American Bulldog
OVERVIEW OF THE AMERICAN BULLDOG
From Johnsons to Scotts, the American Bulldog comes in various types based on lineage. There are even hybrids of this breed, but what’s common in all kinds is the stocky and muscular physique that these pups are popular for. Most of this muscle lies in the bulldog’s shoulders and upper body regions, upon which a big and strong-looking head sits.
The high amounts of strength and energy the American bulldog possesses shed some light on its historical background. This breed was great at chasing down cattle, protecting the ranch, and helping with farm work. So it is no surprise that the Englishmen used to breed it as a farm dog, which was known as the English Bulldog back then.
The English Bulldog found itself on the shores of continental America somewhere around the 17th century. Here, they served as companions to the English migrants who came to the newly discovered land. The American Bulldog thrived in the Southern states, where it was named the White English Southern Bulldog. Today, it is known as the American bulldog or just bulldog for short.
Personality-wise, this breed is exceptionally energetic, intelligent, and affectionate, with the affectionate trait making it a great breed to domesticate. The bulldog is also highly protective, and its agility and strength make it an excellent option for watch dogs.
AMERICAN BULLDOG FOOD AND HEALTH
Clocking in at a hefty 75-100 pounds (60-80 pounds in case of females) on average, the American Bulldog is a stout dog breed. Their muscular physique and active lifestyle mean that their diets should include a significant amount of protein and fiber.
Most vets recommend feeding your bulldog foods that contain 25-30% protein and 3-7% fiber. The Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct is a great option that fulfills these requirements.
The exact amount of these nutrients will vary according to your pooch’s age and weight. For example, if your bulldog is obese, try reducing carbs while increasing its protein intake. The ideal course of action is to consult your vet, who will help you decide on dog food appropriate for your furry friend.
A quick consultation with the vet will also ensure that the dog food you buy doesn’t contain any ingredients your bulldog is allergic to. Allergy symptoms in dogs usually include rashes, itchiness, swollen eyes and nose, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you notice your bulldog showing any of these symptoms, consider changing its diet or booking an appointment with the vet in case the symptoms get severe.
Talking about allergies, most bulldogs are allergic to chicken meat and are lactose intolerant. You can still experiment with these foods in low amounts, however. You’re good to go if your bulldog doesn’t show any allergy symptoms. You can also feed your bulldog pork and meat. Just make sure that you cook the meat thoroughly to get rid of all the bacteria.
Along with allergies, you must also take note of your dog’s other health conditions. On a dietary note, bulldogs tend to be gassy because they prefer gobbling up their food quickly. Their short snouts also negatively impact their heat tolerance, so when exercising them, make sure that you have a water bottle handy for your pup. You should also ensure they are not having too much trouble breathing and ventilating.
On the medical side, bulldogs can develop mange, cataracts, and hypothyroidism. Obese bulldog types can also suffer from elbow or hip dysplasia, so it is recommended to get their hips and elbows evaluated relatively frequently. Insurance companies like Allstate, Geico, and Nationwide can bankroll these evaluations, checkups, and medical bills if you invest in a good dog insurance scheme.
LEASHES AND COLLARS FOR YOUR AMERICAN BULLDOG
A leash, collar, and harness are must-haves when you decide to adopt an American bulldog. As is well established by now, American bulldogs are powerful and active dogs that may get overly excited. A high-quality collar will allow you to restrain your pet when necessary.
The collar will also allow you to identify them, protect their necks from fleas, and glam them up. When looking at collars for your American bulldog, ensure that they are made from high-quality materials like soft leather. The Soft Touch Collar is an excellent leather-made option that offers the perfect blend of style and functionality.
The collar must also be super comfortable and not cause rashes or matted fur, nor should it be too loose or tight. A good rule of thumb is to leave just enough space for two of your fingers to pass through the collar.
A leash will allow you to lead your dog on walks. This leash should be strong enough to withstand their powerful tugging and give you control when walking them. Consider materials like nylon for a durable yet comfortable design. The PetSafe Nylon Dog Leash is an excellent option if you’re in the market for one!
A harness is like a dog vest with plenty of straps and hooks. You can use it to lift your pooch and guide and restrain them. It is also highly advisable to tie the leash to this harness since this accessory promotes even distribution of weight and force and prevents neck strain for your bulldog.
When looking for a harness for your American bulldog, make sure that you go for something that doesn’t block their already short snout and exacerbate their breathing problem. You can better understand the fit by checking out this sizing guide for dog harnesses.
On the material side of things, we recommend something made from nylon or leather. If you opt for nylon harnesses, make sure they have some padding for added comfort.
