American Bulldog review
Negative reviews
anonymous
https://www.petwave.com/Dogs/Breeds/American-Bulldog/Personality.aspx
American Bulldogs are notoriously dog-aggressive. They should be socialized as puppies to treat other dogs with respect, though as they grow up same-sex dogs will mostly likely still create problems. This breed will also chase cats with ferocity, so unless raised alongside a cat, felines should not be introduced to an American Bulldog's home.
Floralnomad
https://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/the_doghouse/2891520-american-bulldogs
i just googled man attacked by American bulldog and there's a whole page of reports about people being killed and maimed by this type of dog . Obviously all dogs are different within a breed but it's not a breed I'd have in my home .
Neutral reviews
anonymous
https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/americanbulldogs.html
The muscular American Bulldog possesses great strength, tenacity, determination, and confidence.
He is best owned by active people who are interested in developing his athletic abilities in weight pulling, obedience, agility, hunting, farm work, or Schutzhund. Though usually calm and self-possessed, he must have vigorous exercise to stay fit and happy.
anonymous
https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/americanbulldogs.html
Many American Bulldogs will not tolerate another dog of the same sex. Some American Bulldogs have strong instincts to chase and seize cats and other fleeing creatures. If anything goes wrong in the breeding, socializing, training, handling, or management of this breed, it is capable of seriously injuring or killing other animals.
anonymous
https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/americanbulldogs.html
The best American Bulldogs are versatile working dogs, capable of learning a great deal, but they have an independent mind of their own and are not pushovers to raise and train. Many are willful, obstinate, and dominant (they want to be the boss) and will make you prove that you can make them do things. You must show them that you mean what you say.
anonymous
https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/americanbulldogs.html
Many American Bulldogs have protective instincts toward strangers. They need extensive exposure to friendly people so they learn to recognize the normal behaviors of "good guys." Then they can recognize the difference when someone acts abnormally. Without careful socialization, they may be suspicious of everyone.
anonymous
http://www.greatdogsite.com/breeds/details/American_Bulldog/
American Bulldogs are a stout, burly breed, but they are also extremely agile and swift. They have a wide chest and a tapered, muscular neck that may or may not have a slight dewlap. The breed features a strong-boned, compact body with straight limbs and burly hindquarters. They have broad, square heads with a pronounced furrow, muscular cheeks, and a box-shaped muzzle. Their stop is prominent, defined, and deep. Their well-developed teeth meet in a tight undershot or a scissors bite. American Bulldogs have a variety of acceptable ear types including pendant, half-pricked, and rose. Their eye color varies. The American Bulldog has black, loose-fitting lips and a black nose. Their tails are low-set and taper to a point. A variety of colors exist for the American Bulldog’s short, harsh, close-fitting coat. Many variations of white, brindle, brown, red, and tan are acceptable for show.
anonymous
http://www.greatdogsite.com/breeds/details/American_Bulldog/
American Bulldogs are dutiful, courageous, and protective, but they should not be aggressive. Despite their reputation, American Bulldogs make wonderful family pets. While they are capable of being competitive with other dogs, they should not initiate a challenge unreasonably. The breed is not hostile, though they have a genetic disposition towards heroic acts, bravery, and fighting. When properly raised and sufficiently trained, American Bulldogs make excellent companions. They are naturally good with children and they cater to the wants and needs of their owner(s). The American Bulldog has an alert, intelligent, and confident disposition, and they have strong protective instincts. Sometimes leery with strangers or aggressive towards other dogs, it’s important for an American Bulldog to be obedience trained and well-socialized at a young age.
CornflakeHomunculus
https://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/the_doghouse/2891520-american-bulldogs
They can be fantastic dogs in the right homes however they're not really for the faint hearted and decent breeders of them are very few and far between in the UK. They're not currently recognised as a breed and I believe there's no serious breed club yet either so all you have to go on is the word of the breeder that you're actually getting what you think you are.
