The two most famous dogs worldwide are French Bulldog and American Bully. These are two different breeds, but if you hear about them for the first time, you have come to the right place.
Let’s talk in detail about what makes these dogs different yet likable.
History of American Bully and French Bulldog
Both of these dogs have different origins and history that makes them unique.
American Bully
The American Bully, on the other hand, was created in the United States of America in the 1990s. It mixes the American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Terrier, and bulldog breeds. The American Bully is a huge, muscular dog with a short coat. They are stocky, with broad heads and prominent ears.
Their build makes them appear threatening, yet they are very kind and nice to children. These dogs will never hurt you as they are specifically bred family dogs.
French Bulldog
The French Bulldog originated in England as a pet dog for lace workers. Soon the lace workers moved to France in the 1800s and took these dogs with them, where they were crossed with local Parisian Terriers to make the now-known French Bulldog.
In 1896 these dogs were shown in a show where they were nicknamed the Frenchie.
Description of American Bully and French Bulldog
Looking at them, you can tell both breeds are very different. Here is a visual description of both.
American Bully
The American Bully has proper muscle tone with a big head that looks proportional to the rest of the body. They are active and agile with great personalities that make them great pets.
American Bullies have a well-built and strong muscular bodies on which you can trace every muscle. Thanks to such a body, they have lots of energy and stamina to keep doing daily activities.
French Bulldog
Frenchie is a good dog with a muscular body. Frenchies are small but have great personalities that make up for their small size. Frenchies love to play but also like to relax for more time.
Frenchies are very intelligent, and training them is fairly easy. They are free thinkers, so obedience is not their strong suit, so to make them obey you, you have to make them think it’s a game.
Size
Both breeds vary vastly in size, making a significant difference in their prices and personalities. The French Bulldog has a small size of 8 to 12 inches and weighs around 20 to 28 pounds.
The American Bully, on the other hand, has a big range of weight that divides them into several groups.
The American Bully is a breed in many sizes, making it suitable for all types of families. There are four official classes and some unofficial classes of the American Bully.
The Pocket Bully
The Pocket Bully is the smallest breed of American Bully, with a height range of 13 to 17 inches and a maximum size of fewer than 20 pounds. (09 kg).
The Standard Bully
The Standard Bully is the most prevalent breed of American Bully, growing to 17 to 20 inches (43-51 cm) and weighing 35 to 50 pounds. (16-23 kg).
The Classic Bully
The Classic is the same size as the Standard Bully, except it is lighter and less compact. Classic Bullies weigh around 25 to 45 pounds due to less muscle mass. The Classic, however, has a wider chest.
The XL Bully
The XL Bully is a larger version of the American Bully breed, standing between 20 and 23 inches tall and weighing between 51 and 75 pounds. (23-34 kg).
The XXL Bully
The XXL Bully, which has no weight restrictions, is the largest variety of the American Bully breed. Its height ranges from 23 inches and up (58 cm+). Of the four variants, they are typically the heaviest. The ABKC does not recognize the XXL Bully, so it’s an unofficial breed class.
The Micro Bully
The smallest of the American Bullies, the Micro Bully stands at 11 to 13 inches and weighs 20 to 50 pounds. The Micro Bully is more compact than Pocket Bully but in a smaller size. The Micro Bully is also not recognized by the ABKC.
A Few Physical Traits
Physical characteristics of both dog breeds include:
Coat and Color
The short, single coats of the American Bully and French Bulldogs make them simple to groom. These canines are regarded as low-maintenance because they don’t require much grooming.
The American Bully and the Frenchie come in all colors, from black, fawn, or white to many rare shades such as Blue, Lilac, or Merle. However, remember that only 9 colors of the Frenchies are accepted by kennel clubs, and others are considered mixed.
The American Bully is accepted in every color except for Merle and its combinations.
Muzzles
Both breeds feature the Bulldog family’s typically short, broad muzzle. This characteristic gives these canines their “bully” appearance. However, the Frenchie has a more Bulldog-type muzzle that looks adorable.
Ears
The high-set ears of the American Bully are typically clipped (or chopped) short. Although it is not common, some breeders and owners prefer to ignore the ears.
On the other hand, the ears of the Frenchie are large and bat-like, and clipping or cutting them is considered an alteration.
Tails
American Bully and French Bulldog tails are thick at the base and taper to a point. Although the tail is normally left alone, some breeders and owners want to dock (or cut) the tail short.
