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American Bulldogs

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American bulldogs are large and muscular, bred for farm work, and protection. Known for being athlete-energetic and loyal. Ranking high in intelligence the American bulldogs are descendants of the old English bulldog, originating in the southern US for guarding livestock and property.

 

 While their initial purpose was centered around work and protection, American bulldogs have become cherished family pets, with a gentle nature, despite their intimidating look. They form strong bonds with their family, loving attention and being involved in family activities, showing their affection and gentle nature.

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Perfect companion for athletic families, frequent exercise and mental stimulation is required for the American bulldog breed to stay fit-happy and a well-balanced dog. American bulldogs have a high trainability level, and are always eager to please.

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History Of The American Bulldog

 

 Bulldogs were originally bred for bull-baiting in the 17th century. Later, when this gruesome sport went out of fashion, Bulldogs slowly became family dogs in England.

 

  The English version of the breed was brought to North America to be used as working dogs on farms. Due to their strength, intelligence, agility, and loyalty, they were often used for both hunting and herding.


 These Bulldogs held a variety of jobs held over the centuries: guardians, cattle chasers, farm dogs, and hunting partners. Though the breed has been in the United States since the 17th century, the American Bulldog started to become more popular in the late 1980s, according to the American Bulldog Association (ABA).

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 By the late 1940s, the breed was almost extinct, and only survived by devoted breeders like John D. Johnson and Alan Scott who started breeding American Bulldogs after the war. Johnson began crossing his original lines with an English bulldog from the northern UK that had maintained its pre-ban genetic athletic vigor, creating the Bully type American Bulldog, also known as the Johnson type. During this period, two different lines of Bulldogs appeared but today’s American Bulldog is a cross between the two.

Bull and Terrier Dog History >

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- The United Kennel Club (UKC) recognized the breed in 1999.

- The American Bulldog Association was founded in 1989

- The United Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1999

- The American Bulldog is not registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC), but the AKC recognized the breed into its Foundation Stock Service in 2019.

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Physical Characteristics

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 The American Bulldog is a muscular and powerful breed, characterized by its broad chest, strong neck, and well-defined build. They typically have a wide head with a short muzzle, prominent jawline, and pronounced cheek muscles. Their ears can be cropped or left natural, and they have expressive, round eyes.

 

 Coat colors vary and can include white, brindle, and patches of various shades, glossy short coats with a low shed level, making grooming a breeze for you.

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 Adult American Bulldogs generally weigh between 60 to 120 pounds and stand about 20 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder, depending on the specific type (standard, Scott or Johnson). Hence the name for which they were developed from.

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Temperament

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  American Bulldogs are loyal, intelligent, and active dogs who require focused training and plenty of exercise. They love to spend their days engaging in physical activities and interacting with their families.

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  Known for their playful and protective nature, American Bulldogs thrive in environments where they can be socialized and stimulated, making regular walks, playtime, and training sessions essential to their well-being, training them to go with you on bike rides and roller blading would be a plus in their eyes. Their loyalty makes them excellent companions, but it's important to establish consistent training to harness their energy and intelligence effectively.

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American Bulldog

Health Concerns​​

 

Elbow and Hip Dysplasia 

 According to the ABA, American Bulldogs, like many other larger dog breeds, can be prone to elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These conditions are where those joints don’t fit together properly. This can cause pain and, if left untreated, arthritis. Responsible American Bulldog breeders will screen their dogs for this genetic condition. 

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Allergies 

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American Bulldogs can have allergies caused by an overactive immune system, according to the ABA. Signs that your dog has allergies include:  

If you notice any of these signs in your American Bulldog, contact your veterinarian for guidance. Read Home Allergy Relief Tips >

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 American Bulldogs indeed make excellent family pets with their loyal and playful nature, thriving in active households. Their strong bonding with families and protective instincts, combined with their athleticism and need for regular exercise, make them well-suited for families who enjoy outdoor activities and endurance sessions. Early socialization and training help them develop into well-balanced companions.

 

 A loyal and protective breed that can make a great family pet if you're willing to put in the work to train 'em right. These muscular pups have a strong prey drive and can be a bit stubborn, so you gotta be the alpha dog from day one. With consistent training, positive reinforcement, and setting clear boundaries, your bulldog will learn who's boss and aim to please. They've got a ton of energy to burn, so long daily walks or play sessions in a fenced yard are a must.

 

 Properly socialized bulldogs are real sweethearts with their humans and great with kids, but they can be a bit wary of strangers at first. Once they know you're part of their pack though, you've got a devoted best friend for life who'll always have your back.

Buying from a responsible breeder is vital, pet shops and certain online puppy listing platforms, sell 'puppy mill' puppies, that have not been health screened with one or both parents, or have a healthy breeding lineage, and they have not been socialized at a critical young development age. Read our how to spot a 'puppy mill' puppy.

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If you have a bulldog story to share, we'd love to hear from you! Connect with us and let your story be part of our community. Your experiences matter, and together, we can celebrate the joy of bulldogs!

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