American Bulldog

Strong and devoted, the American Bulldog breed possesses both qualities. This dog’s striking appearance and muscular build have earned it a rich history that begins with the working dogs of early American South. They were originally bred for protection and farm work, but they have since established a solid reputation as trustworthy friends and wonderful family pets.

The amicable disposition of American Bulldogs is what makes them unique. These dogs are wonderful additions to homes with children because they are frequently playful and loving. They are eager to please and thrive on human interaction, which can make training a fulfilling experience. They can develop into well-mannered family members with the correct direction.

It’s crucial to keep in mind, though, that they have a lot of energy and a strong will. They must exercise frequently to stay happy and healthy. These dogs require a way to release their energy, whether it be through playtime in the yard, a lengthy walk, or a game of fetch. If they don’t get enough mental and physical stimulation, they could grow bored and behave badly.

All things considered, the American Bulldog is an excellent combination of power, devotion, and tenderness. With the correct love, care, and socialization, they can make wonderful companions and brighten any home. If you’re thinking about bringing one into your family, you’ll discover a loyal companion who will support you no matter what.

Feature	Details
Breed Group	Working
Size	Medium to Large
Weight	60-120 lbs
Lifespan	10-15 years
Temperament	Friendly, Loyal
Exercise Needs	Moderate to High
Grooming	Low

Strong and devoted, the American Bulldog is renowned for its outgoing demeanor and unwavering work ethic. These dogs, who were originally bred for farm work, make wonderful companions and watchful family members. They are great with children because of their playful nature, and they are intelligent and trainable enough to be used as anything from service dogs to athletes. Prospective owners can better appreciate what makes the American Bulldog breed unique by being aware of its distinct characteristics and needs.

Description of American Bulldogs and breed characteristics

The American bulldog, also known as the ambul, is a strong, muscular dog breed. He is brave, industrious, and resilient. He can develop into the perfect friend for a strong, assured owner. Although this dog’s appearance has been shaped by its fighting history, its personality is not hostile. This is a calm, gentle, loving, and faithful pet.

The exterior characteristics of the original Old English Bulldogs have only been preserved by American Bulldogs, making them a unique breed. Additionally, certain characteristics of fighting dogs have persisted. Every other variety has experienced intense selection, resulting in a significant departure from their predecessors. However, the International Cynological Federation continues to not recognize the American Bulldog breed.

Parameters	Characteristics
Breed name	American Bulldog
Time of origin	19th century
Country of registration	USA
FIF classification	not recognized
Use	Guard, security guard, companion
Life expectancy	12-14 years
Height	male 58-68 cm, bitches 55-65 cm
weight	males 45-60 kg, females 35-50 kg
aggressiveness	average
activity	high
intelligence	standard, easy to train
attitude towards people	loyal, friendly, love children
care	simple
health	average

Pros of the breed

Even with their ugly appearance, American bulldogs are a popular breed of dog. They offer numerous benefits:

• loyal, very attached to their owner;
• energetic, hardy, agile;
• good-natured, good with children;
• no undercoat, heavy shedding, therefore suitable for allergy sufferers;
• have developed security qualities;
• selflessly protect the owner from any threats even at the cost of their own lives;
• easy care, unpretentiousness, good health;
• smart, observant, easy to train;
• balanced, will not bark without reason.

Cons of the breed

Those with weak character traits or inexperienced dog breeders should avoid the American bulldog. This dog needs to be socialized and trained thoroughly. It will only submit to a powerful owner who gains control over it. Without the right upbringing, a dog may develop into an aggressive and unruly adult. It’s also important to consider the following negative aspects of bulldogs:

• they need high physical activity;
• due to their large size, it is difficult to keep them in a small apartment;
• out of boredom, they can cause chaos in the apartment;
• stubborn, independent, wayward;
• look intimidating;
• prone to dominance;
• can be aggressive towards other pets;
• they often have increased salivation, snoring.

The video complements the characteristics of American bulldogs:

American Bulldog in video. Price, selection criteria, facts, history, care, and pros and cons

Video: The benefits and drawbacks of the American Bulldog breed

Varieties

Based on their appearance and temperament, American Bulldogs can be classified into three types.

• The classic American or Johnson Bulldog is a large dog with a powerful build and a short muzzle. They were bred for protection, so strength and guard qualities were cultivated. In appearance, they are close to English bulldogs. This dog is more suitable for the role of a companion and bodyguard.
• The standard American bulldog of the Scott type is smaller in size, with an athletic build. These dogs have a more elongated muzzle, they are agile, and have retained the instinct to pursue an animal. In appearance, they resemble pit bull terriers. Scott Bulldogs are used as working dogs on the farm. When breeding, the emphasis is on endurance and performance.
• The hybrid or mixed type appeared from crossing dogs of both types. Breeders sought to obtain a dog with a powerful build, but agile. This is a large-sized dog with developed working and guard qualities, strong, hardy.