Skull
The French Bulldog and the American Bully have huge, wide skulls with a shortstop (where the muzzle meets the forehead).
Temperament and Reputation
Unfortunately, the American Bully isn’t as lucky as the French Bulldog as they have a nasty reputation for biting people. It is false as they are often mistaken for Pitbulls, and everyone fears them for no reason.
American Bully Temperament and Reputation
The American Bully was bred to create a Bulldog-type breed that is loving, affectionate, agile yet non-aggressive and loyal to the core. The idea was to replace and reestablish the tarnished image of Pitbulls.
Unfortunately, many people mistake the American Bully for other breeds, such as the Pitbull and the Frenchie, so they stay away from them. By doing so, people don’t allow the American Bully to show them their loving side.
The American Bully is a great breed that loves to please its owner. If you properly train them, you will never find any aggression or bad behavior.
French Bulldog Temperament and Reputation
Overall, French Bulldogs are well-tempered, friendly dogs whose worst temperamental drawback is that they can have a stubborn streak. They’re generous by nature, not quick to aggression, and their separation anxiety comes exclusively from how much they love their owners.
Like their personality, French Bulldogs’ temperament largely depends on their early youth, how they were bred, and that of their parents. Let’s start by pointing out the good.
First, Frenchies are relatively docile, meaning they are easy to train. While they do have extremely short attention spans, by in large, they’re capable of learning quickly, and they can be calm throughout their puppy years.
They’re not an aggressive breed, although they tend to nip and instead like to outpour affection rather than hold a reservation or suspicion of the world.
Non-aggressive temperament means that they’re good with children. They constantly seek validation, but not in an unhealthy or obsessive way.
With that being said, these dogs crave affection to the point that, although being commonly known as the perfectly adaptable home dog, they can often become anxious or depressed if they’re left at home for too long.
They’re, by and large, confident animals, but they are still deciding whether to become extremely dependent on the presence of their owners.
Full dependency on humans makes them a poor fit for an owner constantly away from their home and a better fit for an owner with more time.
The Lifespan of American Bully and French Bulldog
The lifespan of both these breeds is similar and affected by the same factors. The average lifespan for a French Bulldog and an American Bully is 12 to 14 years.
The life of any of these dogs can be cut short if they get any health condition, but it can also be extended if you take proper care of them.
The Frenchie and American Bully both have the same grooming and health requirements.
Health Issues
1. Hip Dysplasia
Hyp and elbow dysplasia is a skeletal malformation that usually plagues larger breed dogs. When the hips and elbow joints develop, a mutation occurs in their DNA, making joints not fit correctly.
Hyp dysplasia is not noticeable in young Bullies Frenchies, but you should always let your vet check for it. As your dog age, his joints will become less flexible, making him less mobile. The lack of movement can lead to obesity and low quality of life, resulting in early death.
2. Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a common condition in Frenchies, where the thyroid is not as active as it should be. If untreated, a Frenchies with this condition will gain weight and have a lot of trouble losing weight. Thyroid issues are treatable, and you should ask your vet to take a look.
3. Heart Disease
Heart disease in any breed, or even humans, can shorten the lifespan. When the heart malfunctions, the dog stops living everyday life leading to other health problems. If you can detect several heart diseases early and with proper treatment, you can keep your furry little friend around for years.
4. Eye Conditions
Frenchies and Bullies are vulnerable to many eye issues leading down the same path toward blindness. Blind Bullies Frenchies usually have a shorter lifespan as they cannot be active without putting themselves in danger.
5. Allergies
Allergies can drastically weaken a Bully and Frenchies, leaving him vulnerable to other diseases and shortening his lifespan. Get your Frenchies checked for allergies, and avoid the allergens that trigger these allergies. Cooperate with your vet every step of the way.
6. IVDD
IVDD stands for Intervertebral Disc Disease and is a back issue that may affect French Bulldogs and other dog breeds. Intervertebral discs act as cushions between the bony vertebrae allowing movement in the spine.
If one of these is damaged, it may put pressure on the spinal cord resulting in back pain or impairment of movement. A dog may not show any physical signs until a trigger, like falling or jumping.
Although French Bulldogs are considered at risk of this disease, the chances of developing it are still quite low.
As a Frenchie parent, you need to be aware and take all necessary precautions to lower its possibility, like keeping your dog at a healthy weight and putting ramps up to your furniture. That way, you can limit jumping and help preserve your baby’s back.
