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American Bulldog Dog Breed Introduction
The American Bulldog is a large-sized muscular breed of mastiff-type from the United States. They are used as catch dogs, stock dogs, and guardians on ranches and farms. The most muscular parts of the American Bulldog are the chest and shoulders. The muscular build comes as a plus since the breed is able to jump vertically in excess of three feet ( approx. 91 cm ). Most American Bulldogs have brown colored eyes. Although, some may have differed colored eyes(heterochromia) which is considered a cosmetic fault.
The American Bulldogs are lively, bold, social, and cheerful dogs that are at ease with their families. This breed closely bonds with its owners and it is happiest when the parent can shower it with attention and time. However, this is not the case with strangers. This dog does not trust anyone at first sight. It learns from the owner, what is a threat and what is not. Therefore, socialization is paramount. American Bulldogs should never be isolated from their family in a garage or kennel day after day. This is because they may become chronically aggressive and fearful towards new stimuli.
If this breed is obtained past the age of 18 months, the aggression and fear must be trained out of the dog immediately. An American Bulldog that has nothing to do or in isolation will destroy furniture and shoes. This dog should exercise in an enclosed area with a high fence. This is because the American Bulldog has a tendency to wandering off for an adventure and forgetting how to get home. A microchip is also highly recommended. Furthermore, they should always go for walks while on a leash.
Youngsters below the age of 3 years love to bounce around and may accidentally knock over a small child, senior citizen, or a toddler. American Bulldogs also love to tug, pull, and may run with those not strong enough to hold it. For this reason, elderly adults and small children are discouraged from handling an American Bulldog while on a leash. This breed may not necessarily be good with strange dogs especially when introduced in a chaotic environment such as the dog park. Generally, an American Bulldog is a breed that entirely falls in love with its family and will do anything to keep it safe if the dog senses any danger. This includes risking its life to save the family.
American Bulldog History | Origin
Originally, Bulldogs in England were working dogs that guarded their master’s property as well as drove and caught cattle. The courage, strength, and the familiarity of this breed with livestock led to its popularity in bull baiting. Although, the brutal sport was outlawed in 1835. Therefore, the original type of Bulldog disappeared from Britain and was replaced with the modern English Bulldog.
However, the original Bulldog was preserved by working class immigrants who brought these dogs with them in the 17th century to the American South. The old Bulldog was used by ranch owners and farmers for many tasks including being catch dogs, farm guardians, and stock dogs. These dogs were also popular for their abilities for catching feral pigs and cattle. Therefore, this breed largely survived in the Southern States. Although, the breed almost became extinct after WWI and WWII. The only surviving dogs were kept on farms primarily in the southeast.
Fortunately, a returning war veteran, Mr. John D. Johnson, decided to rescue the breed along with Alan Scott. Due to the many different types of work this breed can do, several distinct lines evolved. Each line emphasized the traits needed to do a specific job. Currently, the best known lines are usually the Scott and Johnson Types. The former is also known as Standard Type American Bulldog while the latter as Bull type or the Classic type. The Scott dogs are more of an athletic dog, performance style, and are sleeker in appearance as compared to the Classic type.
On the other hand, the Johnson dogs are heavier in bone, bulkier in body, a more pronounced undershot bite, a shorter muzzle, and have more stop. As of now the American Bulldogs are safe from extinction and their popularity has increased in the USA as either family pet, working/protector dog, or both. Moreso, many modern American Bulldogs have crosses to two or more of the original lines and hence considered to be hybrid in type. This breed was officially recognized by UKC(United Kennel Club) in January 1999. As of November 2019, American Bulldog has been part of AKC’s Foundation Stock Service(FSS).
American Bulldog Lifespan
The average lifespan of American Bulldogs is 10 to 12 years. However, some may live up to the age of 15 or 16 years.
American Bulldog Grooming
The American Bulldogs have a short coat that sheds all-year round at light to moderate levels. A bit of hair is more noticeable when experiencing seasonal change in Spring and/or Fall. Weekly brushing using a hound glove or a grooming mitt will help to remove dirt, loose hair, and promote new hair growth. During the shedding season, brush the coat at least twice or thrice a week to reduce the amount of loose hair on the floor.
