The Bulldog is a fascinating breed, and they are different from the American Pit Bull Terriers. They are working dogs that have extraordinary strength, will, and determination. Also, they are pretty gusty. Despite their rugged nature, they are sweet, caring, and compassionate.
When you train them to socialize, they don’t mind spending all day running around with you or your kids. These pups have enormous vitality, and they will infect you with liveliness. They can channel their strength to ensure you or your kids’ safety.
So, you need a bulldog. If you have a family or you own a farm, you would be making a great addition to your family or farm. Even if you don’t have a family, this pup would be a great companion for you. So, let’s talk about the American Bulldog.
What is the American Bulldog?
To explain what the American Bulldog is, we will look at it from two angles.
- History
- Appearance
History
The American Bulldogs or the AmBulls are the offsprings of the old English Bulldog. The name bulldog is not because these dogs have bullish strength. The old English Bulldogs were used to bait bulls in gory dog sports called bull baiting. In that sport, bulls fight the bulldogs.
Thankfully, authorities eradicated that 17th-century bloodsport, but it is a core part of bulldog history. Surprisingly the abolition marked a turnaround in how people view the Bulldog. The animal people initially saw from a gory perspective has wormed its way into people’s hearts. The English loved the Bulldog to the extent that the Bulldog attained national relevance.
People loved their bulldogs to the extent that they brought them when they moved from England to North America. Apart from the companionship, this pup offered the immigrants, they were also active on the farms and could help. These puppies served as stock, retrievers, and guard dogs. They accomplished tasks like catching wild cows and feral pigs, and they helped in hunting.
The immigrant farmers wanted to preserve the hardworking nature of the English Bulldogs. They began to breed these English Bulldogs with other working puppy species to keep traits such as strength, stamina, agility, loyalty, and intelligence. People began to call these new descendants of the English Bulldogs the American Bulldogs after many attempts to name them.
Sadly, the American Bulldogs were affected by World War II, which caused the death of most of them. Through the dogged efforts of John D. Johnson and Alan Scott, who were breeders, the future of the American Bulldog was preserved. These two men scoured and made sure that these dogs survived. Now, the United Kennel Club recognizes it as a unique breed.
Appearance
There are different breeds of the American Bulldog puppy, and while these American Bulldog puppies have similar features, there is no breed standard. Nonetheless, there are prominent features that this breed has. These species have stocky frames with rippling muscles that disclose boundless energy and strength. It has a big boxy head which its thick neck holds.
Speaking of the head, they have a large forehead, flat nose, and brown eyes, but there are cases of two-colored eyes. These species don’t have the typically squeezed jowls that their English ancestors have. Their jowls are droopy and loose, but they have an elegantly framed jawline and snout.
This dog’s legs are also powerfully built with their slim tail and well-defined haunches. Their forelegs stand wide apart, with their chest burly and shoulders massive. They have a long back and generally weigh between 60 to 100 pounds, with the weight appropriately proportioned. These pups are 52 to 70 cm in height, but they can be even taller.
The color of this canine species varies, although, in times past, they were primarily white with patches of other colors on their short furs. These species come in black, brown, brindle, fawn, and red. Usually, this dog’s nose is black, along with the eye rims.
The Characteristics and Temperament of American Bulldog
Bravo. You have learned about the history and appearance of this beautiful dog species. You now know why they are so unique, but there’s more about these fantastic dogs. They have a warm temperament with some exciting characteristics.
Characteristics of the American Bulldog.
We have covered a significant part of their physical characteristics earlier. Here are some quirky aspects we haven’t mentioned.
- These pups have sleek short furs or coats: What this means is that you are allowed to be a little bit lazy with grooming your dog but not too lazy. Due to their small furs, American Bulldogs shed little dog hair than other breeds, so you have less cleaning up to do. Although you don’t need to groom them regularly, it would be great if you brushed them weekly. You can bathe them once in a while or when they are dirty but don’t wait till they become stinky.
