American Bulldog Breed Information

The American Bulldog is part watchdog, part lap dog, part gentle giant. Although they look like they can barrel through a concrete wall, American Bulldogs are one of the most affectionate family dogs you can ask for. This breed has come a long way from their bull-baiting days and now make lovable, lively companions!

 

With more energy than a lithium battery, this dog will keep you in shape for years to come. One word of advice, though: don't get in the way of an American Bulldog and their beloved keeper. A speeding train or an armed assassin will not stop this courageous breed from defending their owner!

 

 

American Bulldog Physical Characteristics

The trait that defines the American Bulldog is its muscular yet compact frame. Sculpted muscles cover the legs, hindquarters, chest, neck, and shoulders, giving the dog a powerful look. The body is always slightly longer than the tail, though the tail is sometimes docked short. The natural tail is thick at the base and tapers to a point.

 

Because they were originally bred for cattle catching and bull-baiting, American Bulldogs needed to have very large heads. Breeders amplified this trait through generations of careful selection, and so the American Bulldog still has a large, square head today. Like their heads, this dog's muzzle is also broad and square. They have powerful, well-defined jaws that contribute to their muscular look.

 

Their eyes are either round or almond-shaped and can be brown, hazel, gray, or blue, but brown is most common to the breed. The ears typically fold forward in a flap. The American Bulldog has pendulous lips, meaning they hang loosely from the sides of the mouth.

 

 

American Bulldog Size

Like with most breeds, gender influence the size of the American Bulldog. Males typically grow 22-27 inches tall and weigh 70-120 pounds. Females can reach 20-26 inches tall and weigh 60-100 pounds. Males are visibly larger and stockier than females.

 

 

American Bulldog Personality

The American Bulldog temperament is renowned for its bravery and confidence. They are very affectionate, but they certainly aren't afraid to step up and defend their family when the occasion calls for it. Otherwise, the American Bulldog is not known to display aggression or hostility whatsoever (towards people they trust, anyway).

 

They are very loving and protective of their owners and will only display aggression towards suspicious strangers or perceived threats. Their alertness and dedication to their family make them excellent watchdogs.

 

American Bulldogs are very family-oriented and are especially fond of children. The breed loves being involved in family events and seems to enjoy the company of multiple people. They are gentle giants that will soak up all your attention at any time of the day.

 

With their exorbitant amount of energy, you can count on the American Bulldog to run around for hours, checking up on everyone at your wedding, barbecue, or function.

 

Are American Bulldogs Considered Aggressive?

American bulldogs are naturally territorial and protective of their owners and family. If your pup is new to the house or has no training, be extra careful around strangers. Keep a close watch around young children and other dogs if your Bulldog is untrained. 

 

American Bulldogs are stout, strong beasts that can do more to an intruder than scare them off. This breed has the unique ability to be taught what a threat is and what is just the mailman. Start your Bulldog on basic obedience training like sitting for a treat, potty training, and socializing when they are less than six months old. After six months, you should get a pretty good idea of your pet's personality, and trust us, American Bulldogs have plenty of that!

 

 

Does This Breed Bark a Lot?

Yes! Expect your American Bulldog to be quite vocal. Although this breed may not be known for its booming bark, they take advantage of any opportunity to vent. Good thing, too, because a bored American Bulldog likes to chew, which can lead to failed homework assignments, damaged shoes, and trashed couch cushions. 

 

Most dogs bark as a defense mechanism. This is true for the American Bulldog as well! Their bark is their way of alarming their beloved owner danger is afoot, regardless of if there is an actual danger. 

 

Can't stand the constant barking? The easiest way to stop your dog from howling away is to never reward it. Any sign of attention as a reaction to your Bulldog's loud chops will cause them to do so louder and more often.

 

 

 

 

American Bulldog Exercise

American Bulldogs require a lot of exercise! If you live a sedentary lifestyle, you might want to think twice before adopting this breed.

 

If this particular breed doesn't get enough exercise, they will become moody and destructive. Your Bulldog may resort to chewing and ripping up anything in their path if they don't get their exercise fix.

 

An American Bulldog should receive 1-2 hours of exercise daily! A daily walk of at least 45 minutes, plus additional off-leash activity or play, will keep your pup from getting bored and gaining weight. Walks should be kept at a moderate pace; a slow walk will not be sufficient. A spacious yard or dog park that allows your Bulldog to run off-leash will help tire them out and keep their muscles tone.

