American Bulldog

Thinking about purchasing an American Bulldog? Then read our breed profile including a brief description, information on height, weight, color, coat, temperament, grooming, activity and history. Purchasing a new puppy is a commitment that may last ten or more years so please educate yourself on the American Bulldog breed, including all stages of their life from puppy hood to older dog.

Ask yourself will I be a good owner? Do I have the time it takes to train a new puppy? Do I have the resources to give my new dog a rewarding life. Do I have a local veterinarian that I can take my new dog to? Do I have a groomer or can I do the grooming myself on a regular basis.

Fundamental requirements for a being a good American Bulldog owner;

properly feed your new dog,
house them comfortably
train them in basic obedience.

Before making a purchase talk to the breeder, ask them many questions about their dogs and the breed in general. A good breeder will teach you about the American Bulldog and they will have many questions for you about your home and life style and if this breed is suited for you and your family.

Questions you may want to ask an American Bulldog Breeder:

When were your American Bulldogs born? When will they be allowed to leave?
Have your puppies received their first shots? being wormed? had a puppy check up with your veterinarian?
What type of socialization have the puppies received? with children? with other pets? in the home?
Have you seen genetic problems in previous litters? What are your health guarantees?
Are there any health certifications on the sire or dam?
What is the temperament of the puppies, of the mother? shy? boisterous? aggressive? skittish?
If you become unable to care for your new American Bulldog, will the breeder help you find a new home?

It is recommended that you sign a contract with the breeder so that there will be no misunderstandings on the arrangements made. Then bring home your new American Bulldog and enjoy as "there is no greater love then a dog's devotion."

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American Bulldog Breed Profile

The American Bulldog is bred from working dogs and designed for catching livestock and protecting property. They are larger then their close relatives, the Old English Bulldog. American Bulldogs are a powerful, athletic short-coated dog, strongly muscled and well boned. The head is large and broad with a wide muzzle, and with very powerful jaws. American Bulldogs generate the impression of great strength, endurance and exhibit a well-knit, sturdy compact frame. The American Bulldog should be evaluated as a working dog, and exaggerations or faults should be penalized in proportion to how much they interfere with the dog's ability to work. The American Bulldog is a gentle and loving dog, affectionate with their owners. They are fearless when it comes to defending, however, and they do so very well. The American Bulldog can get along well with pets it has been raised with, but may be dog aggressive with dogs of the same sex. This breed gets along well with children and is a joy to a home.

Other Names: Old Country Bulldog, Old English White

Type: Guardian Dog

Height: Desirable height in a mature male ranges from 22 - 27 inches; in a mature female from 20 - 25 inches.
Weight: Desirable weight in a mature male ranges from 75 - 125 pounds; in a mature female from 60 - 100 pounds.

Colors: All white, pied, or up to 90% color; brindle or red patches (red is defined as any shade of tan, brown or red)
Coat: The coat is short, close, hard and stiff to the touch.

Temperament: American Bulldogs have the essential characteristics of the Bulldog which enable it to work as a hog and cattle catching dog and a protector of personal property. These tasks require a powerful, agile, confident dog with a large head and powerful jaws. The American Bulldog is a gentle, happy, loving family companion who is fearless enough to face an angry bull or a human intruder. They are fine with strangers if they have a chance to meet them. They love children but might be unintentionally too rough with them and therefore should be supervised.
With Children: Yes, the American Bulldog is known for it's love for children.
With Pets: Yes, the American Bulldog is excellent with other pets, especially when raised together and socialized. American Bulldogs should generally only be housed with a dog of the opposite sex. They may be dog aggressive with members of the same sex.

Watch-dog: High. Bulldogs are very alert to what is going on around them, and around their property.
Guard-dog: High.

American Bulldog Care and Training: Brush their coat with a firm bristle brush or rubber mitt and bathe only when necessary. Puppies should have early socialization. They need short walks in a cool environment. Overexertion, or exertion in hot, humid weather, is dangerous. Bulldogs cannot swim! Most wheeze, snore, and drool, thus giving rise to occasional breathing problems. Tail folds and facial wrinkles should be cleaned daily.
Learning Rate: High. Mostly an independent thinker, the American Bulldog lives to please its master.

Activity: Medium - High.
Special Needs: Attention, a fenced yard, leash, socialization, training, and supervision around water.
Living Environment: Indoor or outdoor, the American Bulldog requires an experienced owner who has time to train and socialize their dog. American Bulldogs should generally only be housed with a dog of the opposite sex. They may be dog aggressive with members of the same sex. The best owner for this breed would be a dog-experienced owner living in a suburban, rural or city environment.

American Bulldog Health Issues: This is a rather healthy, hardy dog. Some strains have hip dysplasia, parvovirus, skin allergies, breathing problems or eye problems.

Life Span: 8 - 15 years. This can be either a short lived or long lived breed.
Litter Size: 6 - 16 puppies. Wow!

Country of Origin: United States of America
American Bulldog History: Bulldogs in England were originally working dogs who drove and caught cattle and guarded their masters' property. The breed's strength, courage, and familiarity with livestock led to its popularity in the brutal sport of bull baiting. When this sport was outlawed in England, the original type of Bulldog disappeared from Britain and was replaced with the shorter, stockier, less athletic dog we now know as the English Bulldog. The original Bulldog, however, was preserved by working class immigrants who brought their working dogs with them to the American South. Small farmers and ranchers used this all-around working dog for many tasks. By the end of World War II, however, the breed was almost extinct. Mr. John D. Johnson, a returning war veteran, decided to resurrect this breed. Along with Alan Scott and several other breeders, Johnson began carefully to breed American Bulldogs, keeping careful records and always with an eye for maintaining the breed's health and working abilities. Today the breed is highly popular in America.

Class: Rare, Working
Registries: UKC

American Bulldogs

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Wednesday, February 06, 2008