American Bulldog Training

The American Bulldog is so named because he’s one of the few dogs that have originated in the United States. Bulldogs are members of the working group and have a high energy drive so having a larger yard for them to run is very important. They don’t always appreciate smaller animals though, so exposing them to other critters and socializing them at an early age is helpful. Early obedience training will also help the America Bulldog learn the rules of the house.   

Bulldogs in general form a strong bond with their families and can enjoy children if they’re treated kindly by them.  They also have little problem with strangers if they don’t pose a threat.  When there is an intruder, they can be terrific guard dogs once established within their families.  In fact, they can become extremely devoted and protective.   

The American Bulldog is often remembered by children for the role “Chance” played in the Disney film, “Homeward Bound:  The Incredible Journey” while, for decades, adults have recognized the brave Bulldog, “Chesty Pagett”, as the Marine Corp. mascot.    

Having originated from a combination of mastiff-type breeds in England, the American Bulldog came to the United States with immigrating peasants and was used so extensively in subsequent wars that they came close to becoming extinct.  The American Bulldog version has since been revived and is a popular family pet today. 

The breed itself is considered relatively healthy but there are some genetic lines within the breed that do pose problems.  Therefore, some Bulldogs can develop kidney and thyroid disorders, and heart or respiratory problems.  They can also become victims of elbow and hip dysplasia, and bone cancer.  Feeding them properly can help ward off or diminish these serious health problems. 

American Bulldogs mature slowly although their body size grows rapidly.  Therefore, they should be fed as a puppy until their about two and a half years old.  Make certain that you avoid poultry, soy, and white rice products.  They need foods that are low in protein but high in potato-type carbohydrates and fiber like yellow corn, wheat, and beef. 

These delightful dogs stand from 20 to 28 inches tall at full adulthood and can weigh from 40 to 50 pounds on average.  They come in all colors with a white base, have a slightly oversized head, short snout, smaller almond-shaped eyes, shorter flap ears, and have used their muscular body to take many for the walk of their lives.  Because they are both strong-willed and strong-bodied, they need obedience training and a firm, but loving hand. 

Even though American Bulldogs are a more compact dog, their wide-legged stance and prominent muscles let everyone know they’re ready to protect at a moment’s notice.  They walk with a little clumsier gait than most other breeds however, that only disguises their incredible agility and causes many who don’t know the breed to misjudge their quickness. 

As with any dog breed, American Bulldogs have their quirks as well.  Because of their down-turned mouth and hanging jowls, you can bet you’ll be wiping his drool often … that is, unless he leaves it on your furniture or children first.  He also needs exercise to keep from becoming easily excitable, so kill two birds with one stone by letting him slobber outside during his daily romp. 

Speaking of slobbering, grooming and hygiene are actually easy with Bulldogs since their coats are short and rather coarse, and they’re only average shedders.  So, the next time you take your daily run, let him come along.  He has great stamina and will probably even outlast you! 

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