Description

As man\'s best friend the American Bulldog sometimes referred to as the Old Country Bulldog truly lives up to this. The American Bulldog symbolizes true love, devotion and grit. Often they are describes as athletic, all purpose, hardy working dogs. They have been widely known to conduct great heroic acts to protect its owner. The American Bulldog is strong, stocky dog that has a short coat that is stiff to touch. This breeds coat is white or white with patches that are either red (i.e. any shade of tan) or brindle. In addition, the American Bulldogs ears are usually uncropped.

There are two different types of the American Bulldog. They are the Classic or the Johnson, Bully and the Standard or the Scott, Performance. The Scott, Performance is often times confused with its second cousin the American Pit Bull Terrier. The current American Bulldog is a combination of the Scott type and Johnson type dog which has a shorter muzzle, but is a larger dog. In comparison to the Johnson and the Scott breeds, the American Bulldog has a much more massive build.

Generally, the female American Bulldog weighs about 60-100 pounds while the male weighs about 75-125 pounds. The female typically measures about 20-25 inches and the male about 22-27 inches. American Bulldogs typically have litters that are anywhere between 6 to 16 puppies. And they belong to the rare, working, and guardian groups of dogs.

American Bulldogs will also take to living in an apartment or home if they are given regular attention, stimulation and exercise. In fact, they are typically inactive within a home or apartment making them very suitable to indoor living. Many people actually recommend and believe that it is preferable keep American Bulldogs indoors because they are not well equipped for the different weather elements. But, if you live in a climate that does not experience extreme weather conditions allowing your American Bulldog to live outdoors is just as suitable as allowing them to live indoors.

Coat Description

The American Bulldog is strong, stocky dog that has a short coat that is stiff to touch.

History

The history of the American Bulldog begins in the time period of Caesar around 1066. In the 17th and 18th centuries English Bulldogs were mostly used on farms to hold livestock and catch others. They were also used as guardians and butcher dogs. Eventually the temperament of the breed led people to use them in blood sports like bull-baiting for gambling and entertainment purposes.

The sport of bull-baiting was outlawed in 1835 within the United Kingdom and in time the English Bulldog became common, complacent pet. However, within the United States, the American version of the breed was steadily declining in comparison to other breeds. The survival of the American Bulldog has most to do with feral pigs. Because the American Bulldog seemed to be the best way to chase off and protect owners from these predators, they soon became popular pets again. However, because the American Bulldog was close to extinction by World War II and John D. Johnson and Alan Scott began inter breeding dogs; thus, creating the Johnson and Scott versions of the bulldog.

Temperament

Typically, the American Bulldog is known as a loving family pet that is good with other pets and children as well. This breed of dog is fearlessly determined and will attack predators or any threat toward its owners. It is confident, powerful, and agile with powerful jaws and a large head that has made it quite naturally used in hunting everything from small squirrels to larger game like bears. The American Bulldog has also been trained to guard stock and drive cattle.

The American Bulldogs are known for their great versatility as working dogs as well. They are able to learn many different things, but they are also very independent. They are obstinate, dominant and willful. They want to be the boss in any situation. They will see if you can make them do something they do not want to do. As an owner, you must be consistent, firm and always mean what you say.

In addition, American Bulldogs need to be exposed regularly to friendly strangers because they have a natural protective instinct toward anyone they do not know. They need to know how to recognize the difference between good people and bad people. If they do not have careful socialization they can end up biting others and being suspicious of everyone.

It is important to note that there are many American Bulldogs who will not get along and tolerate another dog of the same sex. They have strong instincts and will chase fleeing animals and capture cats. When breeding, training, handling, socializing and or management of the American Bulldogs goes awry these dogs are known for being able to seriously maim or even kill other animals.

Thyroid Disease - Low Risk

The American Bulldog ranks #90 among all breeds for autoimmune thyroiditis prevalence. This is considered a low risk breed so your chances of obtaining a dog with the disease is small. It is still suggested that dogs meant for breeding still be tested to help bring the incidence of disease even lower (or even eliminate it). 

You can download the full report (on all breeds) by the Michigan State University Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health. Here

Other Health Problems

Though the American Bulldog is a healthy and sturdy animal it is important to be aware of the potential health issues it can be faced with. To begin, the most devastating and prevalent health concern for the American Bulldog or any other breed for that matter is Canine Hip Dysplasia otherwise known as CHD. CHD occurs when the femoral bone does not fit properly in the joint socket causing pain and difficulty in standing or walking. In addition, if CHD is not treated properly it can cause another disease that is known as Degenerative Joint Disease or DJD.

Some other health concerns you will want to be aware of regarding your American Bulldog follows:

• eye problems
• entropion eyelids
• elbow dysplasia
• skin and allergy problems that can be signals of immune problems.

Bulldogs are also susceptible to heart murmurs, but these are usually benign as well as bilateral and unilateral deafness.

When you are purchasing an American Bulldog, it is thus very important to make sure you are dealing with a reputable breeder who certifies and gives their puppies health screenings. You want to also make sure that they give you warranties for the dog or dogs that they are selling you.