- They drool a lot: For some people, this is a deal-breaker, but for experts and other dog lovers, it’s no big deal. The drools will keep you active as these dogs drool more than other pups.
- These dogs have great energy and love to socialize. This is so to the extent that they can become destructive when bored. Their high-energy nature is a perfect fit for you if you want to increase your physical activities.
- They have warm personalities.
- These pups aren’t fans of water, but they are strong swimmers when they have to swim.
- The American Bulldog is a great jumper that can reach more than 3 feet when jumping.
The American Bulldog Temperament.
Overall, the American Bulldog has a great temperament, but it is not the perfect puppy. It has certain temperament flaws, and it is your duty as a dog owner to stamp out these flaws. The flaws are two, and they deal with this canine’s socialization and destructiveness. If you are firm and engaging as an owner, you can easily remove these temperament defects from your dogs.
First off, your dog is an energetic one, and to better understand its temperament, we will discuss it along these lines;
- Personality.
- Socialization
- Training
- The Type of Physical Activities American Bulldogs Prefer
Personality
This breed of dog is confident, friendly, social, cheerful, and carefree to the extent that it can spend its whole day playing. It is a devoted dog to its owners and loves to bond with them. If you think this puppy is energetic, wait till when you give it attention, and it will become even livelier. This dog considers your security as its responsibility and will do what it can to keep you safe.
The truth is, your dog’s personality reflects who you are as an owner. If you want your pup to develop a great personality, you must have one. The American Bulldogs, more than other breeds, depend on you for cues. Naturally, by birth, they are odd ones, a mix of curiosity and aloofness, leading to their suspicion of strange objects or people.
In addition, they have a devoting nature which makes them wary of strange people and objects. This puts the responsibility on you as an owner to be the bridge between your pup and its surrounding. Your doggy looks up to you, so guide it and help it become the best dog it can be. They are a great breed that needs help with socialization, and it all comes down to you, the dog owner.
Also, they need an environment that allows them to stay active. They are like giant babies who throw a tantrum when they don’t get to play and run around. Their tantrums are pretty destructive, and you don’t want any of that. So, help them get active, and it would even benefit you too as you would be able to burn off calories and have lower blood pressure.
Socialization
Core to their socializing is the energy they have. The American Bulldog loves to play, and they thrive in an environment where they can run and play for a significant time. The negative aspects of their characters come when they can socialize and focus their boundless energy. To prevent your animal friend from becoming destructive, you need to begin their socialization early.
Socialization with People
Again, we emphasize that this breed needs socialization, like all living things need air. They can break their suspicions, fear, and aggression towards strange things and people through socialization. Your dog relies on you as it cannot initially tell who or what is a threat. How you interact with these things shapes your pup’s mentality towards them.
If you choose not to socialize, your furry friend will develop a phobia for strange people and objects. These strange people or things can cause an aggressive reaction from your pup. It could resort to violence against these people or things. You don’t want your dog chasing animals, mail carriers, or children.
So, get on with the socialization early from when it is but a wee puppy. However, if you get your dog when it is more than a year and a half, you can still train its biases out of it. You have to be firm. Help your dog learn when people are a threat and when they are friendly.
Violence against children is rare. Please help your dog become familiar with children. It can be quite the mischief-maker, too, but it won’t be exciting if you are not giving it the attention it needs to socialize. You don’t want a dull pup, as dogs should infuse life into their surroundings.
Create limits for your dog and reinforce its social training at all times.
Socialization with Other Dogs
Just as socialization helps them get along with people, it also helps them get along with other dogs or pets. However, you should appropriately introduce these other pups or pets to your canine. It would be better if you did the introduction away from your home to help build trust between animals. A sudden introduction into your home could cause extreme suspicion in your canine.
Gradually introduce your canine to a dog park but allow them to have controlled interactions with other puppies first. Dog parks can be chaotic and can negatively impact your pup if you don’t take precautions.
These training tips could help you introduce your dog to other canines or pets.
