American Bulldog Training Profile
Weight: 60 to 120 pounds
Height: 22 to 27 inches
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
American Bulldog Temperament and History
American Bulldogs are classified as guardian dogs. They’re a reliable and brave breed.
Their history dates back to the 1700s. At that time, farmers used them to track down hogs that escaped and cows that wandered off.
Although they originate from the US, they’re believed to be descendants of English Bulldogs.
American Bulldogs have animated and dynamic personalities, and they truly adore the humans who are part of their lives. They also get along with children very well. However, they do not get along with other prey animals.
At their core, these dogs show a lot of love and respect for their caretakers. And even though they’re typically affectionate dogs, they’re still brave enough to confront other dogs and people who invade their space or provoke them.
However, due to their strong personalities, American Bulldogs also easily get possessive when they’re around other large dogs, particular dogs that are the same sex.
That being said, they typically get along well with all the people and pets in their households, including other American Bulldogs.
It’s important to note that — as puppies — these dogs behave a lot different than full-grown adults. They are — in many cases — aloof around people they do not know. Usually, by the time they’re a year and a half old, they’ve matured and fully developed their personalities.
American Bulldog Training Tips
This breed is highly intelligent, which makes training them easy. Part of what makes them easy to train is their natural athleticism and strength; they enjoy being active and being outside.
They’re often extremely energetic when they’re puppies. That’s why meticulous socialization and training at an early age are so important. Not properly training them can lead to the development of aggressive behavior.
It’s crucial for owners to take charge around their American Bulldogs and enforce the rules they’re trained to follow. If you don’t, you may end up with a very stubborn dog.
Anytime you take one of these dogs outside, whether it’s for a walk or a playdate at the park, you should put them on a leash. People who give their American Bulldogs the freedom to roam their yard need to invest in powerful fences as well, to ensure they’re not able to escape.
