American Bulldog Informationuse keyboard arrows for additional information about this breed | ![]() |
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General Description
American Bulldogs are a stout, burly breed, but they are also extremely agile and swift. They have a wide chest and a tapered, muscular neck that may or may not have a slight dewlap. The breed features a strong-boned, compact body with straight limbs and burly hindquarters. They have broad, square heads with a pronounced furrow, muscular cheeks, and a box-shaped muzzle. Their stop is prominent, defined, and deep. Their well-developed teeth meet in a tight undershot or a scissors bite. American Bulldogs have a variety of acceptable ear types including pendant, half-pricked, and rose. Their eye color varies. The American Bulldog has black, loose-fitting lips and a black nose. Their tails are low-set and taper to a point. A variety of colors exist for the American Bulldog’s short, harsh, close-fitting coat. Many variations of white, brindle, brown, red, and tan are acceptable for show.
Character
American Bulldogs are dutiful, courageous, and protective, but they should not be aggressive. Despite their reputation, American Bulldogs make wonderful family pets. While they are capable of being competitive with other dogs, they should not initiate a challenge unreasonably. The breed is not hostile, though they have a genetic disposition towards heroic acts, bravery, and fighting. When properly raised and sufficiently trained, American Bulldogs make excellent companions. They are naturally good with children and they cater to the wants and needs of their owner(s). The American Bulldog has an alert, intelligent, and confident disposition, and they have strong protective instincts. Sometimes leery with strangers or aggressive towards other dogs, it’s important for an American Bulldog to be obedience trained and well-socialized at a young age.
General Health
American Bulldogs are prone to hip dysplasia. They are a comparatively long-lived breed, and can often live for up to 16 years. They average 11 puppies per litter.
When purchasing an American Bulldog, make sure the breeder have their dogs PennHip, CERF (eyes) and BAER screened for deafness. This breed is prone to deafness, and like most dog breeds, eye problems as well.
When purchasing an American Bulldog, make sure the breeder have their dogs PennHip, CERF (eyes) and BAER screened for deafness. This breed is prone to deafness as well as eye and skin problems. They sometimes get rashes and sores between their toes due to allergies. Often a chicken and beef free diet can help limit skin irritations.
History
Many of the earliest bulldogs came to England and America with their masters. The English Bulldog was bred down to a smaller size and given a softer a personality, but the American variety was still fierce and large by comparison. Just before and during WWII, the American version was becoming extinct. This development disappointed a man by the name of John D. Johnson, so he gathered the best species he could find. He then proceeded to breed them. Many claim that John D. Johnson is solely responsible for preventing the American Bulldog from becoming extinct. American Bulldogs have many natural talents including tracking, guarding, and weight-pulling. They also make excellent farm, working, hunting, and watchdogs.
John.D. Johnson eventually found another gentleman that was also concerned with the prevention of the extinction of this breed, Allen Scott. They jointly went south to purchase the Ol' Southern Whites,(Scott’s preference), the performance type, tall and leggy, while Johnson preferred the stouter type of American Bulldog, working breed with the curved legs, shorter and very muscled. Eventually this difference separated the two men, both believing in their personal choice.
Maintenance
The American Bulldog’s short, harsh coat is easy to groom and take care of. Brushing with a firm bristle brush will help the shedding process. This breed should be bathed only as necessary. They are average shedders.
Ideal Environment
American Bulldogs need a fair amount of exercise. They do best in households with at least an average-sized yard, but they can tolerate an apartment or house without one if they are sufficiently exercised. Because of their inactivity indoors, long walks and other forms of exercise are needed to ensure their mental and physical happiness.
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American Bulldog Q&AAsk a Question
- Over Protective
I rescued my AB in March. He's approx. 3yrs old. He doesn't seem to trust children and has been a little aggressive with them. I don't allow children next to him anymore. However, when I have guest come to the house, he again...
Asked by Anonymous - 1 answers - 5 month old AB and submitting
I have a 5 mo old AB, he is the alpha from his litter. He submits to my husband, but will not submit to me. I have tried everything, having him on his back holding onto his paws, using my hand as a bite from another dog, lifting...
Asked by Anonymous - 5 answers - American Bulldog
My 7 year old American Bulldog started having seizures Sunday night and 3 hours later it was so bad that we had to put her to sleep. What would cause this? She has never been sick. She was out earlier playing with the kids and...
Asked by Anonymous - 1 answers - Dandruff
My American Buldog was given to me she is beautiful but she is shedding bad ( no barespots ) and has bad dandruff what can i do to help her ? She is 8 months old. can i bathe her once a week because of her odor without damaging her...
Asked by Anonymous - 2 answers