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American Bulldog Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about American Bulldog so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Guard Dogs
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American Bulldog dog profile picture
OriginUnited States flagUnited States
Other Names
What other names does the American Bulldog have?
AM BulldogAmerican BulldoggeAmerican BulldoggeeOld Country BulldogAmBulldog
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

American Bulldog Size and Weight

Size
Is an American Bulldog small, medium or large dog?

How big do American Bulldog get?

What is the average size of an American Bulldog?

Large
Weight
How much does the American Bulldog weigh? How much should an American Bulldog weight? What is the normal weight of an American Bulldog? How much does a full-grown American Bulldog weight?
Male: 70-120 pounds (32-54 kg), Female: 60-100 pounds (27-45 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of an American Bulldog?
Male: 95 pounds (43 kg), Female: 80 pounds (36 kg)
Height
How tall is the American Bulldog? American Bulldog height:
Male: 22-28 inches (55-70 cm), Female: 20-26 inches (52-65 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of an American Bulldog?
Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm)

American Bulldog Price and Availability

Price
How much does the American Bulldog puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of an American Bulldog in the United States? How much money is an American Bulldog?

Where to buy an American Bulldog with a good pedigree?

$500-$600
If you choose to purchase the American Bulldog, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a American Bulldog for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the American Bulldog gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a American Bulldog? How many American Bulldog are there in the world?
Average: The American Bulldog is a commonly available dog breed. There is less risk of overbreeding compared to the very popular dogs.

Of course, they may be more popular in some countries, and inbreeding may occur, so be careful.

American Bulldog Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the American Bulldog? Is the American Bulldog breed dumb or smart?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The American Bulldog ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are American Bulldog dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train an American Bulldog?
American Bulldog dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Ability
Is American Bulldog good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
American Bulldog dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the American Bulldog dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do American Bulldog dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
American Bulldog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the American Bulldog can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the American Bulldog will take care of unwanted people or animals.

American Bulldog Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the American Bulldog have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
LovingEnergeticAlertCourageousAffectionateGentleGoingSocial
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? American Bulldog sensitivity:
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. American Bulldog dogs don't tolerate irregular daily routines, noisy households, and frequent guest visits really well.

They are receptive to their owner's emotions and make wonderful family companions.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is an American Bulldog a good family dog?
High: American Bulldog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the AM Bulldog need? American Bulldog social needs:
American Bulldog dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the American Bulldog to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does American Bulldog roam?
American Bulldog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. They have low to average wanderlust potential. Exploring the world is not the best activity they can imagine.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does American Bulldog have high prey drive?
American Bulldog dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

American Bulldog Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The American Bulldog is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do American Bulldog dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my AM Bulldog bark?
Low to Average: The American Bulldog rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is American Bulldog good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have an American Bulldog in an apartment?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep American Bulldog indoors.

American Bulldog Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
American Bulldog dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can an American Bulldog be left alone? How long can you leave an American Bulldog alone?
American Bulldog dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

American Bulldog Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the American Bulldog has a hard bite? What is the bite force of an American Bulldog? How much bite force does an American Bulldog have? How strong is an American Bulldog bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

American Bulldog bite force: Ordinary. Bite force American Bulldog measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of an American Bulldog is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This American Bulldog bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. American Bulldog bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train an American Bulldog puppy not to bite from an early age.

The American Bulldog, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the American Bulldog bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, an American Bulldog can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do American Bulldog bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the AM Bulldog? What are the odds of getting bitten by a American Bulldog? Why do dog bites happen?

Moderate

The American Bulldog has an average chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the American Bulldog do?
American Bulldog dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but American Bulldog dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

American Bulldog Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do American Bulldog dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
American Bulldogs tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. Regular vet check-ups are needed.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the American Bulldog breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the American Bulldog breed? Most common health risks of American Bulldog:
Hip Dysplasia AllergiesCancerEntropionCherry EyeEctropionElbow Dysplasia
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the American Bulldog breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the American Bulldog see the vet?
Frequent
The American Bulldog should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do American Bulldog dogs live? How old can a American Bulldog be? What is the age limit of the American Bulldog? How many years can the oldest American Bulldog live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of an American Bulldog?