This is a relatively healthy breed that needs a bath every 8 to 12 weeks unless it rolls off into something stinky. Use a canine shampoo and conditioner to bath and moisturize the coat. After a bath, thoroughly rinse off the grooming products from the coat to prevent skin irritation. American Bulldogs tend to drool more. Keep a towel up close to wipe off the excess moisture to avoid bacteria buildup or infections especially on the wrinkles. Wipe the eye corners using a clean damp washcloth or unscented canine. Trim the nails of an American Bulldog every 3 to 5 weeks using nail clippers or grinders to prevent overgrowth, splitting, and cracking.
Brush the teeth of an American Bulldog at least twice a week if not daily to remove tartar buildup using a dog formulated toothpaste and toothbrush. Clean the ears on a weekly basis using an ear cleanser solution and cotton balls to remove excess wax or debris. While cleaning the ears check out for signs of dog’s ear infection such as odor, discharge, and redness. Get your pooch accustomed to touch on the paws, feet, body, ears, and mouth from an early age for a positive grooming process.
American Bulldog Shedding
The American Bulldog sheds all-year round at light to moderate levels. Although, the shed hair is more noticeable particularly in Spring and/or Fall when experiencing seasonal change.
American Bulldog Coat
The American Bulldog has a short coat that may either be soft or stiff to the touch.
American Bulldog Hypoallergenic
An American Bulldog is not a hypoallergenic breed. It has a moulting coat that sheds all-year round. Shedding allows dander and fur to spread around the house aggravating allergies. American Bulldogs are also popular for excess drool which may spread on the surface. Apart from fur and dander, dog’s saliva, urine, and mucus contain a protein allergen that triggers inflammation.
American Bulldog Training | Training Secrets | Training Tips | How To Train American Bulldog
The American Bulldogs are typically social, lively, cheerful, confident, and at ease with their families. These dogs strongly bond with their owners and are happiest when their parents can shower them with attention and time. However, they are not as friendly with strangers. Therefore, socialization is paramount in teaching an American Bulldog to distinguish between a friend and a foe, and not everyone is a threat. The parent must teach this breed when to be territorial and when everything is okay.
Socialization is key to raising a well-mannered, well-adjusted American Bulldog. This training usually starts from the age of 3 weeks while the pup is with the breeder until the age of 16 weeks after it has settled in its new home. Usually, owners take their pets home from the age of 8 weeks. This allows the pup to build on its social skills while interacting with its litter mates and the dam. Waiting until the age of 8 weeks to take the pet home also help to reduce the severity of separation anxiety. Even after the age of 16 weeks, socialization should a life-long process for this breed to ensure they develop a well-rounded temperament and personality.
To socialize an American Bulldog, expose it to a wide variety of people, places, animals, surfaces, sight, situations, smell, experiences, and sounds such as baby crying sounds, door bells, lawn mowers, washing machine, whistles, vacuum cleaners, and sirens. Enrolling the American Bulldog in a puppy class will also serve as a form of socialization. These classes provide a controlled environment where canines interact. Puppy classes are also beneficial to parents. They allow them to not only identify and correct bad habits such as resource guarding food and toys but also have access to training information and assistance.
American Bulldogs are social dogs that will thrive where a pecking order has been established by parents who assume pack leadership. Creating a functional hierarchy allows the American Bulldog to reach its full potential while feeling secure to know it is under the guidance of a loving, respected, and trusted leader who will make thoughtful decisions for the well-being of the entire pack. Therefore, American Bulldogs will be respectful and cooperative followers within the pack. Parents should also encourage positive behaviors through the use of positive reinforcement methods such as petting, playtime, verbal praise, treats, and toys. However, they should refrain from using harsh correction methods such as yelling, shoving, kicking, beating, and use of prong or choke collars. These methods lead to fear aggression.
Keep the training sessions for a period of 5 minutes to avoid boredom or distraction. Make the sessions challenging and fun. Start teaching basic command words such as come, sit, wait, lie down, stay, drop it, heel, etc. one at a time when the dog joins you home. Teach one basic command word at a time until the pet is well-acquainted before proceeding to the next command word. Avoid issuing a command word while too excited or frustrated since it does not sound the same for your pet. Early training is recommended before the American Bulldog gets inclined towards bad habits. Owners are cautioned against letting the puppies engage in habits they will not like mature dogs to do such as sitting on the couch or sleeping in your bed.
