American Bulldog

Canis Lupus

Last updated: January 24, 2023
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
© Little Moon/Shutterstock.com

American bulldogs are working dogs that have been used on farms and ranches across the country.


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American Bulldog Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis Lupus

Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.

American Bulldog Conservation Status

American Bulldog Locations

American Bulldog Locations

American Bulldog Facts

Fun Fact
American bulldogs are working dogs that have been used on farms and ranches across the country.
Distinctive Feature
Small pendant shaped ears and strong body
Temperament
Assertive but loyal and friendly
Training
Hard
Diet
Omnivore
Average Litter Size
8
Type
Mastiff
Common Name
American Bulldog
Slogan
Can jump up to 6ft high!
Group
Dog

American Bulldog Physical Characteristics

Color
  • Brown
  • Red
  • Black
  • White
  • Tan
  • Brindle
Skin Type
Hair

American Bulldog as a Pet:

General Health
Energy Level
Shedability
Trainability
Intelligence
Tendency to Chew
Size
Family and kid friendliness
Yappiness / Barking
Low
Separation Anxiety
Low
Preferred Temperature
Average climate
Exercise Needs
Moderate
Friendly With Other Dogs
Poor
Pure bred cost to own
$2,000 - $8,000
Dog group
Working
Male weight
60-90 lbs
Female weight
66-130 lbs

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American bulldogs have stronger and longer legs than their British counterparts. This means that athletic American bulldogs can run faster and may be able to jump over obstacles that are 6 feet off the ground.

When the first British colonists arrived in America, they brought their bulldogs will them. A few centuries of steady breeding later, the American bulldog was born.

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These strong and loyal pets are prized on farms and ranches across the country for their ability to scare off predators and keep other animals in line. As pets, they are known for being fun, sweet, and incredibly engaging.

Pictures of American bulldogs often portray them as fierce hunting dogs. However, these pets are also incredibly affectionate and are beloved by both their immediate owners and all members of the family.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning an American Bulldog

American bulldog playing in the park

American bulldogs become susceptible to several genetic conditions, including hip dysplasia, thyroid deficiency, and various eye problems.



©Kuznetsov Alexey/Shutterstock.com

Pros!Cons!
Loyal and strong: They are working pets that are trusted on farms across the country. Although they have small in size, these dogs are very attached and will never disappoint their owners.Health issues: As they get older, they become susceptible to several genetic conditions, including hip dysplasia, thyroid deficiency, and various eye problems. Take your bulldog to the vet regularly to make sure they’re getting the care they need.
Fun and friendly: They love to play and be involved in family activities. If you have one of these pups, you’ll never miss a moment of fun.Separation anxiety: They are family dogs that like to be with their humans at all times. If left alone, your bulldog is likely to bark, scratch, chew, and generally show signs of extreme distress. Luckily, these dogs are intelligent and can be taken with you to most places where companion animals are welcome.
Talkative personality: One of the primary behaviors that these dogs are known for is their tendency to growl, huff, and generally talk to their owners. If you can learn to understand your pet, you’ll be treated to a variety of adorable conversations.Aggressive tendencies: Because of their stubborn streak, some untrained bulldogs have been known to lash out at humans or other animals. Although many have gone their entire lives without an incident, this tendency may restrict the areas where your bulldog is allowed to live or travel.
American bulldog laying on the ground

American Bulldogs have been known to lash out at humans or other animals. Although many bulldogs go their entire lives without an incident, this tendency may restrict the areas where your bulldog is allowed to live or travel.

Health and Entertainment for your American Bulldog

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©jadimages/Shutterstock.com

Evolution and Origins

The American Bulldog is a descendant of the Old English Bulldog, which was brought to America by English immigrants in the 17th and 18th centuries. The Old English Bulldog was originally bred for bull-baiting, a popular sport in England at the time, but as this sport fell out of favor, the breed was used for other purposes such as hunting, herding, and as a general farm dog.