7. Neutering and Spaying
Neutering and spaying are related to the health of your American Bully and Frenchie and play an essential part in their total lifespan.
Spayed or neutered dogs are less likely to develop health problems like prostate cancer, pyometra, and bowel movement issues.
If you are not looking to breed your dog any further, they should be neutered or spayed once they reach the right age. By doing so, you will significantly extend the lifespan of your Bully or Frenchie.
Diet
No matter how bad the reputation your American Bully or the French Bulldog may have, they still need to eat.
And not just any food; kids need to eat healthy food. All dogs need a balanced diet, but bully breeds need it more than other types. This is due to the increased risk of obesity in these breeds, which leads to conditions including hip dysplasia and heart disease.
Remember the following things when choosing food for your Frenchie or American Bully.
- You need to ensure that food is high in protein because both these breeds are very active and require a lot of energy.
- You must also ensure the food is low in non-essential fats because both breeds are prone to obesity. You better keep their weight under check.
- Ensure the food is free of artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors because these ingredients can harm your dog’s health.
Exercise and Training
In addition to a healthy diet for a healthy dog, American Bullies and French Bulldogs require training and exercise.
All dogs need to be trained, but bully breeds need it more than other dogs. This is because these breeds’ high energy levels make them more likely to develop hostility. They must build their social skills with both people and other animals. These activities include:
Obedience Training
Obedience training in which you can teach your dog to sit, stay, come, down, and heel for basic understanding.
Socialization
Socialization may include exposing your dog to different people, places, and situations to create adaptability. Take your puppy to the socialization classes and dog park, and interact with them with family and friends to develop tolerance and acceptance of other people. Doing so will also help avoid aggressive behavior.
Exercise
You can take your dog for walks, jogs, or play games of fetch or tug of war and take him to the park. Dogs, especially Bullies, benefit from these types of activities, and it helps them stay active and fresh.
30 to 60 minutes of walking or gameplay is enough for your dog to exhaust some extra energy and stay healthy.
Grooming Needs
American Bullies and Frenchies are rather easy to groom. These breeds must be brushed once or twice a week to eliminate dead hair. They only need to bathe when they get dirty as well.
Some people could frequently take their dogs to be clipped by professionals, but this is not required. Both American Bullies and Frenchies shed on the average amount.
- Once or twice a week, brushing.
- Only bathe when filthy.
- Regular grooming appointments (optional)
As you can see, French Bulldogs and American Bullies have similar grooming requirements. Both of these breeds require only occasional brushing and are simple to groom. Additionally, they only need bathing when they become filthy.
Costs of American Bullies and French Bulldogs
The Frenchies are some of the most desirable dogs in the world and are currently number 1 according to AKC. Additionally, their great personalities and wide range of colors in a small body make them even more attractive.
The base price for a French Bulldog starts at $4,500 to $5,000 and can go as high as $20,000. This price is also affected by the color of the Frenchie, and the non-standard colors cost more.
On the other hand, the American Bully costs less than the Frenchie, but it is still expensive. The smaller Bullies, such as Pocket and Micro Bullies, cost the most, with an average price nearing $8,000.
The standard American Bully costs $2,500, and the XL costs $5,000. The price of the American Bully is also affected by its color, so the rarer the color, the more it will cost.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Which Dog is Best, American Bully or French Bulldog?
If you want a small dog for a small house or a lighter dog so you won’t have any problem carrying or cuddling, then your obvious choice is the French Bulldog.
You can go for the American Bully if you want a strong, muscular dog with a sweet demeanor. Overall the Frenchie is the best option, but you can still get a small American Bully called the Micro Bully.
Are Frenchies and Bullies the Same?
Bully is a genetic term used for dogs with old Bulldogs and Terriers in their ancestry. This category also includes the French Bulldog, just like the American Bulldog and the American Bully.
Is American Bully and Bulldog the Same?
No, the American Bully is a recent breed that resulted from mixing Pitbull, Staffordshire Terrier, American Bulldog, and a few other breeds.
On the other hand, the American Bulldog is a descendant of the old English Bulldog; hence, it is a purebred dog. Physically, both breeds are different since the Bulldog is a bigger dog with more loose skin than the American Bully.
Conclusion
Both American Bully and French Bulldogs are great pets that will forever love you and stay loyal. With these dogs, you will never have a dull moment in your life and enjoy every single moment of it.
You can use them as nanny dogs since both love to play around and tolerate kids, making them perfect for families.
