The American Bulldog is a well-balanced athletic dog that demonstrates great endurance, strength, agility, and a friendly attitude. Some of them are known to jump six feet or more into the air. See below facts about American Bulldogs!
History
The American Bulldogs are descendants of the Old English Bulldog. They came to the United States in the 1800s, with immigrants who wanted to keep their working dogs to help on the farms.
Small farmers and ranchers used this all-around working dog for many jobs such as farm guardians, stock dogs, and catch dogs. The bulldog breed survived in the southern states owing to its ability to bring down and catch feral pigs.
The breed we now know as the American Bulldog was originally known by many names. This breed was referred to as the White English Southern Bulldog in different parts of the South, although most people just called it “bulldog”. The breed was not called a bulldog because of the way it looks but because they did real bulldog work.
The sad part of the American Bulldog’s history is that the dogs were used in the barbaric sport of bull baiting. By the end of World War II, the American Bulldog was almost extinct up until a few breeders scoured the south for specimens to revive the breed.
Breed Temperament
American Bulldogs are loyal, intelligent, hardworking, and most importantly affectionate. They are very gentle which makes them excellent dogs for families with kids. They can be quite silly when excited or happy and will clown around to make their human companions laugh. They love to frolic and play, and they’ll spring many feet into the air after a Frisbee or another flying toy.
They are protective of their families, have great instincts, and can be very social if well trained. They are also known to cuddle and show immense affection to their family when they have bonded.
How To Care For American Bulldogs
Exercise: Most of the care required for a healthy American Bulldog is meeting their needs for exercise and mental stimulation. Failure to meet these needs can result in anxiety, boredom, and destructive behavior.
Health: Maintain normal vet visits and watch out for allergies since the American Bulldogs are prone to skin allergies.
Look out for eye issues. They have a face shape that makes them more prone to eye issues so be sure to watch out for anything that could damage the eyes.
Take care of the teeth. Tartar buildup on the teeth becomes so much that it causes infection in the gums and roots of the teeth. Talk to your vet about treating any issues that may arise.
Nutrition: Puppies should be fed a large-breed puppy diet for the first 14 months of their life to ensure slow and steady growth. Adult dogs should be fed quality large-breed food with added supplements for muscle, joint, and coat care.
Training: Early socialization and puppy training classes are important. Rules and routines should be put in place early and followed as the dogs grow up. There should be a firm but loving hand to establish and retain proper boundaries.
If you have an American Bulldog, tag us on Instagram @MaximumBully to have them featured!