American Bulldog

Despite the "American" part in the American Bulldog's name, these dogs come from England. The Old English Bulldog, a now-extinct breed, was the ancestor of the modern-day American Bulldog. To help with farming, working-class immigrants in the United States brought the Old English Bulldogs with them when they immigrated.

In the 1600s and 1700s, many Old English Bulldogs were brought to the United States with their families.  Known for their quickness, intelligence, and steadfastness, the breed was well-suited for herding cattle and going on hunts.

Before bull-baiting was banned in England, the breed was used for its strength, courage, and comfort around livestock. So, after the ban, the English Bulldog took its place as a less athletic, calmer, shorter, and stockier breed.

When World War II ended, the new American Bulldog was nearly extinct, but a few breeders scoured the South searching for specimens to bring the breed back to life. American Bulldog, today, is in no danger of extinction and is primarily a family companion.

Appearance

These dogs have large heads with a muscular build. They are stocky and well-built dogs. This breed has a thick neck that slopes into a robust, powerful chest. There are two types of American Bulldogs, with a slight difference in appearance. First, the "Bully" type is somewhat smaller than the "standard" variety. They're both big, strong dogs.

Because of their large head, the distance between their eyes can make them appear smaller than they really are. The standard American Bulldog is more athletic, with slightly lengthier muzzles and square heads. Today, most American Bulldogs are "hybrid" types of these dogs. Most American Bulldogs fall within the weight range of 60-100 lb (27-45 kg), with a height of 20–25 in (51–64 cm) at the withers.

Coat type and color

It is possible to find American Bulldogs in all sorts of colors. Aside from the white with brindle, red or black patches, the breed has a wide range of other color options. Black, red, brindle, brown, and fawn are just a few examples of the patterns they can have. The most common American Bulldog coat colors are:

• White
• White and black
• White and brown
• White and tan
• White and brindle

Markings allowed for American Bulldog are tan, brindle, black, red, and brown.

Temperament

American Bulldogs are famous for their friendliness, cuteness, and protectiveness. They are great family companions, especially for families with children. However, socialization and training are critical for getting along with strangers or other dogs, especially if it starts early. American Bulldog is a powerful and athletic dog with a dominant and firm appearance.

If you provide your American Bulldog puppy with early training, they have no problem interacting with children and other animals. These dogs don't love to be left alone for a more extended period. If you properly train and socialize them, they will be excellent companions and family pets.

Care guide

The American Bulldog is a powerful dog breed, but these dogs still require proper care. All owners should make sure they keep regular vet appointments and provide their dogs with everything they need. Here are the most important aspects of American Bulldog care.

Grooming

Taking care of your American Bulldog's coat is pretty easy. Brushing isn't necessary for these dogs since their coat is pretty short and sheds moderately throughout the year.

It is unnecessary to bathe them too often, but rather only when they get really dirty or roll into something smelly. The ideal bathing schedule for an American Bulldog is once in two months. You risk removing the natural oils that keep their skin healthy if you bathe them more than once a week. This is a breed that's born with good looks. A once-a-week brushing keeps their coat healthy and reduces shedding. You should trim their nails every few weeks, and you should clean their ears with dog-safe ear cleaners regularly. You should brush their teeth regularly. Seasonal shedding is expected.

Training

The American Bulldog thrives on reward-based training methods, but they need a firm hand to guide them. American Bulldogs need early socialization with suitable puppy training classes to channel their energy. Training methods and the dog's environment contribute to a dog's ability to be well-managed, both in and out of the house. The breed needs to learn proper behavior so that they don't inadvertently harm others while playing. The best owner for an American Bulldog is someone who has previous dog ownership experience and who the dog can look up to for guidance.

Exercise needs

Adult American Bulldog requires different activities. Take your dog jogging or hiking, or provide them with other types of training. Very athletic dogs like American Bulldogs do not do well if left to their own devices. Their built-up energy can cause many behavioral issues. American Bulldogs need a lot of exercise and stimulation.

Socialization

Start socializing your American Bulldog as soon as you bring them home. You will ensure that your dog doesn't become shy or aggressive with proper socialization. Expose your American Bulldog to many different dogs, people, sights, and sounds, which will teach them how to react properly in different situations.

American Bulldog and kids

This breed is excellent with children and is extremely loyal to their owners. Additionally, it's essential to teach children how to properly care for and interact with animals to avoid potential incidents. It's critical to keep an eye on dogs, even if they've been adequately trained, when playing with children to ensure nothing goes wrong.

American Bulldogs and other pets

American Bulldogs usually get along great with other pets and animals if they get adequate socialization and training. Smaller dogs should always be supervised while playing with a large, muscular, and robust dog. Even if your dog is friendly, they can get hurt during playtime if they don't understand their own strength.

Health

The average life expectancy of an American Bulldog is 10–12 years. They are typically strong and healthy dogs. However, since this is a brachycephalic (flat-faced) dog breed, they are prone to overheating and other health problems. You must always provide your American Bulldog with access to fresh water, shaded areas, and air conditioning during hot summer days. American Bulldog can suffer from:

• Hip dysplasia - The improper development of the hip joint. This condition can cause lameness, and dogs with hip dysplasia should be excluded from breeding.
• Mange - Mange in dogs is caused by parasites already living in the dog's skin. When the dog's immune system is compromised, these parasites' numbers grow and cause skin issues.
• Hypothyroidism - The overproduction of thyroid hormones.
• Cataracts - Cataracts typically affect older dogs but can cause problems for dogs as early as 3 years old. This condition causes clouding of the eye and can lead to blindness.

American Bulldog breeders

If you have decided that this is the right dog breed for you, it's time to find American Bulldog breeders. To ensure that you will end up with the healthiest dog possible, we advise you to search only for responsible American Bulldog breeders. That way, you can ensure that the puppy will have the best possible start. Buying a dog from an official dog breeder will initially cost more money, but when you know that they will be healthy and have a good temperament, it is worth it.

World Dog Finder team