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American Bulldog

The Pet Market

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9 min

American Bulldogs are loyal, affable pups who thrive on consistent training and an unbreakable bond with their person or family. Unlike their English cousins, these kiddos aren’t couch potatoes—they’ll appreciate pet parents who are just as fun and playful as they are.

Temperament

Big-hearted, energetic, friendly


Coat Color

White


Weight Height Life Expectancy

10–12 years

You might expect a dog with a gaze this serious to be a very stoic pup, but that’s not the case with the American Bulldog. These lovable pups can be downright silly, especially when it comes to playing with all members of the family.

American Bulldog Characteristics

Care
Exercise Needs

Couch Potato Star Athlete
Health Issues

Few Known Health Issues Many Known Health Issues
Grooming Needs

Few High
Training Needs

Requires Minimal Training A Lot of Training
Shedding Level

Sheds a Little Sheds a Lot
Personality
Friendliness

More Reserved Social Butterfly
Playfulness

More Restrained Perpetual Puppy
Energy Level

Low Energy High Energy
Adaptability
Good for Apartments and Small Homes

Not Recommended Ideal for Smaller Spaces
Sensitive to Cold Weather

Tolerates Cold Weather Does not Tolerate Cold Weather Well
Sensitive to Warm Weather

Tolerates Warm Weather Does not Tolerate Hot Weather Well
Good for First-Time Pet Parents

Not Recommended Ideal for Novice Pet Parents
Social Life
Good with Kids

Not Recommended Kid-Friendly
Good with Cats

Not Recommended Cat-Friendly
Good with Other Dogs

Not Recommended Dog Friendly

American Bulldog Appearance

The American Bulldog has a proud air that wins over pet parents and strangers alike. Their sweet flop-over ears are a prelude to this pup’s silly side.

Their feathered coats may be various shades of gold, from light to dark. As they age, some Golden Retrievers even develop a wise white-golden hue across their face.

  1. Ears American Bulldogs have medium-sized ears that sit high on the head. While it was once common to crop (or cut) their ears, nowadays many of these pups have their ears intact. Many groups, including the American Veterinary Medical Association, oppose ear cropping, and many countries as well as U.S. states have banned the practice.
  2. Eyes American Bulldog eyes are round or almond-shaped; they’re usually dark brown.
  3. Nose This pup has a wide muzzle with a slight taper and a black or liver-colored nose.
  4. Coat Length The American Bulldog has a short, smooth coat.
  5. Coat Color The American Bulldog has a white coat, sometimes with black, brown, red, tan, or brindle (often called “tiger stripes”) markings.
  6. Tail The American Bulldog tail is alert, with a thicker base and a tip that thins at the top.

American Bulldog Temperament

The American Bulldog personality is easy to love. With a confident attitude, these pups manage to both take themselves seriously and also be total clowns.

They make great family companions, and they usually do well with kids and babies, too. American Bulldogs may be a little wary of strangers at first (who isn’t?), but once they warm up to them, they’ll take the opportunity to put their charm on full display.

The American Bulldog is well-respected as one smart canine, and they might even skyrocket to the top of the class at obedience training. Agile and alert, they’ll follow your cues during training and games, whether they’re learning to sit or just playing fetch in the backyard.

How to Care for a American Bulldog

The American Bulldog doesn’t need too much time in front of a mirror. Grooming is minimal with this breed, which is great news because you can spend lots more time for training and socializing this active, bright dog.


Grooming

Bathing: Plan on bathing your dog about once a month or so. However, if your American Bulldog took an unexpected roll in mud or is just a little stinkier than usual, it’s time to suds up. Brushing: American Bulldogs have short coats, so weekly brushing sessions with a bristle brush are often enough to achieve smooth and shiny fur. Don’t worry too much about shedding; these pups shed lightly, so brushing will help their loose fur come off naturally. Dental care: It’s ideal to brush your dog’s teeth daily. Get a pro cleaning at your vet once a year. Ear and nail care: Trim their nails every couple of weeks, and clean their ears once a month (but only if needed—your vet can tell you when and how to clean).

Training

When it comes to training, American Bulldog puppies need a confident pup parent who uses positive reinforcement to teach various skills, such as how to walk nicely on a leash and come when called . Start training your American Bulldog puppy at 7–8 weeks of age with simple cues like sit , stay , and come . (If you adopt them when they’re older, it’s never too late to learn.) American Bulldogs are very smart dogs . So if it takes them a while to get the hang of things, it’s not for lack of intelligence, but more so because they can be a bit independent-minded. They learn best from pet parents who are consistent and patient with their lessons. Once you understand what works for them, training becomes easy. Regular socialization with other dogs and people is crucial, as is introducing them to new places (think public parks, dog parks, and hiking trails). These social interactions give your dog a chance to explore a variety of environments and situations, all of which they’ll probably come to love.

Diet

The best food for American Bulldogs is a high-quality formula that’s AAFCO-compliant for your dog’s life stage ( puppy , adult , or senior ). Feed an American Bulldog puppy large-breed puppy food for their first 14 months to support slow but consistent growth. Skip food or supplements with calcium—which could cause the bones of these bigger dogs to develop too quickly—until your pooch is fully grown. As always, check with your vet to help you choose a complete and balanced dog food. Once your dog is an adult, ask your vet if you need to add supplements to support joint health . Treats are an essential part of positive reinforcement training, but remember that they count toward calories, too. Treats should never be more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.