Effectively housebreak the American Bulldog by creating a feeding schedule, potty training, and crate training. A crate is an invaluable device when housebreaking. American Bulldogs should be crate trained from an early age to help in reducing the separation anxiety. Parents should also get them toys to keep them engaged while they step out for a while. However, dogs should not be crated for more than 4 hours at a time. If isolated for far too long day after day, American Bulldogs are disastrous. They are known for destroying shoes and furniture. Isolation can make this bred become chronically fearful and aggressive towards new stimulus. Fear or aggression causing triggers may include strangers, postal workers, other dogs, and the children it does not know. Therefore, parents should ensure the American Bulldog is well socialized and not left for far too long to minimize fear aggression.
How To Potty Train American Bulldog Puppy
The Potty training of the American Bulldog commences immediately the pup comes home. The rule of thumb when potty training is understanding that the bladder and bowel muscles of a puppy strengthens as the pup matures. Generally, an 8-week-old pup is able to hold for 2 hours before eliminating while a 12-week-old puppy is able to hold for a period of 3 hours. This is especially true for small, medium, and large-sized dogs. Before bringing the pet home, choose a designated area where it will be relieving itself.
Parents should also decide whether the American Bulldog will eliminate inside or outside particularly apartment dwellers who have a hard time accessing a yard or street. Indoor potty training utilizes puppy pads and litter boxes that are available for retail in the pet stores. However, a parent should not start indoor potty training if he or she wants the puppy to eliminate outside later on and vice versa. This will confuse the dog hence having a relapse in house training.
A crate has proven to be an indispensable tool while potty training. This device allows the parent to monitor the American Bulldog for signs that it wants to eliminate outside such as whining, sniffing, circling, squatting, restlessness, and trying to lift a leg against the crate door. The crate should be able to hold a mature dog of this breed. If the crate is too big, use a divider to adjust the crate size gradually as the pet matures. This will ensure the crate is not too big for the pet to eliminate in one corner and sleep in the other corner. Although, dogs will naturally avoid soiling where they sleep.
If the owner is not comfortable to use a crate, he or she may use the umbilical cord method. This methods uses a leash which is attached to the parent. The Umbilical cord method enables the parent to monitor the dog within a 6-foot range. Before an American Bulldog is fully housebroken, it should not roam freely in the house to minimize accidents. For positive outcomes while potty training, take an American Bulldog to the delegated toilet area immediately it wakes up, 20 minutes after meals and drinks, every 2 to 3 hours, following an exciting activity such as playtime and car ride, after naptime, and before bedtime.
In outdoor potty training, the designated toilet area should be far from the Patio deck or BBQ spot. Once you take your American Bulldog to the delegated elimination spot, utter the command word “toilet” or “potty” to give the dog the cue to eliminate. Avoid interchangeably using the two command words even if they mean the same since it will be confusing for your pooch. Wait in the toilet area for a period of 15 minutes to allow the pet to relax the bowel and bladder muscles for a pee or poo. If the pooch fails to eliminate, take it back to the house and return it to the delegated area after a period of 15 to 30 minutes.
Before the American Bulldog is fully housebroken, it may experience accidents in the house. If you get your pup in the act, clap your hands to distract the dog and utter a firm No. Immediately scoop the pet to the delegated area. If the pet eliminates there, give it a treat so that it may associate the area with elimination. Remember to clean the mess using an iodine solution or an enzymatic detergent to get rid of the odor.
If the odor is retained, the American Bulldogs will likely eliminate in the same spot encouraging future accidents. Prior to the age of 16 weeks, pet parents should set an alarm to take the pup to the delegated area at least once during the night. From the age of 8 months, the potty breaks will be after every 6 to 8 hours since the bladder and bowel muscles have strengthened.
American Bulldog Temperament Characteristics | Personality | Traits
- Lively.
- Confident.
- Protective.
- Alert.
- Cheerful.
- Athletic.
- Friendly.
- Loyal.
- Dominant.
- Assertive.
American Bulldog Exercise
This is an athletic breed that needs to develop its athletic abilities to stay happy and fit. Before the age of 18 months, puppies need to practice non-impact exercises to decrease possible joint and bone damage before the growth plates close. Mature American Bulldogs need a range of activities such as hiking, jogging, daily walks on a leash, and tug-a-war games. American Bulldogs should not be isolated alone in the backyard as this may lead to behavior problems due to pent-up energy.
American Bulldog Barking
The American Bulldog is a protective breed that will bark to alert the owner when it is suspicious of something.
