<C>Availability:</C> May take some effort to find.
<b>History:</> Early bulldogs were used in the bloody sport of bullbaiting. Some of these dogs emigrated with their masters from England to America. Eventually the English Bulldog was bred down in size and his personality was softened, but the American version remained a larger, fiercer dog. The American version has longer legs and more speed and agility than the English show dog. Today's American Bulldog breed was established about 25 years ago from working bulldogs in the Sand Valley area of Alabama where farmers used these dogs to help handle unruly livestock. The American Bulldog has also been used as a guard and in hunting bear, wild boar, squirrel and raccoon. They have even been trained to drive cattle and guard stock from predators. Farmers prize these dogs for their stamina, protectiveness, intelligence and working abilities.
<b>Description:</> The American Bulldog is a very muscular, sturdy dog with a large, powerful head and jaws. He is very strong, but agile and light on his feet. The chest is wide and the muscular neck tapers from shoulders to head. The neck may have a slight dewlap. The head is square and broad, with muscular cheeks and a furrow between the rounded eyes. The strong muzzle is shaped like a box. The stop is sharply defined and deep. The teeth should meet in a tight undershot, even or scissors bite. A variety of ear types are accepted including rose, half pricked and pendant. Though some people crop the ears, uncropped ears are preferred in the American Bulldog Breeders Association Standard. Any eye color is permitted, but black eye rims are preferred on white dogs. The nose is black or grizzle. In black-nosed dogs, the lips should also be black, though some pink is permitted. The heavy-boned front legs should be strong and very straight. The hindquarters should be very broad and muscular. The low-set tail begins thick at the base and then tapers to a point. The short, harsh coat comes in combinations of red, brindle, white and fawn.
<b>Notes:</>
<b>Personality:</> Brave and determined, but not hostile. Alert and self-confident. May be assertive with other dogs and aloof with strangers. Because of his strong protective instincts, the American Bulldog should be well-socialized and obedience trained at an early age.
<b>Behavior:</>
<C>Children:</C> Good with children.
<C>Friendliness:</C> Fairly friendly with strangers.
<C>Trainability:</C> Very easy to train.
<C>Independence:</C> Needs people a lot.
<C>Dominance:</C> Very high.
<C>Other Pets:</C> Good with other pets if raised with them from puppyhood.
<C>Combativeness:</C> Tends to be fairly dog-aggressive.
<C>Noise:</C> Average barker.
<b>Grooming and Physical Needs:</>
<C>Grooming:</C> A little grooming needed.
<C>Trimming & Stripping:</C> No trimming or stripping needed.
<C>Coat:</C> Short coat.
<C>Shedding:</C> Average shedder.
<C>Exercise:</C> Moderate exercise needed.
<C>Jogging:</C> A good jogging companion.
<C>Indoors:</C> Relatively inactive indoors.
<C>Apartments:</C> Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised.
<C>Outdoor Space:</C> Best with at least an average-size yard.
<C>Climate:</C> Does well in most climates.
<C>Owner:</C> Not recommended for novice owners.
<C>Longevity:</C> Average (10 to 12 years).
<b>Talents:</> hunting, tracking, watchdog, guarding, and weight pulling.
<b>For More Information:</>
American Bulldog Association, HC 67, Box 117, Bruno, AR 72618 bulldog@mtnhome.com
<b>Photo Caption:</> AMERICAN BULLDOG
Watchdog White Fang. Owned and photographed by R.W. Couturier.
