The American Bulldog is a large dog breed that’s part of the foundation stock service. This breed has a fascinating history but is known to be confident and loyal today. To learn more about this dog breed, keep reading.
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| American Bulldog Dog Breed Overview | |
|---|---|
| Nicknames | Old Country Bulldog, AmBulldog, AM Bulldog, American Bulldogge, American Bulldoggee, American Bull |
| Height | 20 - 25 inches |
| Weight | 60 - 100 pounds |
| Lifespan | 10 - 14 years |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Temperament | Loyal, Playful, Affectionate |
| Suitable For | Families with or without children, families with or without other pets, active families, experienced dog owners |
History Of The American Bulldog Dog Breed
The American Bulldog was first developed as a farm utility dog and a projector. However, this pup was also used as a friendly family companion.
It’s believed that this dog breed was created in the United States in the 17th and 18th centuries. However, there is evidence that this doggo has been around in North America since the 1700s.
The ancestor of this dog breed is believed to be the Old English Bulldog, which was brought over to North America by world-class immigrants to work on farms.
American Bulldogs were primarily kept in the south to help out on farms and ranches. They were especially good at tracking down feral cows and pigs.
Unfortunately, American Bulldogs were also used for bull baiting, a cruel and dangerous sport. Today, these pups are loyal, friendly, and excellent family companion dogs.
During WWI and WWII, this breed almost went extinct. Luckily, two breeders, John D. Johnson and Alan Scott, brought the American Bulldog back.
What Do American Bulldogs Look Like?
American Bulldogs are large dog breeds. Males are often bigger than females. For example, males can grow to be about 22 to 25 inches tall and weigh between 75 and 100 pounds.
On the other hand, females can grow to be about 20 to 23 inches tall, weighing between 60 and 80 pounds.
Regarding their physical appearance, American Bulldogs are often mistaken for Dogo Argentino or American Pit Bull Terriers. However, all three breeds are different from one another.
American Bulldogs have a muscular build and are always ready to run. They’re so powerful that they can jump about six feet into the air!
This doggo has a thin tail with narrow but strong forelegs and hindlegs. They have a barrel chest, which looks like most of their weight comes from the front.
In addition, American Bulldogs have a square head. However, they don’t have wrinkled jowls like other Bulldogs have.
Finally, they have a short coat that can come in a handful of colors and patterns.
What Coat Colors Does The American Bulldog Breed Have?
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), American Bulldogs have white coats. However, you may also see them with the following coat colors:
- White & Black
- White & Brindle
- White & Brown
- White & Tan
In addition, this doggo can have a few coat markings, as well. For instance, they may have:
- Tan Markings
- Brown Markings
- Black Markings
- Brindle Markings
- Red Markings
American Bulldog Pet Care
This breed is relatively low-maintenance to care for. They’re a great addition to any home once you know their needs and requirements. So, let’s talk about how to care for an American Bulldog.
Grooming
Grooming this dog breed is relatively easy. They don’t require much maintenance since they don’t need a regular bath.
You can bathe the American Bulldog if they get dirty or smelly. If you want them to get a good cleaning once in a while, you can bring them to a professional grooming salon every six months.
Otherwise, you’ll want to brush their fur at least once weekly. Even though they have a short coat, this doggo does moderately shed. American Bulldogs are not considered hypoallergenic.
In addition, you’ll need to keep up with brushing their teeth, trimming their nails, and cleaning their ears regularly.
Diet
Your dog’s diet will depend on many factors. For example, their dog food should be appropriate for their breed size, age, weight, and metabolism.
American Bulldogs can eat dry kibble, wet canned food, or homemade meals that their vet approves.
If you’re unsure which brand to feed your furry friend, talk it over with your veterinarian.
Check out these dog food options on Amazon.
Exercise
American Bulldogs are active, energetic, and hard-working dogs. Therefore, they need constant mental stimulation and physical exercise every day.
To help build their bones and joints, you can do low-impact exercises with American Bulldog puppies. Then, as an adult, you can bring them on long walks, jogs, hikes, play tug-of-war, and other fun games to keep them entertained.
You’ll want to provide this dog breed with a bigger house with a fenced-in yard. They won’t do well in an apartment unless you can frequently bring them outside to play.
However, American Bulldogs won’t like being outside alone. So you’ll need to keep an eye on them, so they don’t become destructive or try to entertain themselves in less desirable ways.
This dog breed will do well with an active family with someone home most of the day. This way, your doggo can have company and release energy as needed.
Training
Proper training and early socialization are crucial to owning an American Bulldog. Therefore, an American Bulldog puppy must begin training as soon as possible.
Not only do they need to learn to obey basic commands and listen to their owners, but this doggo needs to learn acceptable ways to unleash their energy.
In addition, socialization is part of training. This will help your pup get used to other animals, strangers, and young children.
Luckily, this breed is intelligent and easy to train.
Health Problems
American Bulldogs are relatively healthy. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t get certain diseases.
For example, they’re prone to the following:
- Cataracts
- Mange
- Hypothyroidism
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Osteoarthritis
- Obesity
- Overheating
- Breathing issues
- Ichthyosis
- Canine Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL)
You can bring your pup to the vet a few times as a puppy during their first year. Together, you and your vet can keep track of their overall growth and development. Also, you can keep them up to date with their shots and boosters.
Every year after that, you’ll only need to bring your doggo to the vet annually for a checkup.
With proper care, American Bulldogs have an average lifespan of about ten to 14 years.
