AMERICAN BULLDOG

Temperament: Loyal, Self-Confident
Height: 22-25 inches (males); 20-23 inches (females)
Weight: 75-100 pounds (males); 60-80 pounds (females)
Life Expectancy: 10-16 years

MORE ABOUT THIS BREED

The American Bulldog is a descendant of the English Bulldog. It is believed that the bulldog was in America as early as the 17th century. They came to the United States in the 1800s, with immigrants who brought their working bulldogs with them. Small farmers and ranchers used this all-around working dog for many tasks including farm guardians, stock dogs, and catch dogs. The breed largely survived, particularly in the southern states, due to its ability to bring down and catch feral pigs.

American Bulldogs are generally happy, family-loving dogs that do well in homes where they have plenty of space to roam. They may be just fine with urban life, so long as they get plenty of walks, and they can even make good jogging or running buddies.

They do not, however, take very well to being left alone for long periods of time, and they can feel cooped up in an apartment. If their physical and mental stimulation needs aren’t met, they can become bored and destructive.

American Bulldogs need experienced owners who can be patient with training and start socialization early. So long as they are well trained, they’ll get along just fine with children and other pets.

Whether they are used for hunting and farm work or just cuddling up with their humans, the American Bulldog makes for an excellent, loyal companion and a competent watchdog.

HEALTH

The American Bulldog is generally a healthy breed with a life expectancy of 10 to 16 years. Some are predisposed to certain medical conditions such as cataracts, mange, or hypothyroidism. If they suffer from obesity early in life, they may develop hip or elbow dysplasia.

The breed is somewhat brachycephalic, meaning they have short snouts. This may make it more difficult for them to tolerate hot weather, especially while exercising. It is important to make sure they have enough water and monitor them and make sure they are not struggling to breathe.

FEEDING

American Bulldogs are healthy dogs and will do very well with a variety of quality dog foods. American Bulldog puppies should be fed a large-breed puppy food for the first 14 months of their life in order to ensure slow and steady growth. Puppies should not be fed added calcium until they are advanced to adult food. Adult dogs should be fed a quality large-breed food along with added supplements for joint, muscle and coat care.

GROOMING

Grooming your American Bulldog can be a pretty easy task. This breed does not need to be bathed often, only occasional baths when they become dirty. Regular brushing will help keep their coat clean and shiny. Their nails should be trimmed every few weeks and ears should be cleaned once a month or as needed. Their teeth should be brushed regularly. Seasonal shedding is to be expected.

TRAINING

They require a firm but loving hand to establish and retain proper boundaries. The more exposure to good training practices, other dogs, and people, the more likely the success at being managed both inside and outside of their environment.

Source: akc, dogtime