AMERICAN BULLDOG: FEARLESS GUARDIAN, COMPASSIONATE COMPANION
69FEARLESS GUARDIAN
THE AMERICAN BULLDOG
The American Bulldog is his owner's best friend, and a prowler's worst nightmare. This massive dog is a fearless guardian of his people, weighing from 80 to 120 pounds, and standing up to 27 inches tall. He is a very loyal dog, and very trainable; however, he requires a strong trainer/owner, and is not a first time dog owner's breed. In spite of his strong guardian tendencies, he can be very affectionate with his people, and has been used to teach elementary school kids dog bite prevention, and as a therapy dog in programs for mentally challenged adults (Wendy Bedwell Wilson, Dog Fancy: June 2010). Early socialization, and training are extremely important with this breed, according to Wilson, and quoted owners of the dogs, who also report that his temperament is reliable.
Any color or color pattern is acceptable, except solid black, solid blue, merle, or tricolor. The short coat is one inch long, or less, a single coat, and close to the skin. Males stand from 22 to 27 inches tall, and weigh from 90 to 120 pounds, while females stand from 20 to 25 inches tall, and weigh from 80 to 95 pounds. Their life expectancy is from 10 to 12 years.
BREEDING AND PREY DRIVE ISSUES
American Bulldog breeders either select for high prey drive or for lower drive within their breeding programs, so it is important that you know which you desire, and what the breeder in question has been selecting dogs to produce. If you are seeking a dog with police dog ability, you might prefer high prey drive, while if you are a family with small children, you would probably prefer a dog bred for low prey drive. This is not a good dog to purchase from a backyard breeder, as he or she might not even know what the dog's capabilities or tendencies are.
HISTORY
The American Bulldog originated as a breed in the United States. He was originally used as a farm dog, guard dog, and family companion, and is classified as a Guardian Dog (UKC) (Wilson, Dog Fancy). Brought to the American south by English working class immigrants, this breed helped farmers and ranchers drive and catch hogs and cattle, as well as guard property. American Bulldogs are still working dogs today, excellent guard dogs, and loyal companions (dogchannel.com).
PERSONALITY AND CARE
American Bulldogs require moderate grooming, consisting of brushing weekly to control shedding, bathing as needed, brushing teeth, checking eyes and ears, and regular nail clipping. These dogs respond very well to training when positive reinforcement is used, and reports are that they can be very gentle and protective of children. Dogs with high prey drive may not be good with other smaller dogs, or cats, while those with lower prey drive can be socialized to get along well with smaller animals (Wilson, Dog Fancy).
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Thanks Voice, I like the picture of the mama with puppies. Thanks for responding to my site.
Oh, Thanks valerie!! I learned more about dogs!!
Thanks for stopping by, msorensson. My aim is to keep learning and teach as I go. (: v
You know an awful lot about dogs, do you own any? Thinking about getting a little dog myself. GREAT HUB!!!!!!!!!
Hello hair. Four dogs and three cats own me. LOL. Read the story about Ginger tracking a snake today. It happened this afternoon. Thanks for visiting my site. (: v
great hub. though Im curious. I have an american pit bull. who looks like the dog in the top picture. kind of odd to me unless the two breeds are related.
Hello outdoorsguy, indeed, I saw such a similarity between these two breeds that I went to dogchannal to determine that they were not the same dog, called by two different names. The picture was labeled as an American Bulldog, and perhaps someone else did not understand the difference. I removed the first picture from my group, as he did look more like an American Pitbull than the others; however, I suspect that the breeds are probably outcrossed and closely related, as is common in the world of animal breeding. The characteristics, and other features of these breeds are certainly similar, aren't they? Thanks for your comments. I will undoubtably complete a description of the American Pitbull as well, before I am finished. (: v
I once owned a Pit Bull (Trixi) which just loved me and protected me once from possible sexual assault in the national forest. These Bulls look so endearing. I've heard they can be stubborn. NICE work, Valerie.
Oh yes, Garnetbird, if you're wanting a protective friend, a good dog is certainly good to have. (: v
thanks valerie. that had me confused a bit. LOL it would be hard to start thinking of the Nibbler as a bull dog.
Welcome back, outdoorsguy. I am assuming the nibbler is your dog's name. It is the nature of writing to research and learn about things we don't necessarilly do as a living. Thanks for your original comment, as I am always in the learning process, and questioned this, myself. Your comment was what it took for me to realize I was correct to question it. LOL. thanks again. (: v
thanks.. and yes Nibbler is my dogs name. she got her name when she ate a couch as a pup while I was away on a trip.
And your welcome LOL glad to have been of help.
If Bulldogs are as good a friend as Nibbler is. Ill get one someday. currently I have way to many animals.
Hey OUtdoorsguy, my sister's Golden Retriever ate her couch while she was out of the house some years ago. Puppies are like that; yeah they are. I also have many animals. In my small cabin, I have four dogs, one Golden Retriever, and three Australian Shepherds, and three cats, one Himalayan Persian and two mixed. Any more and I'd look like either a horder or a rescue shelter. LOL. Thanks for visiting my site. I do love picture number 3; he looks so playful. (: v
Hi Valerie!
I really love American Bull dogs and stratford terrier's a lot. I have had a few of them. They are loyal but you must keep them contained on your property at all costs, even if there runners. Most of them have a bad rap because of bad, not responsible owners, people that lie and from simple mistakes. Guard this dog because in a lot of places they are banned or have a target on there head, no lie. They can shoot them at sight and get away with it even if the dog never did anything wrong, in your front yard at that. Don't go through what my family did and lose a loving dog for no reason other than they were watching for him, the city council and police because they knew he'd gotten out a couple of times and they were trying to pass a pit bull ban. They knew he wasn't harmful,that's why they waited to shoot him in front of my kids in our front yard to use it as a part of their case, but they lied.
Anyway I am not trying to make you sad but people please protect your animals or you will be brought to tears from there loss and never forget them.
Now I don't have a bulldog but two stratford terrier's,a golden retriever & collie/shepard mix.
Thanks for sharing! Voted up!
Heavenbound, that was a sad story. I have one Golden Retriever and three Australian Shepherds, one of whom has a dangerous dog classification because he went after a poodle who came on to my Golden Retriever who was in season before I had her spayed. The poodle was allowed to use the bathroom in my sister's yard; if its owner had kept it at home and off our property, there would have been no problem. Her dog was barely scratched, but she wanted my dog put down. it didn't happen because I did everything they told me to do and pay high dollar libility insurance, which I'll never have to use, to keep him alive. He is a very loyal hearding dog who I have to guard with my life, because some people would like to take his life. I understand. (:v
Love the article and the photo's.
thevoice 2 years ago
love it reading was pleasure great pet care write thanks