American Bulldog Temperament
The American Bulldog has a lot of love to give its family members. They’re loyal and affectionate with their family, including young children. But first, they’ll need training and early socialization to get along with kids.
On the other hand, this breed will be wary and suspicious of strangers. Due to their loyalty to their family and territory, American Bulldogs make excellent watchdogs.
This doggo can get silly when they’re excited and playful. They enjoy attention from their family and are always ready to play.
You’ll want to ensure they get plenty of exercise and playtime throughout the day to decrease unwanted behaviors.
For example, this breed doesn’t bark much but will if they’re bored. Also, they’ll bark to alert you of anything.
In addition, this pup may also chew at furniture or objects that are not their toys. They may also dg to get your attention.
Plenty of physical and mental stimulation, included with proper training, will nip these behaviors in the bud.
Are There Any Differences Between Males And Females?
There aren’t any notable differences between a male American Bulldog and a female one. Besides males being physically bigger than females, both genders are excellent canine companions.
Who Should Own An American Bulldog?
An American Bulldog is an excellent addition to any home. They’ll do well with an active family, with or without kids. But, also, they need experienced dog owners. Even though they’re intelligent and easy to train, their energy might be too much for novice dog owners.
American Bulldogs should also live in a house with a fenced-in yard rather than an apartment. These living conditions are due to their exercise needs and size.
Where Can You Get An American Bulldog?
Where ever you can adopt a dog, you should be able to find an American Bulldog there. Your local animal shelter or breed rescue organization will be an excellent place to start.
These places have dogs that are looking for forever, loving homes. You may find a purebred American Bulldog or a mixed breed. On the other hand, they might have puppies, adults, or seniors of this breed.
The American Bulldog Rescue is an excellent place to start looking for a rescue dog.
If you want to know where your doggo came from or want an American Bulldog puppy, then you can go through a reputable breeder.
Remember, an ethical breeder will do the following:
- Socialize and train the puppies as early as possible
- Ensure the puppies are up to date with their vaccinations
- Won’t allow the puppies to leave their mother before eight weeks old
- Treat the dogs as part of the family (without the use of kennels, aside from crate training)
- Meet with you in person to get to know one another
In addition, American Bulldog breeders will also health screen the parents before breeding to ensure it’s healthy and safe. Then, they’ll get health screen the puppies when they’re born.
Upon adoption, they’ll give you a health certificate and family tree history of the puppy.
Be mindful of puppy mills and backyard breeders. These places want to profit more from the puppies than find the dogs good homes. Always research a breeder before working with them.
You can begin your breeder search through the AKC Marketplace.
Question Corner: FAQs About The American Bulldog
Have you decided on getting this dog breed yet? To learn more, check out the frequently asked questions about the American Bulldog answered below.
What’s The Average Cost Of The American Bulldog?
The average American Bulldog price is between $1,200 and $1,500. However, the price may vary depending on the breeder, their location, and the current popularity of the breed. The cost will be lower if you go through an animal shelter or rescue.
What’s The Average Litter Size Of An American Bulldog?
Due to their large size, the American Bulldog can have an average litter of about 11 puppies.
Is An American Bulldog A Good Family Dog?
With proper training and socialization, yes. This dog breed is an excellent family dog. They’re loyal and affectionate with family members, including young kids.
Are American Bulldogs Dangerous?
Due to their bull-baiting background, American Bulldogs do have the potential to be aggressive and dangerous. This is why proper training and socialization are needed as soon as possible. After that, they’ll be excellent watchdogs.
Can American Bulldogs Swim?
Yes, this breed can swim. However, due to their large size and possible breathing issues, they won’t be able to swim far. Therefore, it’s best to keep them in the shallow end of the pool where they can easily stand up.
Are American Bulldogs Good Guard Dogs?
They make excellent guard dogs as long as they’re trained well enough not to become too aggressive. It’s better to have them as a watchdog.
Can American Bulldogs Be Left Alone?
They can be left alone for some time. They’re not prone to separation anxiety. However, crate training is a good idea if you’ll be gone most of the day. Otherwise, they may become destructive due to too much energy. Hiring a dog walker or bringing them to doggy daycare is also a good idea.
Do American Bulldogs Shed?
Yes, this breed does shed moderately. Even though they have short fur, you can still expect to find loose hairs on your clothes and furniture.
Are American Bulldogs Hypoallergenic?
No, this breed is not hypoallergenic. They shed a decent amount, and American Bulldogs also drool a bit.
Can American Bulldogs Live Outside?
As with most animals, American Bulldogs should live indoors. As a family dog, they should be in the house with you overnight and not be left outside unattended for long periods.
Is This A Banned Breed?
Unfortunately, due to their bull-baiting background, American Bulldogs are somewhat banned. They’re not an illegal breed, but some areas have restrictions on this doggo.
Is The American Bulldog Right For You?
As you can see, there’s a lot to love about the American Bulldog. So if you want to add this lovebug to your home, you won’t regret it. Your doggo will be healthy and happy if you can give it the proper training and exercise it needs.
Rachel Poli is a content writer and author, but her real job is being a stay-at-home pet mom. Her zoo currently consists of a dog, a cat, two turtles, and two fish tanks. She’s also an avid pet sitter for a few local families, caring for various animals.
After realizing how little information there is for pet sitters on the internet, Rachel decided to start her own animal website. She strives to educate pet parents and pet sitters about the overall care of our furry friends.