American Bulldog
Also known as Bouledogue Américain, Bulldog américain
- Height at the withers
- 52 to 70 cm
- Weight
- 27 to 54 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 12 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- United States
- FCI group
- Not recognized
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- close neighbors: it barks little
- watching over the house
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- a home with cats
Overview
A powerful, athletic, short-coated dog of molosser type, with a broad head and well-developed muscles, known for its confidence, strength and loyalty to its family. It was bred for farm work and guarding. In France, this dog is not registered with the French Kennel Club (LOF) and is not named in the 1999 law, but a veterinary assessment can place it in Category 1 based on its build: check before getting one.
History and origins
Descended from Old English Bulldogs brought to the southern United States by working-class immigrants. Developed as an all-around farm utility dog for guarding property, catching livestock and protection. The breed was saved from extinction after World War II by breeders John D. Johnson and Alan Scott.
Health
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and its hardiness is average. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis
- Ichthyosis
- Cruciate ligament rupture
- Entropion
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short, smooth coat. Moderate shedding, minimal coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- A few hours, 3 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With cats
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With strangers
- Reserved, 2 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Poor fit, 2 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Minimal, 1 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- A little, 3 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Average, 3 out of 5
In our lists
American Bulldog FAQ
How big does the American Bulldog get?
The American Bulldog stands 52 to 70 cm at the withers and weighs 27 to 54 kg. It is a large dog.
Does the American Bulldog shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs minimal care.
Can the American Bulldog live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better.
How much exercise does the American Bulldog need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the American Bulldog good with children?
Fairly well, preferably with children old enough to respect its limits. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the American Bulldog live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and its hardiness is average. The main health problems to watch for are hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis.
