American Bulldog

Size Category:Large
Height:22-25 inches20-23 inches
Weight:75-100 pounds60-80 pounds
Life Span:10-12 years

Affectionate With Family

How affectionate a breed is likely to be with family members, or other people he knows well. Some breeds can be aloof with everyone but their owner, while other breeds treat everyone they know like their best friend.

Good With Young Children

A breed's level of tolerance and patience with childrens' behavior, and overall family-friendly nature. Dogs should always be supervised around young children, or children of any age who have little exposure to dogs.

Good With Other Dogs

How generally friendly a breed is towards other dogs. Dogs should always be supervised for interactions and introductions with other dogs, but some breeds are innately more likely to get along with other dogs, both at home and in public.

Openness To Strangers

How welcoming a breed is likely to be towards strangers. Some breeds will be reserved or cautious around all strangers, regardless of the location, while other breeds will be happy to meet a new human whenever one is around!

Note: Scores reflect typical breed tendencies. Individual dogs may vary based on training, environment, and genetics.

Note: Some traits may be unavailable for certain breeds due to limited or inconsistent data from recognized sources.

Care Guide

  • American Bulldog grooming is simple and low-maintenance
  • only bathe occasionally when dirty
  • brush coat regularly to keep it clean and shiny
  • trim nails every few weeks
  • clean ears monthly or as needed
  • brush teeth regularly and expect seasonal shedding

Colors & Markings

Colors

White

Markings

Black MarkingsBrindle MarkingsTan MarkingsBrown MarkingsRed Markings

Health Information

The American Bulldog is generally a robust and healthy breed, but regular veterinary check-ups and vaccinations are essential for long-term well-being. Owners should prioritize hip and elbow evaluations to mitigate common joint issues, as these can be prevalent. Like all breeds, genetic health risks exist, so responsible breeders screen potential parents for hereditary conditions before pairing.

📜 History

The American Bulldog originated as a versatile farm dog and loyal protector, tracing its roots to the United States as early as the 1700s. Many were brought over by settlers during the 17th and 18th centuries, where they excelled in herding feral livestock like cattle and pigs, proving invaluable to small farmers. Their survival was largely tied to rural southern regions due to these working abilities. Nearly wiped out during World Wars I and II, the breed’s revival is credited to breed enthusiasts John D. Johnson and Alan Scott, who preserved and restored its numbers in the mid-20th century.

Frequently Asked Questions

The American Bulldog can be good with children if properly socialized. They are generally friendly but may have their limits when it comes to rough handling.
No, the American Bulldog is considered a low-shedding breed. While all dogs shed slightly, this breed is much easier on your furniture and clothes tailored for those who dislike cleanup.
Yes, the American Bulldog is generally intelligent and eager to please, which makes them easier to train than many other breeds. Positive reinforcement works best.

🔗Related Breeds

Breeds similar to American Bulldog

Overview

About This Breed

The American Bulldog is a loyal and self-confident breed with a strong protective nature. They are affectionate with family and generally good with children and other dogs, though they require early socialization and firm training to channel their energy and confidence effectively.

🎭Temperament

FriendlyAssertiveEnergeticLoyalGentleConfidentDominant

Purpose

Farm utility dog and family companion/protector, known for catching feral cattle and pigs

Breed for

Not specified

Best Suited For

Active families or individuals with experience in dog training, preferably in a home with space for exercise and stimulation

Ideal Owner Profile

This breed is best suited for an experienced or confident owner who can provide consistent training, frequent exercise, and mental stimulation, ideally in an active household with space for outdoor activities.

Training Difficulty

Moderate

Care Difficulty

Moderate

Common Challenges

Owners may face challenges with managing their high energy levels and potential stubbornness, especially without proper training and stimulation.

Trust & Transparency

About Our Data

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Accuracy Assured

Our breed data is standardized using a consistent scoring system across temperament, trainability, and care needs to ensure fair comparisons based on the same criteria.

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