In America, the Old English Bulldog was further developed and modified to suit the needs of American farmers, particularly in the southern states. This resulted in the development of two distinct types of American Bulldogs: the Johnson type and the Scott type.

The Johnson type, also known as the “Classic” American Bulldog, is larger and heavier-boned, with a wider head and more pronounced wrinkles. It is considered to be more closely related to the Old English Bulldog.

The Scott type, also known as the “Standard” American Bulldog, is smaller and more athletic, with a narrower head and less pronounced wrinkles. It is considered to be more closely related to the modern English Bulldog.

Over time, the American Bulldog became less popular as a working dog and more as a family pet. The breed was officially recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1999. Today, American Bulldogs are used as a companion, show, and performance dogs.

Size and Weight

American Bulldogs are a medium to large-sized breed with short legs, stocky torsos, and distinctively crushed faces.

©Jocapito, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons – License

These dogs are a medium to large-sized breed with short legs, stocky torsos, and distinctively crushed faces. These dogs are strong and muscular, which makes them popular working dogs on farms and ranches.

The average male American bulldog weighs between 66 to 130 pounds and stands between 20 and 28 inches tall. Female American bulldogs are significantly smaller; they seldom weigh more than 90 pounds, and they usually stand between 20 and 24 inches tall.

Height (male):20–28 inches
Height (female):20–24 inches
Weight (male):66–130 pounds
Weight (female):60–90 pounds

Common Health Issues

American bulldog sitting in grass with tongue out

The American bulldog has a stronger bite force than the English bulldog.

©Zanna Pesnina/Shutterstock.com

American Bulldogs are a large purebred breed that is known to be susceptible to several health issues. The problems that your American bulldog might face as he gets older include hip and elbow dysplasia, skin allergies, and a variety of eye conditions related to the bulldog’s signature saggy eyelids.

They are also particularly prone to bone cancer and thyroid deficiencies, especially when compared to other dogs. In short, the list of conditions that your American bulldog should be checked for is as follows:

  • Allergies
  • Joint dysplasia
  • Bone cancer
  • Eye conditions
  • Thyroid deficiency

Temperament and Behavior

American Bulldogs are sweet and loyal pups that love to spend time with their families.

©Photo by sannse, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons – License

American Bulldogs are sweet and loyal pups that love to spend time with their families. You can expect your bulldog to be engaging, excited, talkative, and generally involved with the activities of your daily life.

Most bulldogs exhibit extremely attached behaviors, even if they are a rescue who was previously part of a different family. Although this attachment can lead to separation anxiety, it also creates an incredibly strong bond between owner and pet.

Most bulldogs have a stubborn streak that can make them difficult to train. Luckily, this can be overcome with patience and a good understanding of bulldog psychology.

They love listening to their owners and want to be part of the family, but they may need multiple training sessions to get over some of their more difficult personality traits.

American Bulldog vs. Pitbull

American bulldogs and American Pitbulls are two breeds that are descended from the Old English bulldog.

American bulldogs and American Pitbulls are two breeds that are descended from the Old English bulldog. However, if you look at pictures of these breeds side-by-side, you’ll immediately notice the differences between the two.

The American Bulldog is a direct descendant of this breed that was confined to the Americas since early settlers arrived. American bulldogs differ from their English counterparts in that they have generally more athletic forms. However, their temperaments are surprisingly similar.

In contrast, the American pitbull is a mix of the bulldog and the bull terrier. The result is a larger-sized dog with a leaner torso and an elongated snout. The personality of an American pitbull is incredibly different from that of a bulldog; they’re more energetic, less emotionally attached, and generally suited for different types of work.

How to Take Care of an American Bulldog

These dogs carry a high price tag because they require a significant amount of care and attention. If you can’t afford to purchase a purebred American bulldog, you probably won’t be able to pay for the veterinary costs associated with this breed. That said, whether you rescue your bulldog or buy them from a breeder, you should still make sure that they receive the best care possible.