Exercise

Even though they have only a moderate energy level, American Bulldogs still need a lot of exercise. They’ll love structured walks and other low-impact activities that engage both their mind and body. Get out of the house two to three times a day for playtime or walks that last between 20–30 minutes. (Walks, not runs, are great—these dogs aren’t known for their speed.) Trainers often suggest skipping the dog park in favor of more structured play for this breed, but if your dog really loves seeing his friends at the dog run and is happy afterward, then go for it. Also try hiding treats in the house or giving your dog a puzzle toy —this will help to stimulate their mind and keep them entertained. Simple games like fetch are also great for the American Bulldog, as are lower-impact dog sports like agility training or nose work . If American Bulldogs don’t get enough exercise, they just might find their own way to make fun—and you (and your shoes) might not appreciate it. So, give them the fun activities they deserve.

Environment

Both city and country homes will suit the American Bulldog if you can offer enough exercise and playtime. Families are also a great match for this loyal, intelligent breed—but single people make great pet parents, too. What’s most important is that they have someone with the time to give them two to three walks a day and lots of regular playtime indoors (or in a yard). These pups don’t like to be bored, so make sure they have lots of toys; they also aren’t happy being left home alone for long periods of time. If you work long hours, they may be candidates for doggy daycare, or you could hire a dog walker to stop by to hang out and take them from a midday, neighborhood stroll. The American Bulldog will probably love your kids , but because they’re likely to be much bigger than them, it might feel easy for very small children to feel overwhelmed. For this reason, it’s smart to supervise playtime to make sure no one gets inadvertently knocked over. Proper socialization is a must for teaching these smart canines how to spend time with your entire family, and children also need to be taught how to interact gently with dogs (and not treat them like plushies, no matter how cute they are). As for cats, they’re probably not the best fit for American Bulldogs. That said, another dog could be a potential BFF if they’re both socialized and introduced correctly .

American Bulldog Health

The average American Bulldog lifespan is 10–12 years. There are a few health issues that pet parents should be aware of.

Be familiar with potential health problems so you can recognize and treat them quickly.


  1. Allergies American Bulldogs can have allergies caused by an overactive immune system. Symptoms may include itchy skin, fur loss, scratching, obsessive licking, redness, or recurring skin and/or ear infections. See your vet to figure out what could be causing your dog’s allergic reactions.
  2. Cherry eye: Cherry eye is not uncommon with the American Bulldog. It’s when the pink, fleshy part of the eye’s corner (the third eyelid) becomes swollen and bulges out of its pocket. Discharge, squinting, cloudiness, bulging, pink swelling, and redness are all reasons to see your vet right away.
  3. Deafness Deafness , which can occur in one or both ears, is often linked to dogs with light coats (such as white). There’s no treatment for inherited deafness, but most dogs acclimate well to the condition and lead a full, happy life.
  4. Degenerative myelopathy (DM): This is a neurological disease that affects the spinal cord ; it slowly weakens, then paralyzes, the back legs and causes problems with breathing, vocalizing, and eating. There is no treatment to reverse DM, but physical therapy may help. If you notice anything unusual with your American Bulldog, like lameness or stumbling , see your veterinarian.
  5. Elbow and hip dysplasia: With elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia , the joint doesn’t fit together properly. Signs include limping, and treatment might involve weight loss, reduced activity, joint supplements, physical therapy, pain meds, or, in severe cases, surgery .
  6. Knee ruptures or tears The cranial cruciate ligament is a band of tissue similar to the ACL in humans; it helps stabilize a dog’s knee. It’s common for this ligament to rupture or tear, causing pain, swelling, arthritis, and lameness. Surgery is usually the go-to treatment.
  7. Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) NCL is an inherited and progressive neurological disorder that usually shows symptoms starting between 1–2 years of age. The most obvious symptom is behavioral changes in the dog, and the pup will usually lose coordination and eyesight. At this time, there is no treatment.

American Bulldog History

American Bulldogs are descendants of Bulldogs thatworked with butchers in the 17th century. Over the years, the American Bulldog breed was further refined and worked on farms in the southeastern U.S.

The breed nearly went extinct during the World Wars. But after World War II, two men (John D. Johnson and Alan Scott) worked hard to breed the last few American Bulldogs, which is why these canines survive to this day.

American Bulldog breeders tend to charge between $1,800–$3,500.If you choose this route,pick a responsible breeder.

You can also adopt an American Bulldog puppy or adult dog who’s waiting patiently for their forever family. Check out local organizations likeAmerican Bulldog Rescue, keep an eye out for the breed at your local shelter, or searchChewy’s database of adoptable dogsin your area.

FAQs

Do American bulldogs shed?

Yes, American Bulldogs shed lightly with heavier shedding periods in the spring and fall. Keep up with your dog’s coat brushing, and you’ll help any excess fur naturally fall away.

American Bulldog vs. Pit Bull: Are American Bulldogs pit bulls?

No, but they’re both bully breeds, an umbrella term term used to describe pups who are descendants of crosses between ancient bulldogs and terriers, like Bull Terriers, Boston Terriers, Boxers, and American Pit Bull Terriers.

How long do American Bulldogs live?

American Bulldog life expectancy is between 10–12 years. Providing your dog with the proper diet and exercise can help your pup live a long, full life.

What are the most popular American Bulldog names?

Popular American Bulldog dog names include Ace, Rocco, Rufus, Bruno, Boomer, Duke, Spike, Thor, Apollo, Captain, and Zeus.

English vs. American Bulldog: What’s the difference?

American Bulldogs are bigger than English Bulldogs—an American Bulldog can weigh from 60–100 pounds, while English Bulldogs tend to top off at 50. They’re both friendly creatures who want to meet everyone they see, and they can both be a bit silly, despite their sometimes serious faces.

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