What makes the American Bulldog Unique?
Despite being initially bred as hard working farm dogs, these stocky creatures make great family pets and companions. After all, there is a reason that they have recently seen a surge in popularity.
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Is the American Bulldog Right For You?
This high-energy breed is genuinely fond of children when raised around them, but can also be good for active seniors. Owners should keep in mind that American Bulldogs enjoy being part of family occasions and resent being left alone for long periods. These dogs do need early socialization training to prevent them from becoming wary of strangers or aggressive towards cats and other canines.
Regardless of the weather conditions outside, American Bulldogs require an hour’s worth of exercise every day. Frequent walks are recommended for these dogs. Mental and physical exercise is needed to keep these energetic dogs from becoming destructive and difficult to manage.
In 5 Words
- Loyal
- Reliable
- Brave
- Alert
- Self-confident
Characteristics
Learn About the American Bulldog
Description
General Description
Overall, American Bulldogs are stocky, athletic dogs. Females of this breed are generally smaller than their male contemporaries. American Bulldogs have square heads with a flattened nose. They should also have brown eyes, black noses, and high set ears. They also should have a tapered tail that has not been docked and it should resemble a pump handle. Members of this breed are said to move with a smoothly balanced gait. American Bulldogs come in two varieties, which each have a somewhat different appearance, which the National Kennel Club standards describe variously as “standard” and “bully” types.
Size
According to the National Kennel Club, male American Bulldogs of a standard type should ideally weigh between 75 and 115 pounds. Those of a bully type can weigh somewhat more at 80 to 125 pounds. In either case the dogs should stand about 23 to 27 inches at their withers. Standard size females ideally measure between 21 and 25 inches at the withers while those of the bully type are somewhat taller at 22 to 26 inches high. Weight measurements for female dogs of both types start at 60 pounds but the standard type must stay under 85 pounds and the bully type can be a bit large at up to 105 pounds.
Coat
American Bulldogs have stiff, smooth coats. Brindle and solid white are acceptable colors but fawn, brown, red, and black patterns are likewise allow in the dogs’ coats.
Short History of the American Bulldog
While bull baiting is one of the original purposes of the bulldog, members of this breed have also served as livestock guardians and stock herders when their owners brought them to the United States. The bulldog was popular with farmers because it had a number of functional uses. A breed standard had not been established, so these dogs ended up being more varied in both appearance and temperament than they are today. Breeding was largely at the owner’s discretion. The result was that there ended up being several different bulldog strains with similar origins.
This changed after World War II when war veteran John D. Johnson decided to rescue this breed from possibly becoming extinct. The gentleman hoped to create a large dog that was suitable for farm work and similar to the old-fashioned bulldogs by breeding the best specimens he could find. Johnson’s efforts were successful. The Bulldog was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1886. This breed has gone on to be the noted mascot for the University of Georgia and the United States Marine Corps.
Temperament
This high-energy breed is genuinely fond of children when raised around them, but can also be good for active seniors. Owners should keep in mind that American Bulldogs enjoy being part of family occasions and resent being left alone for long periods. These dogs do need early socialization training to prevent them from becoming wary of strangers or aggressive towards cats and other canines. However, shyness and aggression are both breed faults. Properly socialized American Bulldogs can be very outgoing, though some will always be reserved around those that aren’t part of the family. However, to members of their human family, these dogs are incredibly loyal.
This breed’s innate protective instincts as well as some lines’ resemblance to Pit Bulls, means it is necessary to keep these dogs on a leash when they’re not in a securely fenced in area. It is likewise a good idea to make sure American Bulldogs also understand at least basic commands. Owners should be aware that these dogs may additionally slobber and drool, though some are worse than others. These dogs also need plenty of exercise and should not be spoiled into thinking that they are in charge of the household or problem may arise as a result.
Caring for Your American Bulldog
General Health
American Bulldogs can live about 10 years in good health and some dogs have lived for as long as 16 years. However, some problems that owners may want to watch out for including hip dysplasia, bladder stones, degenerative joint disease, gastric torsion, cancer, skin problems, allergies, and eye ailments. These dogs additionally have difficulty breathing in warm environments due to their shortened snouts and they have to live indoors as a result. Owners should also note that while most dogs have no problems swimming about when the opportunity presents itself, American Bulldogs are bound to have difficulty keeping their stalwart forms above water and should, therefore, be watched around pools and lakes to keep them from accidentally drowning.
Care
Daily
Regardless of the weather conditions outside, American Bulldogs require an hour’s worth of exercise every day. Frequent walks are recommended for these dogs. Mental and physical exercise is needed to keep these energetic dogs from becoming destructive and difficult to manage.
Weekly
To prevent both bad breath and the onset of periodontal disease, dog owners may want to brush their pet’s teeth at least a few times per week.
Monthly
Most dogs will need to be given flea, heartworm, and tick prevention medication on a monthly basis because this is the usual timeframe for doing so.
Grooming & Bathing
American Bulldogs shed a moderate amount, but grooming them with a bristle brush several times a week should keep households from becoming inundated with fur. These dogs will also need to have their face wiped on a regular basis to prevent debris from accumulating in their wrinkles. However, American Bulldogs only need to be bathed in the event they become dirty or if they encounter a skunk.
Exercise & Training
This is a breed that is recommended for experienced dog owners because American Bulldogs will assert themselves as the leader of their family if not properly handed. Early socialization and obedience training are both highly recommended for helping American Bulldogs become well-rounded family members. However, this breed also excels at a variety of dog sports and owners may want to train them further to in order to participate in these fun events.
American Bulldog Picture Gallery
