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AB Description
The American Bulldog is a powerful, athletic, medium-large sized dog. His general appearance denotes great physical strength and a muscular stature with endless endurance. Height and weight may vary but structure is what is of importance, the keyword being "well-balanced". The American Bulldog has been bred to work, not for the show ring; therefore, there is a wide size latitude in the breed. However, a narrow, terrier-like dog is not typical of the breed and is to be discouraged. If all things are equal, the larger dog is preferred. The American Bulldog is a broad, wide dog, but this width should not be exaggerated for the show ring. Once again, the American Bulldog is a working dog, and while lack of power or agility are serious faults, exaggeration of any part of the dog will reduce his effectiveness at work and should therefore not be encouraged in the show ring. The overall head is box-shaped.
The American Bulldog's muzzle is also square and box-shaped and approximately 35-40 percent of the overall head length. It should be deep, wide, and show power. There should be a distinct furrow between the eyes and an abrupt, deep stop. the American Bulldog's ears are button or rose form. Natural tails preferred, docked tails acceptable, but considered a cosmetic fault in the show ring. It should be long enough to reach the hocks, or slightly past. The tail will often be carried above the back when the dog is moving or excited. It should end in a semi-circle, which is often evident when the dog carries it above his back.
The American Bulldog's coat is short and smooth. The preferred color is at least 50% white with patches of color. An all-white dog is equally acceptable but care must be taken to ascertain that there is no hearing problems with an all white dog. The color patches may be any shade of brindle of any shade of brown (tan, red, yellow, etc.)
The American Bulldog should move with speed, agility, and power, the rear legs propelling the dog forward, not merely following along behind. There should be definite stifle action in the rear legs. All legs should move parallel to the direction of movement and overall the American Bulldog should be light on his/her feet. Front legs will not cross nor wing out to either side when the dog is in motion. Rear legs will not travel in an arc, but will be moderate, neither short and mincing nor approaching the rear of a Doberman Pinscher.
Training
When you decide to train your American Bulldog you must be prepared. If you are not, the breed tends to become bored easily and will end up using its energy on things within your home like tables, shoes and other such things. Remember adequate daily attention consists of only one hour. But, you need to make sure that you have this time and energy to exercise and train this active breed. If not you will probably want to try another type of breed.
Training an American Bulldog must begin early for this breed. They do not do well with heavy handed or harsh training methods so this is important to keep in mind. Training that is fair, firm, consistent and patient work best for this breed. American Bulldogs have many skills that can be enhanced like hunting, guarding, weight pulling, and tracking.
It is important to note that this breeds level of training requirements is moderately high. These dogs do not do well with self discipline and, thus, they will need much attention and time. Because they are highly intelligent and confident they have been known to get in trouble easily and become inappropriately protective. These potential problems can be remedied with proper attention, care and training.
House breaking your American Bulldog is very important and must be started as soon as possible. Thus, it is important to create an immediate daily routine to help prevent urination accidents that can occur when you first bring a dog home. If you set a consistent routine like taking your dog outside before you go to work, when you get home, and one additional time before bedtime this will help your dog learn to have more control during the times you are not home. Instilling daily routines will also help to make the American Bulldog feel more comfortable around people and their surroundings. Depending on the situation, developing a routine can potentially take up to six months, and once your dog is trained you will need to maintain the routine in to keep your dog happy and feeling secure.
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These dogs are an example and type of some of the excellent ancestry you will find in our
American Bulldogs lineage.
Click on any dogs picture below to enlarge.
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