American Bulldog Height
A Mature female American Bulldog has a height of 20 to 25 inches ( approx. 51 to 64 cm) while its male counterpart has a height of 22 to 27 cm ( approx. 56 to 69 cm ).
American Bulldog Weight
Male American Bulldogs have a weight of 75 to 100 pounds ( approx. 34 to 45 kg ) while their female counterparts have a weight of 60 to 80 pounds ( approx. 27 to 36 kg ).
American Bulldog Size
The American Bulldogs are large-sized mastiff-type of dog. However, male American Bulldogs are slightly taller and heavier as compared to their female counterparts. Female American Bulldogs have a height of 20 to 25 inches ( approx. 51 to 64 cm) and a weight of 60 to 80 pounds ( approx. 27 to 36 kg ) while their male counterparts have a height of 22 to 27 cm ( approx. 56 to 69 cm ) and a weight of 75 to 100 pounds ( approx. 34 to 45 kg ).
American Bulldog Aggression
Typically, American Bulldogs are cheerful, lively, friendly, alert, watchful, protective, and wary of strangers. However, they are not aggressive dogs unless poorly socialized and isolated day after day in backyard or kennel with no work to do. Poorly socialized American Bulldogs are territorial and aggressive towards things that they do not know or understand. An isolated American Bulldog may also chronically become aggressive or fearful and can be triggered by strangers, other dogs, postal workers, and children it does not know. Socialization and crate training is key to raising a well-mannered American Bulldog.
American Bulldog Bite Force | Bite Force Psi
The American Bulldogs have a bite force of 305 PSI.
American Bulldog Biting
The American Bulldog puppies may be prone to biting and nipping while playing, exploring the environment, and teething due to discomfort. Parents should discourage puppy biting before it develops into a habit through redirection and bite inhibition training. American Bulldogs should also be properly socialized from an early age to prevent biting due to fear aggression.
American Bulldog Ear Infection
The American Bulldog may either have cropped ears or natural semi-prick, rose, or drop ears. This bred is somewhat brachycephalic with a flat compressed head which directly impacts the ear canal by narrowing it. A narrowed ear canal also provides a moist, warm, and dark environment for bacteria and yeast to thrive and grow. Some of the causes of ear infection in American Bulldogs include ear mites, yeast imbalance, excessive ear cleaning, injury to the ear canal, excess wax and debris, moisture accumulation, and endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism.
The American Bulldog may suffer from externa, media, and interna otitis respectively. Externa otitis is far more common and results to inflammation to the cells located in the external ear canal. If left untreated, the inflammation spreads to the middle and inner ear canal. Inflammation to the cells in the middle and inner ear canal is media and interna otitis respectively.
These infections may lead to deafness, vestibular signs such as dizziness and blurred vision, and facial paralysis. Signs of ear infection exhibited by an American Bulldog include walking in circles, redness, pain, itchiness, odor, dark discharge, scabs in the affected ear, rubbing the affected ear against the surface, head shaking, and disorientation.
American Bulldog Eye Problems
Some of the eye problems that American Bulldogs may suffer from include:
Entropion – This eye condition results to inward folding of the eyelid which rubs against the eye surface(cornea) resulting to chronic pain and corneal ulcers.
Cherry eye is an eye problem that is characterized by red tissue protruding from the inside corner of the eye caused by the prolapsed gland of the eyelid. This condition causes excessive watery eyes, discharge, squinting, overproduction of tears, and rubbing or scratching at the eye.
Ectropion – This is the abnormality of the eyelid that makes the lower eyelid to roll outward exposing the delicate conjunctival tissues.
American Bulldog Health Issues | Health Problems
The American Bulldog is a relatively healthy breed. Parents should maintain the schedule for examinations and vaccinations as recommended by their veterinarian. However, American Bulldogs may suffer from certain health issues such as elbow dysplasia, eye disorders like ectropion and cherry eye, bone cancer, hip dysplasia, ACL tears, neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL), allergies, and Ichthyosis.
American Bulldog Names
A pet parent may decide to find a name for the American Bulldog before it joins them home from the breeder or days after the pet joins them home in order to understand the personality and temperament of the dog. American Bulldogs parents may source name inspirations from the heritage of the breed, coat color and texture, the muscular body build, celebrity American bulldogs, books, songs, food, movies, nature, or historical figures.
