Whoever owns an American Bulldog guarantees that the dog is an extremely affectionate breed, playful, and very faithful to their owner. Like the other Bulldog strains, the creature is also a bit stubborn.
It is not an ideal breed for those who want to invest in fully trained dogs. The American Bulldog is averse to many commands, although they can be educated by their owner. They can learn, for example, to do things that are right in the right place.
Their Origin
By the seventeenth century, the Bulldog type American was used in fights against bulls – a practice quite cruel, leading the dog to exhaustion or even death. Finally, this type of practice with Bulldogs and other breeds was banned almost everywhere in the year, in 1835.
Away from these stressful activities that aroused the ferocity of the American Bulldog, the dog began to reveal its most calm and affectionate temperament.
In the U.S, the Bulldogs arrived a little after 1835, immediately gaining people’s sympathy for their exotic appearance. They started to be adopted as companion dogs and maintained the standard of French and English Bulldogs. However, they won the name of the American Bulldog.
The behavior of the American Bulldog breed
The American type Bulldog, as already mentioned, is a sweet, companion, calm dog. It’s also quiet, making it ideal for people who don’t like dogs that bark a lot or live in apartments. This avoids problems with neighbors.
These canines get along even with the children. Although they look like an angry dog, they’re usually quite tolerant of other dogs.
The dog is unlikely to confront other animals. But if that happens, watch out! They are a strong and muscular dog and can injure other animals considerably.
They still love to receive attention and affection from its owners, despite not being a totally dependent or needy breed. He manages to have a good time alone.
Although obviously, preferring the presence of the owners, the canine is good for those who spend the day working. The dog usually rests most of the time or gets involved with its toys alone.
Still, there is no lack of joy when the owners return home. Licking and small leaps are normal. Even a little urine – as a sign of great happiness – can escape.
Like other types of Bulldog, they also have a tendency towards a sedentary lifestyle. Certainly, the pet prefers to stay on a sofa with the owner’s pampering than to exercise.
But if you have an American Bulldog don’t let it become a habit. That’s because the dog can gain weight – which often becomes a serious problem for its spine and paws.
Get your American Bulldog used to walking on the street. Preferably every day. And it won’t take you much time. Twists of 15 to 20 minutes, twice a day, are enough to make your animal to not be a sedentary dog.
Walks are very important, as they burn calories, strengthen the muscle and cardiorespiratory system of your American Bulldog . Thus, it will remain much healthier.
Other aspects of the breed
Although the American type Bulldog maintains the basic characteristics of the English Bulldog, they are usually a little more slender and tall. It is also more resistant and agile.
The head of the American Bulldog is, in general, large and with square features. The snout is usually black or brown, with the eyebrows with the famous wrinkles. The ears point upwards, however, there are owners who resort to surgical intervention to lower them.
The neck, legs, and chest of the American Bulldog are muscular. The coat, on the other hand, is smooth, short, and hard – which does not require shearing.
American Bulldog: Special care characteristic of this breed
One of the advantages of having an American Bulldog is that the breed requires little care. The breed requires few strolls on the street. About two 15-minute daily walks are usually enough to take the dog out of its typical sedentary lifestyle.
Only special care is taken with the charming wrinkles that the Bulldog has on its body – mainly around its tail and muzzle. These parts do need daily care.
It is necessary to keep the parts of your dog’s skin very clean and dry. Otherwise, they can accumulate dirt and act as a decoy for the development of fungi and, consequently, for the appearance of dermatitis.
As already mentioned, the animal does not require grooming. And because it has a short and smooth coat, a weekly brushing of the animal is enough to keep its fur beautiful and shiny.
Their Health
An American Bulldog with no health problems is a companion for good years of life. This is because their life expectancy is considered high, reaching up to 15 years of age.
Although the breed has a tendency to develop, during life, hip dysplasia, the problem is treatable and can be very well controlled. Just follow the instructions of a veterinarian. Overall, this dog’s race has good health and is little subject to specific trends of health problems.
Their breed in Brazil
Although the American Bulldog is not a new breed, they’re a dog type that can be considered recent in Brazil. Experts indicate that the first American Bulldogs arrived in our country a little over a decade ago.
According to the American Bulldog Breeders Association, since 2004, American Bulldog copies in Brazil were around 200 registered dogs. The number, however, was probably greater due to the dogs without registration in the Association.
A little more about their characteristics
There is no demanding standardization on the characteristics that this kind of canine must-have in Brazil. Thus, they can have different sizes – usually presenting a medium / large size. In addition to different coat colors. Their common colors are white, white and caramel and white brindle. The muzzle is, in general, black or at least dark brown.
Despite their rather affectionate temperament, there is no denying that they look like a dog that is always alert and even ferocious.
The muzzle of the animal has a short, square shape. The paws are strong and their bones are quite robust.
Its relationship with children
Despite being a robust dog, they are a quiet dog, who rarely attacks people. For this reason, they live well with children. Also due to their capacity for its tolerance and patience.
The only care you need to take with children is that the dog is strong and muscular. During a game, the American Bulldog may end up hurting, without wanting a small child.
Therefore, even if the dog reacts well to the presence and interaction with the children, it is good to keep an eye out to avoid any accidents.
Their Pros
The canine with a lot of positive characteristics. It is a strong, robust, courageous, and faithful dog – being a great dog for company and the guard of the home.
Their Cons
As a heavy dog, it may not be the ideal breed for some people. In addition, the dog tends, at times, to want to dominate the owner, due to its stubbornness.
