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American bulldog

The American bulldog descends from working bulldogs brought to the American South by settlers, kept on farms as catch dogs for feral cattle and hogs rather than refined for the show ring.

It nearly disappeared after the Second World War and was revived by a handful of breeders, notably John D. Johnson and Alan Scott, whose lines still describe the two main types.

It is a large, athletic, powerfully muscled dog with a much longer muzzle than an English bulldog and none of the breathing problems that come with a flat face. Confident, energetic and strongly protective of its own people.

Origin
Southern United States
Size
27–54 kg, 51–71 cm at the shoulder
Lifespan
10–14 years
Coat
Short, stiff and close
Temperament
Confident, energetic, protective, assertive
Exercise
1–2 hours daily plus training

Related: Bulldog · Alapaha blue blood bulldog · American bully · American English coonhound · American eskimo dog

3 american bulldog photos, newest first

  • Duke, a american bulldog

    Duke

    Duke gives you exactly this look when he hears the word walk and does not yet believe it.

    FrostyOtter · 6 days ago

  • Nutmeg II, a american bulldog

    Nutmeg II

    Nutmeg II was promoted to meticulous museum curator; unfortunately, a clockwork train misses the platform.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Nutmeg II, a american bulldog

    Nutmeg II

    Nutmeg II supervising, which mostly means lying down nearby.

    GentleFinch · 2 weeks ago

Living with a american bulldog

The coat needs a weekly brush and little else; wipe any facial folds dry.

This is a strong, driven dog that needs an owner willing to train. Early socialisation is important because natural protectiveness untrained turns into suspicion of ordinary visitors, and the physical strength means a poorly managed adult is genuinely hard to handle.

Hip and elbow dysplasia are common and worth screening. The breed also carries neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis and ichthyosis, both of which have DNA tests, and cherry eye and entropion occur. Unlike the English bulldog it is generally a healthy, long-lived athlete.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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