French Bulldog vs American Bulldog

They don’t call ’em bulldogs for nothing! French Bulldogs have a headstrong temperament—think of them as strong-willed. These small dogs think they’re big dogs, which is why it’s important for French Bulldog puppies to receive training and socialization early on. That will help them feel comfortable and friendly toward visitors (human or animal) who come to their home. Otherwise, they may be standoffish with strangers.

But make no mistake—French Bulldogs are friendly dogs who bond deeply with their people and love to have a good time. Because of those deep bonds, they can feel neglected and anxious when their people are out of the house for too long. If you’ve ever experienced missing someone even before they’re gone, then you can relate to how Frenchies feel.

Speaking of their people, the French Bulldog breed is good with kids and babies, but as with any dog, they should always be supervised and taught how to interact with dogs. They also get along with other dogs and cats, as long as you introduce them properly.

The French Bulldog is primarily a companion dog. You’re unlikely to see them helping first responders, but their unconditional affection makes them amazing emotional support and therapy dogs in hospitals and care homes. They also make good watch dogs, often barking if someone new is at the door.

The American Bulldog’s temperament is rather infectious, in part because they take their playtime seriously. Agile and alert, your American Bulldog will follow your cues, whether you’re training them to sit or you’re ready to throw the ball—again and again.

Their personalities are easy to love; they have a confident demeanor and are known for their almost clown-like antics when excited, making them an excellent family companion. They do well with kids and babies; even with their powerful bite force, American Bulldogs aren’t likely to bite. This breed is quite family-oriented but may be distant with strangers at first.

The breed’s intelligence is well-regarded—and “capable” is their middle name. With consistent training and established rules and boundaries, this powerful pup can learn with the best of them. As a working breed, they were known for their wild pig and cattle catching abilities, making them indispensable on southern ranches in the US.