The American Bulldog, a member of the Mastiff family, is a strong, loyal and powerful breed. Their short, coarse coats are generally colored with a mix of white and either brown, brindle, red or tan. This breed is known for its strong, sturdy muscular frame and wide chest. Its front legs are very straight, and its thick-based low-set tail tapers to a point at the end. One of its most defining features is its head, which is very large and somewhat square-like, accentuated by muscular cheeks, a stern jaw, dark round eyes, a prominent black or dark nose, and a commanding box-like muzzle. American Bulldogs’ ears are generally either rose (small drop ears that fold back), half-pricked (bent slightly forward, but still perky), or pendant (folded forward, hanging). Their necks are thick and strong and American Bulldogs have a slight dewlap (a dewlap is a hanging fold of loose skin). Despite their muscular, virulent build, American Bulldogs have a sweet and gentle appearance to their faces and a childlike alertness in their eyes.
The American Bulldog is stronger and larger than its ancestor, the English bulldog. American Bulldogs have charming personalities, but it is vital that owners begin obedience training and socialization at an early age – as soon as they are brought home from their breeders. They are a protective guard dog breed with impressive intelligence and intuitiveness. They enjoy being with their owners and family, and they are excellent with children. Since they are so loyal and protective, they may be leery of strangers, so it is important that owners strive to expose them to strangers regularly during “puppyhood.” Some American Bulldogs aren’t good with other dogs or cats. In most cases, if they are raised around other dogs and cats, they will get along fine together. Keep in mind that this breed was used for hunting (and still is by some), so they are more naturally adept at chasing other animals than playing alongside them.
The average lifespan for an American Bulldog is between fourteen and sixteen years, although some exceed that average by several years. They are a notoriously healthy breed, with their most frequently reported health concern being hip dysplasia. The best way to prevent hip problems is to ensure that these dogs get the moderate exercise they need and maintain a healthy weight. Adult male American Bulldogs should weigh seventy to one-hundred and twenty pounds, and females should be between sixty and one-hundred pounds. American Bulldogs are very agile and can jump as high as six feet, thanks to their incredibly strong hind legs. Males are generally between twenty-two and twenty-eight inches in height, and females are slightly shorter, averaging between twenty and twenty-six inches.
They require moderate exercise, and they really enjoy running outdoors in a decent-sized backyard. Grooming American Bulldogs is very easy as their coat is so short and stiff. They are average shedders, so if a family member has a dander allergy, the condition could very well be aggravated. Also, American Bulldogs are known for their somewhat heavy drooling and slobbering – but it’s just part of their charm! Dogs of this breed make excellent pets and loyal friends. Always go to a reputable breeder when you are looking for a purebred American Bulldog.
