Cons
- Genetic Disorders:
Like all breeds, American Bulldogs can be afflicted by certain ailments. Some of
the more common ones are as follows:
- Hip or Elbow Dysplasia
- Demodectic Mange
- Thyroid Disorders
- Entropion or Ectropion Eyes
- Wry Mouth
Any dogs with these disorders should not be bred.
- Dog Dominance Issues: American Bulldogs oftenly do not get along well with members of the same sex. If you currently own a
dog and are looking to get an American Bulldog, I recommend getting one of the opposite sex.
- Socialization Requirements: They need early/lots of socialization as a
proper foundation for a well rounded adult. It has been said that an American Bulldog should meet 100 different people of different ages and ethnicities during their first year.
- Training Needs / Dominance Issues: This breed is NOT for everyone. Careful
research should be done before bringing an American Bulldog into your life. We strongly suggest obedience
training in the first year.
- Climate Intolerances: American Bulldogs and other snub nose dogs do not fair well in hot weather. They are susceptible to heat stroke in warm weather or hot rooms and cars. They should not be exercised in the extreme temperatures and should always be provided with fresh water and shade or air conditioning on the warmer days.
Pros
- Versatility:
This breed is the most versatile breed I know of. They can do things from:
- Obedience
- Agility
- Weight Pulling
- Therapy dog work
- Iron Dog Pentathlon
- Protection Work
- Playing with your small children
This breed excels in protection work of any kind, many becoming police dogs. However, they don't require
special training to protect their family and home. This is an aspect that comes naturally to most. American
Bulldogs love their families and will guard and protect them at all costs.
- Child Devotion:
One of the most renowned aspects of this breed is it's natural love of children. I've seen many a bulldog
light up like a Christmas tree when a child enters the room. NOTE: Never leave a child alone with any dog.
- Adaptability: These dogs adapt well to any living situation from that active teenager to a lonely elderly person looking
for companionship, couch potatoes to track runners, AB's have done it all.
- Grooming: Their short coats require little grooming, brushing once a week is usually sufficient.
One point I would like to stress: There are many different levels of drive and personality in this breed. MAKE SURE that the puppy/dog you are bringing into your family has the right amount/level of drive for your situation. If you are a low level, more relaxed, calm person, you want a much mellower, low key American Bulldog. If you are a go all the time person, running 5 miles a day, out to the beach, etc. and you want your dog to be with you all the time, you need a higher level dog. MAKE SURE the dog has the right drive/level of activity for your situation.
This page is meant merely as a place to start for those looking into our wonderful breed. Speak to your
breeder to get a better idea of what is best for your situation.
Good luck and happy bulldoggin!!
