23 Best Types Of Bully Dog Breeds
23 Best Types Of Bully Dog Breeds covers dogs with very different jobs and temperaments. They are grouped by daily ownership fit; size, energy, coat care and handling difficulty keep the comparison grounded.
Breed tendencies narrow a search; they do not predict an individual dog. Health, age, upbringing and the match between breeder or rescue placement and household remain decisive.
Quick comparison
| Breed or type | Size | Energy | Coat care | Why it is here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Mastiff | giant | low | low | ownership fit; property deterrence and companionship |
| Curly-Coated Retriever | large | high | medium | ownership fit; independent retrieving in water and cover |
| American Water Spaniel | medium | high | medium | ownership fit; versatile Midwestern water and upland hunting |
| Black and Tan Coonhound | large | high | low | ownership fit; night scent trailing and treeing |
| Pomeranian | toy | high | high | ownership fit; spitz companionship |
| Dachshund | small | medium | low | ownership fit; underground scent hunting |
| Alaskan Malamute | large | very high | high | ownership fit; heavy freight hauling |
| Leonberger | giant | medium | high | ownership fit; draft, water and companion work |
| Shih Tzu | toy | low | very high | ownership fit; palace companionship |
| Rat Terrier | small | very high | low | ownership fit; American farm vermin control |
| Anatolian Shepherd | giant | medium | low | ownership fit; livestock protection across wide territory |
| Beauceron | large | high | low | ownership fit; French herding and guarding |
| Staffordshire Bull Terrier | medium | high | low | ownership fit; compact bull-and-terrier work followed by companionship |
| Weimaraner | large | very high | low | ownership fit; versatile pointing and tracking |
| Standard Poodle | large | high | high | ownership fit; water retrieving and versatile performance work |
| Pekingese | toy | low | very high | ownership fit; Chinese palace companionship |
| Finnish Spitz | medium | high | high | ownership fit; Finnish bird indication through barking |
| Kai Ken | medium | high | low | ownership fit; Japanese mountain hunting |
| Swedish Vallhund | small | high | low | ownership fit; Swedish cattle herding |
| Great Dane | giant | medium | low | ownership fit; boar hunting history followed by companionship |
| Rhodesian Ridgeback | large | high | low | ownership fit; tracking and holding large game at bay |
| Maltese | toy | medium | high | ownership fit; Mediterranean companionship |
| Papillon | toy | high | medium | ownership fit; lively companion performance |
1. English Mastiff
For the question behind 23 Best Types Of Bully Dog Breeds, English Mastiff stands out for property deterrence and companionship. English Mastiff was shaped for property deterrence and companionship. Day to day, it often prefers short walks and close household contact. Expect low exercise demand and low coat maintenance as a starting point, then adjust for the individual dog's age and health. The trade-off is clear: food, veterinary care, transport and joint health carry giant-breed costs. Meet the individual dog, ask about health testing and temperament, and judge whether that compromise fits the household rather than choosing on the label alone.
2. Curly-Coated Retriever
The case for including Curly-Coated Retriever in 23 Best Types Of Bully Dog Breeds rests on independent retrieving in water and cover, along with the way the breed was developed to work. Curly-Coated Retriever was shaped for independent retrieving in water and cover. The work behind the breed still shows up at home: it can work confidently without constant handler direction. Expect high exercise demand and medium coat maintenance as a starting point, then adjust for the individual dog's age and health. The trade-off is clear: rarity, reserve and coat care distinguish it from familiar retrievers. Meet the individual dog, ask about health testing and temperament, and judge whether that compromise fits the household rather than choosing on the label alone.
3. American Water Spaniel
American Water Spaniel earns a place in 23 Best Types Of Bully Dog Breeds because its versatile Midwestern water and upland hunting traits are visible in ordinary life, not just in photographs. American Water Spaniel was shaped for versatile Midwestern water and upland hunting. That background matters because the breed combines compact size with serious outdoor stamina. Expect high exercise demand and medium coat maintenance as a starting point, then adjust for the individual dog's age and health. The trade-off is clear: rarity and a dense curly coat require committed sourcing and care. Meet the individual dog, ask about health testing and temperament, and judge whether that compromise fits the household rather than choosing on the label alone.
