When it comes to looks and personality, the American Bully and Rottweiler are two very different breeds to look for. But if you’re looking for a dog that’s going to be a loyal and protective friend, then either of these breeds could be the right fit for you. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide which one is right for your family.
We’ll cover these breeds’ origin, types, health, features and issues, diet, reputation in the dog world, and other necessary information to help you make your decision.
Which Dog Breed is Better?
This question can be difficult to answer, as it really depends on what you’re looking for in a dog.
But journeying on these breeds’ individual histories, strengths, and unique features can help you land on a decision that’s best for you.
Origin and History
The American Bully
The American Bully breeds are relatively newer in the canine world, with their origins tracing back to the 1980s. The bully breed can be traced back to three dominant breeds- the Staffordshire Terrier, American Pitbull Terrier, and English Bulldog.
While all these dogs are considered “bully breeds”, the term “American Bully” is a bit of a misnomer, as these dogs can actually come from anywhere in the world. Though bred from fighting dogs, the American Bully is a gentle and loving companion that’s great with children.
Rottweiler
On the other hand, Rottweiler’s history can be traced back to the Roman Empire. These dogs were originally bred as working dogs- herding livestock, pulling carts, and guarding property. The Rottweiler is a versatile breed that’s also been used as search and rescue dogs, police dogs, and service dogs.
While Rottweiler has a reputation for being aggressive, this is not always the case. With proper socialization and training, Rottweilers can be gentle and loving companions.
Types of American Bully vs Rottweiler
Both dog breeds boast a wide variety of types and sizes.
American Bully Breed Variations
The American Bully has four types recognized by the United Kennel Club. These are the:
Standard American Bully
The Standard American Bully is the most common type of bully. They typically stand between 13 and 20 inches tall and weigh anywhere from 60 to 120 pounds.
Classic American Bully
The Classic American Bully is a smaller version of the Standard. They typically stand between 13 and 17 inches tall and weigh between 40 and 60 pounds.
Pocket American Bully
The Pocket American Bully is the smallest type of bully. They typically stand between 12 and 16 inches tall and weigh between 30 and 50 pounds.
XL American Bully
The XL American Bully is the largest type of bully. They typically stand between 21 and 29 inches tall and weigh between 121 and 200 pounds.
XXL American Bully
The XXL American Bully is the rarest type of bully. They typically stand between 30 and 38 inches tall and weigh between 201 and 250 pounds.
Other American Bully Types
Due to interbreeding and inbreeding, American Bullies may come in other colors and sizes that are not recognized by the United Kennel Club such as:
- Blue American Bully
- Lilac American Bully
- Chocolate American Bully
- Merle American Bully
Rottweiler Breed Variations
According to the breed standards, there are only two types of Rottweiler- the German Rottweiler and the American Rottweiler.
The German Rottweiler
The German Rottweiler is the more common type of Rottweiler. They are a large breed that typically stands between 24 and 27 inches tall and weighs between 110 and 130 pounds.
The American Rottweiler
The American Rottweiler is a larger and more muscular version of the German Rottweiler. They are a giant breed that typically stands between 28 and 31 inches tall and weighs between 140 and 170 pounds.
Other Rottweiler Types
There are also other types of Rottweilers that are not recognized by the breed standards such as:
- Mini Rottweiler
- Toy Rottweiler
- Micro Rottweiler
So, in terms of variation and choices, the American Bully wins hands down.
Coat and Coat Color
Another common consideration in choosing a dog is their coat and coat color. Though both breeds are known for their short, stiff coats, there is a lot of variation in coat type and color within each breed.
American Bully Coat Colors
American Bully comes in colors such as :
- Black
- Blue
- Fawn
- Brindle
- Red
- Chocolate
- Grey
Rottweiler Coat Colors
Rottweilers usually come in black and tan, though some may have a black coat with rust or mahogany markings.
With masculine colors like black, blue, and grey- the American Bully looks like a tough dog breed. The Rottweiler’s coat colors of black and tan give it a regal look.
Health and Life Expectancy
American Bully and Rottweiler health and life expectancy vary depending on the type.
- Standard American Bully- 12 to 16 years
- Classic American Bully- 13 to 17 years
- Pocket American Bully- 14 to 18 years
- XL American Bully- 12 to 15 years
- XXL American Bully- 11 to 13 years
- German Rottweiler- 11 to 13 years
- American Rottweiler- 12 to 14 years
Other types of American Bullies and Rottweilers not recognized by the breed standard have a shorter life expectancy of
- Mini Rottweiler- 11 years
- Toy Rottweiler- 12 years
- Micro Rottweiler- 13 years
While the American Bully has a longer life expectancy, the Rottweiler is not far behind. Both breeds are known for being fairly healthy.
Heritage Health Issue
When it comes to choosing a breed, it is important to be aware of any health issues that are common in that breed.
The American Bully Health Issues
Due to various bloodlines within the breed, American Bullies are susceptible to health issues inherited from their ancestors. Some of these health issues include:
- Allergies – American Bullies can be allergic to grass, pollen, and other environmental allergens.
- Skin Issues – American Bullies are prone to skin issues such as hot spots, dry skin, and infections.
- Hip Dysplasia – This is a condition that can be inherited from either parent and causes the hip joint to develop abnormally.
- Elbow Dysplasia – This is a condition that can be inherited from either parent and causes the elbow joint to develop abnormally.
Rottweiler Health Issues
Rottweilers are also susceptible to health issues like:
- Hip Dysplasia – This is a condition that can be inherited from either parent and causes the hip joint to develop abnormally.
