There are two main types of American Bulldogs: the Scott type and the Johnson type. The Scott American Bulldog is more athletic-looking with a longer nose, while the Johnson American Bulldog is stockier, broader, and more muscular with a shorter snout.

Colors

Scott type American Bulldogs are traditionally all white or white with brindle, red, or black patches. They usually have a black nose and brown eyes. Their coats are very short and shed moderately throughout the year. The hair can be a pain to get out of your clothes, and you will find it everywhere!

Traits

• Affectionate and Loving: They are very loving towards their family and friends.
• Aloof with Strangers: Some can be aloof with strangers, although some love everybody.
• Loyal: These dogs are known for their loyalty.
• Powerful and Playful: They are powerful dogs who generally love to play tug. However, not all of them enjoy it. For example, Jude does not like to play tug much and surrenders quickly when he does.
• Intelligent: These dogs are smart and can learn quickly.
• Not Stubborn: Many owners say their dogs are stubborn, but it’s often a communication issue. Dogs are not stubborn on purpose. Jude, for example, knows his mind well. Over time, our communication has improved, and we no longer have issues with him being “stubborn” on walks.
• Protective and Territorial: They can be protective and potentially territorial.
• Chewers: These dogs can get bored easily and may chew things if not mentally stimulated. We taught Jude what he can chew on and what he can’t. He can rip up boxes given to him but will never touch a box that hasn’t been given to him. Since adopting him at 20 weeks old, the only casualty we’ve had is one pair of Greg’s sunglasses. We make sure Jude has appropriate things to chew on.

Exercise

The internet will tell you that American Bulldogs are a high-energy breed needing over an hour of exercise multiple times a day. I slightly disagree. Jude will happily sleep in until 11 am if he could. Getting him out of bed before 8 am is laughable, which can be difficult in the summer.

Jude usually has two main walks a day, each lasting about an hour. He doesn’t run around the whole time; instead, he enjoys sniffing and standing still to smell every tree we pass. He loves finding a hill, sitting at the top, and rolling his ball down. He enjoys a good run around, and it’s a joy to watch him, especially since he sometimes deals with pain and doesn’t want to do anything. We make the most of his good days.

We spend a couple of hours each day training, playing games, and doing home enrichment. This is broken up throughout the day in small bursts. In winter, Jude sleeps from about 12 to 4:30 pm and then settles down around 7:30/8 pm. He sleeps a lot!

Health

Like all breeds, American Bulldogs are prone to some health conditions. The Johnson type tends to have shorter noses, so they can have issues similar to other brachycephalic dogs. Here are some conditions associated with the Scott type:

• Skin and ear infections
• Obesity
• Allergies
• Eye problems like cherry eye and entropion
• Hypothyroidism
• Elbow and hip dysplasia
• Torn ACLs

Life Expectancy

American Bulldogs typically live for 10-12 years.

Weight

Scott type American Bulldogs usually weigh between 30-50 kilos.

Heat Sensitivity

Jude does not cope well in the heat. He starts to struggle when it’s about 18 degrees. We use a cool bandana, walk in shady places, take him swimming, and shorten our walks. He also struggles in the cold, so he wears a coat or jumper in the winter and sleeps on a heat mat.

Training

American Bulldogs do not respond well to a heavy hand or the “Alpha” theory. They respond best to force-free, positive reinforcement training. They are intelligent, so their training must start early and be consistent. If Jude does not do what we ask, we look at how we are communicating with him. It’s usually our failing, not his.

Why You Will Never Have Another Breed Again

Jude is the most loving dog I have ever known. His cuddles and affection make any bad day bearable. He’s funny and quirky, and his love of rolling himself down a hill or rolling his ball down a hill is hilarious. He has incredible facial expressions and wants to please us when we are playing or training. He can go from being a couch potato to throwing himself into “rollover” with all the energy in the world. I also feel very safe walking him at night because he is very protective of me.

Downsides

Jude is very fearful of the world. American Bulldogs are often described as confident, but not all are. Jude has a naturally cautious and anxious personality. Due to his early life circumstances, he missed out on crucial socialization. He has also faced multiple health issues, leading to many traumatic vet visits, operations, and an illness causing chronic pain.

Jude’s fear and anxiety can manifest as reactivity towards some dogs and people. If Jude were a small dog, this might be easier to manage. Unfortunately, Jude is big, and his breed already has a bad reputation, so any minor reaction from him is often judged harshly. This can make owning this breed challenging, but the wins we get, the people and dogs he accepts, and the challenges he overcomes give us the best feeling in the world. There’s honestly no better feeling.

Is an American Bulldog a Good Choice for First-Time Dog Owners?

American Bulldogs are strong and willful dogs, making them better suited for more experienced dog owners. They require a firm hand and consistent training to manage their strength and energy.

Comparisons with Other Breeds

Our dog, Jude, is often mistaken for a Boxer. Some people also think he’s a Pitbull, American Bully, or a large Staffordshire Bull Terrier, but he doesn’t resemble a Pitbull at all.

Costs

Feeding: Jude eats a kilogram of raw food every day, which adds up quickly.

Insurance: Having insurance is crucial. Jude’s health issues have made his vet bills very high, and insurance helps cover these costs.

Health Concerns

American Bulldogs, like many large breeds, are prone to several health issues. These include elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, torn ACLs, cherry eye, thyroid problems, obesity, and allergies/skin sensitivities.

Jude has both elbow and hip dysplasia, leading to arthritis. This causes him pain and requires us to adjust our lifestyle to keep him comfortable. Managing his condition is expensive, with costs including vet fees, weekly hydrotherapy sessions, and pain relief medications totaling about £12-15k. We also spend on supplements and training to help him manage his condition and behavior.

More on Health Costs

Jude’s insurance costs £115 a month, and it’s expected to increase. Despite the high cost, insurance is essential to manage his ongoing health needs and the expenses related to his care.

Conclusion

American Bulldogs, like Jude, are loving, loyal, and intelligent but require experienced owners due to their strength and health issues. They need consistent training and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and chewing. Health concerns like hip and elbow dysplasia can lead to high vet bills, making insurance crucial. Despite these challenges, their affectionate nature and protective instincts make them wonderful companions. However, potential owners should be prepared for the costs and commitment involved in caring for this breed. If you can handle the responsibilities, an American Bulldog can be a fantastic, loving pet.