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American Bulldog: All You Need To Know
An American bulldog is the domestic dog breed that belongs to the kingdom of Animalia, phylum Chordata, and class Mammalia. Its genus is Canis, and its species is Canis lupus. Its length is up to 50 to 65 cm, and it weighs about 34 to 57 kg. It lives in a domesticated habitat, with a lifespan of up to 10 to 15 years.
American Bulldog Description
The American Bulldog is a big domestic dog breed that has a long history of being associated with American culture. It is a descendant of the now-extinct Old English Bulldog. They’re popular as pets and show dogs, and they’re still employed as farm dogs. The breed is divided into two physical types: the ‘bully’ type, which is bigger and has a shorter nose, and the ‘standard’ form, which is athletic and has a longer snout.
American bulldogs are strong and stocky. Their heads are big, and their chests and shoulders are powerful. It has a short coat that requires little upkeep. Although a wide range of patterns and colours are now available, the majority of American Bulldogs are white or largely white.
Because of their background as working dogs and other factors, they are relatively fast for their size. There are several body morphs for these breeds, including the “Bully” or “Classic” type, the “Standard” morph, as well as hybrids and other names. Because of their size and appearance, they are often mistaken for other breeds, such as the Dogo Argentino and American Pit Bull Terriers.
Working-class folks in the American south retained old English bulldogs as early as the 1600s. Owners of farms and ranches employed them as all-around working dogs. They were also employed as security dogs and hunting catch dogs. Because there were no natural predators for wild pigs in the south, bulldogs were deployed to try to control the pests. This might be what has allowed them to prosper in the past, allowing them to survive until now.
American Bulldog
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American Bulldog as Pet
Bulldogs are excellent pets because they are clever and loving. They are excellent family dogs, although they do demand a lot of exercise. They are a joyful, fun-loving breed who appreciate having plenty of room to run about in, especially in a fenced backyard. Some people can adjust to apartment living and city life, but they will need to walk a lot.
They are, in fact, excellent pets for those who enjoy running. They get along well with children and other pets, although strangers and dogs might make them possessive and distrustful. It is critical to socialise them as soon as possible. There are some disadvantages to their great friendship.
They are not well-suited to owners who are unable to spend the most of their time with them, as they do not appreciate being left alone for long periods of time. If they don’t get enough exercise and attention, they, like other dogs, may become destructive out of boredom. Females give birth to litters of 7-16 puppies on average, and individuals live for around 10-15 years.
Fun Facts About American Bulldog!
American Bulldogs have a reputation for being good hunters, labourers, and more. Nowadays, they’re more well-known for their wacky antics and wonderful pet companionship.
More than Appearances
People who imported Old English Bulldogs to America first established the breed. These were mostly working-class immigrants who bred their canines to help them with work on their farms and ranches. As a result, unlike some dogs, the breed was not created in a very distinguished manner, with an emphasis on looks above all else.
Rather than how they appear, this breed is distinguished by what they can perform in terms of general labour. By this standard, any dog capable of performing “genuine bulldog labour” qualifies as a bulldog.
Hanging in There
Following World War II, the breed was no longer utilised for work and was on the verge of extinction. People in the South continued to keep them as pets, but the focus on breeding them as ranchhands fell dramatically. The breed was restored and saved thanks to the efforts of a small group of breeders who combed the south for healthy individuals. They are now widely used as pets, show dogs, and protection dogs.
No Way to Treat a Friend
The usage of the American bulldog as bull-bait is an unpleasant part of the breed’s history. An angry bull is pitted against another animal, in this case a dog, in this cruel bloodsport. In the Old World and for early immigrants, this was a kind of amusement.
In reality, this broad use of the breed is what has led to its many body morphs, along with its decrease in popularity and subsequent breeding programme. The ‘bully’ type looks a lot like the “Classic” type used for bull-baiting, thus the name. This might also explain why, despite its huge size, the breed is very nimble.
American Bulldog Citations
- Current insights into the molecular genetic basis of dwarfism in livestock. Vet J . 2017 Jun;224:64-75.
- A variant form of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis in American bulldogs. J Vet Intern Med . Jan-Feb 2005;19(1):44-51.
- Hereditary myotonia in American Bulldog associated with a novel frameshift mutation in the CLCN1 gene. Neuromuscul Disord . 2020 Dec;30(12):991-998.
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