 

American Bulldog puppies should avoid strenuous exercise until they are finished growing (between 12-15 months) because they risk injuring their growing bones. You can start exercising puppies when they are three months old by taking them on brief, 10-15 minute walks.

 

Related Article: Expert Tips for Ensuring Your Dog Walks Are Trouble-Free

 

 

Because this breed is brachycephalic (meaning they have short muzzles), their airways are more constrained than other breeds. Due to this, it's common for these dogs to have issues cooling themselves down. Therefore, you should be sure to give your American Bulldog frequent breaks during exercise to ensure they don't overheat.

 

 

American Bulldog Training

The American Bulldog benefits the most from an experienced handler that can manage the breed's strength, energy, and assertiveness.

 

Like all dogs, the best training approach involves consistency and plenty of positive reinforcement! American Bulldogs have an innate desire to please their owners and will work very hard for praise. When training your Bulldog, always make sure you reward them with lots of affection, treats, and even play. Play rewards work well for American Bulldogs because it burns some of their energy while supplying positive reinforcement.

 

Socialization is an important aspect of training that should never be overlooked. It's best to begin to socialize your American Bulldog when they are a puppy to reduce future aggressive tendencies. Take your Bulldog to public places, let strangers pet them, and show kindness to other dogs and people in their presence. Your social ease will show your Bulldog that other people and animals are not a threat!

 

 

American Bulldog History

American Bulldogs descended from an English counterpart, the English Bulldog. When English immigrants crossed the pond in the 17th century, they brought their working dogs (English Bulldogs) to guard and catch cattle.

 

These Bulldogs were bred with other working dogs to make a dog that could perform hard agricultural work with ease. The result was the hardy, diversified American Bulldog.

 

The breed became particularly popular in the Southern states for its ability to bring down feral hogs. Their ferocity made them the prime choice for bull baiting, which was a bloody sport that involved a dog (usually a bully or terrier breed) antagonizing a bull for the sake of show.

 

During World War II, a couple of dedicated breeders like John D. Johnson and Alan Scott devoted themselves to propagating the American Bulldog line.

 

As a result, the American Bulldog population rebounded from their previously dwindling numbers with several distinct bloodlines that can still be traced today.

 

 

American Bulldog Health Problems

American bulldogs are at risk for some health problems. Keeping your Bulldog at a healthy weight, sticking to a regular exercise routine, and checking in with the vet will go a long way in preventing some of these issues.

 

Elbow or Hip Dysplasia

Dysplasia occurs when abnormalities in connective structures, like the hip sockets or elbow joints, interfere with your Bulldog's movement. This condition develops as your dog ages - the first symptoms typically appear in mid or later life.

 

Dogs that put on weight in their early years are more susceptible to dysplasia because the extra pounds add more strain to the joints. Treatments for this condition include weight loss, exercise reduction, pain management, and dietary choices that promote joint health.

 

Ichthyosis

Ichthyosis is a genetic skin condition that results from a recessive gene mutation. It causes the first layer of your dog's skin to develop incorrectly, resulting in rough flakes covering the epidermis. Areas of increased pigment and thickened skin can appear as well. Ichthyosis can be treated with medicated shampoos and creams, but it's not curable. The condition worsens with age.

 

Always ask the breeder about the incidence of ichthyosis in your dog's line before adoption.

 

Cherry Eye

Cherry eye affects the tear gland that sits in the corner of your dog's eye. In American Bulldogs, this gland can flip out of position and become red and swollen, giving the appearance of a cherry perched in the corner of the eye. Once the gland becomes displaced, the best treatment is to suture it back into place.

 

 

How To Care For An American Bulldog

Your Bulldog is sure to be your best friend, so keeping them happy and healthy is a top priority. Thankfully, caring for an American Bulldog is quite easy once you get in the swing of their substantial exercise routine. Remember to socialize your Bulldog and always take them to the vet for periodic checkups. Your local veterinarian can diagnose issues in their early stages if you check in regularly.

 

Nutrition and Feeding for American Bulldog

Feeding differs for adults and puppies. American Bulldog puppies should eat twice as much as adults. When puppies are under 4 months old, they should eat about 3 cups of food a day, split into 4 meals. When they are between 4 and 6 months old, you can reduce the amount of food to 2 cups a day, split into 3 meals.

