A Detailed Comparison of the American Bulldog and the Australian Kelpie.

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American Bulldog Versus Australian Kelpie: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the American Bulldog and the Australian Kelpie? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the American Bulldog and the Australian Kelpie better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the American Bulldog and the Australian Kelpie.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Bulldog and the Australian Kelpie is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the American Bulldog and for the Australian Kelpie. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the American Bulldog and the Australian Kelpie.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the American Bulldog or the Australian Kelpie.

American Bulldog versus Australian Kelpie: Overview

A very important difference between the American Bulldog and the Australian Kelpie is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The American Bulldog is a large-sized dog while the Australian Kelpie is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the American Bulldog belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

On the other hand, the Australian Kelpie belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

American Bulldog versus Australian Kelpie: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Bulldog to the Australian Kelpie based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the American Bulldog and the Australian Kelpie

Factor American Bulldog Australian Kelpie
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 16 years 10 to 15 years
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Height 20 to 28 inches 15 to 20 inches
General Health 3/5 3/5
Intelligence 3/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 2/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Weight 60 to 120 pounds 25 to 46 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1400 $500
Price Range $912 – $1600 $500 – $500
Temperament Score 86.9 percent 83.3 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • approved laboratory
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • HYPERURICOSURIA
  • Ichthyosis
  • LIPOFUSCINOSIS (LAM)
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the American Bulldog in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Australian Kelpie. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the American Bulldog is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Australian Kelpie is 72 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Australian Kelpie is a better pet than the American Bulldog. So, you should get the Australian Kelpie!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the American Bulldog and the Australian Kelpie so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the American Bulldog and the Australian Kelpie

    Below is a list of where the American Bulldog and the Australian Kelpie are most different:

    • American Bulldogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments. However, Australian Kelpies can tolerate hot weather.
    • American Bulldogs are not prone to nip and chew at things. However, Australian Kelpies are prone to nip and chew at things.
    • American Bulldogs have a very high tendency to drool. However, Australian Kelpies do not have the tendency to drool.

    The Similarities Between the American Bulldog and the Australian Kelpie

    The American Bulldog and the Australian Kelpie are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the American Bulldog and the Australian Kelpie are most similar:

    • Both the American Bulldog and the Australian Kelpie do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Australian Kelpie are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Australian Kelpie do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Australian Kelpie cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Australian Kelpie do not get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Australian Kelpie are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Australian Kelpie are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Australian Kelpie are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Australian Kelpie are very easy to groom.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Australian Kelpie are very easy to train.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Australian Kelpie have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Australian Kelpie have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Australian Kelpie do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Australian Kelpie require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Australian Kelpie are very playful.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Australian Kelpie are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Size Comparison of American Bulldog versus Australian Kelpie

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Bulldog and the Australian Kelpie.

    American Bulldogs weigh 60 to 120 pounds when fully grown. American Bulldogs are 20 to 28 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Australian Kelpies weigh 25 to 46 pounds when fully grown. Australian Kelpies are 15 to 20 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of American Bulldog versus Australian Kelpie

    The lifespan of American Bulldogs is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of American Bulldogs is 13.0 years.

    The lifespan of Australian Kelpies is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Australian Kelpies is 12.5 years.

    American Bulldogs live longer than Australian Kelpies.

    Temperament of the American Bulldog Versus the Australian Kelpie

    The American Bulldog has a better temperament than the Australian Kelpie.

    This is because the temperament score for the American Bulldog is 86.9 percent while the temperament score for the Australian Kelpie is 83.3 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 86.9 percent, the American Bulldog has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 83.3 percent, the Australian Kelpie has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the American Bulldog and the Australian Kelpie by measuring the temperaments of 214 American Bulldogs and 6 Australian Kelpies.

    Price of American Bulldog versus Price of Australian Kelpie

    The average price of the American Bulldog puppy is $1400. The price of the American Bulldog typically ranges from $912 – $1600. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 302 American Bulldog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Australian Kelpie puppy is $500. The price of the Australian Kelpie typically ranges from $500 – $500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1 Australian Kelpie puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The American Bulldog is more expensive than the Australian Kelpie.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the American Bulldog and Australian Kelpie. For different price points, the charts show how many American Bulldog puppies or how many Australian Kelpie puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of American Bulldogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of American Bulldogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Australian Kelpies

    A breakdown of the prices of Australian Kelpies

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the American Bulldog puppy or the Australian Kelpie puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: American Bulldog versus Australian Kelpie

    American Bulldogs do not like to be left alone.

    Australian Kelpies do not like to be left alone.

    Do American Bulldogs shed more than Australian Kelpies?

    American Bulldogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Australian Kelpies shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the American Bulldog or the Australian Kelpie

    American Bulldogs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Australian Kelpies do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the American Bulldog or the Australian Kelpie?

    American Bulldogs are very easy to groom.

    Australian Kelpies are very easy to groom.

    Does the American Bulldog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Australian Kelpie?

    American Bulldogs have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Australian Kelpies have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do American Bulldogs Bark and Howl? What about Australian Kelpies?

    American Bulldogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Australian Kelpies are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can American Bulldogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Australian Kelpies Tolerate Cold Weather?

    American Bulldogs cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Australian Kelpies can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Bulldog vs. Australian Kelpie

    American Bulldogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Australian Kelpies have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can American Bulldogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Australian Kelpies Tolerate Hot Weather?

    American Bulldogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Australian Kelpies can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Bulldog or the Australian Kelpie?

    American Bulldogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Australian Kelpies get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are American Bulldogs good family dogs? What about Australian Kelpies?

    American Bulldogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Australian Kelpies are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are American Bulldogs and Australian Kelpies?

    American Bulldogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Australian Kelpies do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Is the American Bulldog Easier to Train than the Australian Kelpie?

    American Bulldogs are very easy to train.

    Australian Kelpies are very easy to train.

    Is the American Bulldog Better for Apartment Owners than the Australian Kelpie?

    American Bulldogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Australian Kelpies do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Bulldog or the Australian Kelpie?

    American Bulldogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Australian Kelpies are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: American Bulldog versus Australian Kelpie. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the American Bulldog and the Australian Kelpie better suits you and your family.