BEST CRATES, BEDS, AND DOG HOUSES FOR AMERICAN BULLDOGS
Dog crates are a great option if you’re looking to train your young bulldog. The problem here, however, is that bulldogs are a relatively tall and large breed. Also, since they reach their adult height in just ten months, you’ll be better off investing in a large crate and then waiting for your pup to grow into it.
Most bulldog owners recommend opting for a crate around 42 inches in length and 30 inches in width. The exact measurements will depend on the size of your pup. While you’re at it, also make sure that the crate is durable and has just enough room for your young bulldog to stand and turn around. The MidWest Homes iCrate is an excellent option if you’re looking for a crate for your American bulldog.
Next up are dog beds. These are essential for your bulldog as sleeping on the floor can make them prone to skin issues. Also, keep in mind that bulldogs are highly active and have a hard time getting drowsy, so you must provide them with a lounge-able experience indoors.
Unless your furry friend is suffering from an elbow or hip problem (in which case you should consider an orthopedic bed), we recommend buying an elevated bed for your bulldog to keep it off the ground.
Consider beds with durable steel frames and polyester covers that are not only super breathable and soft but also machine washable. The Kuranda Dog Bed is a great option in this regard. On the sizing front, while bulldogs are medium-sized dogs, you should consider buying a large-sized or extra large bed for them due to their bulky frame.
Remember when we said how bulldogs love frolicking around? Well, we weren’t kidding. Bulldogs are a breed meant for the outdoors, and cooping them up indoors for too long may lead to them getting depressed and adopting destructive behaviors. You’ll need to invest in a good dog house for them in case they decide to lounge outdoors.
A dog house will not only protect your American Bulldog from the elements and keep it happy and cozy. Speaking of coziness, consider investing in dog houses made from insulating materials like wood. Wooden dog houses are also pretty durable and look classy. If you get one, make sure to place it under some type of shade and keep it elevated from the soil.
An important consideration to make when in the market for a dog house. The general rule of thumb is that the dimensions of the dog house should be no more than 10cm longer than the dog’s height and length. This will provide it with enough room to sit and turn around in.
You should also make sure not to leave your bulldog unattended in the backyard for too long. This breed demands and requires constant mental stimulation, and leaving it to fend for itself in its dog house can cause them to develop severe anxiety and depression.
AMERICAN BULLDOG TOYS
The aggressive nature of American Bulldogs makes them mortal enemies of dog toys. So unless you’re willing to shell out money for a new goodie each time your bulldog rips apart a toy (trust us, this will happen a lot), consider investing in an indestructible toy. The Jolly Pets Romp-n-Roll is a fantastic American Bulldog toy that is indestructible.
If you thought that a chew toy would be enough to keep your bulldog occupied, you’d be mistaken. These energetic dogs push their parents to their limits when it comes to engaging in physical activities. Ball toys and throw toys are great for this purpose; just make sure you opt for ones specifically made for large dogs.
You should also make sure that the toy you choose for your bulldog is non-toxic since bulldogs are great chewers. While you’re at it, consider thinking about the environment as well and invest in something eco-friendly. Always good to give back to the planet, no?
GROOMING INSIGHTS FOR AMERICAN BULLDOG OWNERS
As far as grooming and maintaining your American bulldog goes, there are some tasks that you must undertake. Dental care falls in the daily routine where you’ll be required to brush their teeth. Bulldogs tend to drool a lot, especially the bully breed, so it is smart to keep a rag with you that you can wipe their muzzle with.
Checking and cleaning their ears falls into the weekly regime. Bulldog owners also recommend brushing the dog’s coat every week to control shedding. Speaking of shedding: bulldogs shed year-round.
Bulldogs don’t need to be bathed often since they take good care of their hygiene, so you’ll only need to dip them in the tub when they become dirty. You should clip their nails every month or as needed.
Since bulldogs love the outdoors, the chances of them catching fleas is relatively high. While a flea or two isn’t something to worry about, if you find them in bulk in your bulldog’s fur, chances are there’s a flea infestation situation that must be taken care of. You can use flea treatment options like the Advantage II Large Dog Flea Treatment to get ahead of things and nip it in the bud.
AMERICAN BULLDOG ACCESSORIES
From bows that can add the ‘aww’ element to your otherwise aggressive bulldog to jackets and vests that can help maintain their temperature, there’s a whole world of American Bulldog accessories that you can buy online.
Accessories like hoodies and boots can instantly up their style game, allow you to twin with them, and make for some fantastic Instagram moments. On the other hand, more functional dog accessories like this tracker from Tractive provide practical benefits and offer you peace of mind.