The Best Dog Food

American bulldogs have incredibly sensitive stomachs and may need a specialized diet. In particular, bulldogs are susceptible to kidney stones, which can be caused by an excess of unhealthy proteins and calcium in the dog’s food. One of the best ways to avoid this issue is to feed either homemade food or high-quality kibbles that have been designed with bulldogs in mind.

Due to the shape of their snouts, these dogs have a tendency to ingest a lot of air while they eat. This can result in either minor flatulence or more serious stomach issues if too much air is ingested. Savvy owners avoid this problem by feeding smaller kibbles, hand-feeding their dog, or simply watching the contents of their diet to limit the amount of gas that their pet naturally creates.

Keep your American Bulldog healthy by feeding it food with high-quality ingredients. You may want to try dog food with limited ingredients to help prevent allergies. This type of food might also help keep American Bulldogs’ weight and thyroid under control.

The A-Z Animals recommendation for American Bulldogs is Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet | Adult Dry Dog Food with Healthy Grains.

This limited-ingredient food uses lamb as a quality protein source. The amino acids contribute to lean muscle, and combined with B12 and zinc, they contribute to overall good health. Since the ingredients are so selective, your American Bulldog may be less vulnerable to endocrine disruptions and allergies.

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Best Overall
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Grain-Free Dry Adult Dog Food
  • Dog food with real salmon, sweet potato, and canola oil
  • Balanced nutrition for healthy bones, heart, digestion, skin, and teeth
  • Great for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies
  • 12lb bag
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Maintenance and Grooming

American bulldogs have short coats and do not require much more grooming than would be needed for another canine. Make sure to wash your bulldog at least once a month, and remember to trim their nails and clean their ears. You should also pay careful attention to the area around your bulldog’s eyes, as these pups are prone to skin infections and other eye problems.

Training

American Bulldogs are loyal but stubborn pets that may require a little extra training and patience. Start working with your bulldog as soon as you can, and keep working with them throughout their adult life. Try several short training sessions interspersed throughout the day, and pay attention to how exhausted your dog is. If you consistently make training a positive and successful activity, your bulldog is sure to respond.

Exercise

The American Bulldog is a high-energy breed that needs a lot of exercises to keep its anxiety down. However, due to the health issues that many bulldogs suffer, getting this exercise can be difficult as the dog gets older. The solution that most bulldog owners end up arriving at is taking their dog on a leisurely 40-minute stroll one to two times a day.

Puppies

American bulldog puppies are sweet, loving, and eager to learn. Make sure to take your puppy to the vet right away to see if they have any outstanding health issues that will need to be treated throughout their life. If your dog is a rescue, you may also want to run a blood test to see if they are purebred or if they have different genetics that may require varied medical care.

American bulldog puppy laying down

American Bulldogs are working pets that are trusted on farms across the country.

©Zanna Pesnina/Shutterstock.com

American Bulldogs and Children

American bulldogs are playful and engaging, which means that they can get along incredibly well with older children. However, due to their stubborn streak, leaving an American bulldog alone with small children is never recommended.

Dogs Similar to American Bulldogs

Bulldogs are the source breed for several different types of lovable pups. If you find the price of an American bulldog is too high, try adopting one of these breeds instead:

  • Bulldog: English bulldogs share many of the same traits as their American counterparts. Look for different types of bulldogs that have been curated by breeders over the centuries.
  • Boxer: Boxers are usually larger, taller, and healthier than most bulldogs. They still have the strong jaws, short faces, and stubborn streak that make bulldog descendants so distinct.
  • Pitbull: The American pitbull is an energetic breed that is often much cheaper than a purebred bulldog. In exchange, you’ll get a mix of personality traits and a dog that is more flexible to your family’s needs.

Popular names for American bulldogs include:

  • King
  • Royce
  • Bear
  • Donut
  • Mama
  • Tulip
  • Monster
  • Diva
  • Boo

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American Bulldog FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Are American Bulldogs herbivores, carnivores, or omnivores?

