Knowledge Of The American Bulldog Dog Breed

Knowledge Of The American Bulldog

• Breed Group: Working 
• Height: 22 to 27 inches at withers 
• Weight: 60 to 120 pounds or more 
• Life Span: 10 to 12 years

He’s not your average Bulldog. Generally taller and leaner than his bulldog cousin, the American Bulldog originated within us in the 18th century, when farmers used him to drive and catch cattle and hogs. He tends to be filled with energy and love his people, but prey animals should beware.

Breed Characteristics

Overview

The American Bulldog struts in and immediately makes himself a member of the family — the one whose job it's to guard everyone else. With young children, he is often affectionate and delicate, and he often gets along well with cats and other dogs when raised with them. That said, early socialization with other pets and children is important and young children should never be left unsupervised with any dog, especially one of this size and strength.

American Bulldogs may vary slightly, counting on the bloodlines from which they were bred. You may hear them described as being from the Scott or Johnson lines or perhaps from the Painter, Williamson, Tate or Bailey strains. They may differ in build, head shape or muzzle, and leg length, for example.

This is a strong and active working dog that is best suited to life on an acreage where he can assist with controlling livestock and patrolling the property — any task that will keep him busy.

He can sleep in a city or suburban environment, but as long as you'll provide him with enough exercise daily. If he’s not getting enough exercise, he may get bored and chew something to pieces — like your sofa. Once your veterinarian determines that he doesn’t have any underlying health conditions to hold him back, consider taking him running or providing a combination of physical and mental exercise that will keep him occupied.

That said, different lines of yank Bulldogs could have different activity levels, says Caroline Powell of Cornerstone Bulldogs in Texas. She suggests that Johnson-type American Bulldogs, which tend to be slightly larger and have shorter muzzles than the Scott line, might not need the maximum amount of exercise as their smaller counterparts. So talk to the breeder and make sure you understand what a pup’s exercise requirements will be. Powell recommends dogs from Johnson lines for people with small yards or limited ability to run or exercise their dogs.

Healthy American Bulldogs can shine at dog sports like agility and nose work. They can also be good companions for walkers, joggers, hikers, bicyclists, and skateboarders, as long as a veterinarian doesn’t find any underlying health issues that could limit the dog’s activity.

This is not a breed for inexperienced dog owners. The best owners for these dogs are already familiar with and knowledgeable about bully breeds. They have plenty of time to socialize, train and exercise the dog. Like any dog, American Bulldogs are often destructive if they're left with nothing to try. They may take up digging or chewing to occupy their time.

American Bulldogs are generally excellent watchdogs. They usually don’t bark unless there’s something to bark about.

He features a lot of great qualities, but Powell warns that the American Bulldog isn't for everybody. He’s best suited to a person or family who wants to spend a lot of time with their dog and is willing to put in the effort to make him a true companion.

Other Quick Facts

• American Bulldogs can vary in size, appearance, and energy state, consistent with the road or strain from which they were bred. For instance, Scott-type American Bulldogs tend to be smaller than those from the Johnson line and bigger than those from the Painter line.
• The American Bulldog is typically white or white with patches of brindle, black or red/fawn. For showing purposes, it can be any color, pattern or combination of colors except for solid black, solid blue, merle or white with patches of black and tan (tricolor), according to the United Kennel Club.
• An American Bulldog can have a docked tail, but a natural tail is preferred. The natural tail is thick at the bottom and tapers to some extent. It’s sometimes described as resembling a pump handle

The History of American Bulldogs

Hundreds of years ago, American farmers kept tough dogs available to catch bulls for castration or to assist drive cattle to plug. These canine enforcers were strong and agile with powerful jaws. Some people maintained that type of dog as an all-around farm dog,

especially in the rural South, where they were known as “catch dogs,” bringing in wild hogs and cattle.

After World War II, they began to be bred as working dogs as well. Some became police dogs or did well in Schutzhund and “iron dog” competitions.

The United Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1999.

The Basics of American Bulldog Grooming

The American Bulldog features a short coat which will feel either soft or stiff. The breed sheds moderately year-round. Brush or comb the coat weekly to get rid of dead hair and distribute skin oils.

The rest is basic care. Trim the nails every three to four weeks or as required. Brush the teeth often — with a vet-approved pet toothpaste — permanently overall health and fresh breath.

Finding an American Bulldog

Finding an honest breeder may be a good way to seek out the proper puppy. A good breeder will match you with the proper puppy and can, without question, have done all the health certifications necessary to sort health problems the maximum amount as possible. She is more interested in placing pups in the right homes than in making big bucks.

Good breeders will welcome your questions on temperament, health clearances and what the dogs wish to accept and can come right back at you with questions of their own about what you’re trying to find during a dog and what quite life you'll provide for him. A good breeder can tell you about the history of the breed, explain why one puppy is taken into account pet quality while another isn't and discuss what health problems affect the breed and therefore the steps she takes to avoid those problems.

