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Meet the Breed: 5 Things to Know Before Bringing Home an American Bulldog

Close-up cropped head photo of an American Bulldog, isolated on white background.

Meet the Breed: 5 Things to Know Before Bringing Home an American Bulldog

Bully breeds have become some of the most popular pets in America because of their loyal, protective nature and their reputation as strong guard dogs.

Among the breeds that fall under the Bully umbrella is the American Bulldog (not to be confused with the American Bully). Unlike the “English” Bulldog, this breed is taller, leggier, and more agile overall, and it has fewer wrinkles. This is a much larger breed than its English counterpart, with males standing 22-25 inches tall and weighing 75-100 pounds, while females typically stand between 20 and 23 inches tall and weigh 60 to 80 pounds.

The American Bulldog was originally bred to serve as a farm dog, taking on tasks such as guardian, stock dog, and catch dog. The breed put its strongest roots down in the South, where it is still the most popular, largely because of the dogs’ ability to aid in the hunting of feral pigs.

Originally believed to have come to the United States in the 1800s, this American original received a boost in popularity by its appearances in several well-loved movies like Homeward Bound, Cheaper by the Dozen, and Below Zero.

The way the American Bulldog’s cute face and endearing personality is presented in cinema, however, doesn’t make the breed a good choice for everyone, and it is definitely not the best option for first-time dog owners. This muscular and athletic breed can be thoroughly enjoyed by only those who have a lot of dog experience and are looking for an active tagalong.

Here are five things to know before bringing an American Bulldog into your home:

1. Don’t let the short coat fool you.

One of the most common misconceptions of dogs with a short coat is that they don’t shed much on a regular basis. This could not be less true of the American Bulldog. These dogs shed their short, coarse coat throughout the year, and the hair has a tendency to cling to clothing and furniture. So, you’ll want to keep your lint roller handy with these guys.

Other than the shedding, general grooming is relatively easy and low maintenance, with a quick brushing every day or every other day usually doing the trick. Of course, this is in addition to regular bathing (once a week is recommended for maintenance purposes), teeth cleaning, and nail trimming.

2. Socialization is a must.

Aggression can become an issue in the American Bulldog if your dog is not regularly socialized with people and other animals in its puppy and adolescent phases of life. The breed is naturally aloof and protective in temperament, but with the right level of training—and getting them out and about—this can be a very positive thing as the dog works to build a strong level of confidence and comfortability.

Without proper socialization, the American Bulldog can become a pet that is easily triggered and may feel (and become) out of control to own.

3. If you don’t own your own home, check with your landlord first.

The American Bulldog is among the breeds that can have a negative public perception—fair or not—which has caused them to land on the list of restricted breeds for some rental homes and apartments complexes. If you find yourself in this situation but still want to take home one of these protective companions, it doesn’t mean that it’s a “hard no” or that you’ll necessarily have to move. If you speak to your landlord or the complex owner, they might consider your situation from a personal and individual perspective. Some complexes offer “pet interviews” which allow dogs of a restricted breed to still live on the property if they pass the screening. It should also be noted that if the dog qualifies as an Emotional Support Animal it will not be held to the same standards under the law for dogs on a “banned breed” list.

You might also want to check with your homeowners or renters insurance to make sure owning one of these dogs won’t invalidate your coverage.

4. Be prepared for bounciness and slobber.

If you aren’t the type that can handle a dog that is rowdy, exuberant, and rambunctious in its early years, the American Bulldog is probably not the dog for you. Although the breed eventually mellows as it gets older, this is a generally active dog that requires constant mental stimulation and regular exercise. It’s recommended that this breed gets 1-2 hours of exercise per day, making it the perfect companion for the adventurous type. It is important, however, to gear toward low-impact exercises that will not put undue stress on the hips and joints.

You’ll also want to keep your slobber rag handy, as this is a breed with a frequent tendency to drool.

5. Be aware of health problems and choose a responsible breeder.

It’s important to properly vet American Bulldog breeders before buying a dog. Due to some of the temperament and health issues that can exist in poorly bred dogs of this size and strength, it is perhaps even more important to do so with this breed.

The American Bulldog has a lifespan of 10-13 years on average, though some dogs live shorter—or even longer—lives. Hip and joint problems are among the most common ailments of this breed, so it is imperative to make sure your dog’s breeder has screened for genetic health issues and had evaluations done on the parents’ hips and elbows.

Other issues to watch out for throughout the life of your American Bulldog are breathing issues, eye problems, dental concerns, and hypothyroidism. Regular vet visits and routine care will help to keep your pet happy and healthy, as well as allow you to catch injuries or a potentially concerning symptom in a timely manner.