 

Once the puppies reach 6 months of age, you can begin feeding them an adult diet. Adults eat 1.5-2 cups of food a day in 2 meals.

 

American Bulldogs do well on a high protein, low-carb diet. The protein preserves their muscles, and the small carb scarcity prevents them from gaining weight. Every dog has their own individual preferences, so you may have to try a few different types of food to find the one that agrees with their body and taste. Just be sure to choose brands that provide quality ingredients.

 

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American Bulldogs are prone to obesity, so it's important to monitor their weight. Since the breed can have a bulky appearance, one way to test their health is by wrapping your hands around their midsection and feeling their ribs. If you can feel their ribs without having to squeeze very hard, they are likely at a good weight!

 

Coat Color And Grooming

The American Bulldog can come in various colors: white, brindle, fawn, brown, red, or white, just to name a few. Blue merle, solid black, and multicolored coats will disqualify an American Bulldog from a show, but the colors are still common to the breed. The coat grows no longer than an inch and it's stiff or coarse to the touch.

 

This breed is truly easy to groom - just brush their coat with a firm bristle brush a couple of times a week. Brushing will remove excess hair and stimulate their skin to produce protective oils.

 

The breed sheds moderately, but the fur is short and shouldn't be too much of a hassle. Only bathe an American Bulldog as needed.

 

Trim their nails once a month and brush their teeth every day to prevent any dental disease. Be sure to check their ears every week for wax buildup and signs of infection (redness or foul odor).

 

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Does This Breed Smell? 

There's a saying your mom might have told you after playing hard outside: "You smell like a dog!" She told you that because some dogs smell more than others for a reason. The American Bulldog carries a stench original to its breed. That doesn't mean it's a bad smell. Considering its iconic, floppy face, this breed has a lot of potential to smell worse than others. Each of those wrinkled folds may carry bacteria that can fester, causing a pungent odor. After deep cleansing, seek out a veterinarian for other options if the smell persists. 

 

Of course, the upkeep of your beloved catch dog is dependent on you and how often you bathe them. Owners should consider giving your pup some form of wash with natural dog shampoo within two weeks to keep your pet smelling fresh.

 

Children And Other Pets

American Bulldogs are famous for loving young children. Why this is the case, no one knows for sure. It might have to do with size or the American's Bulldog's fondness of acting silly (much like children). Whatever the reason, you certainly don't have to worry about your dog being a menace to children.

 

One thing to keep in mind is this breed's tendency to jump on people. Not all Bulldog's jump out of excitement, but if your dog is a jumper, they could easily knock over a small child and cause an injury.

 

This breed can be territorial or aggressive with other dogs if not properly socialized. This trait stems from their protective nature, but it can be mitigated through proper training and socialization. Socialize your Bulldog as soon as you bring them home, and keep them on a leash around other dogs if they display signs of aggression.

 

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How Does This Breed Cost?

A purebred, AKC-registered puppy comes at a pretty penny! You can expect to pay anywhere between $1,500 to $30,000 in the United States for an American Bulldog. To put that in perspective, that's almost twice the average price range of one of the most popular dog breeds in the US — the Labrador Retriever. AKC-registered labs go for around $800 to $1200. Below is a brief list of other popular dogs in the US and their respective price: 

 

• Dachshund: $300 to $1,000 
• Beagle: $800 to $1,500 
• German Shepherd: $500 to $3,000 
• Rottweiler: $1,000 to $1,500 

 

Why Do American Bulldogs Cost So Much? 

Registered American Bulldogs are so pricey because Bulldogs require a lot of check-ups, exams, and loads of procedures. An American Bulldog stud service usually costs at least $650. While serious breeders who want to be a part of every process of getting a puppy of this breed must pay for artificial insemination. This procedure usually costs from $200 to $600 plus additional fees for shipping and handling. More so, all Bulldogs are born via c-section, which costs $500 to $3,000 per birth. 

 

Rescuing a Bulldog is always an option — one that would change the life of a lost and abandoned pet forever. While very noble, rescuing could be costly as many adopted pets may come with many health issues. Most of which can cost you thousands of dollars in vet bills. It's always best to get your pup registered properly from AKC as a rule of thumb.