4. Black and Tan Coonhound
The case for including Black and Tan Coonhound in 23 Best Types Of Bully Dog Breeds rests on night scent trailing and treeing, along with the way the breed was developed to work. Black and Tan Coonhound was shaped for night scent trailing and treeing. That background matters because the breed needs room for nose-led exercise and has a resonant voice. Expect high exercise demand and low coat maintenance as a starting point, then adjust for the individual dog's age and health. The trade-off is clear: baying and roaming are poor matches for close neighbors. Meet the individual dog, ask about health testing and temperament, and judge whether that compromise fits the household rather than choosing on the label alone.
5. Pomeranian
The case for including Pomeranian in 23 Best Types Of Bully Dog Breeds rests on spitz companionship, along with the way the breed was developed to work. Pomeranian was shaped for spitz companionship. In a household, the practical result is a dog that is alert, trainable and busy despite its small body. Expect high exercise demand and high coat maintenance as a starting point, then adjust for the individual dog's age and health. The trade-off is clear: barking, coat care and tracheal fragility require attention. Meet the individual dog, ask about health testing and temperament, and judge whether that compromise fits the household rather than choosing on the label alone.
6. Dachshund
For the question behind 23 Best Types Of Bully Dog Breeds, Dachshund stands out for underground scent hunting. Dachshund was shaped for underground scent hunting. That background matters because the breed is bold, amusing and keen to follow odor. Expect medium exercise demand and low coat maintenance as a starting point, then adjust for the individual dog's age and health. The trade-off is clear: back protection, barking and stubborn recall need lifelong management. Meet the individual dog, ask about health testing and temperament, and judge whether that compromise fits the household rather than choosing on the label alone.
7. Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamute earns a place in 23 Best Types Of Bully Dog Breeds because its heavy freight hauling traits are visible in ordinary life, not just in photographs. Alaskan Malamute was shaped for heavy freight hauling. That background matters because the breed uses power and endurance rather than sprint speed. Expect very high exercise demand and high coat maintenance as a starting point, then adjust for the individual dog's age and health. The trade-off is clear: dog selectivity, heat and pulling strength require experience. Meet the individual dog, ask about health testing and temperament, and judge whether that compromise fits the household rather than choosing on the label alone.
8. Leonberger
Leonberger earns a place in 23 Best Types Of Bully Dog Breeds because its draft, water and companion work traits are visible in ordinary life, not just in photographs. Leonberger was shaped for draft, water and companion work. In a household, the practical result is a dog that tends to be social and trainable for a giant breed. Expect medium exercise demand and high coat maintenance as a starting point, then adjust for the individual dog's age and health. The trade-off is clear: coat, heat, joint health and high daily costs remain demanding. Meet the individual dog, ask about health testing and temperament, and judge whether that compromise fits the household rather than choosing on the label alone.
9. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu earns a place in 23 Best Types Of Bully Dog Breeds because its palace companionship traits are visible in ordinary life, not just in photographs. Shih Tzu was shaped for palace companionship. The work behind the breed still shows up at home: it is usually content with short walks and close indoor company. Expect low exercise demand and very high coat maintenance as a starting point, then adjust for the individual dog's age and health. The trade-off is clear: coat, eye, dental and heat-related care can be intensive. Meet the individual dog, ask about health testing and temperament, and judge whether that compromise fits the household rather than choosing on the label alone.
10. Rat Terrier
The case for including Rat Terrier in 23 Best Types Of Bully Dog Breeds rests on American farm vermin control, along with the way the breed was developed to work. Rat Terrier was shaped for American farm vermin control. The work behind the breed still shows up at home: it is fast, clever and more athletic than its size suggests. Expect very high exercise demand and low coat maintenance as a starting point, then adjust for the individual dog's age and health. The trade-off is clear: prey drive and motion sensitivity need outlets and training. Meet the individual dog, ask about health testing and temperament, and judge whether that compromise fits the household rather than choosing on the label alone.
11. Anatolian Shepherd
For the question behind 23 Best Types Of Bully Dog Breeds, Anatolian Shepherd stands out for livestock protection across wide territory. Anatolian Shepherd was shaped for livestock protection across wide territory. In a household, the practical result is a dog that works independently and conserves energy between patrols. Expect medium exercise demand and low coat maintenance as a starting point, then adjust for the individual dog's age and health. The trade-off is clear: needs secure acreage, experienced handling and realistic visitor management. Meet the individual dog, ask about health testing and temperament, and judge whether that compromise fits the household rather than choosing on the label alone.