American Bulldogs are Omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and other animals.

What Kingdom do American Bulldogs belong to?

American Bulldogs belong to the Kingdom Animalia.

What class do American Bulldogs belong to?

American Bulldogs belong to the class Mammalia.

What phylum to American Bulldogs belong to?

American Bulldogs belong to the phylum Chordata.

What family do American Bulldogs belong to?

American Bulldogs belong to the family Canidae.

What order do American Bulldogs belong to?

American Bulldogs belong to the order Carnivora.

What type of covering do American Bulldogs have?

American Bulldogs are covered in Hair.

What genus do American Bulldogs belong to?

American Bulldogs belong to the genus Canis.

What are some distinguishing features of American Bulldogs?

American Bulldogs have small pendant-shaped ears and strong bodies.

How many babies do American Bulldogs have?

The average number of babies an American Bulldog has is 8.

What is an interesting fact about American Bulldogs?

American Bulldogs can jump up to 6ft high!

What is the scientific name for the American Bulldog?

The scientific name for the American Bulldog is Canis Lupus.

How much do American bulldogs cost to own?

American bulldogs are a carefully preserved breed with a rather high price tag. Purchasing a purebred American bulldog can cost anywhere between $2,000 to $8,000. Different types of bulldogs will fetch different prices, so check with your breeder before estimating your costs.

Are American bulldogs good with kids?

American bulldogs are quite good with older children and love playing games like fetch or tug-of-war. However, bulldogs and other canines should never be left alone with unsupervised small children.

How long does an American bulldog live?

The average lifespan of an American bulldog is anywhere from 10 to 15 years. Because American bulldogs are prone to health conditions, their lifespan may vary greatly based on access to veterinary care.

Is an American bulldog the same thing as a pit bull?

One of the main differences between American bulldogs and pitbulls is size.  American bulldogs are much larger than pitbulls and weigh between 60 and 120 pounds. Males are generally larger than the females and weigh between 66 and 120 pounds, while females are usually 60 to 90 pounds. American bulldogs stand between 19 and 28 inches high at the shoulder, with males again the larger of the two.

What does the American bulldog look like?

If you look for pictures of American bulldogs, you’ll immediately notice their distinctive short stature, stunted face, and a general air of strength and stability. Bulldogs typically have wider chests and shorter faces than their pit bull counterparts.

How do you train an American bulldog?

Like any other dogs, American bulldog puppies need to be trained with love, patience, and strong leadership. Make sure to start the training early to help your dog learn as much as possible before it is grown. Because bulldogs have a stubborn streak, you may need to repeat the same lesson multiple times in order to see results.

Is an American bulldog a good family dog?

American bulldogs are affectionate and attached pets that do well with families that have enough time for them. Be aware that bulldogs require more exercise and active attention than other breeds. In exchange, you’ll get to enjoy their playful antics and loving personalities.

Are American bulldogs dangerous?

A well-treated American bulldog is not a danger to himself or others. However, because bulldogs are known for having an aggressive streak, they may occasionally lash out at their owners or other pets if they are not properly trained. This is why it’s important to make sure your American bulldog has everything he needs before introducing him to a new social situation.

What's the difference between an American bulldog and a Dogo Argentino?

The American bulldog comes in a wider range of sizes compared to the Dogo Argentino. Additionally, the Dogo Argentino only comes in pure white, while the American bulldog comes in a variety of colors.

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Sources
  1. akc.org, Available here: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/american-bulldog/
  2. dogtime.com, Available here: https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/american-bulldog#/slide/1
  3. wikipedia.com, Available here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Bulldog
  4. petfinder.com, Available here: https://www.petfinder.com/dog-breeds/american-bulldog/
  5. dogcare.dailypuppy.com, Available here: https://dogcare.dailypuppy.com/health-care-issues-american-bulldogs-8275.html
  6. petcarerx.com, Available here: https://www.petcarerx.com/article/foods-to-avoid-for-bulldogs/297

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