- Elbow Dysplasia – This is a condition that can be inherited from either parent and causes the elbow joint to develop abnormally.
- Bloat – This is a condition that causes the stomach to twist and fill with gas. It is a life-threatening condition that needs immediate medical attention.
- Osteochondrosis of Spine and Hip Joints – This is a condition that causes the cartilage in the joints to break down.
- Sub-Aortic Stenosis – This is a heart condition that can be inherited from either parent.
Common Health Issues on Both Breeds
Both breeds are also susceptible to health issues such as:
- Cancer – Cancer is the leading cause of death in both American Bullies and Rottweilers.
- Heart Disease – Heart disease is the second leading cause of death in both American Bullies and Rottweilers.
- Arthritis – Arthritis is a common condition in both American Bullies and Rottweilers.
While there are some health issues to be aware of, both breeds are generally healthy. With proper care and nutrition, American Bullies and Rottweilers can live long, happy lives.
Health Care and Maintenance
When it comes to health care and maintenance, both American Bullies and Rottweilers need:
A well-balanced diet – A well-balanced diet is important for all dogs, but it is especially important for American Bullies and Rottweilers.
Exercise – Both breeds need to exercise regularly to stay healthy and fit.
Regular vet check-ups – American Bullies and Rottweilers should see a vet at least once a year for a check-up.
Vaccinations – American Bullies and Rottweilers should be vaccinated according to their vet’s recommendations.
While American Bullies and Rottweilers have some common health issues, they are generally healthy breeds. With proper care and nutrition, both breeds may thrive happily.
Grooming
The American Bully and Rottweiler are booth low-maintenance dog breeds because of their short coats. Both breeds only need to be brushed a few times a week to remove any loose hair.
However, both breeds do shed seasonally and will need to be brushed more frequently during those times.
- Grooming Estimate for American Bully: Ranges from $30 to $60
- Grooming Estimate for Rottweiler: Ranges from $40 to $80
Rottweiler needs to be groomed more often than American Bully because they have a double coat.
Diet
The American Bully and Rottweiler have common dietary needs. Both breeds need a high-quality diet that is rich in protein and fat.
The American Bully Diet
The American Bully needs a diet that is high in protein and fat to maintain its muscular physique. They also need a diet that is high in calories to support their high energy level. Bullies’ diet may include:
- Beef
- Chicken
- Pork
- Fish
- Eggs
- Vegetables
- Fruits
The Rottweiler Diet
Like the American Bully, Rottweiler needs a diet that is high in protein and fat to maintain its muscular physique. They also need a diet that is high in calories to support their high energy level. Rottweilers’ diet may include:
- Beef
- Chicken
- Pork
- Fish
- Eggs
- Vegetables
- Fruits
Both breeds also need a diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals. A high-quality multivitamin can help to ensure that your dog is getting all the nutrients they need.
In addition to these, both breeds are good to consume kibble and canned food.
Exercise
The American Bully and Rottweiler are both high-energy breeds that need a lot of exercise. Both breeds need at least 30 minutes of exercise per day.
The American Bully Exercise
The American Bully needs at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. This can include walking, running, playing fetch, or any other activity that gets your dog moving. Bullies also enjoy participating in agility and obedience classes.
The Rottweiler Exercise
Like the American Bully, the Rottweiler needs at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. Walking, running, or playing in the yard can be used. Rottweilers are also very fond of swimming and retrieving games. As with most dogs, the Rottweiler will benefit from additional exercise if given the opportunity.
Both breeds are considered working dogs, so it’s important to give them a job to do. This can be in the form of obedience training, agility training, or even simple fetch games. If you don’t provide your dog with a job, they may become bored and destructive.
Temperament and Behavior
Choosing a dog breed to be a pet or companion is a very important decision that every dog lover has to make. It is essential that you know about the temperament and behavior of each breed before making your final decision.
The American Bully Reputation
The American Bully is a friendly, outgoing breed that loves to play and has a lot of energy. They are intelligent dogs that are easy to train. American Bullies are loyal and protective of their family and make great guard dogs.
American Bullies even with the fact that they genetically have the potential to be aggressive, are not an aggressive breed. In fact, these dogs are trained to be gentle and loving companions even for children.
The Rottweiler Reputation
The Rottweiler is a loyal, protective breed that is easy to train. They are intelligent dogs that make great guard dogs. However, Rottweilers can be aggressive if not properly trained and socialized.
Rottweilers need an experienced owner who can provide firm, consistent training. They are not recommended for first-time dog owners.
Choosing the Right Dog Breed for You
Future dog owners of whatever breed should consider asking, researching, and talking to breeders, experts, and other dog owners about their experience with that particular breed before making their final decision.
Consider the following questions before deciding on an American Bully or Rottweiler:
- Are you looking for a guard dog or a companion?
- Do you have experience with dogs?
- Are you willing to provide firm, consistent training?
- Do you have the time and energy to exercise a high-energy breed?
- Do you have children or other pets?
- Are you prepared to groom your dog on a regular basis?
- Are you prepared to deal with seasonal shedding?
If you are looking for a friendly, outgoing dog that loves to play and has a lot of energy, then the American Bully is the breed for you. If you are looking for a loyal, protective dog that is easy to train and makes a great guard dog, then the Rottweiler is the breed for you.
Final Thoughts
To further answer the question above, “which dog breed is better?”, we must understand that there is no such thing as a perfect dog breed. Each dog breed has its own set of unique temperament and behavior traits. It is important to consider your own lifestyle and personality before deciding on a particular breed.
Both the American Bully and the Rottweiler are great dogs that would make loyal and loving companions.
May you find the perfect dog breed for you and your family. Good luck!
