Italian Greyhound vs American Bulldog
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Italian Greyhound
Toy Group
American Bulldog
Foundation Stock Service
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Italian Greyhound Overview
Italian Greyhounds embody elegance with their slender build, fine-boned structure, and graceful gait. Standing 13-15 inches tall, these refined canines feature a sleek coat, long legs, and distinctive arched back. Their large, expressive eyes and small, folded ears contribute to their alert, aristocratic appearance. Despite their delicate frame, they possess remarkable agility and speed.
American Bulldog Overview
American Bulldogs showcase a powerful, muscular build with a large, square head and strong jaws. Their athletic frame combines strength with agility, featuring a broad chest and well-defined muscles. The short, smooth coat comes in various patterns, predominantly white with patches. Their confident stance and alert expression reflect their protective nature and working dog heritage.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Italian Greyhounds are less energetic than American Bulldogs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Italian Greyhounds require less grooming attention compared to American Bulldogs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Italian Greyhounds tend to be more outgoing with strangers than American Bulldogs.
- Trainability: American Bulldogs may be slightly easier to train due to their American Bulldog's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Italian Greyhounds adapt better to apartment living, while American Bulldogs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Italian Greyhound and American Bulldog, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Italian Greyhound | American Bulldog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 14-15 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Italian Greyhound | American Bulldog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 13-15 inches 33-38 cm | 20-25 inches 51-64 cm |
| Weight | 7-14 lbs 3-6 kg | 60-100 lbs 27-45 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Italian Greyhound | American Bulldog |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Playful, Alert, Sensitive | Loyal, Self-Confident |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Italian Greyhound | American Bulldog |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Italian Greyhound Temperament
The Italian Greyhound is known for being playful, alert, sensitive, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
American Bulldog Temperament
The American Bulldog is characterized by being loyal, self-confident, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Italian Greyhound and American Bulldog, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Italian Greyhound
Rating: 3/5
American Bulldog
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Italian Greyhound
Rating: 5/5
American Bulldog
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Italian Greyhound
Rating: 3/5
American Bulldog
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Italian Greyhound
Rating: 2/5
American Bulldog
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Italian Greyhound
Rating: 2/5
American Bulldog
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Italian Greyhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Italian Greyhounds require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Italian Greyhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
American Bulldog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
American Bulldogs need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, American Bulldogs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Italian Greyhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Dental Disease
- Leg Fractures
- Epilepsy
- Eye Problems
- Hypothyroidism
American Bulldog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Cherry Eye
- Thyroid Issues
- Bone Cancer
Pros & Cons
Italian Greyhound
Pros
- Gentle and affectionate
- Low grooming needs
- Excellent apartment dog
- Minimal shedding
Cons
- Fragile bone structure
- Cold sensitivity
- Challenging to housebreak
- Separation anxiety prone
American Bulldog
Pros
- Loyal and protective
- Strong work ethic
- Good with families
- Adaptable
- Athletic
Cons
- Strong-willed
- Need firm training
- High exercise needs
- May be dog-aggressive
- Heavy droolers
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Italian Greyhound and American Bulldog, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.