Wednesday, July 29, 2009

American Bulldog: The Minimally Tampered Breed Of The Bulldogs

By Troy Richardson

The American Bulldog is one of the favorite pet breeds of the bulldog family not only in the US but around the world as well. Its relatives are the bull baiting breeds of England during 18th century and it holds to be the closest relative of the extinct Old English Bulldog. In Europe, bulldogs were heavily altered but the American Bulldog remained the same as when it originally appeared.

There are two types of American Bulldog and these are the Johnson type and the Scott type. These names were derived from breeders who were essential for developing them and they are John D. Johnson and Allen Scott. These types are also commonly called the Classic or Bully type and the Standard or Performance type.

The American Bulldog is often mistaken for a white Boxer because both hold a striking resemblance with each other. But describing an American Bulldog alone, its body is stocky, powerful-looking, well built and with jaws that possesses exceeding strength. It weighs from 60 to 125 pounds and stands 20 to 28 inches at the withers.

The coat of this breed is smooth, short, and sheds light to moderate. The coat colors are solid white, solid white with black markings, red, brown, brindle and fawn. The widely accepted eye color of the breed is brown and the mouth drools, especially for dogs that have looser lips.

The Johnson type, compared to the Scott type has bigger and heavier body and shorter muzzle. The Scott type is simply described as a leggier and bigger Pit Bull. In general, the American Bulldog breed is more agile, has longer legs, and is faster than its English relatives.

The American Bulldog possesses a cheerful and sociable behavior, is comfortable being with the family and does not mind befriending other humans so long as they don't pose a threat. This dog has a strong bond with its master and is sociable to other animals given that he is trained in obedience and socialization at an early age. This dog also needs a constant share of attention because if not, it may develop destructive behaviors.

This breed is developed as a highly energetic working dog that's why it needs constant activities in order to utilize its excess energy. A house with a big and unconfined yard is best for this dog's daily activities. This dog also needs regular exercise such as walking or running as this will help him remain healthy mentally and physically.

The ancestors of the American Bulldog are the bull baiting breeds from England. As bull baiting died out, breeders developed gentler, tamer, and friendlier versions of the fighter dogs. These breeds were then brought to the United States where they were further developed and one of the results is the current American Bulldog.

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