American Bulldog Dog Breed

A well-bred, healthy American Bulldog, who has their needs met and has been well socialised, can make a great family pet. They can be quite clownlike but sometimes forget how big they are with their over-the-top antics!

However, they are challenging as youngsters, easily excitable and often don’t know their own size or strength. For these reasons, it’s not advised for them to live with young children.

Another thing to consider is their protective nature. Their desire to protect your children means that if they see them rough housing or arguing with their friends, their vigilant drive may become activated. This could lead to them making a serious error in judgement. They may be sweet natured with YOUR children, but they may not be with ALL children.

American Bulldogs can be incredibly affectionate with their immediate family. They’ll show love by following you around, leaning on you, nudging you and licking exposed skin.

If their needs are met, they also make great snuggle buddies on the sofa. Although, you might not want them in your bedroom at night as they’re prone to snoring loudly!

Their affectionate and loyal character means that if their physical and emotional needs aren’t met, they can struggle to cope home alone.

American Bulldogs are very playful. They love to play games that test their physical strength. Tug-of-war is one of their favourites. It’s important to teach them the rules of the game such as not to grab the toy until you say so and to let go when you tell them to. It is also important to let them win now and again to keep up their enthusiasm. Their innate prey drive means that they love chasing toys that you’ve thrown for them and tracking the scent of toys or food that you’ve hidden for them to find.

It’s tempting to rough house with your ABD, as they’d likely enjoy it! But they don’t always know their own strength and their mouthing/play biting can be quite hard. This kind of physical play could also be misinterpreted if they tried it with someone who doesn't know them, so it’s best to teach them to play gently from a young age.

Whilst not nuisance barkers the American Bulldog is an excellent watchdog. You can expect them to raise their deep, loud voice when someone knocks on your door, or they perceive a threat to their homestead or family.

If you live in a built-up area your ABD may take their job a little too seriously and constantly be ‘on guard’, which is likely to cause noise complaints from your neighbours!

ABD’s may also bark when playing if the game is particularly exciting and physical. If deep, loud vocalisation concerns you then the ABD might not be right for you.

As with all breeds, if American Bulldogs don’t have their needs met and if they do not receive in-depth socialisation and training, behavioural issues can occur. These can include:

• Aggression towards other dogs, especially those of the same sex
• Destructive when left home alone
• Aggression towards visitors to the home
• Guarding of items such as food, toys or items they have stolen
• Pulling on lead

It’s essential to ensure that your ABD is socialised and trained to the highest standard. They also require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them calm and content.

The American Bulldog needs an experienced household that know how to manage this powerful breed. An interest in, and the ability to deliver kind, fair, and effective training is essential.

ABD’s need plenty of space including an enclosed garden with a secure fence at least 6 foot tall. They also need access to a large, enclosed area for off lead exercise.

They are best housed as an only dog, although they can live with an opposite sex dog of a similar breed if introduced as a young puppy.

Their high prey drive means that they should not be trusted with small pets.

Living happily with an ABD involves dedicating a lot of your time to exercise, play sessions, training sessions and companionship

This large, athletic breed needs between 90-minutes to two hours of physical exercise every day. They will need access to a secure, enclosed exercise area to enjoy safe off lead exercise.

Exercising their body is only half of caring for your ABD’s wellbeing, mental stimulation is vital too. There are lots of ways to stimulate your ABD’s brain, activity toys and puzzle feeders are a great option. Play that involves chasing and retrieving toys, or games which use their noses like following a trail to find their toys or treats, are also a great way to keep them curious.

Providing for the physical and mental needs of an ABD is time consuming but essential for them to thrive in a home.

ABD’s are a working breed, they want and NEED to use their brain.

All puppies need socialisation and habituation, and this training is even more essential for powerful ABD’s. They need to learn how to respond to the sights and sounds of day-to-day life, and more importantly what to ignore. If this stage of training isn’t taken seriously your ABD can develop fear-based aggression which is a serious concern.

Make the most of puppyhood, their brains are like sponges, and every moment with them is a training opportunity.

ABD’s can become really challenging during adolescence, this is the stage where they will test their boundaries. Keep up with the reward-based training, once they reach maturity your hard work will pay off.

Due to their size, it’s important your ABD is calm and polite in public so that both of you can enjoy your adventures.

American Bulldogs have short, smooth coats and are moderate shedders.

You can stay on top of their coat management by brushing them with a slicker brush and/or a rubber brush or mitt a couple of times a week.

Regular grooming sessions give you the opportunity to check them over for lumps, cuts or unwanted parasites.

The American Bulldog is not currently recognised by the British Kennel Club; so finding a breeder that carries out health testing on their breeding stock can be difficult. It’s important to quiz a breeder on their knowledge of health conditions this breed is prone to. These include:

• Hip/elbow Dysplasia (malformed hip/elbow joints)
• Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (breathing difficulties owing to their short nose)
• Heart Problems
• Cherry Eye (swollen third eyelid)
• Bone Cancer

ABD’s are also prone to bloat, a life-threatening condition where their stomach fills up with air and twists inside the abdomen. If you notice your dog looking bloated, being lethargic, drooling etc. you should consult your vet immediately.

If you buy a puppy born from health tested parents, help them live a healthy lifestyle with good nutrition and regular veterinary check-ups, you can expect your ABD to reach 12 years of age.