American Bulldog

The American bulldog is a breed of domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris). Though larger in size, they are the closest surviving relative of the Old English bulldog, because American breeders did not change their appearance as much as their European breeders. There are generally considered to be two types of American bulldog, the Johnson type and the Scott type. These types are named after the breeders who were influential in developing them, John D. Johnson and Allen Scott. These are more commonly known as Classic, or Bully type, and Standard, or Performance type.

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American Bulldog Breed Information

The American bulldog is a stocky and well built, strong-looking dog with powerful jaws. Its coat is short and generally smooth. The breed is a light to moderate shedder. Colors, while historically predominantly white, have grown in recent years to include any color pattern: including black, red, brown, fawn and all shades of brindle. The color conformation is quite varied, but blue or any degree of merle is undesirable. It is considered a fault or disqualification by most breed standards. Black pigmentation on the nose and eye rims is preferred, with only some pink being allowed. Eye color is usually brown. American bulldogs can be droolers. This varies and is more prevalent in those that are looser jowled or lipped. The Johnson is generally a larger, heavier dog with a shorter muzzle. Scott types often resemble a large, leggy Pit Bull. It is important to note that many modern American bulldogs are a combination of the two types. In general, American bulldogs weigh between 27 to 57 kg (60 to 130 lb) and are 52 to 70 cm (20 to 28 in) at the withers, but have been known to greatly exceed in that "out of standard", non working, stock. The Johnson type is often confused with the "white" Boxer due to the strong resemblance between the two breeds.

Temperament

An American bulldog is typically a happy and friendly dog that is at ease with its family. They bond strongly with their master and family. This breed tolerates children and can do very well with them, provided they are socialized early and understand their limits. The more exposure to good training practices, other dogs and people, the more likely the success at being controlled both inside and outside of their environment. One way to help accomplish this goal can be done in the simplest of ways, by walking them regularly in a local park. There they can meet other people and dogs. While its genetics and breeding were to produce a working farm utility dog that could catch and hold large herbivores, kill vermin, and guard an owner's property, when properly introduced and socialized, this breed can become a great family pet. Some American bulldogs are very protective of owners, and have been known to become aggressive with other dogs.But overall they are great family pets.

Purebred/Blood American bulldogs are excellent tracking, working, guard and family dogs; generally require little/no professional training to execute, being true, some American bulldogs are not tolerant of unknown creatures or people on/near/approaching "their" property/area/vehicles and sometimes even not so familiar friends and family when owner isn't around. Assertiveness(charging-rushing) towards other dogs even when outside of territory/property is not uncommon. American bulldogs are known to be a very dominant breed, but should not be hostile on neutral territory, i.e no where near their home. AB's generally do not engage unless seriously provoked. Breed is also noted for having an extremely high pain tolerance.

Puppies have also been noted for being friendly & carefree (1-36 months), i.e no cares around strangers at home, friendliness towards all animals(except ones fleeing for dear life). Then maturing & developing into alert, protective, smart and all around companions.

This breed's high prey drive can sometimes make them unsuitable for homes that have cats and smaller pets, but the correct socialization at an early age (see above, temperament) will greatly increase the chances of them accepting these animals. Aggressiveness towards other strange dogs, especially those of the same sex is typical.

Recent history

American bulldogs are now safe from extinction and are enjoying a healthy increase in popularity, either as a working dog or as a family pet. All over the world, they are used variously as "hog dogs" (catching escaped pigs or hunting razorbacks), as cattle drovers and as working K-9s. They are also bred with the Catahoula leopard dog in a specific formula to obtain the faster and more agile Catahoula bulldog. American bulldogs also successfully compete in several dog sports such as Schutzhund, French Ring street protection sport, Iron Dog competition and weight pulling.

Health

Bulldogs generally live from 10-12 years, and tend to be strong, physically active, and often healthy. Some health problems in American bulldogs are often found within certain genetic lines, and are not common to the entire breed, while others, such as neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL), enlarged hearts, disorders of the kidney and thyroid, skin disorders, ACL tears, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, entropion, ectropion, and bone cancer are more common to the general population of American bulldogs. It is highly recommended to spend time, and research your breeder information, including your American bulldogs family history. a Pennhip certification is recommended. A Registered Breeder is a recommended source for your American bulldog.