American Bulldog

When it comes to loyalty in dogs, the American Bulldog leads the pack. This strong, muscular breed is known for its loyalty and protective instincts, but despite their tough appearance, they’re all heart!

Country of Origin

United States of America
Breed Group

Working
Height

Male 22-27 In
Female 20-25 In
Weight

Male 75-100 Ib
Female 60-80 Ib
Life Span

10-12 years

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In a Nutshell

The American Bulldog is an adaptable and athletic breed known for its strength and endurance. Originally bred for farm tasks such as guarding livestock and hunting, they have seamlessly integrated into family life. With the right training and socialization, American Bulldogs become reliable, loyal, and loving companions.

Life With a American Bulldog

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Energy level

Trainability Level

Amount of Shedding

Tendency of Barking

Exercise Needs

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Pet Friendly

Looks & Personality

American Bulldogs are muscular and sturdy dogs with large heads, broad chests, and strong jaws. Their ears are often triangular-shaped. The breed has a short, smooth coat in a variety of colors, including white, brindle, and brown.

American Bulldogs are very strong, confident, and protective, which makes them excellent watchdogs but can also lead to aggression, mainly toward strangers and other animals. This makes proper and positive training and socialization crucial. When trained, their loyalty and affectionate demeanor make them wonderful family companions. However, due to the dog’s size and strength, it’s always important to remain alert, mainly around small children.

Common Health Problems

American Bulldogs are typically healthy but can be prone to certain health issues, mainly related to their joints, skin, breathing, lymph nodes, and more. Regular exercise is essential for keeping them in good shape.

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A tip from a vet

Ensure they exercise enough to maintain a healthy weight and protect their joints. Due to the dog’s size and short nose, avoid training during peak heat to prevent a heat stroke.

A tip from a trainer

Start training and socialization early to channel this dog’s energy properly. Otherwise, your well-intentioned, protective American Bulldog may show aggression toward strangers.

Did You Know

Brooke Shields’ American Bulldog, Darla, played a key role in her romantic life. Her dog wandered off and was brought back by Chris Henchy, who later became her second husband. Who could ask for a better matchmaker?

The Disney movie “The Incredible Journey” features the leading character of an American Bulldog named Chance, voiced by actor Michael J. Fox.

American Bulldogs can have various ear types—hanging, erect, or cropped—and their tails can be long or docked. This flexibility means American Bulldogs of various looks can qualify for registration with groups like the American Kennel Club.

In The News

In late 2023, a car manufacturing company announced that its new vehicle would be named “The American Bulldog,” stating its “loyal and courageous American spirit” as the reason behind this choice.

The History Behind the Breed

The roots of the American Bulldog can be traced back to the early settlers who brought their working bulldogs to America. These dogs were valued for their strength, loyalty, and versatility. Known for their determination and work ethic, American Bulldogs were essential on farms and ranches, handling many tasks.

After World War II, the American Bulldog was on the brink of extinction due to urbanization and changes in farming practices. Thanks to the hard work of breeders like John D. Johnson and Alan Scott, the American Bulldog was revived and refined. Today, they are appreciated as hardworking dogs that are also beloved family pets — the best of both worlds.

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