American Bulldog
Temperament:
The American Bulldog is considered a typical representative of the Bulldog family and can grow up to 70 centimetres tall and weigh 60 kilograms. The breed emerged in the 1980s and 1990s in the USA and is now considered one of the most unique dog breeds in the world.
Characteristics
The most striking feature of this breed are the visual characteristics of the mixed breed, which are the result of crossing the American Staffordshire Terrier and American Pit Bull Terrier breeds. Over the course of time, the distinctive physique in particular has crystallized through the crossbreeding of other breeds.
It is not only strong, but also elegant. The muzzle of the American Bulldog has a healthy length and does not have a prominent bite. Eyes and ears are also healthy breeding characteristics. The coat is dense, short and shiny. The dogs usually have a white coat, often with a few spots. However, other colors such as brown or brindle are also possible.
In addition to its visual characteristics, the breed is particularly impressive due to its character traits: The American Bulldog is considered a family and companion dog and is described as particularly gentle and sensitive. They are also particularly good with children. The health of the American Bulldog is very robust due to various breeding characteristics.
However, it should be noted that it is a very self-confident and intelligent four-legged friend. If there is a lack of loving consistency in training, the American Bulldog likes to set its own rules and is dominant. With clear rules, however, he will subordinate himself to his humans and will happily take part in family life.
Coat care:
Shedding:
Energy level:
Trainability:
Children suitable:
The right food
In terms of a species-appropriate diet, attention should be paid to a balanced and meat-rich diet. The composition of the food is therefore important.
This means that if you look at the list of ingredients, meat should be at the top of the list and the product should be low in grain. With dry food, make sure that the kibble is not too small, but not too big either. As the American Bulldog is usually very voracious, you should also follow the manufacturer's instructions for portioning the food. Fresh water should be available to the dog at all times.
After eating, it is also important that your American Bulldog gets enough rest, as this breed is prone to gastric torsion. Adult dogs should have two meals a day. Puppies should be given four to five meals, gradually reduced to two a day.
Health & Care
The coat of the American Bulldog does not require intensive grooming due to its texture. It is sufficient to comb your dog regularly. This will keep the skin and coat as free of vermin and parasites as possible.
Suitable tools are a soft brush and a pimpled glove. These tools make it particularly easy to remove loose hair. The positive side effect: Your American Bulldog will be particularly happy about these strokes - they strengthen the bond between you.
You should also get your American Bulldog used to being bathed so that you can clean him thoroughly if he gets very dirty. It is advisable to use a particularly mild dog shampoo - this is gentle on the skin and its natural protective barrier.
It is also advisable to have ear and eye cleaner in the house. American Bulldogs are prone to lacrimation and ear infections. Both should be checked and cared for regularly.
Suitable accessories
To keep your American Bulldog, you will need an XL dog bed for your pet to rest on, two bowls, a lead and a harness. It is particularly important to make sure that the accessories are robust, as the American Bulldog is a powerhouse.
For his safety and yours, you should therefore look out for high-quality accessories. When choosing chew toys (especially important for your American Bulldog's dental care), you should make sure that they are not too small to avoid the risk of choking.
For fairly simple grooming, you will need a soft brush and possibly a special dog shampoo that is suitable for the sensitive skin of four-legged friends. Ear and eye cleaner should also be available. Make sure that these do not contain alcohol.
Origin & History
American Bulldogs, like all dog-like breeds, are descended from the guard and herding dogs of ancient Greece. They were used to help with slaughtering and to ward off wild animals. At the beginning of the 17th century, the breed was used to fight bulls, hence the name "Bulldog". Most of the breeds crossed into the American Bulldog came to the USA as immigrant dogs.
In the course of the settler movement, the breed increasingly developed into a hunting aid, e.g. for hunting wild boar. Through the crossing of many breeds - in particular the American Bulldog, the French Bulldog, the English Bulldog, the Olde English Bulldog and the Molossoid - the American Bulldog, which is so popular today, gradually emerged with all its character traits and beautiful appearance.
In Europe today, American Bulldogs are mainly kept as family and companion dogs. The FCI has not yet officially recognized this breed. Today's breeders are still trying to establish uniform breed characteristics. In the USA, the breed has been officially recognized by the American Kennel Club since 2019.
