable managing daily wrinkle cleaning and breathing precautions
- Wants a very low energy companion content with short walks
- Fine with a shorter average lifespan given the breed's known health picture
- Drawn to the breed's long standing, widely recognized look
Choose the American Bully if
- Wants a taller, more muscular and athletic build
- Prefers meaningfully easier breathing and better heat tolerance
- Comfortable with a slightly higher daily exercise commitment
- Interested in a newer breed still building broader recognition
- Fine with a larger dog needing more food and space
Which breed has more health problems, the English Bulldog or the American Bully?
The English Bulldog generally has more significant health challenges, largely due to its extremely flattened face causing breathing difficulty, along with skin and joint issues. The American Bully has a moderate face shape and a generally longer average lifespan, though it still carries some joint and heart risks worth screening for.
Which breed is bigger, the English Bulldog or the American Bully?
The American Bully is typically taller and often heavier than the English Bulldog, with a noticeably more athletic, muscular build. The Bulldog is shorter and more compact, though still solidly built for its size.
Are English Bulldogs or American Bullies good with children?
Both breeds are known for a friendly, affectionate temperament with children when properly socialized. The Bulldog's low energy can suit a calmer household, while the American Bully's sturdier build handles more boisterous play, though supervision is still recommended with either breed.
Do English Bulldogs or American Bullies do well in hot weather?
Neither breed handles heat especially well, but the English Bulldog struggles considerably more because of its extreme facial structure and should avoid exercise in warm weather entirely. The American Bully has more breathing capacity but still needs shade, water and sensible exercise timing in summer.