Bred initially as a utility dog for hunting and working on the farm, the American Bulldog is well-known for its power, agility, and stamina. Behind its compact and muscular stature lies a protective family dog that is affectionate with kids.
The American Bulldog descends from Old English Bulldogs that participated in blood sports like bull baiting in England before the 17th century. Later, they arrived in the United States and, through years of breeding, became the American Bulldog of today.
If you are an experienced and active pet owner looking for an energetic, loving companion, an American Bulldog may be the right choice for you. But remember, this breed needs plenty of space to run freely.
Farmers, ranchers, and other working-class immigrants brought their Old English Bulldogs to the US to guard farms, work livestock, and catch bulls.
The dogs became famous in America for their ability to catch feral pigs.
Even after blood sports were banned in the UK, these old-type bulldogs survived in the southern US states due to their utility for dealing with vermin.
The breed almost went extinct during the two World Wars. Their population was restored due to the efforts of American breeders Alan Scott and John D. Johnson.
Based on their appearance and purpose, American Bulldogs can be of 4 different types:
The purebred dog has been crossed with several other breeds to create some popular mixes.
You may give an adult American Bulldog either homemade or commercial food meant for giant dog breeds with a lot of energy. The vet may suggest supplements for muscle, joint, and coat care. Do not include additional calcium in your pup’s diet until he is 14 months of age. Consider Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food and Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach for some good commercial food choices.
Being an athletic breed, your American Bulldog requires frequent mental stimulation and exercise. Non-impact activities like walking, swimming, and nose work games are recommended for puppies to lessen the chances of bone and joint injuries.
As adults, they need plenty of exercise and playtime with their owners. Your dog needs to see you as the leader. So unless you are looking forward to a lot of jogging and hiking with your dog, an American Bulldog may not be for you. They may develop behavioral issues unless they get enough exercise.
It is a short-coated breed that sheds seasonally and does not require much grooming. Brush your dog with a soft-bristle brush once every week, and bathe when the coat becomes dirty. Brushing its teeth regularly and trimming its nails every two to three weeks are essential to maintain good hygiene.
This active and intelligent breed requires dedicated training based on positive reinforcements from a very young age. They are naturally dominant, so you must establish rules early so your dog can learn to follow them as it grows up. Expose it to different people, dogs, and training practices so you can handle it both inside and outside its home environment.
