American Bulldog Background Information & History

The American Bulldog is a descendant of the English bulldog and was brought to the United States by early immigrants back in the 17th century. Similar to their close cousins, the American Bulldog was known to be a tough breed that excelled at many jobs on the farm. Not only did they help herd the cattle, but they also worked as a trusted boar hunter as well.

Unfortunately, before this time, American Bulldogs were used in bull baiting, which was a cruel sport that was viewed as entertainment for local commoners. Once this sport was forbidden in the 1800’s, the population of the American bulldog significantly declined and almost became extinct. Luckily, several American Bulldog enthusiasts were able to revive this breed and now they are a popular companion throughout the United States today.

American Bulldog Temperament & Personality

Active, affectionate, and loyal are the main personality traits of the American Bulldog. Unlike their other bulldog relatives who are known to have a lazy reputation, the American Bulldog is an agile breed that loves having a job to do.

These dogs also thrive on human companionship and need to be around their owners as much as possible. Whether it be a movie night in the living room or a barbeque in the backyard, expect to have your American Bulldog participate in any social gathering you organize in your home. They can also be very protective of their family and wary of strangers, which makes them an excellent watchdog for any occasion.

American Bulldog Training Tips

The American Bulldog can be a bit stubborn at times, which can make training efforts a difficult challenge. That’s why it’s important to start the training process as young as possible so they develop proper manners while they are still a puppy.

As for the owner, make sure you establish yourself as the leader from the very beginning. Once this respect is created, you should have an easier time training your American Bulldog. It is also recommended to socialize your dog with different places, people, and experiences while he is still young.

American Bulldog Exercise Needs

Unlike other Bulldogs, the American Bulldog has high exercise requirements and should be walked on a daily basis to stay both happy and healthy. These dogs do best in an active household where they can get several walks or some play sessions throughout the day.

If the American Bulldog is not being mentally and physically stimulated regularly, they may begin to develop behavioral issues later on down the road. Once this happens, you can expect them to create their own entertainment by chewing up your living room sofa or destroying the garden in the backyard. Avoid this from happening by taking your American Bulldog on several walks throughout the day.

American Bulldog Lifespan

The American Bulldog has an average lifespan of about 10 to 15 years.

American Bulldog Breed Popularity

Although Bulldogs, in general, are a popular breed within the United States, it’s hard to say exactly how many of these are the American Bulldog specifically since they are not registered in the American Kennel Club. The Standard Bulldog, however, is ranked as the 4th most popular dog breed in the United States today.

American Bulldog Feeding

The average American Bulldog should consume between 1 to 2 cups of high-quality food a day, split into two equal meals. Although this is a good starting point, keep in mind that not all dogs are created the same. That’s why it’s important to factor in the dog’s size, age, weight, metabolism, and activity level to create their specific feeding regimen.

American Bulldog Grooming

The short coat of the American Bulldog requires minimal grooming to stay clean and healthy. It is recommended to brush their coat at least once a week to mitigate their moderate shedding.

Aside from their coat grooming, their nails should be trimmed every couple of weeks if they do not wear down naturally on their own. They also need their teeth brushed at least once a week in order to prevent dental disease from developing.  Lastly, their ears, eyes, and nose should be checked frequently for any signs of infection, redness, or irritation.

Are American Bulldogs Good With Kids?

The American Bulldog is known to be a fantastic companion for children of any age. If you have a household with small children, make sure your bulldog has been raised with them from a young age.

American Bulldog Health Problems

The American Bulldog is known to be a fairly healthy breed, however, they are still prone to several health complications throughout their lifetime. These canine health problems may include the following:

Cataracts: Cataracts in dogs are a common eye condition that affects many breeds. Cataracts cause the lens of the eye to become foggy and opaque, which restricts the dog’s vision and can lead to total vision loss. In severe cases, the damaged lens can be replaced through corrective surgery.

Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism occurs when the body is unable to produce a sufficient amount of thyroid hormones. Once this happens, the dog will experience a number of symptoms including weight gain and lethargy. Fortunately, after the dog has been properly diagnosed, they can be cured with a synthetic hormone pill.

Other Resources

National Breed Website: American Bulldog Association

Rescues: American Bulldog Rescue