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American Bulldog vs French Bulldog

Discover the differences between American Bulldog and French Bulldog to make the best choice for your situation.

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American Bulldog
United States

American Bulldog

Working Group
Large

Strong, loyal, and confident, this breed thrives as a protective family companion. Muscular build and playful spirit make every day active and full of affection.

French Bulldog
France

French Bulldog

Non-Sporting Group
Small

Compact, playful, and affectionate, this breed charms with its expressive face and easygoing personality. Ideal for city living, French Bulldogs make steadfast companions and loving family pets.

Quick comparison

Size:

Large

Male:

32–54 kg

Coat:

Short, smooth

Lifespan:

10–12 years

Female:

27–41 kg

Energy:

High energy

Size:

Small

Male:

9–13 kg

Coat:

Short, smooth

Lifespan:

10–12 years

Female:

8–12 kg

Energy:

Low activity needs

Personality & behavior

Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.

American Bulldog

Friendliness
4/5

Affectionate with family, can be wary of strangers

Intelligence
4/5

Learns commands quickly, responds well to training

Energy Level
4/5

Needs regular activity, enjoys physical exercise

Playfulness
4/5

Likes interactive games and playful activities

Adaptability
3/5

Adjusts to new situations with some guidance

French Bulldog

Friendliness
5/5

Affectionate with people and enjoys companionship

Intelligence
4/5

Learns routines quickly but can be stubborn

Energy Level
2/5

Prefers short play sessions and moderate walks

Playfulness
4/5

Enjoys interactive games and gentle roughhousing

Adaptability
5/5

Comfortable in apartments and various environments

Care needs

Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements

American Bulldog

Grooming:
Minimal grooming needed (weekly)
Exercise:
60–90 minutes daily
Shedding:
Moderate shedding
Trainability:
Learns with consistency
Climate tolerance:
Comfortable in temperate climates, struggles with heat
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, skin allergies

French Bulldog

Grooming:
Minimal grooming needed (weekly)
Exercise:
30–45 minutes daily
Shedding:
Light shedding
Trainability:
Learns with consistency
Climate tolerance:
Struggles with heat
Health concerns:

Brachycephalic syndrome, skin allergies

Suitability

How well each breed fits different living situations and families

American Bulldog

First-time Owner
2/5

Challenging for Beginners

Needs experienced handler for training and socialization

Apartment Living
2/5

Not ideal

Needs space and may be vocal indoors

Active Lifestyle
5/5

Very suitable

Enjoys regular exercise and active play

Kids
4/5

Good companion

Protective and gentle with proper supervision

Multiple Pets
2/5

Sometimes difficult

May be territorial with unfamiliar animals

Being Left Alone
1/5

Not recommended

Dislikes being left alone for long periods

French Bulldog

First-time Owner
5/5

Great choice

Easygoing temperament and manageable size suit first-time owners well

Apartment Living
5/5

Perfect fit

Quiet and compact, they adapt well to small apartments

Active Lifestyle
2/5

Not ideal

They tire quickly and don’t match very active lifestyles

Kids
5/5

Highly suitable

Gentle and playful, they are patient with young children

Multiple Pets
4/5

Very friendly

Generally sociable and get along with other pets if introduced properly

Being Left Alone
2/5

Prone to anxiety

They dislike being left alone for long periods and may develop separation issues

Breed strengths

What each breed excels at and their best qualities

American Bulldog

  • Loyal and devoted to family
  • Protective instincts make good watchdogs
  • High pain tolerance and physical resilience
  • Strong work ethic and trainability
  • Generally good with children when socialized

French Bulldog

  • Affectionate with families and children
  • Adaptable to apartment living
  • Minimal grooming requirements
  • Generally quiet and not prone to barking
  • Strong loyalty to owners

Challenges & considerations

Potential challenges and considerations for each breed

American Bulldog

  • Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
  • Can be stubborn during training sessions
  • Needs daily vigorous exercise to prevent boredom
  • May show dog-aggression without proper socialization
  • Susceptible to hip dysplasia and joint issues

French Bulldog

  • Prone to breathing difficulties due to flat face
  • Sensitive to extreme heat and cold
  • May develop separation anxiety
  • Stubborn during training sessions
  • High risk of obesity without portion control

Ready to choose your perfect breed?

Learn more about each breed or compare other breeds to find the perfect match for your lifestyle.

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