I'd be looking for a breeder that has their adult dogs temperament tested prior to breeding as well as having their hips (and probably elbows) scored plus DNA tests for icthyosis, neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, nemaline myopathy and canine multi-focal retinopathy. They can suffer from some health issues resulting from their conformation, mostly relating to their eyes (ectropion/entropion/cherry eye) and the wrinkled skin on their faces, so you also need to find a breeder working as much as possible to avoid them.
They can be just as you have read, however they can also have very strong guarding tendencies (which are not as good a thing as they may sound for a family pet) and you need to be confident you can appropriately manage and channel them. There are also a lot of breeders churning out pups with very little consideration given to temperament (hence the recommendation for finding a breeder who temperament tests) and a guardian breed with an unstable or nervous temperament is absolutely not a dog you want living with your family.
Wolfiefan
https://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/the_doghouse/2891520-american-bulldogs
Incredibly powerful dogs. Not one I would recommend to someone who didn't have extensive dog experience or who had young children.
honeyroar
https://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/the_doghouse/2891520-american-bulldogs
I did a home check for a rescue recently and they already had an American Bulldog. It was a huge, soft goofball of a dog, nothing remotely scary about it.
CornflakeHomunculus
https://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/the_doghouse/2891520-american-bulldogs
The American Bulldog is a completely different breed to the American Pitt Bull Terrier and is not banned as a whole.
However under UK law it's not just actual APBTs that are banned but any dogs which fit the rather vague "pit bull type" description. An Ambull could potentially be deemed "of type" and therefore illegal. The same is true of other breeds though (particularly over height Staffies) and countless bull breed, mastiff type and other crosses.
_daR7
Quite stubborn and full of energy. If you're going to get American Bulldogs as your first pet, i suggest you dedicate an enormous amount of time training them to do simple tasks, establish boundaries and routines. It would also be a great idea to socialize them with other pets (or animals) at an early age, so you can strengthen their confidence and overall temperament. Slowly introduce new situations, and make sure they feel secure and not to be agitated (like thunderstorms, unexpected house guests, trips to the vet, etc).
Overall, I'd say you will need to invest a lot of time to at least make them trainable, but the results are certainly worth it.
Bond with them beautifully! i wish you all the best and cheers
anonymous
https://vitaminsforpitbulls.com/american-bulldogs-common-questions/
The American Bulldog breed has an average lifespan of about 10 to 16 years. Overall, their health tends to be strong. Being so physically active prevents this breed from having too many serious health problems. However, some health issues have been sending in the American Bulldog breed. Health problems that are common to the general population of American Bulldogs include Hip Dysplasia, Cherry Eye, Elbow Dysplasia, Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis, Ichthyosis, ACL tears, disorders of the kidney and thyroid, Entropion, Bone Cancer, and Ectropion. To screen breeding animals for Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis and Ichthyosis, there is DNA test available to help breeders.
anonymous
https://vitaminsforpitbulls.com/american-bulldogs-common-questions/
This type of breed has a history of working as a farm dog that could catch wild boar and cattle, kill vermin, and guard its owner’s property. Some American Bulldogs tend to be extremely protective of their owners and therefore, aggression is not uncommon with this breed. However, as long as you train your Bulldog early on and socialize it with other animals and people, this breed of dog has potential to be a fantastic family pet.
Aspie Otaku
wouldnt mind an American bulldog as a pet the English Bulldog is short and stubby
Positive reviews
shelly-smiles
The American Bulldog is a FANTASTIC breed. Very smart and trainable but they can be a bit pig headed and pushy. If they can tell you’re a pushover, they’ll take advantage. As a first time dog owner, I would recommend that you look for a very even tempered puppy. Not one that is too assertive and not one that is too standoffish. Curious and bold without being pushy. I like to cradle a puppy to see how they react. The best for me is a puppy that might stiffen up a bit when you first roll them on their back but they relax and remain interactive very quickly. Play with their feet, moosh their face etc. Ask the breeder where the puppy stands in the litter hierarchy. I like puppies on the low end dominance wise but still very busy and happy and curious. I also recommend puppy classes and obedience class, especially if you have never trained a dog before. They’re good for getting multiple things done at once. Training, socializing and bonding. Good luck in your search! And if you do get one, be sure to post pictures. American Bulldog puppies are some of the cutest creatures on the planet.
