| American Bulldogs: the most honest dog breed review you'll ever find. Information about American Bulldog personality and behavior. |
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My book, Your Purebred Puppy: A Buyer's Guide (published by Henry Holt & Co.), includes a full-page profile of the American Bulldog, including these excerpts:
"The muscular American Bulldog possesses great strength, tenacity, determination, and confidence.
He is best owned by active people who are interested in developing his athletic abilities in weight pulling, obedience, agility, hunting, farm work, or Schutzhund. Though usually calm and self-possessed, he must have vigorous exercise to stay fit and happy.
His attitude toward strangers varies from friendly to standoffish, and even the friendly ones make vigilant guardians. Early socialization is an absolute requirement to promote a stable, discriminating temperament.
The American Bulldog lives for his family and may become destructive if left alone too much.
Dog aggression can be a problem; he should be thoroughly socialized with other dogs from an early age.
Though strong-willed, he learns quickly and will respect an owner who is equally confident and consistent.
Because of public/media prejudice toward any breed resembling a "pit bull," American Bulldogs should be kept on-leash outside their yard and trained through at least basic obedience."
History
The ancestors of the American Bulldog arrived in the United States with the first settlers. They were all-purpose working dogs used for catching unruly cattle, semi-wild hogs, and wild boar and protecting their homestead and family.
Size
20-27 inches and 60-120 lbs |
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American Bulldogs
What's good about 'em
What's bad about 'em
- Is muscular and powerful, built rather like a Mack truck
- Looks imposing, so makes an effective deterrent, but is usually good-natured with people
- Thrives on vigorous athletic activities
- Has a sleek, easy-to-groom coat
An American Bulldog may be right for you.
| If you don't want to deal with... |
- A large dog who takes up a lot of space in your house and car
- Vigorous exercise requirements
- Rowdiness and exuberant jumping, especially when young
- Providing enough socialization so their protectiveness doesn't become aggression
- Aggression toward other animals
- Strong-willed mind of his own, requiring a confident owner who can take charge
- Shedding
- Slobbering and drooling
- Gassiness (flatulence)
- Serious health problems
- Legal liabilities (public perception, future breed bans, insurance problems, increased chance of lawsuits)
An American Bulldog may not be right for you.
| If I were considering an American Bulldog... |
My major concerns would be:
- Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation. American Bulldogs MUST have regular opportunities to vent their energy and do interesting things. Otherwise they will become rambunctious and bored -- which they usually express by barking and destructive chewing. Bored American Bulldogs can make a shambles of your house and yard.
| If you simply want a pet for your family, and don't have the time or inclination to take your dog running or hiking or swimming or biking, or to get involved in weight-pulling, or tracking, or agility (obstacle course), or schutzhund (protection), or a similar canine activity, I do not recommend this breed. American Bulldogs were never intended to be simply household pets. |
- Bounciness Young American Bulldogs (up to three years old) can be bulls in a china shop. When they romp and jump, they do so with great vigor, and things go flying, including people.
| If you have small children, or if you or anyone who lives with you is elderly or infirm, I do not recommend American Bulldog puppies. The temptation to play roughly is too strong in many young American Bulldogs. |
- Providing enough socialization. Most American Bulldogs have protective instincts toward strangers. They need extensive exposure to friendly people so they learn to recognize the normal behaviors of "good guys." Then they can recognize the difference when someone acts abnormally. Without careful socialization, they may be suspicious of everyone, which could lead to biting.
- Animal aggression. Many American Bulldogs will not tolerate another dog of the same sex. Some American Bulldogs have strong instincts to chase and seize cats and other fleeing creatures. If anything goes wrong in the breeding, socializing, training, handling, or management of this breed, it is capable of seriously injuring or killing other animals.
- The strong temperament. American Bulldogs are not Golden Retrievers. The best American Bulldogs are versatile working dogs, capable of learning a great deal, but they have an independent mind of their own and are not pushovers to raise and train. Many are willful, obstinate, and dominant (they want to be the boss) and will make you prove that you can make them do things. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say.
- Shedding. For such a shorthaired dog, American Bulldogs shed more than you might think. Their short coarse hairs come off on your hands when you pet them, and stick tenaciously to your clothing, upholstery, and carpeting.
- Slobbering. Some American Bulldogs, especially those with massive jowls, slobber and drool after eating and drinking.
- Gassiness (flatulence) that can send you running for cover. Fortunately, American Bulldogs who are fed a natural diet of real meat and other fresh foods have much less trouble with gassiness. See my American Bulldog Health Page for more information.
- Serious health problems. Hip and joint problems are common in American Bulldogs because many breeders are foolishly not bothering to x-ray their breeding stock before breeding.
- Legal liabilities. American Bulldogs may be targeted for "banning" in certain areas, or refusal of homeowner insurance policies. Your friends and neighbors may be uncomfortable around this breed. In this day and age, the legal liabilities of owning any breed that looks intimidating and has a history as a guard dog and big game hunter should be seriously considered. People are quicker to sue if such a dog does anything even remotely questionable.
| Frankly, most American Bulldogs are "too much dog" for the average household. Very few people really have the knowledge or skills necessary to manage this breed, or to provide the types of activities that keep him satisfied. |
| Not all American Bulldogs are alike! |
- There are energetic Bulldogss, and placid Bulldogss.
- Hard-headed Bulldogs, and sweet-natured Bulldogs.
- Serious Bulldogs, and good-natured goofballs.
- Introverted Bulldogs, and Bulldogs who love everyone.
| If you acquire an American Bulldog puppy, you can't know for sure what he or she will grow up to be like. Because a good number of purebred puppies do NOT grow up to conform to the "norm." |
| If you're considering an adult American Bulldog... |
There are plenty of adult American Bulldogs who have already proven themselves NOT to have negative characteristics. If you find such an adult, don't let "typical breed negatives" worry you.
When you acquire a puppy, you're acquiring potential -- what he one day will be. So "typical breed characteristics" are very important. But when you acquire an adult, you're acquiring what he already IS.
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