- Tie your pup to a leash as you slowly and gently introduce them to the other canines and pets. Also, take them to each room in your house to let them be familiar with your home.
- When your new canine gets used to your house, make the introduction and training part of their routine. The key is to make them learn something each day and not train them for longer hours.
- Take them on walks with your other pups.
- However, please don’t feed them with these other pups yet. The American Bulldog loves its meals and can be selfish with its food.
- Reward them when they play with other pets.
Training
Pro-tip, get started early. These guys have an insane amount of energy that requires you to be active if you want to keep up with them. They can be stubborn, but you have to be firm to create your rules and limits. We don’t mean you should be violent with them when we say firm.
Violence will only make them distrust you, and to top it, they won’t fear you, nor would they listen to you. It will backfire spectacularly in your face, and you will have an angry dog to deal with in addition to it being stubborn. They like praises, so ensure that you praise your hound adequately.
Training works better when you have a place where your dog can run free. You can use a wide area with a fence if you don’t want to put them on a leash. When you use a leash on them in a wider area without a fence, be careful not to tug and jerk them. It is unpleasant for your puppy.
Physical Activities the American Bulldog Prefers
This doggy loves to run around and do whatever involves running around. It can jump high, making it a great catcher of a Frisbee. It loves different games and doesn’t mind getting dirty so long it is from playing. This dog isn’t above roughhousing, and if you have an American football game close by, you can train with this canine.
It is also a great swimmer, but you shouldn’t try tossing it in the water now and then. If this doggo has alternatives to swimming, it will take it.
This is a heads up. This canine species fancy themselves as great adventurers, and they can stroll away independently. When they do that, there is a possibility that they may forget where you live, which means you may need to chip your puppy.
Don’t leave an older person and child around or below 3 to walk this canine species. It will overwhelm someone too old or young.
How to Care for an American Bulldog
This puppy species is unique, and it requires the best care to help it live healthily. The people that breed American Bulldogs have the responsibility to begin this care. It is when they sell their pups that the new owner becomes responsible.
Exercise
Genetically and historically, this pup is athletic and powerful. Their species have boundless energy, which they can channel through exercising. Lack of exercise makes them cranky and destructive as they need to use their energy for something. So, they must exercise to remain mentally and physically active.
Also, there is a risk of obesity if they don’t exercise as they have an enormous appetite. For their exercise, these doggies must be physically active for at least one hour daily. It’s best if you could try non-impact routines to reduce the chances of damage to your dog’s joints and bones.
Remember, the fitter your canine is, the happier it would be and the likelier it would listen to you.
Grooming and Bathing
They are low maintenance when it comes to grooming. However, this doesn’t mean you should leave your pup alone without brushing their coat. It would help if you groomed them once a week to help you reduce the amount of fur it is shedding.
Also, these guys don’t need much bathing unless they get dirty. Don’t go too long before you bathe them, as that could make them stinky. Create an occasional bathing schedule.
Trim their nails once in a while and ensure that you clean their ears as much as you need. Leaving their ears unattended could lead to infarctions. Brush their teeth often and make sure that you clean up their drools unless you like a messy space. You should be ready for cleaning as these guys drool more than other dogs.
Lastly, don’t be too far from the vets.
Nutrition
Your American Bulldog needs to eat like the giant it is. Its diet is of a large breed and must contain a safe amount of carbs that will provide fuel for your dog’s dining around. These guys thrive on top-quality dog food high in meat protein which helps muscle growth. Also, their diet must be rich in omega-3 fatty acids to help with joint health.
The best thing you can do regarding nutrition is to consult your vet. Your vet has the professional qualifications and will be able to give you a customized meal plan for your pup. The meal plan you would get would not contain ingredients or food items your canine would be allergic to. In addition, since your pooch would grow, its diet would change.
It would help if you didn’t feed your puppy calcium when it is a puppy. Wait until it becomes an adult dog. Still, visit your vet. They can assess your puppy and determine what suits it.
