Grooming
Hurray for easy care! As a short-haired breed, lots of coat care isn’t required, so weekly sessions with a bristle brush are often enough to achieve smooth and shiny fur. And you won’t have to worry too much about your American Bulldog shedding; they shed lightly, so brushing will help their fur to slough off naturally.
If you can, it’s ideal to grab your fur baby’s tooth brush daily, but cleaning their teeth a few times a week is also a good goal. The reason: You’ll beat back sticky plaque and tartar and help prevent dental disease. Make sure your vet gives your pup a professional cleaning every year, too.
Be sure to put nail trimming (every couple of weeks) and ear cleaning (monthly is usually enough) on the grooming menu, too. And as for baths, plan on a bath about once a month or so. You may be able to just use your nose. If you detect an unpleasant odor (eww!) or your pup proceeded to roll in something kinda icky (eww again!), it’s time to suds up.
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Training
When it comes to training, an American Bulldog puppy needs a confident pup parent who uses positive reinforcement to teach various skills, such as how to walk nicely on a leash and come when called. Start training your American Bulldog puppy early to get them used to the ropes.
Though sometimes described as “hard-headed,” American Bulldogs are intelligent dogs who learn best when their trainers are consistent and patient. Once you understand what works for them, training becomes easy. Remember: American Bulldogs are smart. They need a patient, confident teacher to help them understand that while “dogs may drool, the pup parent rules.”
Regular socialization training with other dogs and people, as well as introducing them to new settings (think public parks, dog beaches, hiking trails and more), will help your pup acclimate. These social interactions give your dog a chance to explore a variety of environments and social situations.
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Diet
An American Bulldog’s food should consist of high-quality chow, whether dry or canned, and it should be appropriate for your animal’s stage in life (puppy, adult, senior). Feed your puppy large-breed puppy kibble for their first 14 months to support slow but consistent growth. Skip food or supplements with calcium until your pooch is fully grown and eating an adult diet. (The added calcium could disrupt healthy bone development.) As always, check with your vet to help you choose a nutritionally balanced food for your dog’s age and lifestyle.
Once your American Bulldog is an adult, check with your vet to see if you need to add any supplements to support your dog’s joint or muscle health. If you’re a savvy home cook and plan to prep your pet’s meals, run the dishes by your dog’s doc to be sure they contain the nutrition your American Bulldog needs.
Let’s talk about treats. Treats are an essential part of training and a great way to show your pup you love them. However, too many treats can lead to a tubby pup, so check with your vet if you need help figuring out a proper treat-to-mealtime ratio.
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Exercise
Even though they have a moderate energy level, an American Bulldog needs a lot of exercise. And exercise is important to keep your dog out of trouble. If they have unused energy, an American Bulldog may resort to destructive behaviors to release that energy, like chewing on your favorite pair of shoes.
This athletic dog benefits greatly from structured walks and play to work the mind and their muscular build. As a puppy parent, strive to offer non-impact movement such as hiding balls in the yard or offering a puzzle toy, as these games lower the risk of joint and bone damage early on.
Get out of the house twice a day (or more if your young dog is up for it) for playtime and walks that last between 20 and 30 minutes. (Walks are great—these dogs aren’t known for their speed.) Trainers often suggest skipping the dog park because structured play is more difficult in this setting. Instead, get creative with activities. Think: fetch, tug-of-war with a rope toy. You may even try lower-impact dog sports like agility or nose work. Both are an excellent way to keep your pup mentally and physically engaged. Remember, a happy dog is a tired dog!
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Environment
Both city and country homes will suit the American Bulldog as long as you can offer lots of exercise and playtime. The animal’s powerful build can be managed with good training at an early age, but this large breed may occasionally overwhelm their human playmates. It’s a good idea to supervise their playtime with young children lest this canine’s abundant energy lead to accidental toppling.
Still, families with kids are a good match for this protective and intelligent breed. A structured day with regular walks and chances to play with a variety of toys is the best environment for the American Bulldog. Staving off boredom is paramount, and, of course, no animal likes to be home alone for a long time. By avoiding both, you’ll also steer clear of potential behavioral issues.
When considering the American Bulldog as a pet, bear in mind that training is the key to their success, especially when adding this breed to a home with kids or other dogs. Children should be taught how to interact gently with dogs, too. However, it’s probably best if these dogs and cats remain distantly acquainted—they do not do well together. And if you’re raising an American Bulldog with another canine, it’s best if the two pups are of the opposite sex.
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