Start your search with the American Bulldog Association. They should be able to refer you to breeders in the United States or Canada.

Look for a breeder who is active in her national breed club and an area club, too, if possible. She should regularly participate with her dogs in some form of organized canine activities, such as conformation showing, obedience, other dog sports or therapy dog programs. She should sell her puppies with written contracts guaranteeing she will take the dogs back if at any time during their lives the owners cannot keep them.

Ask the breeder to provide you with documentation that your prospective puppy’s parents were cleared for health problems in the breed and have results registered with the OFA or the CHIC.

Avoid breeders who seem interested only in how quickly they can unload a puppy on you and whether your credit card will go through. You should also bear in mind that purchasing a puppy from an internet site that gives to ship your dog to you immediately is often an adventure, as it leaves you no recourse if what you get isn’t exactly what you expected. Put a minimum of the maximum amount effort into researching your puppy as you'd into choosing a replacement car or expensive appliance. It will prevent money within the end of the day.

Lots of reputable breeders have websites, so how can you tell who’s good and who’s not? Red flags include puppies always being available, multiple litters on the premises, having your choice of any puppy and therefore the ability to pay online with a MasterCard. Quickie online purchases are convenient, but they're almost never related to reputable breeders.

Whether you’re planning to get your new best friend from a breeder, a pet store or another source, don’t forget the adage “let the buyer beware.” Disreputable breeders and facilities that affect puppy mills are often hard to differentiate from reliable operations. There’s no 100-percent guaranteed thanks to confirming you’ll never purchase a sick puppy but researching the breed (so you recognize what to expect), finding out the power (to identify unhealthy conditions or sick animals) and asking the proper questions can reduce the probabilities of heading into a disastrous situation. And don’t forget to ask your veterinarian, who can often refer you to a reputable breeder, breed rescue organization or other reliable sources for healthy puppies.

And before you opt to shop for a puppy, consider whether an adult American Bulldog might better fit your needs and lifestyle. Puppies are a lot of fun, but they require tons of your time and energy before they get older to become the dog of your dreams. An adult American Bulldog, if one is out there, may have already got some training and should be less active, destructive and demanding than a puppy. With an adult, you often know more about what you’re getting in terms of personality and health and you can find adults through breeders or shelters. If you are interested in acquiring an adult dog through breeders, ask them about purchasing a retired show dog or if they know of an adult dog who needs a new home. If you would like to adopt a dog, read the recommendation below on the way to do this.

Adopting a Dog From a Rescue Group or Shelter

1. Use the Web

Sites like Petfinder.com and Adopt-a-Pet.com can have you ever checked out an American Bulldog in your area in no time flat. The site allows you to be very specific in your requests (housetraining status, for example) or very general (all the American Bulldogs available on Petfinder across the country). AnimalShelter.org can assist you to find animal rescue groups in your area.

Keep in mind, however, that when you acquire a dog this way, he usually hasn’t been evaluated by a person experienced in the breed who is affiliated with a rescue group. If you happen to know someone who is familiar with the breed, ask him or her to go with you to meet the dog.

Social media is another great way to find a dog. Post on your Facebook page that you simply are trying to find a selected breed in order that your entire community is often your eyes and ears.

2. Reach Out to Local Experts

Start talking with all the pet pros in your area about your desire for an American Bulldog. That includes vets, dog walkers, and groomers. When someone has got to make the tough decision to offer up a dog, that person will often ask her own trusted network for recommendations.

3. Ask Breed Rescue

Most people who love American Bulldogs love all American Bulldogs. That’s why breed clubs have rescue organizations dedicated to taking care of homeless dogs. Breeders and breed clubs work to put dogs of their breed once they are in need of a replacement home. One such group is American Bulldog Rescue.

The great thing about breed rescue groups is that they have a tendency to be very upfront about any health conditions the dogs may have and are a valuable resource for advice. they'll also offer opportunities to foster a dog if you're an experienced dog owner.

4. Key Inquiries to Ask

You now know the items to debate with a breeder, but there also are questions you ought to ask shelter or rescue group staff or volunteers before you bring home a pup. These include:

• What is his energy level?
• How is he around other animals?
• How does he answer shelter workers, visitors, and children?
• What is his personality like?
• What is his age?
• Is he housetrained?
• Has he ever bitten or hurt anyone that they know of?
• Are there any known health issues?

Wherever you acquire your American Bulldog, confirm you've got an honest contract with the vendor, shelter or rescue group that spells out responsibilities on each side. Petfinder offers an Adopters Bill of Rights that helps you understand what you'll consider normal and appropriate once you get a dog from a shelter. In states with “puppy lemon laws,” make certain you and therefore the person you get the dog from both understand your rights and recourses.

Puppy or adult, a breeder purchase or adoption, you ought to take your American Bulldog to your veterinarian soon after you bring it home. Your veterinarian is going to be ready to spot problems and can work with you to line up a preventive health care program.