Not as many people are familiar with the American Bulldog breed as they are with the English Bulldog or the Boxer dog. In fact, the American Bulldog looks like a mix of those two dog breeds. The American bulldog is a stocky, well built, strong-looking dog, with a large head and a muscular build.
Gunnar (the puppy in the featured photo) as an adult American Bulldog
Photo of Gunnar Courtesy Ambulldog
American Bulldog History
Like all dog breeds, ultimately it is a dog breed created from a blend of various types of dogs – one theory suggests selectively bred bull terriers, pit bull terriers and bulldogs – according to the jobs they were serving to their human owners at any one time in history.
In contemporary life, they are used variously as working dogs, for example “hog dogs” (catching escaped pigs or hunting razorbacks), cattle drovers or guard dogs. American Bulldogs also successfully compete in several dog sports such as dog obedience, Schutzhund, French Ring, Mondio Ring, Iron Dog competition and weight pulling.
Sammy, American Bulldog
Sammy by Portus Jackson ii
There is a wide size and weight latitude in the breed, but overall the American Bulldog is always “well balanced,” in order to be effective when working. The Bully or “Classic” type, is generally a larger, heavier dog with a shorter muzzle. Standard or “Performance” types are generally more athletic with longer muzzles and a more square head. It is important to note that many modern American Bulldogs are a combination of the two types (and there are three other breed bloodlines as well) usually termed “hybrid.”
In general, American Bulldogs weigh between 27 to 54 kg (60 to 120 lb) and are 52 to 70 cm (20 to 28 in) at the withers, but have been known to greatly exceed these dimensions, especially in the “out of standard,” nonworking dogs.
American Bulldogs generally live from 10 to 16 years, and tend to be strong, physically active, and often healthy.
American Bulldog STANDARD Type
American Bulldog Appearance
Its coat is short and generally smooth. The breed is a light to moderate shedder; however, they should be brushed on regular basis. Colors, while historically predominantly white with patches of red, black, or brindle, have grown in recent years to include many color patterns including black, red, brown, fawn, and all shades of brindle. The color conformation is quite varied, but solid black or any degree of merle is considered a cosmetic fault, and a blue color is a disqualification by the NKC Breed Standard. Black pigmentation on the nose and eye rims is preferred, with only some pink allowed. Eye color is usually brown, but eyes of two different colors also occurs, although considered a cosmetic fault. American Bulldogs can be droolers; this varies and is more prevalent in the heavier, stockier Bully type.
American Bulldog BULLY Type
American Bulldog Character
The American Bulldog’s character is alert and inquisitive, bold and fearless without being hostile or overly aggressive. His very stable temperament makes him an solid companion dog or home guard dog. He works well with other breeds and gets along with other pets if raised and socialized with them. This breed tolerates children and can do very well with them, provided they are socialized early and understand their limits.
He is not the type of dog to wait for a command, but can assess the situation by himself and react appropriately. He can concentrated on the task at hand without distraction. When called off, they immediately obey.
It is not uncommon for an American Bulldog to require a high level of attention due to their highly emotional personality. They bond strongly with their owners. They are capable of jumping in excess of seven feet vertical due to their dense muscle build.
Duke, American Bulldog
Photo of Duke by Alexandra Delgado
SOURCES: Bulldog Information, Wikipedia
Interested in adopting an American Bulldog? Here are some dog rescue organizations that can help you opt to adopt!
Homeward Bound Rescue
Speaking of Dogs Rescue
Southern Ontario Animal Rescue (S.O.A.R.)
Rescue Dogs Match
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