American Bulldog Breed Description

An Owner's American Bulldog Description
I try and take Spunk with me wherever I go. He's become a true companion that I never have to worry about. He'll sit with me on the dock for hours as I fish, getting just as excited as I do when I finally catch one. He still has a little animosity toward the family cat but is tolerating it more and more.

Spunk gets really affectionate with our kids and being with them is second only to fishing with me.

Spunk hates it when people mistake him for a "white" Boxer--he's proud to be a Bulldog. Besides, Spunk doesn't have that 'smushed-in-face' look. Although like Boxers, the American Bulldog was bred from mastiff breeds.

The short, stocky American Bulldog has its own distinct personality. He's really a happy and friendly dog that is just as much at ease with family and most outsiders. However, he can be protective if strangers pose a threat. He's tough enough to stand his ground and guard his master's property, although not my first choice for a watchdog.

He can get a little cranky and restless at times, however, good training at an early age will make controlling this little bulldog much more of a success. As with most dogs, introducing them regularly to other animals and people will improve their social skills. These are skills that need to be worked on since he was bred and used primarily to hunt and track pigs and razorbacks.

I always have to be mindful of Spunk's need for exercise as he will put on weight if he misses too many days of activity. But since I'm pretty active myself this really isn't an issue.

 

 

Introduction

Also known as the "Old Country Bulldog". These bold and lively dogs vary considerably in size and color and are similar to the original English working Bulldogs. They are robust, well muscled dogs that appeal to those who want a powerful companions. They need experienced handling and broad socialization while young. American Bulldogs weigh between 65 and 130 lbs. and stand from 19 to 28" at the shoulder.

History

The working class that immigrated to the U.S. from England took the original Bulldogs 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. With the change in American tastes and lifestyles after World War II, bulldogs became almost extinct, but some breeders, including Mr. John D. Johnson and Alan Scott, got together to resurrect the breed. What is currently known as the Standard American Bulldog is the result of the infusion from the Scott and Johnson lines. Thanks to their efforts, the breed was brought back to what is now appreciated by many owners and breeders alike. In 1999, the United Kennel Club recognized the American Bulldog.

Description

American Bulldogs have very distinct features starting with the sturdy, powerful and muscular body and a strong looking face highlighted by a powerful jaw. Those with looser lips or jaws are sometimes found to be droolers. Colors are varied: they can be solid white or they can have spot color patterns that may include red, black, fawn, and brown. On the nose and around the eye rims, pigmentation of black is common, but sometimes pink is 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 close and short, but it is usually stiff to touch. The American Bulldog’s back is muscular and broad and their topline declines downwards. The dog’s broad loin is short and arched into a sloping croup with the flank tucked up firmly.

Temperament

With early socialization, the American Bulldogs are friendly, protective, gentle and fearless dogs. They tend to be very affectionate towards children and their 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 highly energized dogs and do well in environments where they are able to have regular exercise. It has been noted that bulldogs get aggressive when they are around other dogs, especially if they are of the same sex. An interesting fact is that some of American Bulldogs are able to jump to almost 6 feet.

Health and Care

The grooming that is required of the American Bulldogs is very minimal and just needs brushing when the dog’s coat is shedding. Use a firm bristle brush or a rubber mitt regularly to get rid of dead hairs. Bulldogs enjoy jogging, long walks and activities that 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. They 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.



 

Colors

This breeds coat is white or white with patches that are either red (i.e. any shade of tan) or brindle.

Living Area

American Bulldogs are sturdy dogs that are capable of living outdoors. In fact, the ideal setting for the American Bulldog is on a farm or a home that has a large backyard that is securely fenced in which your dog can roam freely within. When you have such a setting for your American Bulldog you will want to ensure that they then have a nice indoor environment they can go to sleep or rest. Because the breed has a short coat, they are typically less tolerable to extreme hot or cold weather, and as a result, you may need to keep them indoors on very hot or cold days.

Recognized By

CKC, UKC, NKC

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