History of occurrence
The bulldog in his pure form was in America as early as the 17th century. In colonial America bulldogs were used by butchers and even engaged in baiting contests with bulls, bears and buffaloes. The modern American Bulldog can trace it's roots to remnants of the original Bulldog that managed to survive as farmers' catch-dogs in isolated pockets of the Southeastern United States. Its original purpose on these Southern plantations and ranches was personal and property protection and as an aid in handling (catching) large animals such as cattle and hogs.
All modern American Bulldogs can trace their roots to four strains (Williamson, Scott, Bailey & Johnson.) from the Alabama/Georgia area.
The breed was not known by its modern name until the 1980's. The breed we know as the American Bulldog was originally known by many different names before the name American Bulldog became the standard. In different parts of the South he was known as the "English White" or "White English" because he was a primarily white dog. He was also called the "Alabama" or "Southern Bulldog" but most commonly just "bulldog." The breed was not called a bulldog because of a certain look, but because they did real bulldog work. They could and did catch and hold for their owners rough cattle including bad Brahma bulls, and did double duty as a farm protector against feral dogs and two-legged bad guys.
The American Bulldog became noticed by the public in the late 1980's and began to increase in popularity. A good all-around family pet and guard dog was a thing to be desired.
General form
The American Bulldog has a very sturdy and muscular build. This breed has a large head with strong jaws with ears that may be cropped, semi-prick, rose or drop. The coat is short and soft coming in any variation of colors, although solid black, blue, merle or tricolor is undesirable.
Отличительная особенность породы American Bulldog
Ears: the ears should be medium in size and may be either forward flap or rose, with no preference. Cropped ears is unacceptable.
Muzzle: the muzzle should be relatively broad and square.
Lips are full but not pendulous.
Eyes: the eyes should be round or almond shape, medium sized, and wide set.
Nose: black.
Neck: the neck should be very muscular and medium in length. The neck should taper from shoulder to head and be slightly arched.
Chest: the chest should be deep and moderately wide giving the appearance of power and athletic ability. The front, overall, should be straight and well balanced. The chest should not be narrow or excessively wide nor should the elbows be angled out or pulled in.
Body: the body should be compact and moderately short while powerful and athletic in appearance. Well balanced. There should be a good spring of ribs with the loin moderately tucked. The body should not be excessively long.
Back: the back should be broad and moderately short in length showing great strength.
Legs: should be strong and straight with moderate to heavy bone. Well-muscled front and back.
Rear legs: should be moderately angulated and parallel. There should not be an excess of or lack of angulation in the rear legs.
Hips: should not be narrow or lacking in muscle definition.
Feet: should be of moderate size with toes well arched and close together. The feet should not be splayed.
The tail is set low, thick at base and tapering to a point. The tail should reach the hocks in a relaxed position. Docked tails are considered a cosmetic fault.. The tail should not end in a complete circle.
Coat: short, less than one inch in length varying from soft to stiff. Long, feathering, or fuzzy coats are unacceptable.
Colour: solid or varying degrees of white, all shades of brindle, brown, red, or tan. Solid black, black and tan, and/or any degree of merle is unacceptable.
The American Bulldog should move with speed, agility, and power with a definite spring to the step. All legs move parallel to direction of travel, with front legs clearly reaching and the rear legs propelling the dog forward. The legs should not travel excessively wide. Front legs and/or rear legs crossing is unacceptable.
Height:
Dogs — 50-71 cm.
Bitches — 50-61 cm.
Character
Though larger than the English Bulldog, the temperament of the American Bulldog is very similar. A gentle, affectionate dog that loves children and can be considered a big lap dog, the American Bulldog is alert, confident and loyal to its people. Brave and strong-willed, the American Bulldog will do best when trained from a young age on and with an owner that isn't afraid to establish themselves as a strong pack leader. A breed with strong protective instincts, Bulldogs are known for their acts of heroism towards their owners and can sometimes be reserved with strangers. American Bulldogs require plenty of regular exercise to prevent boredom and encourage it to be a well-trained dog during the day.
Maintenance care
The short, fine coat of the American Bulldog requires minimal grooming and care, however, similarly to the English Bulldog, the American Bulldog has been known to drool and slobber. With a history as an all-purpose working dog and fearless guard dog, the American Bulldog is a good indoor/outdoor dog but does require sufficient outdoor exercise and activity, especially if it lives in an apartment setting.
Lifespan — 10-16 years.
Dignity
Looks imposing, so makes an effective deterrent, but is usually good-natured with people.
Thrives on vigorous athletic activities.
Has a sleek, easy-to-groom coat.
Difficulty keeping
Vigorous exercise requirements.
Rowdiness and exuberant jumping, especially when young.
Aggression toward other animals.
Slobbering and drooling.
Gassiness (flatulence).
Legal liabilities (public perception, future breed bans, insurance problems, increased chance of lawsuits).
Diseases
Some genetic issues common to the breed include neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (a nervous system disorders with swelling and/or changes in some retinal cells), disorders of the kidney and thyroid, ACL tears, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia (another common form of dysplasia in larger breed dogs), cherry eye (or a mass that protrudes from the eyelid of a dog), entropion (a condition in which a portion of the eyelid is inverted or folded inward) and bone cancer.
