American Bulldog Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the American Bulldog?

American Bulldogs are descended from English Bulldogs that were used in the 17th century for bull baiting. They were brought to the US to be used as working farm dogs because of their determination and strength.

They were gradually bred with other working dogs to get the best assets from the breeds involved. The breed was depleted during World War I and World War II, but determined breeders worked to repopulate the breed.

Over time, the American Bulldog was recognised for its friendly nature and became popular as a pet. They were also adopted as mascots for sports teams and universities across the US because of their strong looks and determination.

American Bulldogs were recognised by the United Kennel Club in 1999 as a distinct breed and were added to the American Kennel Club Foundation Stock Service in 2019. They compete in several dog sports as well, including weight pulling.

Who are American Bulldog dogs best for?

American bulldogs might look intimidating at first glance, but they are one of the friendliest breeds. They are known to be great for children, making them ideal for families.

It is worth noting that American Bulldogs do have a prey instinct and can go for smaller animals. Because of this and their size, they are better for experienced dog owners that will be able to train and control them.

They generally need around one or two hours of exercise a day. Because of their size and energy levels, they might not be the best choice for elderly owners.

They can show signs of aggression and dominance with other dogs, so socialisation and training from an early age are essential.

How much grooming does a American Bulldog need?

Grooming American Bulldogs is pretty straightforward. Their short coats don't require any specialised attention, and brushing once a week is enough to maintain the coat.

The American Bulldog does shed throughout the year, so brushing more regularly can help you deal with hair around the home.

Advice on how often you should bathe an American Bulldog can vary, depending on your dog. Bathing every six weeks should be enough to maintain the cleanliness of your dog, but this depends on whether it is out in fields getting dirty or not.

Do American Bulldog bark much?

American Bulldogs are not excessive barkers, but they can resort to this if they are not walked enough or get bored. Boredom in American Bulldogs can cause rambunctious behaviours resulting in barking or destructive chewing.

Do American Bulldog bite?

Training from an early age to stop your puppy from biting is important. A puppy will learn acceptable behaviours from you, and behaving according to how its mother would to being bitten can be a great way to stop it.

Letting out a high-pitched yelp when the dog nips you and then standing away from the puppy should let the message sink in. If the puppy continues to bite, start leaving the room, and they will begin to understand.

Stopping this behaviour at a young age is essential because an American Bulldog will grow to be big and powerful and could cause severe damage if it bites as an adult.

If the dog shows aggressive tendencies, try to determine the triggers. Working with a dog behaviourist and getting a checkup at the vet could determine an underlying factor.

What is the temperament & personality of a American Bulldog?

Their temperament and personality surprises many people who judge them purely on appearance. As big, strong-looking dogs, they can be intimidating, but they are known for being friendly and affectionate dogs.

They are great with kids, especially f they have been brought up with them. However, this loyalty can lead to them being defensive or territorial so training your dog from a young age is crucial.

What is the weight & size of a American Bulldog?

The American Bulldog is a large, muscular dog breed. You can expect the dog to grow to between 51 cm and 71 cm up to the shoulder. The average weight for an adult American Bulldog is 27 to 55 kilos.

How much training does a American Bulldog need?

American Bulldogs are intelligent dogs that need regular exercise and stimulation. Training from a young age and socialising them with other breeds will help them as they grow older.

A well trained American Bulldog will be much easier to control as it starts to get to its full size. Making training fun will yield better results as the dog's mind won't start to wander halfway through.

What are some of the most common health issues for a American Bulldog?

Because English Bulldogs were bred with other working dogs to create the American Bulldog, the American version has far fewer health issues than its distant relative. That is not to say that it does not suffer from some problems.

Generally speaking, the American Bulldog is a relatively healthy dog, but here are the main conditions it is known to suffer from.

• Obesity - American Bulldogs are prone to obesity, so a strict diet will help to battle against this.

• Hip Dysplasia - This is a common condition among dogs where the hip ball and socket grow at different rates, causing discomfort. This can be managed, or sometimes surgery will be required.

• Cherry Eye - Cherry Eye is when the tear duct becomes inflamed or prolapsed. This won't be too painful but can be uncomfortable for the dog.

• Dry Eye - This is when the production of tears in the tear duct starts to dry up. This can be treated with eye drops for the dog.

• Patellar Luxation - This is when the kneecap slips, causing pain and discomfort for your dog when they try to walk.

• Hyperthyroidism - Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid hormones fail to regulate the dog's metabolism, slowing it and causing the dog to put on weight.

What is the lifespan of a American Bulldog?

The average life span of an American Bulldog is between 10 and 15-years, and this will depend on the dog's background, diet, and general health.

In comparison, the English Bulldog's lifespan is between 8 and 10-years, showing again that the breeding with other working dogs to create the American Bulldog has made this a healthier breed.

How much should you feed a American Bulldog?

Getting the proper diet for an American Bulldog is crucial as it will need to fuel its active lifestyle, but you will need to be mindful that they are prone to obesity.

American Bulldog puppies should be fed a diet that will promote their growth and development, and this should be discussed with the breeder and your vet. You will be able to plan the diet and alter it as the puppy grows.

What is the price of a American Bulldog in Australia?

Buying an American Bulldog puppy can be expensive, costing from $1,700 to $2,200. Questioning the people that breed American Bulldogs and asking to see the puppy's parents will help give you a better idea of the dog you are buying.

You can also ask for evidence that the parents are in good health, as this will minimise the risk that the dog will develop genetic health problems down the line.

You might be able to adopt from an American Bulldog Rescue centre or speak with the national breed club for advice on breeders.