History of the origin of the American Bulldog breed

During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the American Bulldog breed of dogs made its way to America. Old English Bulldogs were their ancestors, brought over from Great Britain. These dogs were employed for herding cattle, guarding, and farm work. They were referred to as Old English white country bulldogs before the word "American" was added. Their performance, bravery, strength, and endurance were highly regarded. The breed hasn’t changed much; there was no selection.

American Bulldogs’ ancestors were raised in England as fighting dogs. Bulls and dogs would fight each other in the Middle Ages. English Bulldogs were fierce, strong, painless, and extremely aggressive canines back then. Major changes occurred in the breed when fighting was outlawed. To make the dogs less aggressive and smaller in stature, they started to be crossed with pugs. The characteristics of fighting dogs are still only found in American Bulldogs. It’s clear if you look at paintings that show dog fights.

The breed had long been unknown. It wasn’t even recognized by the FCI until the latter part of the 20th century, and it wasn’t even listed in the AKC list. Renowned breeders Scott and Johnson contributed to popularization. A standard was created and exhibitions started in the 1960s.

American bulldogs have been recognized as a distinct breed since the late 20th century, and they have gained popularity overseas. They were bred for farm labor, security, law enforcement, and the armed forces. In the late 1900s, American bulldogs first made their appearance in Russia. But it became known as a vicious and aggressive dog because of dishonest breeders and ignorant owners.

Appearance standards

Tall and robust in build, American bulldogs have a fighting look. The prominent features include short, silky hair and a big, strong jaw. A man can weigh up to 60 kg and reach 68–70 cm, according to standard measurements. American Bulldog bitches are typically 52–65 cm in length and 35–45 kg in weight.

Head

Despite being large, the head is in proportion to the body. The cranium is broad and rounded. The occipital protuberance is moderately expressed, and the forehead is high. The type of dog determines the muzzle’s construction. It has a distinct stop and is short and square in shape in the Johnson Bulldog. There are skin folds on the forehead and cheeks. The standard variation has a smoother stop and a longer muzzle.

The nose is big and black in color. The chin is enormous, the teeth are big, and the jaws are broad. The lower jaw has an undershot bite and projects slightly forward. However, the lips completely cover the teeth, preventing them from protruding. The lips fit snugly, the cheeks are muscular, and the upper lips droop slightly.

The eyes are deep set, round, small, and wide. by hue, ranging from pale to deep brown. The eyelids are narrow and dark. Cast a focused, aware glance. Medium-sized, high-set ears. They can be erect, triangular, shaped like a "rose" or "envelope."

Body type

The neck is strong, thick, and fairly lengthy. Not dewlapped, but possibly with tiny creases. The nape is clearly defined, and the neck broadens toward the body. The body is rectangular and elongated. Half the height at the withers, the chest is deep. The back is broad and level, and the belly is tucked in. The croup slopes downward, and the loin is convex.

The tail is positioned low. Straight, broad in the middle, and narrowing in the finish. It hangs down to the hocks when it is calm. It rises to the level of the back when in motion, with the tip possibly curving slightly.

Limbs

The limbs are broad, parallel, and muscular. The ones in Scott Bulldogs are longer. The thighs are muscular, the elbows point back, and the shoulders are broad. The paws are gathered into a lump and rounded. The hind legs appear slightly longer than the front ones due to the elongated metatarsus. The joints’ angles are well-expressed. The movements are strong and brisk. The bulldog trots freely when running.

Coat and color

The coat is close to the body and lacks an undercoat. The hairs can reach a maximum length of 1.5 cm. The coat ought to be silky and glossy.

These dogs are primarily white in color. Additionally recognized are the following colors of American Bulldogs:

• brindle, the pattern should consist of stripes, not spots;
• red;
• black;
• gray.

There must be big white spots in any color. At least 30% of the body’s surface must be occupied by them. One half of the muzzle may be covered in a pattern that looks like a mask. It is not permitted to have a speckled pattern or to be entirely gray or black without any white spots.

The description of these dogs’ appearance is enhanced by photos:

Disqualifying defects

Exhibitions are held even though the FCI does not recognize the American Bulldog. If a dog possesses any of the following flaws, it may not be permitted to them or used for breeding:

• a tail with a kink or lying on the back;
• gray or yellow eyes;
• drooping eyelids;
• gray or brown nose;
• level bite;
• pointed muzzle.

