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Let’s talk about… American Bulldogs: what are they?

• American Bulldogs are a breed that originated in the United States.
• They were initially used for various tasks on farms, including guarding property and driving livestock.
• They are muscular and powerful dogs, known for their strength and endurance.
• American Bulldogs have a stocky build with a large head and strong jaws.
• They typically have a short coat that comes in various colours, such as white, brindle, or fawn.
• The breed has an average height of 56-70 cm for males and 51-64 cm for females, with a weight range of 27-54 kg.
• Their life expectancy is usually between 10 and 12 years.

What is the temperament of American Bulldogs like?

• American Bulldogs are known for being confident, assertive, and affectionate dogs.
• They form strong bonds with their families and are generally good with children.
• However, early socialisation is important to ensure they get along well with other animals and unfamiliar people.
• They have a protective instinct and can be wary of strangers.
• American Bulldogs are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them relatively easy to train with proper guidance and consistency.

How much exercise do American Bulldogs need?

• American Bulldogs are energetic and active dogs that require a significant amount of exercise.
• They should ideally receive around 1.5 to 2 hours of exercise per day to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
• This exercise can include activities like brisk walks, jogging, playing fetch, or engaging in interactive games.
• Since American Bulldog puppies are still growing, it's important to provide them with age-appropriate exercise and avoid excessive strain on their developing joints.
• Consult with your vet for specific exercise recommendations based on your puppy's age and needs.
• It's crucial to wait until American Bulldogs reach physical maturity, which is usually around 18-24 months, before engaging them in intense or high-impact activities.

Do American Bulldogs need a lot of grooming?

• American Bulldogs have a short coat that requires minimal grooming.
• They are moderate shedders and generally require brushing once or twice a week to remove loose hair and keep their coat in good condition.
• Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.
  

Are American Bulldogs easy to train?

• American Bulldogs are intelligent dogs that respond well to training when done with positive reinforcement methods.
• They have a strong desire to please their owners, which can make training a rewarding experience.
• However, they can also be independent and stubborn at times, so consistent training is necessary.
• Early socialisation is crucial to help them develop good manners and proper behaviour around other animals and people.

What do American Bulldogs eat?

• Feeding American Bulldogs a well-balanced diet is essential for their overall health and well-being.
• Most do well as adults being fed twice daily.
• As puppies, they should be fed a high-quality, age-appropriate puppy food that supports their growth and development.
• Consult with your vet to determine the best food, feeding schedule and portion sizes for your American Bulldog puppy.
• Puppies should be fed 3-4 times daily until 6 months old, when it can be reduced to twice daily.
• Once they reach adulthood, a good quality adult dog food, formulated for large or active breeds, should be provided.
• It's important to monitor their weight and adjust their portions as needed to prevent obesity.
• Treats can be given occasionally, but it's essential to avoid overfeeding and choose healthy, low-calorie options.
  

Are American Bulldogs healthy?

American Bulldogs can be prone to certain health conditions. Some of the common health concerns seen in American Bulldogs include:

Bones and Joints

• Elbow Dysplasia - this condition is where there is an issue with how the bones fit together at the elbow joint
• Hip Dysplasia - a condition where the thigh bone and pelvis do not sit together properly at the hip joint, which can lead to discomfort and arthritis

Eyes

• Cherry eye - this is when there is popping out of the third eyelid gland
• Corneal Ulcers - open sores on the cornea of the eye
• Dry eye - an ongoing condition where the tear glands in the eyes don’t produce enough protective tear film, which can lead to discomfort, infections and damage of the eye
• Entropion - this is where the eyelids roll in, causing eyelashes to rub onto the surface of the eye

Hormonal

• Hypothyroidism - a condition where your dog does not produce enough thyroid hormone

Neurological

• Degenerative Myelopathy - a disease that causes nerves in the lower spine to not work properly

Respiratory

• Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) - narrow airways which can make breathing and temperature regulation difficult

Skin

• Atopy - when the immune system overreacts to an allergen and results in skin irritation
• Interdigital Cysts  - inflamed, swollen and often infected tissue found between your dogs toes
• Skin fold dermatitis - inflammation, and possible infection of the skin between two skin folds.

Urinary

• Bladder Stones - Stones form in the bladder which can be uncomfortable and cause a blockage

This list is by no means comprehensive, so it's always important to consult with your veterinarian for specific health advice and guidance. Veterinary care and early intervention are crucial for addressing any health issues that may arise.

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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian.  Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive.  If you ever have any concerns about your dog’s health contact your local vet.

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