| Training | |
| Sensitivity to strangers | |
| Affection for family | |
| Suitable for first-time owners | |
| Ease of grooming | |
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The American Bulldog is officially recognized as a breed by the AKC, it is an excellent animal to herd cattle, hunt wild boar and as a watchdog.
The American Bulldog is docile, easy to train, powerful and harmonious. It originated in America and exists in different varieties: depending on how “close” it is to the English Bulldog, the Pointer, the Boxer or the Saint Bernard.
American Bulldog: Origins
The American Bulldog breed, official or not, has been selected by two breeders: John D. Johnson and Allen Scott, who gave their names to two varieties of this breed. The American Bulldog was born with the arrival of the Old English Bulldog along with the British settlers.
When Governor Richard Nicolls found himself having problems with wild cattle on the island of Manhattan, and in what is now the Bronx, he brought this dog breed to herd the cattle. While the English bulldog stayed in his country becoming a companion dog after being crossed with the Pug, the American Bulldog maintained its same physical and character traits. More than a companion dog, it is rather used on fields and farms in the western and southern part of the United States.
American Bulldog: Standard
The American Bulldog standard is not recognized by the International Cynological Federation (FCI) but by the UKC (Union Kennel Club). It is a medium-sized dog of great power and dynamism. Males have a height of 22 to 27 inches (55 -70 cm) at the withers, and weigh 88 to 121 lb. (40 -55 kg), females’ height ranges between 20 and 24 inches (50 -60 cm) at the withers, and weigh between 70 and 99 lb (30 -45 kg).
This breed always shows great strength, it has a very solid build, it is muscular, but this does not affect its agility: it is fast. The head of the American Bulldog is square, broad, with a very muscular and powerful neck and shoulders. Their hair is satin and can be white or of various shades of white, with brown, red or light brown and black spots.
There are five varieties of this breed:
- Bully or Johnson;
- Scott (Standard);
- Painter (Margentina);
- Old Southern White;
- Multi-line, called Hybrid.
Johnson American Bulldog
The American Bulldog Johnson variety was named after one of its two breeders: Mr. JD Johnson. This common variety resembles the English bulldog, West Champs High Hopes, his ancestor, slightly similar to a boxer. This Bulldog variety tends to be large and is sometimes prone to suffer from hip dysplasia. Precisely for this reason, the Johnson variety is not suitable for hunting wild boar or working with cattle, compared to others.
Scott American Bulldog
This variety of the American Bulldog derives from Allen Scot, the other breeder’s crossing. When compared to other varieties, it looks more like a Pit Bull and is used for different tasks: as a hunting dog or for guarding large fields. We must imagine it in large areas of land, providing protection in some areas of the United States, very different from the landscape of a city. But nothing prevents the Scott American Bulldog from having a good character and being able to be safely kept at home.
American Bulldog: Temperament
Just by looking at this dog’s face you can see its determined and serious expression. You know who you are dealing with when you are in the presence of a real American bulldog. It will never behave too timidly or, on the contrary, too aggressively towards a person. It remains faithful to its owner, just like a best friend. In general, the American Bulldog is a dog of excellent intelligence, very obedient and, therefore, fairly easy to train.
It requires plenty of exercise. Provided you respect this need, it is a canine breed that can stay at home if it is necessary. It behaves very well and it takes care of the whole family. Owners of this breed assure us it is very protective. It is an excellent guardian and watches over its house, just like it does in the field.
American Bulldog: Use
It is a dog that adapts to various jobs, from pure and simple company, to guarding and self-defense. For the latter, the American Bulldog has three strong points that make it superior to the universally used German breeds:
- Iits great temperament and tolerance to physical pain and psychological stress;
- Muscle power represented in an optimal size for human work (77/99 lbs);
- Reliability and psychological balance.
American bulldog: Feeding
These general rules about food apply to any molosser. They need to exercise daily to maintain their figure and prevent gaining weight.
The dog needs a daily portion of 1lb or 400-500 grams of food, it would help if it is divided into two meals a day. In other aspects, it does not need special attention and you won’t spend a lot of money with the vet. You should know that this breed has an average lifespan of around 16 years.
American Bulldog: Price and Puppies For Sale
An American bulldog puppy is priced at 1100 dollars, about 900 English pounds, or more. As it is not a recognized breed, it is more difficult to know its exact price, and it also has 5 varieties fit for different jobs. It is a dog that must be kept in shape, watching its weight. Its main beauty features are based on its size and athletic power. It is essential that you buy from a reliable breeder so that you can be sure that your puppy has been:
- Raised for good health and temperament;
- Well selected (his parents were chosen without genetic diseases);
- Properly socialized, so that it is neither too fearful nor too aggressive;
- Vaccinated and well cared for.
Now that we have clarified the most important aspects, you can go in search of your new 4-legged friend, who is surely waiting for you.
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