10 Things You Need to Know Before Purchasing an American Bulldog

american bulldog

American bulldogs make amazing pets; for the right families. That’s right – not everyone is a good match for this breed. The American bulldog, like all other dog breeds in the world, requires a very specific type of owner.

This is a breed that requires someone who is going to treat it a certain way, behave a certain way and provide this dog with a very specific type of life. This is not the breed for all people, just as a poodle is not the breed for all people or the Labrador retriever is not the breed for all people; and the first thing to understand is the American bulldog is not the breed for those who do not understand this dog.

There are a few things that all potential American bulldog owners have to learn and have to ask before they purchase this beautiful breed, and we have that information for you right now.

1. This is Not an Aggressive Breed

Perhaps the biggest misconception about the American Bulldog is that it’s a very aggressive, very hostile dog when, in fact, it is anything but. This is a breed that is sweet, loving and very kind. It is one that is very gentle, very well-behaved, and it is much nicer than many people think that it is.

This is a dog we daresay has a much bigger bark than it does bite. In fact, this dog is highly unlikely to do any biting since it is one that is so gentle as a rule.

2. The American Bulldog is Great with Kids

So many people believe that the American Bulldog does not do well with kids. They assume that this is a dangerous breed and that it doesn’t like small children, but it loves kids.

Did you know that the American Bulldog has a very high pain tolerance, and that’s what makes it one of the most patient dogs when it comes to kids? This breed is so patient with kids because their inability to always be gentle is not so painful to this breed.

3. This is a Breed that Needs a Strong Owner

It is not recommended that anyone who is not an alpha male or female attempt to raise an American Bulldog. This is a breed that requires a very strong, very dominant owner who is not afraid to show this breed that is it in charge.

If the dog thinks for even one second that it is the one in charge, it will make a mess of life in general and it will not obey anymore. This breed will try to take over the role of alpha and become very destructive at home.

4. Always Ask Breeders for Papers on the Parents

Before you purchase an American Bulldog, ask the breeders for proof of its heritage. You want to see veterinary paperwork that both its parents are American Bullies, that it’s got a clean genetic health history and that it is what they say it is.

Someone who breeds these animals without the proper paperwork or the proper know-how is going to do you a great disservice that you do not want to deal with as a whole.

5. The American Bulldog has a Lot of Puppies

Another really important piece of information to understand before you make an American Bulldog your own is that this is a breed you need to have fixed. You do not want this dog running around having puppies with others because they have big litters.

The average litter size of an American Bulldog is 11 puppies. That means some have a few less and some have a few more; do you really want to find out how many puppies you might end up with by not fixing yours?

6. These are Sizable Dogs

Some people understand that the American Bulldog is not a small dog, but others seem to have a warped sense of just what size this dog actually is; it’s a big dog. Male American Bulldogs are typically a bit larger than females, and they’re all big.

They stand anywhere from 20 to 28 inches tall and can weight anywhere from 60 to 120 pounds. That’s a large dog to deal with if you went into ownership expecting one that was a lot smaller.

7. This Dog Requires Exercise

American Bulldogs are not overly active dogs, so they do pretty well in apartments and smaller homes. However, they do like exercise. This is a breed that is prone to overheating, so it is important that you do not over exert your dog on a particularly hot day.

A little time in the yard each day, a little time on a walk and this dog should be perfectly fine and good to go as far as behavior and all the things that go along with that.

8. This Dog Lives a Long Time

The average lifespan of an American Bulldog is around 16 years. That makes this a long-living breed that will be present for many years, so this is a commitment that you are making.

One of the worst things you can do is buy a dog that you decide isn’t really in the life plan you created for yourself after a while. Dogs in the ‘bull’ family are often the ones overlooked the most at shelters, so you will  not be doing your dog any favors by surrendering him; know that before you decide to by an American bulldog.

9. The American Bulldog needs Daily Stimulation

It’s not the most active dog in the world, but the American bulldog does need something every day to keep it stimulated mentally and physically. Without something to stimulate this breed, it’s prone to becoming bored and destructive at home.

10. These Dogs do Not do Well Alone

American bulldogs are very into their families, and they are very loyal. They want to spend a lot of time with people, and they will not do well if they don’t. This means you cannot leave this dog at home all day long and then come home, ignore it and go out again.

This is a breed that is better for people who spend more time than not at home, and it will do far better if this is a life practice of yours to be around most of the time.

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