So You Want An American Bulldog?
We decided to write a few pointers on selecting/purchasing a pup/dog that will hopefully be of use to new prospective owners. This is not for our gain as we are not breeders.
1. Choose a kennel that has been in the breed for five or more years (this ensures somewhat that the breeder isn't a fly by night "in it for a quick buck" breeder). It also shows that they have a good background in what they're doing.
2. If a breeder is keeping a pup from the litter themselves then that's a great sign the litter's a good one. Also if the breeder has a waiting list, again that's a green light.
3. Demand to see both the mother and father of the pups and ask to see any health screening certificates they have. These may include:
Hip Scoring
NCL clear
Worming record
Injection card
Temperament testing (i.e. BACT, CGC)
Show/Confirmation results
Working titles - WP/SCH, and so on...
Also a full American pedigree (i.e. ABA, NKC, ARF)
4. Decided on exactly what you require a bulldog for. Such as:
Guard duty
Family pet
Hunting dog
Sports dog (WP/SCH, etc)
Show prospect
Police/Army dog
Companion/Friend
Many dogs will or can do any of the above, but many lines and mixes are better than others at these tasks and have been bred for one task year after year.
5. Decide from day one where the dog will live/sleep - i.e. in or outside kennel or loose. It is highly unfair to have a puppy on the sofa and bed and getting cuddles etc, and then when he/she gets to ten months old and reaching eight stone to put them outside.
6. We wouldn't recommend anyone to get a bulldog with children under the age of eight years old due to size issues. This breed is a large breed and can easily knock over a small child in play.
7. We feel that environment is the biggest part to owning an American Bull. These dogs are a farm/guard dogs and hunting dogs. Generation after generation has been bred to roam free on the plain and hunt in the swamps and fresh air. For this reason we think that a bulldog is no good in a concrete jungle - i.e. in the towns and cities. Ours in particular hate this environment and all the fuss of shows and being inside. They're at their happiest in the field loose and in the yard with the sun and breeze on their backs. Just like a fish out of water, the American Bulldog does not thrive in the cities.
8. COST. Be prepared to spend a small fortune on this breed. Kennelling, feeding, equipment (i.e. collars/leads, beds), heating - all cost more being a larger breed, and remember insurance is a MUST. This can be harder to source with some companies. A few costs to think about are:
A rough guide to the first year
Cost of the dog = around £1000
Kennel = £500 to £1000 or thereabouts
Injections and boosters = £40
Microchipping = £20
A strong lead and collar = £50
Insurance per year around = £200
Bowls, toys and sundries = £100
Wormers and health check ups = £100
OB classes = £100
Large puppy crate = £100
Food = £250
These costs are probably not thought about before purchasing the dog but will be there nevertheless. On average the American Bulldog may cost around £2000 to £3000 in the first year alone.
9. Ask what guarantees come with the puppy - i.e. health, breeding and show can be the common ones to check for.
10. Remember that many hundreds of American Bulldogs end up in rescue each year, many through no fault of their own. The main causes are usually:
Moving house - no more space for the dog
Break up of relationship
Change of job
The dogs are just too big for the house
"I thought the breed would make me rich but instead it's cost me a small fortune"
11. We found that bulldogs get on well with the opposite sex - i.e. kept in a male/female brace (pair). We would never recommend keeping same sex dogs together or more than two dogs - quite often two's company but three's a crowd.
12. Bull breeds in general love people and do not thrive left on their own for long periods. If you work as most do then it's maybe a good idea think about a companion for the dog.
13. Over the last few years in the breed we noted that several factors have played a part in problems with the American Bulldog. These included:
The American Bulldog is not a pet and never will be. It is a working dog and deserves the respect that comes with it. Problems we know for a fact have occurred when treating these animals like "spaniels or toy breeds" regarding temperament issues.
The breed needs OB (obedience) training from an early age - even the basics of sit, down, stay, paw, come, roll, etc.
Never, never let your bulldog off the leash until it's safe to do so - i.e. on land away from busy roads, other dogs off the lead (which may provoke your dog), built up areas, horses/cattle in fields. Again, common sense is needed. When you let your dog off the leash, ensure that it isn't too icy, muddy or wet. These dogs are athletes and a slip at top speed with their weight behind them can inflict serious injury to them.
Feed the correct diet from the start. If unsure consult a vet. Problems have occurred with bone and joint deformities through poor diet.
14. Ensure that before the puppy comes home you have at least two metre / six feet fencing around where the dog will be loose. Again this can be costly but a must.
Hopefully these tips will help you avoid some of the problems that others have fallen down over and above all keep your AB safe and healthy.