Is the American Bulldog Better than the Labradoodle as a Pet? Our Answer.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

American Bulldog Versus Labradoodle: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the American Bulldog and the Labradoodle? 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 Labradoodle 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 Labradoodle.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Bulldog and the Labradoodle 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 Labradoodle. 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 Labradoodle.

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 Labradoodle.

American Bulldog versus Labradoodle: Overview

Both the American Bulldog and the Labradoodle are similar in size. The American Bulldog and the Labradoodle are both large-sized dogs.

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 Labradoodle belongs to the Hybrid Dogs group. Hybrid Dogs are the offspring of 2 or more known, but different, dog breeds.

American Bulldog versus Labradoodle: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Bulldog to the Labradoodle 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 Labradoodle

Factor American Bulldog Labradoodle
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 16 years 12 to 14 years
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Height 20 to 28 inches 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder
General Health 3/5 4/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 2/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Weight 60 to 120 pounds 50 to 65 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1400 $1640
Price Range $912 – $1600 $1000 – $2000
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 Labradoodle. 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 Labradoodle is 94 out of 125.

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

    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 Labradoodle 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 Labradoodle

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

    • American Bulldogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Labradoodles are good for new dog owners.
    • American Bulldogs do not like to be left alone. However, Labradoodles can be left alone for some time without problems.
    • American Bulldogs cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Labradoodles can tolerate cold weather.
    • American Bulldogs do not get along well with other dogs. However, Labradoodles get along well with other dogs.
    • American Bulldogs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Labradoodles are very friendly towards strangers.
    • American Bulldogs have a very high tendency to drool. However, Labradoodles do not have the tendency to drool.

    The Similarities Between the American Bulldog and the Labradoodle

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

    • Both the American Bulldog and the Labradoodle are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Labradoodle are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Labradoodle are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Labradoodle 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 Labradoodle get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Labradoodle are very easy to groom.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Labradoodle are very easy to train.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Labradoodle have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Labradoodle do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Labradoodle require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Labradoodle are very playful.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Labradoodle are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Size Comparison of American Bulldog versus Labradoodle

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

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

    On the other hand, Labradoodles weigh 50 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Labradoodles are 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of American Bulldog versus Labradoodle

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

    The lifespan of Labradoodles is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Labradoodles is 13.0 years.

    Price of American Bulldog versus Price of Labradoodle

    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 Labradoodle puppy is $1640. The price of the Labradoodle typically ranges from $1000 – $2000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 2360 Labradoodle puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Labradoodle is more expensive than the American Bulldog.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the American Bulldog and Labradoodle. For different price points, the charts show how many American Bulldog puppies or how many Labradoodle 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 Labradoodles

    A breakdown of the prices of Labradoodles

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the American Bulldog puppy or the Labradoodle 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 Labradoodle

    American Bulldogs do not like to be left alone.

    Labradoodles can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Do American Bulldogs shed more than Labradoodles?

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

    Labradoodles shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the American Bulldog or the Labradoodle

    American Bulldogs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Labradoodles do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the American Bulldog or the Labradoodle?

    American Bulldogs are very easy to groom.

    Labradoodles are very easy to groom.

    Does the American Bulldog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Labradoodle?

    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.

    Labradoodles have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do American Bulldogs Bark and Howl? What about Labradoodles?

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

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

    Can American Bulldogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Labradoodles Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Labradoodles can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Bulldog vs. Labradoodle

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

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

    Can American Bulldogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Labradoodles Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Labradoodles can tolerate hot weather.

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

    American Bulldogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Labradoodles get along very well with other dogs.

    Are American Bulldogs good family dogs? What about Labradoodles?

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

    Labradoodles are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are American Bulldogs and Labradoodles?

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

    Labradoodles get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the American Bulldog Easier to Train than the Labradoodle?

    American Bulldogs are very easy to train.

    Labradoodles are very easy to train.

    Is the American Bulldog Better for Apartment Owners than the Labradoodle?

    American Bulldogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Labradoodles adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

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

    Labradoodles are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: American Bulldog versus Labradoodle. 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 Labradoodle better suits you and your family.