Featured Breed: American Bulldog

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The American Bulldog has a very sturdy and muscular build, weighing anywhere from 60 to 120 pounds at a height of 20 to 28 inches. This breed has a large head with strong jaws with ears that may be cropped, semi-prick, rose or drop. The coat is short and soft coming in any variation of colors, although solid black, blue, merle or tricolor is undesirable.

PERSONALITY AND TEMPERAMENT
Although a larger breed, the American Bulldog is a very gentle and loving breed that loves children. The American Bulldog is brave and protective and is best when trained at a young age.

CARE
The short fine coat requires little grooming and the American Bulldog will do okay as an apartment pet as long as it gets sufficient outdoors exercise.

HEALTH
The American Bulldog generally lives about 10 to 16 years and is considered a healthy breed. Some genetic issues common to the breed include neuronal ceroidlipofuscinosis, lchthyosis, disorders of the kidney and thyroid, ACL tears, hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, cherry eye, entropoin, ectropion and bone cancer.

HISTORY AND BACKGROUND
An older version of the Bulldog originated in England and was used as a work dog catching cattle and guarding property until it became the breed of choice in a brutal sport known as bull baiting. By the end of World War II, the breed was almost extinct, however, a few devote breeders decided to revive the American Bulldog.

Two different lines of Bulldogs appeared during this growth period; however, most of today’s American Bulldogs are a cross between the two. The American Bulldog was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1999.