Often confused with the Pit Bull Terrier, the American Bulldog is an intelligent and protective breed. But how do you know whether you are ready to purchase a pet and if this breed is right for you? This information is absolutely necessary in making the decision to purchase a pet.
History
The origin of the American Bulldog can be traced back to 19th century United States, when breeder Allen Scott began experimenting with crossing various Bully breeds, eventually creating the muscular and powerful American Bulldog.
Throughout its history, the American Bulldog has been most commonly used for guarding livestock against predators such as wolves, killing small vermin such as rats, tracking escaped and wild hogs, hunting large game, and as a watch and guard dog, proving its superior abilities to work and protect while providing companionship.
Today, while the American Bulldog has attained an underground popularity as a working and companion dog, the breed remains somewhat rare outside of the United States.
Personality Traits
Best known for its devoted and fearless nature, the American Bulldog is an alert breed that is willing to do anything necessary to protect its owner and property. These dogs are highly intelligent and generally easy to train. As a pet, the American Bulldog is obedient, loyal, loving, and affectionate. This breed is very active and enjoys spending time outdoors, taking long walks, and playing games such as fetch and tug-of-war.
Train-ability
Due to its need for human leadership and willingness to learn, the American Bulldog generally responds well to basic training and commands. These dogs are very bright, and have the ability to learn to perform most any task their trainer is willing to take the time to teach.
Establishing immediate dominance, trust, and respect is key to successfully training the American Bulldog. This breed responds best to a stern yet gentle approach by an experienced, patient, confident, and caring handler.
Benefits and Disadvantages of the Breed
There are many benefits to owning an American Bulldog, such as its no hassle, low maintenance coat. These intelligent dogs are easy to train and capable of learning to perform many impressive tricks and tasks. When properly socialized from a young age, the American Bulldog gets along well with children and other pets, known for its gentle and sweet approach to small children. This breed is very alert, aware of its surrounding, territorial, and protective, making an amazing watch and guard dog, announcing the arrival of guests and unwanted visitors, and serving as a deterrent to would-be intruders. The American Bulldog is obedient, loyal, loving, and affectionate, making an excellent family pet and companion alike.
Unfortunately, there are also disadvantages to owning an American Bulldog. This energetic and athletic breed requires large amounts of daily exercise and room to run and play. Anyone wishing to purchase this breed lacking the adequate amount of time and space to dedicate to the dog is strongly advised against doing so. An American Bulldog not receiving the proper amount of exercise and space will often act out by destroying property, chewing, barking, whining, and ignoring basic training such as housebreaking.
The American Bulldog has a strong instinct to hunt and will occasionally indulge in a good chase. When on the run, these large dogs are surprisingly quick, and may pose a threat to other animals, neighborhood pets, and small woodland creatures. The American Bulldog must be leashed or properly secured at all times when outdoors.
Proper socialization and obedience training is absolutely necessary with this breed. Poorly trained specimens may become overly aggressive and show jealousy towards strangers and other animals.
As previously mentioned, the American Bulldog is rare outside of the United States and can prove difficult to obtain. Individuals seeking to purchase this breed often encounter such challenges as inability to locate a breeder, high prices, and being placed on long waiting lists.
Common Health Concerns
While the American Bulldog is typically known as a healthy and hearty breed, they do suffer from a few health problems, including: hip dysplasia, primary lens luxation – dislocation of the lens, entropian – folding inward of the eye lid, ectropian – folding outward of the eye lid, and bloat.
Now that you know all about the breed, do you think you are ready to own an American Bulldog? Remember, purchasing a pet is a big decision and should be discussed thoroughly and seriously with your entire family.
Sources:
http://www.heydogs.com/a/american-bulldog.html
http://www.greatdogsite.com/breeds/details/american_bulldog
