American Bulldog Information And Facts

American Bulldog puppies are beloved by many owners of American Pit Bull Terriers. The breeds are close cousins and share similarities in size and overall appearance. Because American Pit Bulls have been banned in many places, American Bulldogs have become a popular replacement breed. Though Bulldogs were once bred to be aggressive, the breed does not have the bad reputation of the Pit Bull.

American Bulldogs are also related to, but completely different than, French and English Bulldogs. The Bulldog almost became extinct after Britain passed the Cruelty to Animals Act. Bulldogs were no longer allowed to bait bulls or fight other dogs and their usefulness was diminished. Fortunately, European fans of the breed mixed Bulldogs with Pugs to breed dogs down to lap dog size. French and English Bulldogs are popular family pets and often used as characters in film and television due to their expressive eyes, comical mugs and large personalities.

European immigrants brought Bulldogs to America. An American, John D. Johnson, bred these Bulldogs to retain the size and strength of original Old English Bulldogs-an extinct breed. American Bulldogs puppies are bred in many countries today.

Buyers of American Bulldog puppies have John D. Johnson to thank for the very existence of the breed, and his protege, Alan Scott, also helped maintain the existence of the American Bulldog. These two men split and bred two separate types of American Bulldogs, Scott, or Standard, American Bulldogs and Johnson American Bulldogs. Scott/Johnson hybrids are also popular among American Bulldog breeders. Buyers should be experienced dog owners before purchasing a breed such as the American Bulldog. This breed requires attention and discipline from the beginning and an inexperienced owner will not have the skills needed to raise successful Bulldogs.

For experienced buyers, American Bulldogs can be found by asking local breeders or visiting websites that advertise National Kennel Club or United Kennel Club certified breeders. Because of the volatile nature in the breed's past, buyers should never buy American Bulldog puppies with questionable ancestry or pedigree. Only well-documented, certified puppies should be purchased and puppies should immediately receive discipline and training.

Before purchasing American Bulldog puppies, buyers should stock up on necessary Bulldog puppy supplies. Buyers can also inquire of breeders what necessary items should be bought. American Bulldogs are medium-sized dogs and will require more food, grooming supplies, and training than toy or small dogs. Good American Bulldog breeders can provide buyers with a list of items needed to care for American Bulldog puppies. Some of these items include: proper brand and amount of puppy food, chew toys, housebreaking supplies such as pee pads, leashes, kennels or crates, training schedules, developmental timetables, grooming supplies, and medicine.

Besides getting puppy supply tips from breeders, buyers should also make sure that their breeder is well informed about the breed. Breeders should be able to answer all questions buyers have about caring for and raising American Bulldog puppies. Breeders should be able to provide puppy medical records including immunization history and screening results for common genetic disorders, pedigree and certification, and a warranty or guarantee against illness.