American Bulldogs are muscular, athletic, and big-boned. Both males and females have large, broad heads with small to medium ears. They have strong jaws and a slightly undershot bite. Most American Bulldogs are white but can come in white and black, white and brindle, and white and tan. The shoulders and chest of an American Bulldog tend to be the most muscular parts of the dog, and they have short, smooth coats. An American Bulldog’s tail is naturally short to medium length and may be straight or slightly curved.

American Bulldogs will grow to be between 60 and 100 pounds and between 20 and 25 inches tall, with males generally being bigger than females.

Yes, American Bulldogs do shed, but they are considered moderate shedders compared to some other breeds. They have short, dense coats that shed minimally throughout the year. However, shedding can increase during seasonal changes, such as in the spring and fall, as they may shed their undercoat to prepare for warmer or cooler weather.

Regular grooming can help manage shedding in American Bulldogs. Brushing your Bulldog’s coat a few times a week with a bristle brush or grooming mitt can help remove loose hair and reduce shedding. Occasional baths can help keep their coat clean and healthy, which may also minimize shedding.

No, an American Bulldog is not a Pit Bull, although there can sometimes be confusion between the two breeds due to their similar appearance and shared ancestry. Both the American Bulldog and the Pit Bull (or American Pit Bull Terrier) are breeds with muscular builds and strong, powerful jaws, leading to some overlap in physical characteristics. In reality, Pit Bulls are descendants of the English Bulldog. While they may share similar traits, they are distinct breeds.

American Bulldogs live to be between 10 and 12 years old. However, individual lifespans can vary based on factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, healthcare, and overall lifestyle. Providing proper care, regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight can contribute to helping dogs of all breeds live long and healthy lives.

American Bulldogs usually reach their full adult height and weight by around one year of age, although they may continue to fill out and develop muscle mass over the following months. However, some will continue growing until they are four or five years old. It’s important to note that large breeds like the American Bulldog may take longer to reach full physical maturity compared to smaller breeds.

American Bulldogs were first bred as powerful all-purpose farm working dogs. They served as guard dogs, livestock herders, hunting dogs, and utility dogs who would pull carts and such. Today, while many American Bulldogs still retain their working instincts and abilities, they are also popular as loyal companions and family pets. However, their pet parents need to provide them with adequate physical exercise, mental stimulation, and training to ensure they remain well-adjusted and fulfilled.

British immigrants brought their English Bulldogs to the American South and used them on their farms as guardians and catch dogs. After World War II, John Johnson and Alan Scott revitalized the breed and created two specific genetic lines: the Bully type and the Classic type. While American Bulldogs have their roots in the southern United States, they have since gained popularity across the country and even internationally as loyal companions, guardians, and working dogs. Today, American Bulldogs are recognized as a distinct breed, with breed standards set by kennel clubs such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the United Kennel Club (UKC).

Yes, American Bulldogs can be good with kids, but as with all bigger dogs, American Bulldogs need to be trained to behave gently with children and children need to be taught how to respect any dog's boundaries.

American Bulldogs are large, exuberant dogs who can be a bit too rambunctious for small children, though they make wonderful playmates to active, older kids. Due to their size and strength, they may not be suitable for households with very young children who may be accidentally knocked down while playing.

As with any breed, it is recommended that your child is always supervised when interacting with your American Bulldog to keep both the child and dog safe.

Yes, American Bulldogs are affectionate and protective pets. Their love of children makes them great family dogs. However, pet parents should always supervise interactions between dogs and kids to ensure that both understand how to behave appropriately around each other.

American Bulldogs are often called “gentle giants” and don’t like to be left alone for long periods of time. Your American Bulldog will likely be quite snuggly and want to be close to you. American Bulldogs typically enjoy spending time with their families, whether it’s cuddling on the couch, going for walks, or playing. 

No, American Bulldogs are not inherently aggressive. Like any breed, early socialization, training, and responsible pet parents all play crucial roles in shaping a Bulldog’s behavior. Pain, discomfort, or underlying medical conditions can sometimes contribute to changes in a dog’s behavior, so it may also be worth visiting a vet to rule out their health as a cause for their behavior.

While American Bulldogs are generally not considered to be as vocal as some other breeds, they may still bark when strangers approach the home or when seeing other animals in the environment. Providing a secure and stimulating environment, along with consistent training and positive reinforcement, can help manage barking behavior in American Bulldogs. They may also bark to express excitement or as a response to boredom or loneliness. As with any dog, they can be discouraged from barking as frequently with proper training and exercise.

Yes, American Bulldogs are good pets. They are extremely loyal, devoted, energetic dogs who make loving family members to an active family that knows how to control this strong breed. If properly socialized and trained, they make wonderful family companions. They are moderately active dogs who enjoy daily exercise and stimulation and benefit from regular walks, playtime, and interactive toys. Consistent training and positive reinforcement are essential to teaching your American Bulldog obedience and good manners. American Bulldogs can be wonderful pets for the right families who are committed to providing them with love, care, and proper training.

