Part 2: American Bully vs Dogo Argentino Bite Force, Speed, Intelligence, Health & Which Breed Is Right for You?
- Jul 6
- 5 min read
"They may look similar, but beneath the muscle are two very different dogs."
In our first comparison, we explored the history, muscle development, athletic ability and conditioning of the American Bully and the Dogo Argentino.
Now it's time to answer the questions owners ask most often.
Which breed bites harder?
Which is faster?
Which is easier to train?
Which stays healthier?
And ultimately...
Which breed is the better choice for your lifestyle?
Let's continue the showdown.
Table of Contents
Do They Really Have Different Bite Forces?
Speed & Athletic Ability
Intelligence & Trainability
Which Breed Is Easier to Live With?
Health & Lifespan
Which Breed Ages Better?
Nutrition for Long-Term Strength
Common Myths
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Verdict
Do They Really Have Different Bite Forces?
If you've searched online, you've probably seen dozens of websites claiming exact bite-force figures.
Some say 305 PSI.
Others claim 500 PSI.
Some even suggest over 700 PSI.
The truth is...
Nobody actually knows.
Unlike laboratory testing performed under identical conditions, there is no universally accepted scientific database measuring bite force across dog breeds. Many numbers shared online are estimates or repeated without reliable evidence.
So Which Breed Has the Stronger Bite?
Both breeds possess exceptionally strong jaws.
However, they were developed for different jobs.
American Bully
The American Bully has:
Broad skull
Powerful jaw muscles
Excellent gripping strength
Thick neck supporting jaw power
Its bite reflects its solid, muscular build.
Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentino was developed to:
Grip dangerous game.
Maintain its hold.
Continue working under extreme pressure.
Its jaw wasn't bred simply to bite hard.
It was bred to hold with determination.
That distinction matters.
Fun Fact
A dog's effectiveness isn't determined solely by bite force.
Jaw structure, determination, training, body position and overall athletic ability all influence how effectively a dog can use its bite.
Which Breed Is Faster?
This one is much easier to answer.
🏆 Winner: Dogo Argentino
Longer legs.
Athletic frame.
Lean muscle.
Exceptional cardiovascular fitness.
Everything about the Dogo was designed for movement.
Although the American Bully can sprint surprisingly well over short distances, the Dogo Argentino is generally faster over both short and long distances.
Endurance Champion
Imagine hiking for three hours.
Which breed would still be eager to continue?
The answer is almost certainly the Dogo Argentino.
Generations of selective breeding created remarkable stamina.
American Bullies generally enjoy exercise too, but many heavier individuals naturally tire sooner.
Did You Know?
Many working dogs aren't selected because they're the fastest.
They're selected because they can keep performing hour after hour without losing focus.
That's exactly the kind of endurance the Dogo Argentino was developed for.
Intelligence & Trainability
Both breeds are intelligent.
They simply express it differently.
American Bully
Usually eager to please.
Highly people-focused.
Responds well to reward-based training.
Enjoys learning with its family.
Dogo Argentino
Independent thinker.
Problem solver.
Quick learner.
Requires consistency and confident guidance.
Because of its hunting heritage, the Dogo may sometimes choose to solve problems independently rather than waiting for instructions.
Which Breed Is Better for First-Time Owners?
Neither breed is ideal for every first-time owner.
Both are powerful dogs requiring:
Early socialisation.
Positive reinforcement training.
Appropriate exercise.
Responsible ownership.
The American Bully is often easier for inexperienced owners because of its companion-focused temperament.
The Dogo Argentino generally benefits from an owner who understands managing a large, athletic working breed.
Living With Children
Both breeds can form strong family bonds when well-bred, well-socialised and responsibly managed.
No powerful breed should ever be left unsupervised with young children.
Temperament depends on many factors, including breeding, training, health and individual personality.
UK Legal Note: The Dogo Argentino is a prohibited breed under the UK's Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, meaning it is illegal to own, breed, sell, exchange or rehome one in the UK without a valid exemption. The American Bully is not automatically banned as a breed, although XL Bully dogs are subject to separate legal restrictions in England, Wales and Scotland. Always check the latest laws in your country before choosing any breed.
Health Comparison
No breed is perfect.
American Bully
Conditions that may occur include:
Hip dysplasia.
Elbow dysplasia.
Allergies.
Skin problems.
Joint stress in heavier dogs.
Maintaining a healthy body condition is particularly important.
Dogo Argentino
Potential health concerns include:
Hip dysplasia.
Deafness (more common in predominantly white-coated breeds).
Thyroid disorders.
Certain inherited conditions.
Responsible breeders screen breeding dogs to help reduce these risks.
Which Breed Ages Better?
One of the biggest challenges facing large, muscular breeds is age-related muscle loss, also known as sarcopenia.
As dogs grow older, they naturally lose lean muscle unless they remain active and receive appropriate nutrition.
Maintaining healthy muscle helps support:
Joints.
Balance.
Mobility.
Everyday strength.
Recovery.
Whether you own an American Bully or a Dogo Argentino, preserving muscle throughout life can help maintain quality of life into the senior years.
Nutrition for Lifelong Strength
Exercise creates the stimulus for muscle.
Recovery repairs it.
Nutrition provides the building blocks.
A balanced diet containing high-quality protein, essential amino acids, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals helps support normal muscle maintenance throughout life.
Active, working and ageing dogs may also benefit from carefully formulated nutritional support that complements a balanced diet.
Common Myth
❌ Bigger dog = stronger dog.
Reality:
Many lighter, well-conditioned dogs outperform heavier dogs in endurance, agility and functional strength.
Strength is about far more than body weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which breed has more muscle?
The American Bully usually has greater visible muscle mass.
Which breed is more athletic?
The Dogo Argentino.
Which breed runs faster?
Generally, the Dogo Argentino.
Which breed needs more exercise?
The Dogo Argentino.
Which breed is easier to keep lean?
Usually the Dogo Argentino.
Which breed lives longer?
Both commonly live around 10–13 years, although lifespan varies with genetics, healthcare, nutrition and lifestyle.
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From puppies to seniors, family pets to working and show dogs, Hench Range supplements are designed to help your dog look, feel and perform at their very best.
Final Verdict
Comparing the American Bully with the Dogo Argentino isn't about deciding which dog is "best."
It's about understanding what each breed was designed to do.
Choose the American Bully if you appreciate impressive muscle, a broad, powerful build and a companion-focused temperament.
Choose the Dogo Argentino if you value athleticism, endurance, functional strength and an active lifestyle.
Whichever breed you choose, one thing remains true:
Strong dogs aren't built by genetics alone.
They're shaped by responsible breeding, thoughtful training, appropriate exercise, balanced nutrition and dedicated owners who understand that true strength is measured by health, performance and quality of life—not simply appearance.
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