Regardless of where you will source the name, ensure it freely rolls off your tongue and it will not make you embarrassed when uttered out loud in public parks and malls. American Bulldogs and other dog breeds understand better names that have vowels. Avoid giving your fur baby a name that rhymes with the command words to avoid confusion.
If a parent settles with a long name, he or she should find a cute nickname for the American Bulldog. If this breed shares a name with any household member or guest who frequent the home, it may result to chaos.
American Bulldog Names Female
- Mia.
- Bella.
- Sadie.
- Zola.
- Lola.
- Piper.
- Annie.
- Bailey.
- Maggie.
- Molly.
- Josie, etc.
American Bulldog Speed
The average running speed of the American Bulldog is 24.4 miles per hour ( approx. 39 km/hr ).
American Bulldog Names Male
- Porter.
- Cooper.
- Otis.
- Zeus.
- Leo.
- Vader.
- Moose.
- Murphy.
- Argus.
- Coco.
- Titus.
- Petey.
- Willow, etc.
American Bulldog Seizures
The American Bulldog may suffer from seizures. This refers to the disturbance of the normal functioning of the brain which is usually accompanied with uncontrollable muscle activity. Causes of seizures are categorized into three: Primary, secondary, and reactive seizures. Primary seizures are hereditary although the cause is unknown. For this reason, they are also referred to as idiopathic epilepsy.
Secondary seizures are caused by brain tumors, stroke, and brain trauma due to injury. Reactive seizures occur after the body has detected a problem to do with metabolism due to low sugars, toxins, and organ failure. The intensity of the seizure may be categorized into focal and grand mal seizures respectively.
The former affects only one part of the brain hence the dog is conscious while the latter affects the two parts of the brain leading to unconsciousness, foaming mouth, and urination or defecation. The seizure may last for a period of 1 to 3 minutes. Avoid putting anything in the mouth of the dog as it pose as a risk to you and your pet.
American Bulldog Heat Cycle | Mating
The American Bulldog goes on a heat cycle for the first time between the age of 6 to 12 months. This process lasts for a period of 3 weeks. if not spayed, the dam will experience the heat cycle every 6 months. Owners who have no intention of breeding their dogs should have them neutered or spayed.
Some of the signs that an American Bulldog dam exhibits while on a heat cycle include a swollen vulva, increased urination, bloody discharge, change in eating behaviors, mood swings, nesting behaviors, and tail flagging. Before breeding the American Bulldogs, parents should ensure the potential dam and sire have been genetically tested to verify whether the dogs are healthy with no genetic or infectious diseases.
Parents and breeders are urged to wait until the dog is 2 years old before breeding to ensure the dog is mature physically and emotionally to be able to raise a litter. Dogs bred before the age of 2 years will most likely reject the puppies or experience dystocia during birth. Avoid mating an aggressive or fearful dam since the puppies will either be aggressive or fearful.
American Bulldog Litter Size
After conception, American Bulldogs dams have a gestation period of 62 to 64 days before whelping a litter size of 7 to 16 puppies.
American Bulldog Neck Size
The American Bulldog has a neck size of 18 to 24 inches ( approx. 46 to 61 cm ).
American Bulldog Brindle | White | Black | Colours | Colors
The American Bulldog may have a solid white coat or a white coat with patches of brindle, black, red, fawn, or brown.
American Bulldog Types
There are two lines of American Bulldogs, Johnson and Scott types. The Johnson types are heavier in bone, bulkier in body, with a shorter muzzle and a more pronounced undershot bite as well as larger heads that have more stop. On the other hand, the Scott American Bulldogs have longer muzzles, less bone, and a less extreme undershot as compared to Johnsons. They are also athletic dogs that are sleeker in appearance.
American Bulldog Collar | Harness
The American Bulldog loves to pull, tug, and may run away if the person walking the dog is not strong enough to hold it. A parent may decide to walk the dog with a collar or a harness. A collar is able to hold the rabies and ID tag. However, it is preferred for dogs that are less likely to pull to avoid exerting the pressure on the neck and trachea. Whereas a harness is a better choice to walk a dog that has a tendency of pulling. It helps to evenly distribute the pressure exerted on the shoulders and back. A harness also allows the parent to have better control over the pet.
American Bulldog Food
The amount of food that the American Bulldog feeds on depends on its age, activity level, metabolism, size, and body build. Puppies tend to eat small portions of food 3 or 4 times a day due to high metabolism rates from when they start weaning until the age of 6 months. From the age of 6 months, American Bulldogs feed on a total two meals a day.
