American Bulldog vs Yorkshire Terrier

Which dog breed is right for you?

American Bulldog

Size
60–120 lbs, 20–28 in
Lifespan
10–16 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
No
Confident Loyal Athletic Protective

Yorkshire Terrier

Size
4–7 lbs, 7–8 in
Lifespan
11–15 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
High
Good with Kids
No
Good with Pets
Yes
Bold Confident Spirited Affectionate

About the American Bulldog

The American Bulldog is a muscular, athletic breed descended from the Old English Bulldog, brought to the American South by working-class immigrants in the 17th and 18th centuries. These powerful dogs stand 20–28 inches tall and weigh between 60 and 120 pounds, with males being significantly larger than females. They have a short, smooth coat that comes in white, white with patches of brindle, red, brown, or fawn — and requires minimal grooming beyond regular brushing.

Temperament & Personality

American Bulldogs are confident, loyal, and deeply devoted to their families — they form strong bonds and are known for their gentle, protective nature around children. They are alert and courageous, making them natural watchdogs, but they are also surprisingly affectionate and enjoy being close to their people. Early socialization is essential, as they can be wary of unfamiliar dogs and strangers without proper exposure.

Pros

  • Excellent family guardian with a strong protective instinct
  • Low-maintenance coat that requires only occasional brushing
  • Athletic and versatile — thrives in activities like weight-pulling and agility
  • Deeply affectionate and gentle with children in the household

Cons

  • Requires firm, consistent training from an experienced owner to manage their strength
  • Can be prone to dog aggression without thorough early socialization
  • Subject to breed-specific legislation in some areas
  • Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, ACL tears, and cherry eye

Give a strong, loving American Bulldog a second chance — find adoptable American Bulldogs on Puplister.

About the Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier was developed in the mid-19th century in the English counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire by working-class weavers who bred small terriers to catch rats in textile mills and coal mines. Despite their current status as a glamorous toy breed, these feisty dogs retain every bit of their terrier courage in a tiny 7-pound, 7-to-8-inch frame. Their signature floor-length, silky coat is steel blue on the body and rich golden tan on the head and legs — a single-layer coat that grows continuously and is remarkably similar to human hair in texture.

Temperament & Personality

Yorkshire Terriers are bold, confident, and fiercely loyal — they carry themselves with a self-importance that far exceeds their diminutive stature, never hesitating to challenge dogs ten times their size. They are deeply attached to their owners and can be wonderful companions for adults and older children, though their small size and feisty temperament make them a poor fit for rough play with toddlers. Yorkies are intelligent, curious, and entertaining, bringing big-dog energy and attitude to the smallest package in the terrier world.

Pros

  • Minimal shedding — silky coat is more similar to hair than fur
  • Tiny size ideal for apartments, travel, and urban living
  • Bold watchdog temperament — always alert to unusual activity
  • Long lifespan of 11 to 15 years with proper care

Cons

  • Fragile — easily injured by falls, being sat on, or rough handling
  • Long coat demands daily brushing or regular professional grooming
  • Prone to tracheal collapse, patellar luxation, portosystemic shunt, and dental disease
  • Can be difficult to housetrain and may develop snappish behavior if overindulged

Yorkshire Terriers prove that the best things truly come in small packages — find your Yorkie on Puplister.

Available for Adoption

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a American Bulldog and a Yorkshire Terrier?
The American Bulldog is 60–120 lbs, 20–28 in sized while the Yorkshire Terrier is 4–7 lbs, 7–8 in sized. They differ in size (60–120 lbs, 20–28 in vs 4–7 lbs, 7–8 in), lifespan (10–16 years vs 11–15 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, American Bulldog or Yorkshire Terrier?
American Bulldog is generally good with kids. Yorkshire Terrier is not typically good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, American Bulldog or Yorkshire Terrier?
The American Bulldog has a lifespan of 10–16 years while the Yorkshire Terrier has a lifespan of 11–15 years.

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