12. Beauceron
The case for including Beauceron in 23 Best Types Of Bully Dog Breeds rests on French herding and guarding, along with the way the breed was developed to work. Beauceron was shaped for French herding and guarding. That background matters because the breed combines close handler work with confidence around stock and property. Expect high exercise demand and low coat maintenance as a starting point, then adjust for the individual dog's age and health. The trade-off is clear: late maturity and physical power demand sustained training. Meet the individual dog, ask about health testing and temperament, and judge whether that compromise fits the household rather than choosing on the label alone.
13. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The case for including Staffordshire Bull Terrier in 23 Best Types Of Bully Dog Breeds rests on compact bull-and-terrier work followed by companionship, along with the way the breed was developed to work. Staffordshire Bull Terrier was shaped for compact bull-and-terrier work followed by companionship. In a household, the practical result is a dog that packs athletic play into a smaller, people-focused body. Expect high exercise demand and low coat maintenance as a starting point, then adjust for the individual dog's age and health. The trade-off is clear: dog selectivity and physical exuberance still need management. Meet the individual dog, ask about health testing and temperament, and judge whether that compromise fits the household rather than choosing on the label alone.
14. Weimaraner
23 Best Types Of Bully Dog Breeds needs more than a list of attractive names. Weimaraner is relevant here because of its versatile pointing and tracking background. Weimaraner was shaped for versatile pointing and tracking. In a household, the practical result is a dog that works closely with people and dislikes a sedentary schedule. Expect very high exercise demand and low coat maintenance as a starting point, then adjust for the individual dog's age and health. The trade-off is clear: separation distress and high exercise needs are common mismatches. Meet the individual dog, ask about health testing and temperament, and judge whether that compromise fits the household rather than choosing on the label alone.
15. Standard Poodle
The case for including Standard Poodle in 23 Best Types Of Bully Dog Breeds rests on water retrieving and versatile performance work, along with the way the breed was developed to work. Standard Poodle was shaped for water retrieving and versatile performance work. Day to day, it learns quickly and adapts when given exercise and mental variety. Expect high exercise demand and high coat maintenance as a starting point, then adjust for the individual dog's age and health. The trade-off is clear: professional grooming or skilled home clipping is non-negotiable. Meet the individual dog, ask about health testing and temperament, and judge whether that compromise fits the household rather than choosing on the label alone.
16. Pekingese
23 Best Types Of Bully Dog Breeds needs more than a list of attractive names. Pekingese is relevant here because of its Chinese palace companionship background. Pekingese was shaped for Chinese palace companionship. Day to day, it is independent, dignified and satisfied with moderate activity. Expect low exercise demand and very high coat maintenance as a starting point, then adjust for the individual dog's age and health. The trade-off is clear: coat, eyes, breathing and heat make maintenance substantial. Meet the individual dog, ask about health testing and temperament, and judge whether that compromise fits the household rather than choosing on the label alone.
17. Finnish Spitz
23 Best Types Of Bully Dog Breeds needs more than a list of attractive names. Finnish Spitz is relevant here because of its Finnish bird indication through barking background. Finnish Spitz was shaped for Finnish bird indication through barking. That background matters because the breed is lively, foxlike and independent. Expect high exercise demand and high coat maintenance as a starting point, then adjust for the individual dog's age and health. The trade-off is clear: purpose-bred vocality makes quiet housing difficult. Meet the individual dog, ask about health testing and temperament, and judge whether that compromise fits the household rather than choosing on the label alone.
18. Kai Ken
Kai Ken earns a place in 23 Best Types Of Bully Dog Breeds because its Japanese mountain hunting traits are visible in ordinary life, not just in photographs. Kai Ken was shaped for Japanese mountain hunting. Day to day, it is agile and devoted with brindle camouflage. Expect high exercise demand and low coat maintenance as a starting point, then adjust for the individual dog's age and health. The trade-off is clear: rarity and strong hunting instinct limit easy placement. Meet the individual dog, ask about health testing and temperament, and judge whether that compromise fits the household rather than choosing on the label alone.