How long is the lifespan of an American Bulldog?

10-12 years
The average lifespan of American Bulldog: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. However, in general, most dogs prefer average to warm weather conditions, as they typically find hot weather conditions to be uncomfortable and taxing.

American Bulldog Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the American Bulldog have? What is the activity level of the American Bulldog?
American Bulldog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn't the perfect choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does an American Bulldog need? How much exercise do American Bulldog dogs require per day?

Do American Bulldog dogs need a lot of exercises?

American Bulldog dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the American Bulldog breed need?
American Bulldog dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot. They're not the most active dog breed. If you live an active life, this breed can be a bad choice for you.

American Bulldog Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does an American Bulldog need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does an American Bulldog breed eat per day? What is good dog food for American Bulldog? How much food should I feed my American Bulldog?
3 to 5 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals.Feeding an American Bulldog should be formulated for a large breed with high energy level.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? American Bulldog risk for obesity:
Low to Average: The American Bulldog has a low to the average risk for obesity. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the American Bulldog weight regularly.

American Bulldog Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the American Bulldog have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
Fine
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper American Bulldog coats?
Black White BrownFawn
Grooming
How to groom the American Bulldog and how often? How often should I take my American Bulldog to the groomer?
Effortless: The American Bulldog requires minimal grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned sometimes to avoid infections. American Bulldog is one of the best choices if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Highly recommended for beginners.
Shedding Level
How much do American Bulldog dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the AM Bulldog? Do American Bulldog dogs shed a lot?
American Bulldog dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the American Bulldog need a bath? How often should you give an American Bulldog a bath? Can I bathe my American Bulldog every day?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Hypoallergenic
Is the American Bulldog breed hypoallergenic?
No
American Bulldog dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The American Bulldog has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the American Bulldog drool?
The American Bulldog drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool more than others, just like the American Bulldog.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

American Bulldog Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do American Bulldog dogs get along with other pets? Are American Bulldog dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
American Bulldog dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? American Bulldog temperament with other people:
American Bulldog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are American Bulldog dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? American Bulldog temperament with children:
American Bulldog dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do American Bulldog dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the American Bulldog breed live with a cat?
American Bulldog dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is American Bulldog good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do American Bulldog dogs get along with other dogs?
American Bulldog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is American Bulldog breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is American Bulldog breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
American Bulldog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are American Bulldog dogs good office canines? Do American Bulldog dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
American Bulldog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do American Bulldog dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the AM Bulldog temperament with senior people? Are American Bulldog dogs good for elderly owners?
American Bulldogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

American Bulldog As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can American Bulldog be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

American Bulldog is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can American Bulldog be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a American Bulldog be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

American Bulldog is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can American Bulldog be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

American Bulldog is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can American Bulldog be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The American Bulldog is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can American Bulldog be a boat dog?

Not really

American Bulldog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can American Bulldog be a drafting dog?

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

American Bulldog breed is a good choice for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where American Bulldog dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs. A combat dog is a specially trained dog that is used in warfare to help protect military personnel and assets. Combat dogs are often deployed in areas where there is potential for contact with the enemy, such as during raids or search operations. Combat dogs are typically assigned to either infantry or special operations units. They are used for a variety of tasks including area security, sentry duty, trackers, and explosive detection. In addition to their combat roles, combat dogs also play an important role in troop morale by providing companionship and emotional support.