Character

The American Bulldog is the perfect companion for people who require a robust, resilient, and devoted pet. When raised properly, this dog develops into a loving and obedient adult. In spite of his intimidating and striking appearance, he possesses the following qualities:

• good nature;
• compliance;
• cheerfulness;
• sociability;
• devotion;
• playfulness;
• patience;
• balance.

Every member of the family that the dog lives with can see these traits in him. She will fearlessly defend them, her territory, and possessions. A child who pulls on an American Bulldog’s tail or tugs on its ears will never be offended by a well-mannered dog. The dog is eager to play all games, happily takes affection, and is tolerant of children’s antics. Even in cases where parents punish their child unfairly, he will shield them. Just remember that a bulldog is a big dog that can inadvertently hurt kids, so never leave it alone with them.

The American Bulldog is not aggressive when properly trained. He is sensitive to people’s feelings and moods. A loving and caring environment will raise a dog that is obedient and loving. Ambuli take a long time to get used to strangers and are cautious of them.

They are extremely envious of other dogs and pets and dislike them. They can kill or maim animals when they engage in combat; these skills originate from the Ambul’s warrior forebears. They can run after a bird or a cat on the street. They only coexist peacefully with the animals they were raised with from puppyhood onward.

Ambuli need to be physically active for at least two to three hours every day. It won’t be until he’s had enough running and playing outside that he will act appropriately inside. If not, the dog can chew through everything in the house, turn it over, and destroy everything in an attempt to release energy. These are intelligent and perceptive dogs. They’ll pick up on how to open doors, get up on tables, and reach windowsills very quickly.

The images display the traits of the American Bulldog:

Education and training

The American Bulldog has a tendency to take charge. It possesses undesirable qualities like independence, stubbornness, and willfulness. It needs rigorous parenting and skillful socialization. If not, it will turn aggressive and uncontrollable. The Ambula will not submit to such an owner and will instead feel uneasy or scared right away.

Only a determined individual with experience in dog breeding will be able to handle this breed. Because of their poor upbringing, Ambula has a reputation for being a dangerous and vicious animal. Inexperienced dog breeders began breeding these dogs and were unable to handle them.

But if you gain authority and respect from the dog, there will be no problems with training. The American Bulldog is a smart, quick-witted, but stubborn and independent dog. Training begins at an early age. It is necessary to take into account that developing the right habits can take a lot of time. These dogs do not have self-discipline, but they learn commands quickly. This process will be easier if training is carried out in the form of a game.

Education ought to be rigorous and uniform. The dog needs to understand right away that the owner’s word is final. You cannot indulge in this way, and every member of the family must abide by this guideline. It’s critical to be stern, tenacious, and patient. It is best to suppress the urge to snap and bite right away. Physical punishment and rudeness, however, are not allowed. Bulldogs are painless, but because of their excellent recall, they can get resentful.

The first things a puppy needs to learn are:

• to go to the toilet outside;
• do not growl, do not snap at the owner and family members;
• do not pull on the leash outside, walk next to him;
• do not jump on people;
• do not pick up anything from the ground;
• do not chase cats or birds;
• do not fight with other dogs, do not bare your teeth at them.

From an early age, the puppy must be accustomed to street noise, strangers, and animals in order to facilitate socialization. Aggression should be stopped right away in all cases. To people, other dogs, and cars, the dog should respond calmly. It is advised that dogs who are 8 to 9 months old enroll in an OKD course with a qualified dog trainer. Another ZKS course will be necessary if the dog is to be used as a bodyguard or guard.

You can learn how to raise these dogs correctly by watching the video:

Video: Six months of NKC training for American Bulldogs

American Bulldog training in a video

Video: Basta, the multi-talented American Bulldog

Features of keeping

These dogs are easy to maintain because they are modest and adapt well to both private homes and apartments in cities. They can be kept in an aviary, but only during the warmer months. Providing the pet with enough physical exercise is essential. An adult Ambul must walk for an hour, at least twice a day. To play and train the dog, it is best to bring toys and treats outside. Walking during the day is not advised in the summer because ambuli cannot withstand the heat well.

Care

Taking care of an outpatient clinic is simple. Once a week, you must use a rubber glove or a hard brush to comb your hair. You must comb more often when your hair is molting. It is advised to wipe the dog’s face with a damp towel every day to remove any recent saliva in order to keep it looking tidy. Food particles and dirt can get stuck in folds. This results in inflammation and an offensive smell. You can use a cloth to wipe your body after a walk and wash your paws. Often, bathing the pet in its entirety is not advised; three to four times a year should be sufficient.