American Bulldogs have a strong prey drive, so whether or not they get along well with cats is going to depend on the individual dog and their training. Of course, each dog (and cat) has their own preferences and temperament, but you can feel fairly confident your American Bulldog, if properly socialized to your cat and introduced at a young age, should get along just fine. Assessing your dog and cat’s temperament, supervising introductions, providing active training, and providing safe spaces for your cat can help the adjustment go smoothly.

Yes, American Bulldogs are generally considered smart dogs. While they may not top the charts in canine intelligence tests like some other breeds, they are certainly not lacking intelligence. American Bulldogs are known for their problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and quick learning. Their intelligence often manifests in their ability to learn new commands and tasks relatively quickly, especially when motivated by positive reinforcement such as treats or praise. However, individual intelligence can vary, and some American Bulldogs may be more independent or stubborn than others.

While American Bulldogs have low grooming maintenance, they require a lot of attention and can be stubborn, so they may not be well-suited for new pet parents. Before you bring an American Bulldog home, consider several factors, including this breed’s size and strength, necessary training and socialization, and exercise requirements. First-time pet parents should be prepared to invest significant time and effort into training their bulldogs and giving them adequate enrichment.

While American Bulldogs can adapt to apartment living if provided enough exercise and mental stimulation, they are one of the most commonly rejected dog breeds in apartments. They also may not enjoy living in an apartment due to their size and exercise needs. While American Bulldogs can make loyal and affectionate companions, it’s essential to carefully consider their needs and characteristics to ensure they are a good fit for your lifestyle.

American Bulldogs can vary in their compatibility with other dogs, depending on factors such as individual temperament, socialization, and past experiences. While some American Bulldogs may get along well with other dogs, others may exhibit territorial or dominant behavior, especially with dogs of the same sex. They may also be reactive toward strange dogs. Careful introductions, ongoing supervision, and proper management can help facilitate positive relationships between your American Bulldog and other dogs.

Yes, American Bulldogs take to training well if they have a confident, able trainer who knows how to correct their willfulness. American Bulldogs have an intelligence that is paralleled by their strong will. They are eager to please but can also be stubborn and independent, which can affect their trainability.

It's worth noting that training any dog takes substantial time and effort, regardless of breed, and whether an American Bulldog is easy to train depends on various factors, including individual temperament, motivation, and the training methods used. They respond well to consistency, positive reinforcement, early socialization, patience, and persistence. Establishing clear communication with your Bulldog through training can strengthen your relationship and lead to a well-behaved family companion.

American Bulldogs are generally very sturdy, robust, healthy dogs with a relatively long lifespan. Diseases to watch out for include: 

• Hip and elbow dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs. They are similar diseases in which either the hip or elbow joint has grown abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from properly meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Unlike in hip dysplasia, where the main problem is joint instability, the abnormalities seen in elbow dysplasia often result in pieces of bone and/or cartilage breaking loose and irritating the joint tissues. Over time, the rubbing from dysplasia can cause a variety of issues, such as pain, lameness, and secondary osteoarthritis. Surgery can be done to fix the joint if diagnosed before the onset of arthritis. If you are rescuing an American bulldog, have them checked out by a vet to see if they have or are prone to getting dysplasia so you know what they will be able to handle in terms of activities and exercise.

• Eye problems: This breed is prone to cherry eye, a condition where a gland on the lower eyelid known as the third eyelid pops out and swells, causing a red oval mass on the inner corner of the eye; cataracts, a common eye condition that causes cloudiness in the eye and obstructs vision; and entropion, a genetic defect where one or both eyelids are inverted or roll inward and rub on the surface of the eye.

• Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCl): This family of degenerative nervous system disorders affect how the body breaks down certain types of fat or proteins within the body’s cells. The body’s inability to break down these proteins eventually causes the cells to stop working properly and leads to a decline in mental and motor functions.

• Others: Bone cancer, thyroid, and kidney disorders can also occur. 

While these health issues can occur in American Bulldogs, not all individuals will experience them, and many can lead long, healthy lives with proper care.

No, American Bulldogs are not hypoallergenic. Although they have short and fine coats, American Bulldogs shed significantly all year round. If you or someone in your household has allergies to dogs, spend time with American Bulldogs before bringing one into your home to assess potential allergic reactions. Keeping a clean living environment, regular grooming, and using air purifiers can help reduce allergens and minimize allergic reactions, too.

Yes, American Bulldogs are brachycephalic, or flat faced. However, being a larger dog means they are not as affected as smaller dogs like English Bulldogs. This condition can cause breathing problems, which often worsen in hot weather. If your dog is experiencing trouble breathing, coughing, or excessive panting, you should take them to the vet immediately to get them checked.

American Bulldogs do not drool as much as a Mastiff or Saint Bernard, but they will drool a little, especially after eating or drinking. Factors such as genetics, mouth structure, and individual differences can influence whether an American Bulldog drools excessively. If you’re considering adding an American Bulldog to your family and are concerned about drooling, spending time with the dog beforehand can help you assess their drooling habits.