American Bulldog Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is an American Bulldog pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the American Bulldog breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female American Bulldog: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the American Bulldog have in a litter? How many puppies can the American Bulldog breed have for the first time? How many puppies does an American Bulldog have? How many puppies can an American Bulldog give birth to?
7-14 puppies

American Bulldog Recognition

AKC Group
Is American Bulldog recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is American Bulldog recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the American Bulldog breed?
American Canine RegistryAmerica's Pet RegistryDog Registry of America Inc.North American Purebred Registry, Inc.Continental Kennel ClubNational Kennel ClubUnited Kennel ClubBackwoods Bulldog ClubAnimal Research FoundationAmerican Rare Breed AssociationAmerican Bulldog AssociationNational American Bulldog AssociationJohn D Johnson Bulldog RegistryAmerican Bulldog Club Of CanadaAll American Bulldog Club

American Bulldog Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Grooming: Effortless: The American Bulldog requires minimal grooming.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Low to Average: The American Bulldog has a low to the average risk for obesity.
  • Watchdog Ability: American Bulldog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Mouthiness: American Bulldog dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: American Bulldog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
  • Adaptability: American Bulldog dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
  • Child Friendly: American Bulldog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: American Bulldogs are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: American Bulldog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog: A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
Cons
  • Health Issues: American Bulldogs tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
  • Hypoallergenic: American Bulldog dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Drooling Tendency: The American Bulldog drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: American Bulldog dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Cat Friendly: American Bulldog dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: American Bulldog is not the best dog breed for office environment.

American Bulldog History

The American Bulldog is a direct descendant of the Bulldog">Old English Bulldog, which had been around in England since the 13th century. Notwithstanding the visible fact that the American Bulldog resembles more in appearance to the American Pitbull or to the American Staffordshire Terrier. It is thought that the English Bulldog was imported to the Northern parts of the United States of America as early as the 17th century.

The Bull and Bulldog-type breeds quickly gained the interest of the American people, especially, they were widespread among the immigrant farmer communities. Immigrants usually brought their dogs with them to the States, and they started to work with them on the farms and ranches. The farmers and ranchers used the Bulldogs for many tasks, as all-around farm helpers, where the activities included guarding livestock and property, and controlling the vermin population, and being a family companion. The breed was the most widespread, well-known, and employed in the southern states, thanks to the dogs’ strong jaws and muscular build, and to the ability to catch and occasionally kill feral pigs, on command. These feral pigs were especially dangerous animals that made the life of the New World settlers extremely risky, due to the various kinds of illnesses they carried. The Bulldogs could also effectively keep the wild hog population down while protecting the livestock. Consequently, the breed quickly became very highly esteemed and was regarded as an invaluable asset.

There were several different strains of the "American Bulldog", as the early Bulldog breeders focused on different features of the dogs and bred them accordingly. These early Bulldogs were known under a lot of different names, usually referring to their place of development, such as Alabama Bulldog, Southern Bulldog, and English White. Unfortunately, by the end of the Second World War, the population number of the American Bulldog significantly decreased, to the point where the breed was on the brink of extinction. The only surviving specimens were kept on remote farms and ranches in the south-eastern states. Fortunately, the breed's enthusiasts and other breeders, including John D. Johnson and Alan Scott made serious efforts in order to preserve and revive the breed, while trying to create a homogenous physique and nature for the breed standard. Breeders included the pure English Bulldog into the process, in order to maintain and enhance the bull-type of looks.

Nowadays, thanks to their efforts, the American Bulldog is nowhere near to extinction, it became once again a very popular intelligent, and affectionate family companion. Contrary to its ancestry, and other bull-type of breeds, the American Bulldog always had the reputation of a big, soft, friendly pet. A fun fact about the American Bulldog is that, in spite of its bulky and heavy physique, some specimens are known to be able to jump more than 6 feet / 2 meters high in the air.

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American Bulldog Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Uma

    Sep 8, 2019, 12:08:16 PM:

    Impulse to wander None Prey drive low Apartment Friendly very very dog-friendly best dog breed for office env. They do sleep a lot never a bad smell coat