Quick Facts:

Group classification: Non-sporting

Country of origin: England

Date of origin: 1800’s

Weight (M): 75-125lb Height (M): 22-27"

Weight (F): 60-100lb Height (F): 20-25"

Life expectancy: 12-15 years

History

The working class that immigrated to the US from England took the original Bulldog’s to the South. They were mainly used on ranches and by small farmers. It seemed that the bulldogs survived because the settlers used them to deal with the vermin that was attracted by feral pigs. However, after the World War II, the bulldogs became almost extinct but some breeders including Mr. John D. Johnson and Alan Scott got together to resurrect the bulldog breed. What is currently known as the Standard American Bulldog was as a result of the infusion catch bulldogs from Alan Scott and Mr. Johnson’s line. Due to this program, the breed was brought back to what is now appreciated by many breeders. Thereafter in 1999, the United Kennel Club recognized the American bulldog.

General Description

American Bulldogs have very distinct features starting with the sturdy, powerful and muscular body and a strong looking face with powerful jaws. The bulldogs that have a looser lips or jaws are sometimes found to be droolers. The colors are varied and can be solid white or color patterns that may include red, black, fawn and brown. On the nose and around the eye rims, pigmentation of black is usually common, sometimes pink being evident. Medium sized ears are set up high and can be semi-pricked, rose shaped or dropped with the natural ears being preferred. The coat is seen to be close and short but it is usually stiff to touch. The American Bulldog’s back is found to be muscular and broad and whose topline declines downwards. The dog’s broad loin is short and arched into a sloping croup with the flank tucked up firmly. Many of the American Bulldogs are a combination of the Johnson and Scott breeds.

Temperament

With early socialization, the American Bulldogs are friendly, protective, gentle and fearless dogs. They tend to be very affectionate towards children and the owners making them protective dogs when they sense danger. To ensure that the dogs do not become excessively protective, it is advisable that socialization is done when they are puppies using a variety of situations and people. This can be achieved by taking walks to the park where they will be around other people and dogs. They are considered to be highly energized dogs and thus would do well in environments where they would be able to have exercise. It has been noted that the bulldogs get aggressive when they are around other dogs especially if they are of the same sex. The bulldogs are also at ease when around strangers therefore, they would not be the best option when it comes to protection. An interesting fact is that some of the American Bulldogs are able to jump to almost 6 feet.

Health and Care

The grooming that is required by the American Bulldogs is very minimal and just needs brushing when the dog’s coat is shedding. Using a bristle brush which should be firm or rubber mitt, brushing of its coat should be done regularly to get rid of the dead hairs. The bulldogs enjoy jogging, long walks and activities that would require them to be agile. If the American Bulldog receives its daily exercise, it is very unlikely that the dog will be uneasy when indoors. The bulldogs tend to be strong and physically active but can have problems such as hip dysplasia, enlarged hearts, kidney disorders, bone cancer, neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis and entropion. The health problems are mainly found within genetic lines and cannot be generalized to the whole breed.

Pets4You offers listings of American Bulldog breeders with puppies for sale.