19. Swedish Vallhund
Swedish Vallhund earns a place in 23 Best Types Of Bully Dog Breeds because its Swedish cattle herding traits are visible in ordinary life, not just in photographs. Swedish Vallhund was shaped for Swedish cattle herding. That background matters because the breed is compact, trainable and active. Expect high exercise demand and low coat maintenance as a starting point, then adjust for the individual dog's age and health. The trade-off is clear: herding nips, barking and spinal screening matter. Meet the individual dog, ask about health testing and temperament, and judge whether that compromise fits the household rather than choosing on the label alone.
20. Great Dane
23 Best Types Of Bully Dog Breeds needs more than a list of attractive names. Great Dane is relevant here because of its boar hunting history followed by companionship background. Great Dane was shaped for boar hunting history followed by companionship. Day to day, it can be gentle indoors when exercise and manners are addressed. Expect medium exercise demand and low coat maintenance as a starting point, then adjust for the individual dog's age and health. The trade-off is clear: short lifespan, bloat risk and sheer height complicate everyday care. Meet the individual dog, ask about health testing and temperament, and judge whether that compromise fits the household rather than choosing on the label alone.
21. Rhodesian Ridgeback
23 Best Types Of Bully Dog Breeds needs more than a list of attractive names. Rhodesian Ridgeback is relevant here because of its tracking and holding large game at bay background. Rhodesian Ridgeback was shaped for tracking and holding large game at bay. That background matters because the breed needs endurance exercise and firm but fair training. Expect high exercise demand and low coat maintenance as a starting point, then adjust for the individual dog's age and health. The trade-off is clear: independence and prey drive can overwhelm an unprepared household. Meet the individual dog, ask about health testing and temperament, and judge whether that compromise fits the household rather than choosing on the label alone.
22. Maltese
Maltese earns a place in 23 Best Types Of Bully Dog Breeds because its Mediterranean companionship traits are visible in ordinary life, not just in photographs. Maltese was shaped for Mediterranean companionship. Day to day, it is portable and people-oriented with modest exercise needs. Expect medium exercise demand and high coat maintenance as a starting point, then adjust for the individual dog's age and health. The trade-off is clear: daily coat or clipping care and separation sensitivity are common. Meet the individual dog, ask about health testing and temperament, and judge whether that compromise fits the household rather than choosing on the label alone.
23. Papillon
23 Best Types Of Bully Dog Breeds needs more than a list of attractive names. Papillon is relevant here because of its lively companion performance background. Papillon was shaped for lively companion performance. The work behind the breed still shows up at home: it offers surprising trainability and athleticism in a tiny package. Expect high exercise demand and medium coat maintenance as a starting point, then adjust for the individual dog's age and health. The trade-off is clear: fine bones and high mental energy make passive ownership a poor fit. Meet the individual dog, ask about health testing and temperament, and judge whether that compromise fits the household rather than choosing on the label alone.
Questions to answer before choosing
For 23 Best Types Of Bully Dog Breeds, write down the hours available for exercise and training, the amount of shedding or clipping you will accept, the dog's likely adult size, and constraints involving children, other animals, landlords, insurers or local rules. Remove every candidate whose hardest trait conflicts with the household. A quieter or smaller dog is not automatically easier, and a friendly breed is not automatically safe without supervision.
Common questions about this list
Does breed determine temperament?
No. Breed history influences probability, while genetics, early learning, health and current environment shape the individual. For 23 Best Types Of Bully Dog Breeds, use both levels of information.
Is the first dog in the table the best?
No. The order makes this 23 Best Types Of Bully Dog Breeds list readable; it is not a scientific ranking. The best fit is the dog whose needs the household can meet consistently.
What should I ask a breeder or rescue?
For a 23 Best Types Of Bully Dog Breeds shortlist, ask about health screening, adult relatives or known history, behavior around handling and other animals, recovery after stress, daily exercise, grooming and the placement support offered after adoption.
Make the choice from the routine backward for 23 Best Types Of Bully Dog Breeds
23 Best Types Of Bully Dog Breeds should leave you with a shorter, more realistic shortlist rather than a winner. Compare the difficult traits first. If the household can comfortably manage those, the appealing qualities have room to matter.