American Bulldog

The American Bulldog is a breed of domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris). Though larger in size, they are the closest surviving relative of the Old English Bulldog, because they were not altered to as great an extent while in America as their European cousins. There are generally considered to be two types of American Bulldog, the Johnson type and the Scott type, named after the breeders who were influential in developing them, John D. Johnson and Allen Scott. These are more commonly known as Classic or Bully type and Standard or Performance type.

American Bulldog Appearance

The American Bulldog is a stocky and well built, strong-looking dog with powerful jaws. Its coat is short and generally smooth. The dog breed is a light to moderate shedder. Colors can include solid white or any color pattern including black, red, brown, fawn and all shades of brindle. The color conformation is quite varied, but blue or any degree of merle is highly undesirable. It is considered a serious fault or disqualification by most breed standards. There should also be good (preferably black) pigmentation on the nose and eye rims, with only some pink being allowed. Preferred eye color is brown. American Bulldogs can be droolers. This varies and is more prevalent in those that are looser jowled or lipped. The Johnson is generally a larger, heavier dog with a shorter muzzle. Scott types often resemble a large, leggy Pit Bull. It is important to note that many modern American Bulldogs are a combination of the two types. These dogs are sometimes referred to as hybrids. In general, American Bulldogs weigh between 27 to 57 kg (60 to 125 lb) and are 52 to 70 cm (20 to 28 in) at the withers, but have been known to greatly exceed that. The Johnson type is often confused with the "white" Boxer due to the strong resemblance between the two breeds.

American Bulldog Temperament

American Bulldog is typically a happy and friendly dog that is at ease with its family and fine with outsiders who pose no threat. They bond strongly with their master and family. This dog breed tolerates children and can do well with them, provided they are socialized early. The more exposure to good training practices, other dogs and people, the more likely the success at being controlled both inside and outside of their environment. One way to help accomplish this goal can be done in the simplest of ways, by walking them regularly in a local park. There they can meet other people and dogs. If properly introduced and socialized, this breed can become a great family pet and guardian.

American Bulldogs do best in a home with a medium to large sized backyard and moderate exercise. This breed can sometimes be wary towards cats and smaller pets, but the correct socialization at an early age (see above, temperament) will greatly increase the chances of them accepting these animals. Aggressiveness towards other strange dogs, especially those of the same sex, is not uncommon.

American Bulldog Health

American Bulldogs can live from 10-15 years, and tend to be strong, physically active, and healthy. Some health problems in American bulldogs are usually found within certain genetic lines, and are not common to the entire breed. However, certain health problems, such as neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL), enlarged hearts, disorders of the kidney and thyroid, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, entropion, ectropion, and bone cancer are more common to the general population of American Bulldogs.