An American Bulldog may feed on dry food, wet food, home made, or a raw diet depending on the budget and time of the pet parent. Regardless of the food type, parents should ensure that the dog feeds on a balanced diet to maintain a good health eventually allowing it to develop cognitively and physically. If an American Bulldog parent decides to feed the pet with the commercial dry or wet food, he or she should ensure the first three ingredients are proteins from a known source.
The commercial dog food should neither contain preservatives, chemicals, additives, meat by-products, generic meat products, nor fillers. The same goes to the snacks. Dry or wet food should also be formulated for large-sized, puppies, adults, and seniors depending on the age of your American Bulldog. The American Bulldog puppies should particularly feed on food formulated for large-breed puppy for the first 1.2 years to ensure slow and steady growth. The youngsters of this breed should not be fed with added calcium until they are advanced to adult food. Furthermore, mature American Bulldogs should be fed quality large-breed food along with added supplements for coat care, muscle, and joint.
Check the physique of your pet to tell whether it is overweight or underweight. If you can see the ribs, chances are the dog is underweight. However, if the ribs are not visible but you can feel them without pressing hard, the American Bulldog has an ideal weight. If the owner cannot feel the ribs, the dog is overweight and should be exercised. Pet owners who want to switch to another quality food should gradually do this over a period of four weeks by mixing both new food and old food. As the weeks progresses, the amount of old food reduces as the new food increases until the American Bulldog is only feeding on new food during the fourth week.
Apart from American Bulldogs, other dog breeds include:
Pug.
American Bulldog Allergies
The American Bulldog is susceptible to various forms of allergies as discussed below:
Skin allergies – American Bulldogs may suffer from skin allergies due to food, contact, and environmental allergies that manifest on the skin.
Food allergies – Although rare, American Bulldogs may suffer from a true food allergy that causes an immune response. Apart from food allergies, this breed may suffer from food intolerance.
Contact allergies – The American Bulldog is more prone to contact and environmental allergies due to the short coat. This allergy causes inflammation to this breed once the allergen comes in contact with the skin. Some of the contact allergens that affect American Bulldogs include plastics, lawn chemicals, carpet cleaning products, bed linens, grooming products, medications, latex, and flea collars. Commonly affected body parts include around the muzzle, paws, and feet.
Environmental allergies – Some of the environmental allergens that affect American Bulldogs include grass, ragweed, mites, fleas, pollen, trees, dust and dust mites, and house molds. The flea bites cause flea allergy dermatitis. This parasite normally bites underneath the tail and on the back legs causing intensive scratching and biting until the skin around the bite area is raw. This will cause secondary skin infections due to yeast and bacteria. Symptoms of environmental allergies include nasal discharge, sneezing, congestion, and itchiness on various body parts such as paws, feet, around the eyes, between the toes, belly sides, muzzle, groin, underarms, and ears.
American Bulldog Skin Allergies
The American Bulldog may suffer from skin allergies due to food, contact, and environmental allergies that manifest on the skin. One of the environmental allergens, flea, cause flea allergy dermatitis. Fleas normally bites the back legs and underneath the tail. This causes excessive scratching and biting until the skin around the bite area is raw. If the sores are left unattended, they may result to fungal and bacterial infection.
Furthermore, environmental allergies cause atopic dermatitis, an itchy skin condition that occurs when the dog inhales house dust, pollen or ingests harmful substances. Food allergies also manifest on the skin making it more prone to skin allergies. Some of the skin conditions caused by food allergies include itchiness, hives, sores, crusting lesions, dermatitis, facial swelling, and pruritus. Skin allergies may manifest as excessive licking, biting, and scratching of the affected body part posing as a risk to secondary skin infections. Other symptoms of skin allergies include dry flaky skin, hair loss, and dandruff.
American Bulldog Food Allergies
The American Bulldog may be affected by food allergies, although in rare cases. A true food allergy results to an immune response that is usually accompanied by skin issues symptoms and gastrointestinal stress. Some of the skin issues that American Bulldogs manifest due to food allergies include hives, facial swelling, itchiness, sores, pruritus, dermatitis, and crusting lesions. On the other hand gastrointestinal issues include acute diarrhea and vomiting, weight loss, lethargy, and bloating.
