American Bulldog breed guide: Care, training, and fun facts
Breed guide overview
About American Bulldogs
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About the American Bulldog breed
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.
Weight, height & life expectancy
The breed has an average height of 56-70cm for males and 51-64cm for females, with a weight range of 27-54kg.
Their life expectancy is usually between 10 and 12 years.
What is the temperament of an American Bulldog 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.
Our American Bulldog Community
“Jack is a big lad but he is the softest pup you will ever meet! He loves nothing more than lying on the couch and having an ear scratch! He can be a little nervous around new people but nothing a rabbits eat and a game of fetch won't fix! He is a typical bulldog and loves to sleep and eat, but he is not a fan of rain or early mornings!"
Jack’s owner, Jenny from Yorkshire
“Aika is a beautiful, smart & curious 5-month-old. She rarely barks but communicates more with hums, almost like she's singing. She loves to be outdoors, but she can struggle with the heat sometimes. She's great with kids, naturally adopting a calmer & more sensitive approach to them, as they're right on her level!"
Aika’s owner, Emily from London
How much exercise does an American Bulldog 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.
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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.
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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.
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.
Vet top tip
American Bulldogs are intelligent and strong-willed, so starting obedience training and socialisation from a young age is essential. Expose your dog to a variety of people, pets, and environments to build confidence and ensure they grow up well-behaved and adaptable. Use positive reinforcement techniques like treats, praise, and play to encourage good behaviour. This will help you nurture a well-mannered and happy companion.
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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.
