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Breed Information: American Bulldog
This breed has had many different names in the past. Old English White, Old Country Bulldog, Old Country White, English White, Old Time Bulldog, White English, Alabama Bulldog, Southern Bulldog, or just Bulldog. The breed got its present name, American Bulldog, in the early 1980's. The American Bulldog can trace its roots back to the old type English Bulldog, brought over by the English settlers in the 1700's. The Bulldog did survive in isolated pockets in the Southeastern U.S., where they were used at farms and plantations as property protection dogs, and as farmers' catch-dogs on livestock, such as cattle and hogs.
The American Bulldog is probably the breed that is closest to the original, pre-1800's old Bulldog of England and deserves more than the modern English Bulldog to be called just Bulldog. The American Bulldog is still a performing dog, as the Bulldog of old times; something the modern show-Bulldog is not. Most modern lines of American Bulldogs can trace their roots to four strains: Williamson, Scott, Bailey, and Johnson; all from the Alabama or Georgia area. Today, the Old Country Bulldog is classified into two main types: The Scott-type (Standard) and the Johnson-type (Classic/Bully), but there are many "hybrids" between the Scott and Johnson type. John D. Johnson renamed his line to JDJ Bulldog to differ from the many hybrids and crosses claiming to be pure Johnson dogs. Still there can be found dogs referred to as "White English" among countrymen that have never heard about Mr. Scott or Mr. Johnson, and that breed strains no infusion of blood from the common American Bulldog lines. Most often, their families have bred these "White English" for generations and these dogs are "The True American Bulldogs."
The breed is called Bulldog, not because of his look, but because he did real Bulldog work. The American Bulldog is a powerful animal, showing great strength, agility and endurance; things needed in his daily work on the farms, to bring down a bull, catch hogs, or scare off bad guys. This performing breed is truly a powerful working animal. Even though they are great protectors, they are still very stable and trustworthy, even with young children. They are great at realizing a threat from a non-threat, so they tend not to be vicious like other protection animals. When owning an American Bulldog, you can never have a better friend, who will help and protect you in all possible ways.
When reading the different standards, there are different size and weight measurements given for the American Bulldog. This is only natural considering they are still a working animal, there are different types within the breed, and there are different registries covering the breed.
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Is the American Bulldog the Right Breed for You?
Do American Bulldogs shed?
Yes. Their fur is very short, but they do shed year round, more during changing seasons. Be prepared for lots of sweeping during that time.
Are American Bulldogs aggressive towards humans?
American Bulldogs are very dominant and also very protective. They are loving towards their own family, their pack if you will, but will show aggression towards strangers due to their protective instinct. Dogs of the "dominant" breeds can be expected at some point in their lives to challenge their owners. The American Bulldog is no different. This makes obedience training absolutely essential. A class with an experienced instructor is a great way to do it. It is important that your dog knows that you are his/her leader. It can prevent problems down the road. Early socialization is also very important. One trainer suggests that you should have 100 people over (not all at once of course) during the first 100 days after you get your dog. Getting them around a lot of people will help reduce problems, such as shyness or fear aggression later on. And don't worry, socialization will not take away your dog's natural protective instinct.
Are American Bulldogs aggressive towards other dogs?
Often their strong drives and dominance cause them to be aggressive towards other dogs. They love to play rough with each other, but unfortunately as they mature (1-2 yrs), they often become aggressive with each other and fight. Same sex dogs almost always fight. Sometimes females will fight with other females, sometimes males and females will fight. It's very difficult and scary to break up a fight between these dogs. Careful planning must be done when deciding to own more than one dog. Socializing a young dog can help him/her get along better with other dogs, but does not guarantee that he/she will never want to fight. Their unpredictability with other dogs is why it is NOT recommended taking them to dog parks, where the environment is uncontrolled.
Are American Bulldogs good with children?
They are great with children and are very loving and protective of them. However, this is a very strong and powerful breed with a very strong prey drive, which is easily set off by an excited, running, screaming child. Close supervision is a must when owning dogs with kids. A dog is NOT a babysitter. Make sure the child knows proper behavior around dogs. Carefully supervise an American Bulldog where there are strange children, due not only to the dog's prey drive, but also the protectiveness toward strangers.
Are American Bulldogs aggressive towards other animals?
They were bred to catch and bring down bulls and other livestock. They also excel at hog catching. These drives continue to be strong today. Care needs to be taken when around horses and other animals. Careful planning needs to be taken when bringing an American Bulldog into a house with cats. Many of them eventually get along, but a few do not. Make sure the cat has some solitary place he can access that the dog cannot, just in case.
Can I afford an American Bulldog?
American Bulldogs are not a cheap breed to maintain. Being large dogs, they eat relatively large meals. This can average from $30-40 per month just on food alone. Large dogs tend to have larger vet bills, as the amount of anesthesia and of most medications is proportional to body weight. Their annual exams and vaccines are same as for other dogs. American Bulldogs are subject to quite a few genetically derived health disorders, however, his dysplasia is extremely prevalent in the breed. Other common problems are allergies, entropian, elbow dysplasia, cataracts, Von Willebrand's disease (a bleeding disorder) and heart disorders.
American Bulldog Facts:
| Life Expectancy: |
8-15 years |
| Colors: |
All white, white and patched, brindle or red (red is defined as any shade of tan, brown or red), black mixed with brindle or white to solid black |
| Coat Type: |
Short, close, stiff to the touch |
| Grooming Needs: |
Brush coat with a firm bristle brush or rubber mitt; bathe only when necessary |
| Exercise Needs: |
Needs plenty of exercise to make them mellower in the house. Walking, jogging, biking, skateboarding for about a mile twice daily with owner is enough. Also, fetching, frisbee, swimming, agility and weight pulling. |
| Temperament: |
The essential characteristics of the American Bulldog enable it to work as a hog and cattle catching dog, and a protector of personal property. These tasks require a powerful, agile, confident dog with a large head and powerful jaws. The breed is a gentle, loving family companion who is fearless enough to face an angry bull or a human intruder. Very alert, outgoing and friendly with a self-assured attitude. Some aloofness with strangers and assertive towards other dogs. |
Good with Children: |
The American Bulldog is known for its love for children. Excellent with other pets, when raised together |
| Avg Size: |
22-27 inches (Johnson males) and 20-25 inches (Johnson female)
23-27 inches (Scott males) and 21-25 inches (Scott female) |
| Avg Weight (lbs.): |
90-150 (Johnson males) and 70-130 (Johnson females)
75-110 (Scott males) and 60-85 (Scott females)
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| Health Issues: |
Some strains have hip dysplasia. Some are prone to eye disorders, such as Entropian, or allergies or thyroid problems |
| Living Conditions: |
Preferably indoor because they don't have a lot of protection from the elements |
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