| Descended from the English Bulldog, the American | | | | pounds. Females will reach average heights of 20 to |
| Bulldog was nearly extinct after World War II. Thanks | | | | 25 inches and weights of 60 to 100 pounds. American |
| to the efforts of John D. Summerville, this breed has | | | | Bulldogs will live, on average, 16 years. |
| returned from the edge of extinction and flourished in | | | | English Bulldogs were bred as working dogs that |
| America. This working dog has been described as | | | | helped herd cattle and the American Bulldog retains |
| fiercely loyal, an excellent hunter, and wonderful family | | | | some of these characteristics, particularly the strong |
| pet. In fact, some American Bulldogs are known for | | | | jaw and equally strong personality. Though American |
| their extraordinary acts of bravery and courage when | | | | Bulldogs are known as fierce protectors of their |
| defending their masters. | | | | properties and masters (making them excellent guard |
| There are two types of American Bulldog: Classic | | | | and watch dogs), they are very gentle and good with |
| (also known as Johnson or Bully) and Standard (also | | | | both children and other family pets. |
| known as Scott or Performance); however, many of | | | | However, an American Bulldog is sometimes unaware |
| today's American Bulldogs tend to be a combination of | | | | of its own strength and for this reason, children should |
| both. Standards tend to be shorter and stockier, | | | | always be closely supervised when playing with this |
| causing them to sometimes be mistaken for their | | | | breed. In general, American Bulldogs can be difficult to |
| cousin the Pit Bull, but otherwise Classic and Standard | | | | train, as they are stubborn, but once consistently |
| American Bulldogs look similar to one another. | | | | trained, will obey. |
| American Bulldogs are primarily white though some | | | | American Bulldogs are suited for apartment life, as |
| may have patches of brindle or red. Their coats are | | | | they tend to be relatively inactive indoors. However, |
| short and wiry, feeling bristly and rough to the touch. | | | | they should be exercised at least once a day. Some |
| American Bulldogs require relatively little maintenance | | | | American Bulldogs are prone to hip displaysia, but |
| thanks to this short coat, and only need the occasional | | | | otherwise, are a healthy breed of dog. |
| bath and regular brushing with a stiff bristle brush. | | | | All in all this is a great dog breed choice for many and |
| Their strong jaws give their heads a boxy and | | | | not so great for others, if you like the characteristics |
| strong-looking appearance. | | | | above then chances are you will be in love with the |
| Male American Bulldogs will reach an average height | | | | bulldog breed, otherwise you may not. |
| of 22 to 27 inches and average weight of 75 to 125 | | | | |