Bred initially as a utility dog for hunting and working on the farm, the American Bulldog symbolizes power, agility, and stamina. Behind its compact and muscular stature lies a protective family dog that is affectionate with kids.
Based on its appearance, American Bulldogs can be of different types, ranging from the Classic or Bully type (also called the Johnson type) to the Performance or Standard type (also known as the Scott type).
If you are an experienced and active pet owner and looking for an energetic, loving companion, then we would recommend this breed. However, make sure to provide your dog with plenty of space to run freely.
Farmers, ranchers, and other working-class immigrants brought their Old English Bulldogs to the US for guarding farms, working livestock, and catching bulls
These dogs were famous in America for their ability to catch feral pigs
Despite the ban of blood sport in the UK, these old-type bulldogs survived because they were used in the southern states for dealing with vermin
These bulldogs almost became extinct during the World Wars; the surviving specimens were kept on farms, and their population was restored due to the efforts of Alan Scott and John D. Johnson
The breed was included in the AKC’s Foundation Stock Service (FSS) Program
You may give an adult American Bulldog either homemade or commercial food along with supplements for muscle, joint, and coat care. Do not give added calcium to your pup until it is 14 months of age. If you want to feed your canine friend commercially prepared foods, then Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food and Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach are the better choices.
Your American Bulldog, being an athletic breed, 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. If you have an adult dog, you may take it out for hikes and jogs, and play a game of tug-a-war.
It is a short-coated breed that sheds seasonally and does not require much grooming. Bathe your dog only when it becomes dirty and brush its coat with a soft-bristle brush to keep it clean and shiny. Brushing its teeth regularly and trimming the nails every two to three weeks are essential measures to follow as part of its hygiene routine.
Since American Bulldogs are dominant by nature, you need to put rules and regulations in place early and follow them as your dog grows up. It would be best if you deal with your canine friend in a firm but loving way to establish leadership. Expose it to different people, dogs, and training practices so that you can handle it not just inside but also outside its home environment.