The American Bulldog parents may confuse food sensitivities with food allergies since they both cause vomiting and diarrhea. However, food sensitivity in dogs does not cause an immune response. Instead, it occurs as a gradual reaction to an offending ingredient in the diet of the dog. Some of the ingredients that cause food intolerance in American Bulldogs include fillers, corn, soy, wheat, chemicals, preservatives, additives, lamb, chicken, beef, pork, turkey, fish, milk, eggs, etc.
Signs of food intolerance in American Bulldogs include vomiting, diarrhea, poor skin and coat, foot infections, ear infections, and itchiness. Parents are urged to work closely with the vet to manage the symptoms and find the offending ingredient in the diet of the dog through elimination methods. However, some owners may decide to totally switch to a fresh and raw diet.
American Bulldog Skin Allergies Treatment
Using a sulfate-free, organic, and hypoallergenic shampoo will help to calm the irritated skin of your American Bulldog. While getting a shampoo, look out for additional ingredients such as hydrocortisone and aloe vera which are anti-inflammatories that aid in reducing inflamed and itchy skin. If skin allergies have resulted in lesions and spots, using antihistamines, topical creams, or organic spray will help.
At times, making a trip to the vet proves difficult when your pet has skin allergies. Therefore, there are some home remedies for skin allergies including Coconut Oil, Oatmeal baths, baking soda, spraying apple cider vinegar( not for use on raw skins or open wounds), Chamomile and Green Tea Soaks, and Aloe Vera gel.
American Bulldog Eyes
The American Bulldog has round to almond shaped eyes that are medium in size. All eye colors are acceptable, although dark brown is the most preferred. A dog that has heterochromia ( different colored eyes) is considered a fault.
American Bulldog Ears
The American Bulldogs may either have cropped or natural ears. the natural ears may be semi-prick, rose, or drop shaped.
American Bulldog Tail
The American Bulldogs may either have a docked or natural tail. Although, the later is preferred. The natural tail is thick at the base, long, and tapers to a point.
American Bulldog Teeth
An adult American Bulldog has a total of 42 teeth while the puppies have 28 deciduous teeth. However, at birth, the pup is whelped with no teeth. The milk teeth start growing in from the age of 2 to 3 weeks until the age of 6 to 8 weeks. From the age of 12 weeks, the deciduous teeth starts falling out as the permanent teeth erupts beneath them.
American Bulldog Is A Pitbull | Is American Bulldog A Pitbull
No. Although, in the United States, the term Pitbull is used as a heterogenous term that refers to a dog descended from the bulldogs and terriers such as Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, and American Bully. Occasionally the American Bulldog is also classified under the Pitbull umbrella. Although, American Bulldogs have only been descended from the now extinct Old Bulldog.
Do American Bulldogs Shed
Yes. American Bulldogs have a short coat that sheds at low to moderate levels all-year round.
Do American Bulldogs Bark A Lot
No. However, American Bulldogs will bark to alert the owner of anything suspicious due to their protective nature.
Do American Bulldogs Have Breathing Problems
No. Although American Bulldogs are somewhat brachycephalic they rarely suffer from breathing difficulties. According to the UKC standard, any dog that exhibit breathing problems while in the ring should be disqualified.
Are American Bulldogs Dangerous
No. Generally, well-socialized, bred, and loved American Bulldogs are playful and friendly. However, if poorly socialized and isolated, this breed develops fear or aggression. Therefore, it will perceive any new stimuli as a threat.
Are American Bulldogs Friendly
Yes. Well-socialized American Bulldogs are friendly, cheerful, lively, playful, friendly, and at ease with their families.
Are American Bulldogs Hypoallergenic
No. American Bulldogs have a moulting coat that sheds at low to moderate levels all-year round. Shedding allows dander and fur to spread around the house triggering allergies. The American Bulldogs also drool a lot which makes them unsuitable for people who suffer from dog allergies. Dog’s saliva, mucus, and urine also contain a protein allergen that aggravates allergies.
Are American Bulldogs Good Guard Dogs
Yes. The American Bulldogs are protective and wary of strangers which makes them dependable guard dogs.
American Bulldogs Quick Facts
- There are two types of American Bulldogs, Johnson( Bully) and Scott( Standard American Bulldog).
- The American Bulldogs require an experienced dog owner who uses a firm but gentle mode of training.
- Although developed in America, American Bulldogs are yet to be fully recognized by AKC. They have been part of AKC’s FSS program since November 2019.
