Dog Breeds - American Bulldog

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The degree of affection a dog breed displays towards family and acquaintances can differ significantly. Some breeds maintain a distant demeanor showing warmth and loyalty predominantly to their owners. In contrast other breeds are much more gregarious, treating familiar faces as if they were their closest confidants.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
The patience and tolerance a breed exhibits towards children's actions along with its general suitability for family life can vary widely. Regardless of a dog's breed it is crucial to always supervise interactions between dogs and young children or any child who is not accustomed to being around dogs.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
A breed's inherent disposition toward other dogs can range from social and welcoming to more reserved or cautious. While supervision is essential during introductions and interactions with other dogs it's noteworthy that some breeds have a natural propensity for camaraderie with their canine counterparts whether in the home environment or in communal settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of shedding you can anticipate from a breed can significantly affect grooming commitments and household cleaning routines. Breeds known for heavy shedding will require regular brushing to manage loose fur, may exacerbate certain allergies and can necessitate more frequent vacuuming and use of lint rollers to keep living spaces clean.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
The grooming demands of a dog breed, encompassing bathing, brushing and trimming can vary extensively. When selecting a breed consider the time, patience and financial resources you can dedicate to maintaining your dog’s coat. High-maintenance breeds may require professional grooming sessions in addition to home care. Keep in mind that irrespective of the breed all dogs will need their nails trimmed regularly to ensure their comfort and health.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
The propensity for drooling varies greatly among dog breeds. If you prefer a tidy environment and are concerned about cleanliness, selecting a dog that is less likely to dribble copiously might be advisable. Breeds that are notorious for leaving trails of saliva on skin or clothing could be challenging for someone with a penchant for neatness.
COAT TYPE +
Smooth
COAT LENGTH +
Short

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
A breed's natural inclination to interact with strangers can range from standoffish or vigilant to overtly friendly and approachable. Certain breeds may display a consistent wariness or restraint around unfamiliar people regardless of the setting. On the other hand some breeds exhibit exuberant friendliness eagerly greeting new humans as though each introduction is a fortuitous encounter. When choosing a breed consider how important a dog’s social demeanor with strangers is to your lifestyle and preferences.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
A breed's proclivity for playfulness can persist well beyond their puppy years or may diminish as they grow older. Some breeds retain a youthful zeal for games like tug-of-war or fetch throughout their adulthood sustaining a high level of energy and engagement. Conversely, other breeds may exhibit a more laid-back attitude often content to lounge and relax by your side. When considering a dog, think about the balance you prefer between an active playmate and a calm companion.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
A breed's inclination to alert their owners about the presence of strangers embodies an instinctive guarding behavior with certain breeds being more reactive to perceived threats from postal workers to passing wildlife. Dogs with strong watchdog traits will vocalize to signal unfamiliar activity but they can also discern and adapt to strangers who are welcomed into the home by their family members often becoming more amenable once they sense their owners' acceptance of the visitors.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
A breed's inclination to alert their owners about the presence of strangers embodies an instinctive guarding behavior with certain breeds being more reactive to perceived threats from postal workers to passing wildlife. Dogs with strong watchdog traits will vocalize to signal unfamiliar activity but they can also discern and adapt to strangers who are welcomed into the home by their family members often becoming more amenable once they sense their owners' acceptance of the visitors.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
Training your dog might come with ease and their readiness to pick up new tricks could surprise you. Certain breeds are naturally inclined to please their owners whereas some march to the beat of their own drum displaying their independence anytime and anywhere.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
The demand for physical activity and mental challenges varies by dog breed. Breeds that brim with energy look forward to dynamic activities and will remain active with running and playing all day long. Breeds on the more sedate end of the spectrum prefer a leisurely lifestyle happy to sprawl out and nap at their leisure.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
The frequency of vocal expressions, including barking or howling, varies across dog breeds. Certain breeds may alert you to every individual passing by or each bird that flits past the window whereas others reserve their barks for specific scenarios. Then there are breeds that rarely bark but might use alternative sounds to communicate.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
The level of mental exercise a breed demands to feel fulfilled and be healthy can differ greatly. Dogs with a working heritage may need tasks involving critical thinking, troubleshooting and sustained attention. Absent these cognitive challenges they'll find alternative ways to occupy their minds and such 'projects' might not be conducive to a peaceful household.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The degree of affection a dog breed displays towards family and acquaintances can differ significantly. Some breeds maintain a distant demeanor showing warmth and loyalty predominantly to their owners. In contrast other breeds are much more gregarious, treating familiar faces as if they were their closest confidants.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