American Bulldog Health Problems
Generally, the American Bulldog is a healthy breed with much vitality and has a life span of 10 to 12 years. However, they are prone to some health challenges, some of which are genetic health problems. This is why a breeder must have a responsible approach to breeding these puppies to reduce genetic issues.
Overheating
This is due to the physical characteristics of your hound. Your hound has a flat face which means its face will quickly heat up when it plays for long in hot weather. This puppy can’t play on the beach for long and has to drink water constantly to cool off during hot days.
Elbow and Hip Dysplasia
This condition arises when there is a malformation in a canine’s joint as it grows. It is more prominent in larger dog breeds such as the American Bulldog. The joints could become loose due to this defect and progress into Osteoarthritis when untreated.
Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis
This problem is genetic and hereditary, and it targets your canine’s central nervous system. Signs of this condition appear early between your American Bulldog’s 1st or 3rd year. These initial signs are imbalances due to problems with the hind legs. Then, it becomes a situation where your canine wouldn’t be able to walk again and lose their sight.
Ichthyosis
Guys, you know how the X-Men portrayed mutants as cool? Well, the truth is mutation can be deadly. Ichthyosis is a genetic mutation that manifests as a skin disorder. Your pup’s skin will become dry, itchy, and flaky.
Dogs usually suffer from this dry and flaky skin, but AmBulls are more prone to it. Unfortunately, this condition can plague an American Bulldog right from when it’s a puppy. Only through bathing and oiling will your dog have some measure of comfort. Experts haven’t discovered any cure for this condition, but you can manage it and make it easier for your dog.
Allergies
Just like you may have allergies, your canine can too. An overactive immunity causes these allergies, and your pup can outgrow them. As we have maintained, visit your vet regularly.
Hypothyroidism
American Bulldogs suffer from this condition where their body doesn’t produce needed thyroid hormone. Symptoms of this condition are dry fur and skin, skin diseases, weight gain, aggression, fur loss, and fearfulness.
Entropion
This is an eyelid issue where your canine’s eyelid turns inward, making the eyelashes touch the eyeball. If you don’t treat this condition, your dog could lose its ability to see. You will need surgery to treat this condition. However, early detection is vital.
To save your dog from the above conditions, make visits to the vets regularly. Regular testing will help you detect them as soon as possible.
Where Can You Buy An American Bulldog and the Cost?
You can buy this hound, or you can adopt one. To adopt this pup, you must research institutions that allow adopting American Bulldogs for free. You can visit your local canine shelter to adopt these beautiful canines.
If you want to buy, you also have to research in-depth. One of the things you want to look at is your pup has a reputable breeder, ancestry, and medical history. Although even if you are adopting, it is crucial to carry out these checks.
You must be ready to spend a decent sum to buy an AmBull as it costs between $1,200 to $3,500. They are a classy breed, and spending that much is worth it. Some of the notable places you can buy or adopt are:
- American Bulldog Rescue
- American Kennel Club American Bulldog Breeders
- American Bulldog Association
Note that the above associations belong to the National Breed Club.
Is the American Bulldog the Right Dog for your Family?
The American Bulldog started as a sports dog, and it has grown to become a family dog. With enough training, you will bring out the family-friendly traits in your AmBull. These species are super friendly towards children and protective of their humans.
If you don’t train them well, they can be too overprotective of you when you interact with things strange to them. That’s how caring they can be towards you and your family.
Is it True that the American Bulldog Stink?
Honestly, if your puppy stinks, it says a lot about you as an owner. The AmBull doesn’t stink when you bathe it, groom it and help it stay healthy. Although, to be fair, parts of their body can have an odor. Such parts are the ears, tail pocket, and facial folds, but this can be reduced with proper hygiene.
FAQ
Conclusion
There is so much to like about AmBulls, but they require an owner’s highest levels of responsibility. You have to take note of their peculiarities before you buy them and must help them integrate into their environment. These dogs are pretty fun and will engage you and the members of your household. They are the best companions you can have, and you either buy or adopt one.
*photo by Wirestock – depositphotos