You should check and clean your eyes and ears on a regular basis. You can use special lotion, chamomile infusion, or cotton pads moistened with boiling water to achieve this. The dog’s claws grind if she runs a lot on a solid surface. They must be sliced with a specialized secateur if necessary. It is advised to brush them with veterinary toothpaste once a week to avoid tartar and early tooth loss. From puppyhood, the dog should become accustomed to all hygienic practices.

Nutrition

For feeding ambulances, super-premium dry food is more appropriate. It has enough protein—at least 30%—as well as vitamin and mineral supplements. Just remember that excessive calcium, retinol, and vitamin D intake can be detrimental to breed members. Given that Ambules are prone to allergies, the food should be hypoallergenic.

If you decide to feed your child naturally, you must prepare a complete, balanced diet. Lean meat should make up half of it. Cereals, veggies, and greens make up the remainder. Fruits, sea fish, eggs, and fermented milk products are beneficial. Multivitamins can be added to the food on a veterinarian’s advice. After a walk, an adult dog needs to be fed twice a day.

The following items are not acceptable to give to Ambules:

• river fish;
• milk;
• legumes;
• fatty meat;
• smoked meats, sausages;
• minced meat;
• tubular bones;
• fresh bread, pastries;
• sweets.

Health

An American Bulldog typically lives between 11 and 12 years. They can stay active until old age if they receive the right care. Despite having a robust immune system, members of the breed are frequently afflicted with a number of hereditary diseases:

• joint dysplasia;
• allergies;
• dermatitis;
• eye diseases;
• heart failure;
• spinal disc pathologies;
• breathing problems;
• deafness;
• epilepsy.

You should consider the fact that female Ambules have difficult labors when selecting the sex of the dog. Your pet can live for 14–15 years if you take good care of it, feed it well, and take it for regular walks. Some dogs have lived to be eighteen years old.

How to buy a puppy

Only the nursery has American bulldog puppies that are purebred. It is imperative that you select one with a stellar reputation. The dogs will then have all the required paperwork and a pedigree. A veterinarian’s certificate attesting to the absence of congenital pathologies is required for each puppy.

The price of pedigree dogs starts at 20,000 rubles. Show individuals that are permitted to breed will be sold for a minimum of 50,000 rubles. Ambulas without a pedigree are available for $7–10,000. However, there’s no assurance the dog won’t get sick or develop a mental illness. Even so, the absence of a pedigree might just point to physical flaws.

Prior to making a purchase, you should consider the mother’s behavior and the conditions under which the animals are housed. She ought to be composed as she looks over the puppies. The fact that she was brought to a different room could be a sign of aggression or mental instability. It is preferable to find a different breeder because these traits are inherited by the puppies.

Puppies are offered for sale between two and three months. The initial vaccinations have already been administered at this age. The infants ought to be in good health. The following indicators point to this:

• they are active, curious;
• the coat is smooth and shiny;
• the eyes are clear and clean;
• the nose is wet and cold;
• the ears are without discharge;
• the belly is not bloated, the puppy does not emit an unpleasant odor.

It is advised to select the puppy that supports the game, doesn’t act aggressively, and comes over to introduce themselves. It will be simple to communicate with him in a common language.

The picture depicts the puppies’ appearance:

The following video will supplement the breed description and assist you in determining whether to purchase it:

Muscular American Bulldogs in a video. What is the price of Ambuli puppies and what is the breed’s appearance?

Video: The Complete Guide to the American Bulldog Breed

The intriguing American Bulldog breed is a symbol of tenacity and devotion. These dogs, who are well-known for their robust physique and kind temperament, are great companions for both active individuals and families. Their playfulness and innate protectiveness make them excellent watchdogs, constantly prepared to ensure the safety of those they care about.

The ability to adapt is one of the best qualities of American Bulldogs. As long as they receive adequate exercise and mental stimulation, they do well in a variety of settings, including cozy apartments and large backyards. To maintain their happiness and health, they require regular walks, playtime, and training.

Even though they are capable of independent thought, early socialization and constant training are essential. This not only guarantees that they become well-rounded adults but also helps to curb any stubbornness on their part. You can have a devoted friend who obeys your orders if you are patient and provide positive reinforcement.

Choosing an American Bulldog ultimately entails bringing a devoted, active, and watchful pet into your house. They are a popular option among dog lovers because of their special ability to combine fun and loyalty. An American Bulldog can be the ideal addition to your family if you’re prepared to give them the love and care they require.

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American Bulldog. Pros and cons, Price, How to choose, Facts, Care, History