The patience and tolerance a breed exhibits towards children's actions along with its general suitability for family life can vary widely. Regardless of a dog's breed it is crucial to always supervise interactions between dogs and young children or any child who is not accustomed to being around dogs.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

A breed's inherent disposition toward other dogs can range from social and welcoming to more reserved or cautious. While supervision is essential during introductions and interactions with other dogs it's noteworthy that some breeds have a natural propensity for camaraderie with their canine counterparts whether in the home environment or in communal settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

The amount of shedding you can anticipate from a breed can significantly affect grooming commitments and household cleaning routines. Breeds known for heavy shedding will require regular brushing to manage loose fur, may exacerbate certain allergies and can necessitate more frequent vacuuming and use of lint rollers to keep living spaces clean.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

The grooming demands of a dog breed, encompassing bathing, brushing and trimming can vary extensively. When selecting a breed consider the time, patience and financial resources you can dedicate to maintaining your dog’s coat. High-maintenance breeds may require professional grooming sessions in addition to home care. Keep in mind that irrespective of the breed all dogs will need their nails trimmed regularly to ensure their comfort and health.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

The propensity for drooling varies greatly among dog breeds. If you prefer a tidy environment and are concerned about cleanliness, selecting a dog that is less likely to dribble copiously might be advisable. Breeds that are notorious for leaving trails of saliva on skin or clothing could be challenging for someone with a penchant for neatness.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Smooth

COAT SPECTRUM

Short

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

A breed's natural inclination to interact with strangers can range from standoffish or vigilant to overtly friendly and approachable. Certain breeds may display a consistent wariness or restraint around unfamiliar people regardless of the setting. On the other hand some breeds exhibit exuberant friendliness eagerly greeting new humans as though each introduction is a fortuitous encounter. When choosing a breed consider how important a dog’s social demeanor with strangers is to your lifestyle and preferences.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

A breed's proclivity for playfulness can persist well beyond their puppy years or may diminish as they grow older. Some breeds retain a youthful zeal for games like tug-of-war or fetch throughout their adulthood sustaining a high level of energy and engagement. Conversely, other breeds may exhibit a more laid-back attitude often content to lounge and relax by your side. When considering a dog, think about the balance you prefer between an active playmate and a calm companion.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

A breed's inclination to alert their owners about the presence of strangers embodies an instinctive guarding behavior with certain breeds being more reactive to perceived threats from postal workers to passing wildlife. Dogs with strong watchdog traits will vocalize to signal unfamiliar activity but they can also discern and adapt to strangers who are welcomed into the home by their family members often becoming more amenable once they sense their owners' acceptance of the visitors.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

Training your dog might come with ease and their readiness to pick up new tricks could surprise you. Certain breeds are naturally inclined to please their owners whereas some march to the beat of their own drum displaying their independence anytime and anywhere.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

The demand for physical activity and mental challenges varies by dog breed. Breeds that brim with energy look forward to dynamic activities and will remain active with running and playing all day long. Breeds on the more sedate end of the spectrum prefer a leisurely lifestyle happy to sprawl out and nap at their leisure.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Infrequent

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

The level of mental exercise a breed demands to feel fulfilled and be healthy can differ greatly. Dogs with a working heritage may need tasks involving critical thinking, troubleshooting and sustained attention. Absent these cognitive challenges they'll find alternative ways to occupy their minds and such 'projects' might not be conducive to a peaceful household.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
White	199

PATTERNS

Description	Registration Code
Black Markings	002
Brindle Markings	007
Tan Markings	012
Brown Markings	022
Red Markings	023

About The Breed

The American Bulldog is a well-proportioned and athletic breed, renowned for its strength, stamina, agility and amiable disposition. Initially these dogs were cultivated to serve as multi-purpose utility dogs on farms.

