American Bulldog

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American bulldog
Saylor's Doc Holliday.jpg
An American Bulldog.
Country of origin U.S.A.
Weight Male 30–58 kg (70–120 lbs) Bully type 85–130 lbs
Female 60–90 lbs
Height Male 50–71 cm (20–27 in)
Female 20–24 in
Coat Short, harsh
Litter size 7–14 puppies
Life span 10–15 years
Dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

The American Bulldog is a breed of working dog. The names associated with the Bully and Standard types are those of the breeders who were influential in developing them, John D. Johnson (Bully) and Alan Scott (Standard).


American bulldogs sometimes have different colored irises, also known as heterochromia.


The American bulldog is a stocky, well built, strong-looking dog, with a large head and a muscular build. Its coat is short and generally smooth. The breed is a light to moderate shedder; however, they should be brushed on regular basis. Colors, while historically predominantly white with patches of red, black, or brindle, have grown in recent years to include many color patterns including black, red, brown, fawn, and all shades of brindle. The color conformation is quite varied, but solid black or any degree of merle is considered a cosmetic fault, and a blue color is a disqualification by the NKC Breed Standard. Black pigmentation on the nose and eye rims is preferred, with only some pink allowed. Eye color is usually brown, but heterochromia also occurs, although considered a cosmetic fault. American Bulldogs can be droolers; this varies and is more prevalent in the Bully type, which is generally a larger, heavier dog with a shorter muzzle. Standard or Performance types are generally more athletic with longer muzzles and a more square head. It is important to note that many modern American Bulldogs are a combination of the two types usually termed "hybrid." In general, American Bulldogs weigh between 27 to 54 kg (60 to 120 lb) and are 52 to 70 cm (20 to 28 in) at the withers, but have been known to greatly exceed these dimensions, especially in the "out of standard," nonworking stock.

An American bulldog with the classic white and brindle coat. Note the large head and powerful jaws.
Scott type American Bulldog. Typical mandibular prognathism is evident.


A Standard-type American Bulldog
A Bully type American Bulldog

American Bulldogs are typically confident, social, and active dogs that are at ease with their families. It is not uncommon for an American Bulldog to require a high level of attention due to their highly emotional personality. They bond strongly with their owners. They are capable of jumping in excess of seven feet vertical due to the dense muscle build of the breed. Young American Bulldogs may be slightly aloof with strangers, but as they mature the breed's normal confidence should assert itself. This breed tolerates children and can do very well with them, provided they are socialized early and understand their limits. The more exposure to good training practices, other dogs, and people, the more likely the success at being controlled both inside and outside of their environment. Early training and socialization both in the home and outside of the home is essential for this breed. One way to help accomplish this goal can be done in the simplest of ways: walking them regularly at local parks. While the goal of the breed was originally to produce a working farm utility dog that could catch and hold wild boar and cattle, kill vermin, and guard an owner's property, when properly trained, exercised and socialized, this breed can become a great family pet.


History in Spain and England[edit]


American Bulldog female.
A female American bulldog puppy at five months.

History in the United States[edit]



Recent history[edit]



American Bulldog male pup
A 6-week old male American Bulldog


Unrecognized varieties[edit]

There are numerous varieties of bulldog that are not recognized by any organizations other than their own. Examples of such animals include the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog. The Alapaha, for example, was started as an attempt to recreate a variety of southern plantation dog.[citation needed]

American Bulldogs in popular culture[edit]

  • In the TLC show Superpooches Zorch' from Double R American Bulldogs had a starring role.
  • Spike and Tyke from the Tom and Jerry franchise.
  • Chance from the feature film, Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey. Suregrips Rattler (Chance) was only in the first Homeward Bound movie.
  • The Deftones' video "Bloody Cape" featured a model walking an American Bulldog down the street. The American Bulldog was actually played by two separate dogs from the Norcal's American Bulldog Kennel. The names of the dogs were Big Trouble and Tory Hesta.
  • In the 2001 film Kevin of the North one of Kevin Manley's sled dogs is an American Bulldog named Snowflake.
  • Cheaper by the Dozen
  • In "Return to Me" 2000 "Mel", David Duchovny’s character’s dog, was played by an American Bulldog named Peetey.
  • In "Tucker and Dale vs Evil" 2010, "Jangers", Tyler Labine's character’s dog, starred an American Bulldog named Weezer.

See also[edit]


External links[edit]