American Bulldog

Related to the British Bulldog, the American Bulldog is a domestic pet. It has not gone any major alterations from its British counterpart, unlike many other European Bulldogs. The American Bulldogs were primarily bred by two Americans- Allen Scott and John D. Johnson and are generally known as Scott type American Bulldog or Johnson type American Bulldog. They may also be referred to as Bully or Classic type American Bulldog and the Performance or Standard type American Bulldog. The Johnson type Bulldog tends to be bigger and heavier and has a short muzzle. On the other hand, Scott type Bulldog tends to look a lot like a Pit Bull with long legs. Many American Bulldogs are ‘hybrids’ between the Johnson type and Scott type Bulldogs.

The American Bulldog is a very strongly built dog. It has a very stocky appearance coupled with very strong and powerful jaws. It has a short and typically smooth coat, which sheds moderately through the year. The coat of the American Bulldog tends to be white or has various color patterns of brown, fawn, red and black. American Bulldogs, especially those with loose jowls or lips, tend to drool a lot. American Bulldogs typically weigh between 60 and 120 lbs (27 and 57 Kilos). They are anywhere between 20 and 28 inches (52 and 70 cm) in size at the withers. However, there are many specimens of the American Bulldog that exceed this typical size by a lot.

The American Bulldog is a very friendly, loving and happy dog. They are happiest amidst a happy and loving family. They bond extremely well with family members and are very comfortable with non-threatening outsiders. As long as they are introduced to children as a pup, they get along very well with children as well. They are very sociable dogs and get along with other dogs too. The more interaction they get with other people and other dogs, the more sociable the American Bulldog will be. The American Bulldog needs moderate amount of exercise and a house with a largish back yard or front yard is perfect for them. The American bulldog lives for about 12-15 years without too many health problems. It is typically active and healthy throughout its life. However, the American bulldog is susceptible to genetic health problems like bone cancer, hip dysplasia, enlarged heart and kidney and thyroid disorders.

The British Bulldog came to the United States along with the settlers. But, as they were strewn across the southern part of the country, they did not breed very well here and were almost completely wiped out by the time WW2 ended. It was the efforts of war veteran John D. Johnson along with Allan Scott and other breeders that caused the resurrection of this breed in the United States. Their efforts paid off and on Jan 1, 1999, the American Bulldog gained recognition by the United Kingdom Kennel Club.

American Bulldogs are now far from extinction, because their popularity as family pets and working dogs continues unabated.