Tracing its lineage back to the English Bulldog the American Bulldog is thought to have been present in America as far back as the 1600s. It wasn't until the 1800s however, that the breed became more common accompanying immigrants who depended on their working bulldogs during their move to the United States. Once there the breed proved indispensable to small-time farmers and ranchers serving a variety of roles from protecting the farm to herding livestock and even helping to capture feral pigs. This versatility is especially what helped the breed to persevere particularly across the southern United States.

Before the term "American Bulldog" was universally adopted, this breed went by a variety of names depending on the region particularly in the South. Some knew it as the White English Southern Bulldog but the most prevalent name was simply "bulldog." This moniker wasn't so much about the dog's appearance as it was about the gritty bulldog-type of work it performed.

Anticipating the Needs of Your American Bulldog: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	The American Bulldog is generally recognized for its robust health. To ensure their well-being owners should adhere to a regimen of check-ups and immunizations as advised by their vet. Despite their overall vigor the breed is susceptible to hip and elbow issues making regular evaluations for these joints important. As with all breeds there is a possibility for the American Bulldog to inherit genetic disorders. Responsible breeders will proactively screen for genetic conditions in prospective breeding pairs to maintain the health of the breed.

Grooming

	Maintaining your American Bulldog's appearance is relatively straightforward. They don't require frequent baths—just when they’ve managed to get themselves a bit messy. Routine brushing will not only get rid of dirt but also keep their coat lustrous. It's pivotal to clip their nails biweekly if not sooner should they grow quickly and their ears call for a cleaning once a month or whenever necessary. Don’t forget dental hygiene; brush their teeth consistently to promote oral health. Be prepared for a bit of extra fur around the house as they do shed seasonally.

Exercise

	The American Bulldog boasts remarkable athleticism. For the young pups, engaging in low-impact activities is crucial to prevent any potential damage to developing bones and joints. Once reaching adulthood, an American Bulldog thrives on a diverse array of physical exercises, including jogging hiking, interactive games such as tug-of-war and structured training routines. It's important to remember that this breed doesn't fare well with prolonged solitude or confinement in a backyard, as this can lead to a host of behavioral issues stemming from accumulated energy. To keep an American Bulldog physically satisfied and mentally engaged they need regular exercise and ongoing stimulation. Nurturing their inherent athletic prowess will contribute to their overall wellbeing and contentment.

Training

	For the American Bulldog, initializing socialization and puppy training classes early on is imperative to direct their vibrant energy properly. Establishing rules and consistent routines from the onset is essential and maintaining these guidelines is just as crucial as the dogs mature. They respond best to a confident yet affectionate approach to discipline ensuring that boundaries are set and sustained. The broader and more positive their interactions with diverse training scenarios other canines and people the greater their potential for becoming well-adjusted and manageable both within the home environment and in public spaces.

Nutrition

	American Bulldogs generally boast good health and can flourish on a selection of high-quality dog diets. It's recommended that American Bulldog puppies be given a food formulation specifically designed for large-breed puppies during their first 14 months. This is to promote a gradual and consistent growth pattern. Extra calcium should be avoided in their diet until they transition to adult dog food. Once they reach adulthood feeding them a premium large-breed dog food is advisable. Additionally, incorporating supplements that support joint health muscle maintenance and a healthy coat can be beneficial to their overall well-being.

Historiography

The American Bulldog is a robust and muscular canine, historically serving as a multipurpose farm utility dog as well as a devoted companion and guardian for families. Believed to have been present in the United States from the 1700s, the breed proliferated, with many brought over during the 17th and 18th centuries by their immigrating owners. They gained renown for their adeptness at corralling feral cattle and hogs, becoming an indispensable asset to small-scale farmers and ranchers. This proficiency is largely why the breed endured, especially in the southern United States. The American Bulldog faced near extinction during the world wars with the remaining population largely confined to rural settings in the Southeast. The revival of the breed is credited to two individuals John D. Johnson and Alan Scott whose efforts prevented the American Bulldog from fading into oblivion.