Negative reviews
anonymous
https://www.petwave.com/Dogs/Breeds/American-Bulldog/Personality.aspx
American Bulldogs are notoriously dog-aggressive. They should be socialized as puppies to treat other dogs with respect, though as they grow up same-sex dogs will mostly likely still create problems. This breed will also chase cats with ferocity, so unless raised alongside a cat, felines should not be introduced to an American Bulldog's home.
Floralnomad
https://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/the_doghouse/2891520-american-bulldogs
i just googled man attacked by American bulldog and there's a whole page of reports about people being killed and maimed by this type of dog . Obviously all dogs are different within a breed but it's not a breed I'd have in my home .
Neutral reviews
anonymous
https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/americanbulldogs.html
The muscular American Bulldog possesses great strength, tenacity, determination, and confidence.
He is best owned by active people who are interested in developing his athletic abilities in weight pulling, obedience, agility, hunting, farm work, or Schutzhund. Though usually calm and self-possessed, he must have vigorous exercise to stay fit and happy.
anonymous
https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/americanbulldogs.html
Many American Bulldogs will not tolerate another dog of the same sex. Some American Bulldogs have strong instincts to chase and seize cats and other fleeing creatures. If anything goes wrong in the breeding, socializing, training, handling, or management of this breed, it is capable of seriously injuring or killing other animals.
anonymous
https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/americanbulldogs.html
The best American Bulldogs are versatile working dogs, capable of learning a great deal, but they have an independent mind of their own and are not pushovers to raise and train. Many are willful, obstinate, and dominant (they want to be the boss) and will make you prove that you can make them do things. You must show them that you mean what you say.
anonymous
https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/americanbulldogs.html
Many American Bulldogs have protective instincts toward strangers. They need extensive exposure to friendly people so they learn to recognize the normal behaviors of "good guys." Then they can recognize the difference when someone acts abnormally. Without careful socialization, they may be suspicious of everyone.
anonymous
http://www.greatdogsite.com/breeds/details/American_Bulldog/
American Bulldogs are a stout, burly breed, but they are also extremely agile and swift. They have a wide chest and a tapered, muscular neck that may or may not have a slight dewlap. The breed features a strong-boned, compact body with straight limbs and burly hindquarters. They have broad, square heads with a pronounced furrow, muscular cheeks, and a box-shaped muzzle. Their stop is prominent, defined, and deep. Their well-developed teeth meet in a tight undershot or a scissors bite. American Bulldogs have a variety of acceptable ear types including pendant, half-pricked, and rose. Their eye color varies. The American Bulldog has black, loose-fitting lips and a black nose. Their tails are low-set and taper to a point. A variety of colors exist for the American Bulldog’s short, harsh, close-fitting coat. Many variations of white, brindle, brown, red, and tan are acceptable for show.
anonymous
http://www.greatdogsite.com/breeds/details/American_Bulldog/
American Bulldogs are dutiful, courageous, and protective, but they should not be aggressive. Despite their reputation, American Bulldogs make wonderful family pets. While they are capable of being competitive with other dogs, they should not initiate a challenge unreasonably. The breed is not hostile, though they have a genetic disposition towards heroic acts, bravery, and fighting. When properly raised and sufficiently trained, American Bulldogs make excellent companions. They are naturally good with children and they cater to the wants and needs of their owner(s). The American Bulldog has an alert, intelligent, and confident disposition, and they have strong protective instincts. Sometimes leery with strangers or aggressive towards other dogs, it’s important for an American Bulldog to be obedience trained and well-socialized at a young age.
CornflakeHomunculus
https://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/the_doghouse/2891520-american-bulldogs
They can be fantastic dogs in the right homes however they're not really for the faint hearted and decent breeders of them are very few and far between in the UK. They're not currently recognised as a breed and I believe there's no serious breed club yet either so all you have to go on is the word of the breeder that you're actually getting what you think you are.
I'd be looking for a breeder that has their adult dogs temperament tested prior to breeding as well as having their hips (and probably elbows) scored plus DNA tests for icthyosis, neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, nemaline myopathy and canine multi-focal retinopathy. They can suffer from some health issues resulting from their conformation, mostly relating to their eyes (ectropion/entropion/cherry eye) and the wrinkled skin on their faces, so you also need to find a breeder working as much as possible to avoid them.