 

If you’re looking for a suitable organization to purchase a pup of this breed, The American Bulldog Rescue (ABR) might be it. The ABR is a non-profit organization that is loyal and committed to its promise of rescuing and then finding adopters for stray and lost-found American Bulldogs in the US and all across the globe. Anyone interested in rescuing an American Bulldog should consider this organization (click here).

 

 

Rescue Groups

The American Bulldog Rescue is a nonprofit organization that helps rescue American Bulldogs all over the eastern United States. Completely led by volunteers, this rescue maintains a network of foster homes that provide shelter for abandoned or neglected Bulldogs until they find forever homes. The group has been working diligently since 1999 and has rescued over 1000 Bulldogs.

 

In California, the California American Bulldog Rescue searches far and wide to find homes for rescued bulldogs. The organization is part of the larger Rescue Me! network that helps rescue dogs of other breeds find homes all over the world. Over 15,000 American Bulldogs have been adopted through the California American Bulldog Rescue to date.

 

Google "Bulldog rescue" for local organizations in your area. Many rescues dedicate themselves to helping not only American Bulldogs, but other bully breeds like the Bull Terrier, English Bulldog, American Pit Bull Terrier, and French Bulldog.

 

 

 

 

Breed Organizations

The American Bulldog Association is a breed registry for American Bulldogs. Established in 1989, The ABA validates American Bulldogs for show and breeding purposes and also hosts shows of their own. The organization provides guidelines for the best show qualities.

 

The Bulldog Club of America formed over a century ago in 1890, shortly after the English brought their bulldogs to America. The club maintains breed standards by stimulating interest in American Bulldogs and working for the welfare of breeders across the nation. The BCA also advocates for animal rights and runs its own nonprofit rescue.

 

 

More About American Bulldogs Breed

Did you know that American Bulldogs can jump 6 feet or higher? Owners should have adequate fencing to keep this breed safely enclosed. Also, their pendulous lips cause them to drool a lot, so don't be surprised when they try to give you a big wet kiss or begin to slobber.

 

The American Kennel Club recognized the American Bulldog in 1886, and the United Kennel Club recognized them more than a century later in 1999. You can recognize one in your own household soon, if you’re on the lookout for a lively companion to brighten your life.

 

The American Bulldog looks and acts similar to many other breeds out there. If you change your tune on this traditional breed for whatever reason, here are some alternative dog breeds you may love.

 

American Pit Bull Terrier 

American Pit Bull Terriers are probably the closest in behavior and look like the American Bulldog. They're absolute sweethearts with their sleek heads and triangular eyes. Terriers are a bit smaller in size than your average Pit Bull but are just as sweet! 

 

Boxer 

Boxers and Pit Bulls often get mistaken for each other because of their general shape and color. Boxers have a similar squared face and often share the familiar fawn color with Pits, though Boxers are larger than Pit Bulls and have a more compact snout.

 

Staffordshire Bull Terrier 

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are calm, lovable beasts known for their playful behavior despite their aggressive appearance. This breed typically loves people, so there is no need to worry about giving them a fat kiss.  

 

Related: AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER BREED TEMPERAMENT & PERSONALITY

 

Bullmastiff

Though they require a bit more training and attention compared to the other dogs on this list, they are still loads of fun. These imposing pups are a bit stubborn and. Maintaining a strict behavioral routine is important to keep them in check.

 

Cane Corso 

These beautiful dogs can be loveable and calm, just as the others on this list. Although carrying a reputation for their aggressive behavior, they typically are easy to care for and lovable by experienced dog owners. More so, the Cane Corso are trainable so they’re often used in tending to livestock.

 

Final Thoughts — American Bulldog 

American Bulldogs are fun-loving little beasts full of spunk and character. Though they may be hard to handle, they are relatively easy to train. With just a little attention and consistent guidance, you'll have a pooch fit for a smooch! In fact, owners of this breed are often thrilled by their intelligence, protective behavior and their smart demeanor. 

 

Just because the American Bulldog has an infamous history of having a loose temper, that shouldn't deter you from adopting one of your own. Keep in mind; any dog can become aggressive based on the attention, love, and guidance their owners cast upon them. A dog's personality is malleable — if you're mean and aggressive around or to any dog, there's a good chance they're not going to be the snuggling or kissing type. With persistence and lots of love, the American Bulldog may be just right for you and your family.

 

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