They can be just as you have read, however they can also have very strong guarding tendencies (which are not as good a thing as they may sound for a family pet) and you need to be confident you can appropriately manage and channel them. There are also a lot of breeders churning out pups with very little consideration given to temperament (hence the recommendation for finding a breeder who temperament tests) and a guardian breed with an unstable or nervous temperament is absolutely not a dog you want living with your family.
Wolfiefan
https://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/the_doghouse/2891520-american-bulldogs
Incredibly powerful dogs. Not one I would recommend to someone who didn't have extensive dog experience or who had young children.
honeyroar
https://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/the_doghouse/2891520-american-bulldogs
I did a home check for a rescue recently and they already had an American Bulldog. It was a huge, soft goofball of a dog, nothing remotely scary about it.
CornflakeHomunculus
https://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/the_doghouse/2891520-american-bulldogs
The American Bulldog is a completely different breed to the American Pitt Bull Terrier and is not banned as a whole.
However under UK law it's not just actual APBTs that are banned but any dogs which fit the rather vague "pit bull type" description. An Ambull could potentially be deemed "of type" and therefore illegal. The same is true of other breeds though (particularly over height Staffies) and countless bull breed, mastiff type and other crosses.
_daR7
Quite stubborn and full of energy. If you're going to get American Bulldogs as your first pet, i suggest you dedicate an enormous amount of time training them to do simple tasks, establish boundaries and routines. It would also be a great idea to socialize them with other pets (or animals) at an early age, so you can strengthen their confidence and overall temperament. Slowly introduce new situations, and make sure they feel secure and not to be agitated (like thunderstorms, unexpected house guests, trips to the vet, etc).
Overall, I'd say you will need to invest a lot of time to at least make them trainable, but the results are certainly worth it.
Bond with them beautifully! i wish you all the best and cheers
anonymous
https://vitaminsforpitbulls.com/american-bulldogs-common-questions/
The American Bulldog breed has an average lifespan of about 10 to 16 years. Overall, their health tends to be strong. Being so physically active prevents this breed from having too many serious health problems. However, some health issues have been sending in the American Bulldog breed. Health problems that are common to the general population of American Bulldogs include Hip Dysplasia, Cherry Eye, Elbow Dysplasia, Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis, Ichthyosis, ACL tears, disorders of the kidney and thyroid, Entropion, Bone Cancer, and Ectropion. To screen breeding animals for Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis and Ichthyosis, there is DNA test available to help breeders.
anonymous
https://vitaminsforpitbulls.com/american-bulldogs-common-questions/
This type of breed has a history of working as a farm dog that could catch wild boar and cattle, kill vermin, and guard its owner’s property. Some American Bulldogs tend to be extremely protective of their owners and therefore, aggression is not uncommon with this breed. However, as long as you train your Bulldog early on and socialize it with other animals and people, this breed of dog has potential to be a fantastic family pet.
Aspie Otaku
wouldnt mind an American bulldog as a pet the English Bulldog is short and stubby
Positive reviews
shelly-smiles
The American Bulldog is a FANTASTIC breed. Very smart and trainable but they can be a bit pig headed and pushy. If they can tell you’re a pushover, they’ll take advantage. As a first time dog owner, I would recommend that you look for a very even tempered puppy. Not one that is too assertive and not one that is too standoffish. Curious and bold without being pushy. I like to cradle a puppy to see how they react. The best for me is a puppy that might stiffen up a bit when you first roll them on their back but they relax and remain interactive very quickly. Play with their feet, moosh their face etc. Ask the breeder where the puppy stands in the litter hierarchy. I like puppies on the low end dominance wise but still very busy and happy and curious. I also recommend puppy classes and obedience class, especially if you have never trained a dog before. They’re good for getting multiple things done at once. Training, socializing and bonding. Good luck in your search! And if you do get one, be sure to post pictures. American Bulldog puppies are some of the cutest creatures on the planet.