How to Identify an American Bulldog

The American Bulldog is a bulldog breed that is used for work and guarding,^{[1]XResearch source} being assigned to the working group.^{[2]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.Go to source} Bred from English Bulldogs, they were popular for their work ethic and were commonly used on farms before nearing extinction during World Wars I and II.^{[3]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.Go to source} American Bulldogs share much in common with other breeds of bulldog descent, but they also have several unique features. By recognizing these traits that set them apart, this How.com.vn will help you identify an American Bulldog.

Steps

1
Understand that there are variations of this breed. Due to their versatility in the workforce, American Bulldogs come in numerous structural varieties, known as different "lines" of the breed. Two of the most notable American Bulldog lines are the Scott (or "standard") type and the Johnson (or "bully") type.^{[4]XResearch source}
- Dogs of the Scott line appear more sleek and lighter in bone, usually considered the more performance-type line though highly athletic. Their muzzles, which have less of an underbite and a stop that is generally moderate, tend to be of a greater length.^{[5]XResearch source}
- Dogs of the Johnson line are more heavily-boned in structure and of greater musculature, giving off an appearance of bulkiness. Their heads are overall greater in size, though their muzzles are not as long and their stop is more abrupt, and they also have a clearer underbite.^{[6]XResearch source}
- Nowadays, American Bulldogs are also seen as "hybrid" types, meaning that they are a cross between two or more lines of their breed. These dogs are purebred American Bulldogs but share physical traits from several lines.^{[7]XResearch source}
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Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Structure

American Bulldogs are rather large in size, with females tending to be a bit smaller than males. Males have a general height between 22 and 27 inches (56 and 69 cm), and females stand at 20–25 inches (51–64 cm) tall. In weight, both males and females are in proportion with their height.^{[8]XResearch source}
An American Bulldog's head varies based on their line, as Johnson dogs' heads range from rounded to box-like and Scott dogs' heads are either box-like or wedged in shape. However, all varieties have a head that is rather large in size with good breadth and depth. It is a bit flat but square and has clearly defined cheeks, a central furrow that is of decent depth, and a wide forehead.^{[9]XResearch source}
The ears of an American Bulldog may be either natural or cropped, with the former being preferable. Natural ears in this breed can be found in the form of a rose ear, drop ear, or semi-prick ear but not hound ears. All three natural ear types are high-set. In the case of drop ears, they are barely lifted up at the base and hang downward near the dog's cheeks, ending in a tip that is a bit round. Semi-prick ears appear very similar with the exception that the only part that drops is the tip. Though the ears may range from small to a medium size, rose ears are on the smaller end.^{[10]XResearch source}
American Bulldogs can have eyes of any color, with black rims and dark brown irises being ideal. However, both eyes appear to be the same shade. In shape, they can be either almond-like or clearly round, and they are generally considered a medium size. Though no haw can be seen, the eyes are decently far from one another.^{[11]XResearch source}
An American Bulldog's muzzle is parallel to the skull and anywhere from one-fourth to two-fifths of the dog's head, depending on which line the dog comes from. It is of good thickness and breadth, and the stop is so deep as to approach a 90 degree angle. The muzzle includes a large nose that may be brown, red, or black, as well as muscular jaws, a clear chin, preferably black lips that are a bit thick, and a bite that depends on the dog's line.^{[12]XResearch source}
The paws of an American Bulldog are never splayed; instead, they are tightly knit. They form arches and a rounded appearance overall, being roughly medium-sized.^{[13]XResearch source}
An American Bulldog's tail may be docked or its natural length, with the latter being preferred. When natural, it may be carried in any manner that is somewhere between upward and in between the joints of the hocks. Ideally, it is carried in a way that resembles a pump handle and never curled or screwed. A natural tail is long enough to hit the dog's hocks from its low-set position on the back, beginning at a base of great thickness and tapering to the tip.^{[14]XResearch source}
American Bulldogs are muscular, a very small amount longer than they are tall, good in bone, and denote much power. They have a neck that is arched and tapering a small amount, a chest that is wide but deep, ribs of good spring, parallel and perpendicular legs, a back of good breadth, a fine tuckup, and a slightly declining topline. Their gait is coordinated, without effort, and shows both power and smoothness, with decent drive and reach.^{[15]XResearch source}
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Method 2

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Coat

An American Bulldog's coat may feel stiff or even soft or between either of these in texture as long as it is not wavy. In appearance, it is held quite close to the dog's skin, and it is a very short length, being no longer than 1 inch (2.5 cm).^{[16]XResearch source}
2
Realize that the coat can be nearly any color. Generally, the coat of an American Bulldog can be any color, whether solid, patterned, or in some color mixture. The only colors that this breed is not seen in are tricolor (which is white in combination with tan and black), merle, and the solid colors of blue or black. While the dog may have some black on their coat, their facial mask is never entirely black.^{[17]XResearch source}
- Some coat colors, such as buckskin or any dark brindle shade, may appear black in certain lighting. An American Bulldog's coat color is best noticeable in sunlight, where dark brindle patterns will appear brindle and buckskin will have clear fawn hairs that are simply black-tipped.^{[18]XResearch source}
While an American Bulldog may be almost any color, these dogs tend to have some amount of white on their coats. White in some form of markings usually makes up at least 10% of the dog's coat color, if not more.^{[19]XResearch source}
Overall, the coat of an American Bulldog requires little grooming. Though they shed seasonally, their coats only need to be bathed when they grow dirty, and brushing should occur on a regular basis.^{[20]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.Go to source}
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Method 3

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Temperament

American Bulldogs are natural guardians with much vigilance. It is important that they be socialized from a young age to prevent them from being overly protective.^{[21]XResearch source}
Did you know? By some kennel clubs, the American Bulldog is placed into a group called the guardian dog group, suggesting its temperament.^{[22]XResearch source}
Though all American Bulldogs have the potential for guarding, their behavior toward strangers may range from aloof to kind-natured. To increase the odds of one being friendly, socialization is especially important.^{[23]XResearch source}
3
See if the dog is active. American Bulldogs were bred for their capacity to fulfill bulldog-type jobs, and they remain strong and highly active. They can excel in agility, pulling weights, working around a farm, and other activities that utilize their work ethic.^{[24]XResearch source}
- If not fully exercised, they may be prone to destructive behaviors, including chewing and excessive barking.^{[25]XResearch source}
Particularly if they have not been properly socialized, an American Bulldog may potentially act aggressively around other animals, including both cats and other dogs. Early socialization around these animals is critical to keep them from displaying aggressive traits.^{[26]XResearch source}
5
Notice an orientation around family. Despite their potential unease around strangers, American Bulldogs enjoy being in a family setting. They tend to have a good nature when with their family.^{[27]XResearch source}
- They may also act destructive if their family leaves them for a long period of time.^{[28]XResearch source}
6
Anticipate a strong will. American Bulldogs are quite independent-minded and can become willful or act in charge. They require a confident owner willing to put effort into consistent training.^{[29]XResearch source}
- They are, however, quick to learn new things.^{[30]XResearch source}
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Tips

Consider DNA testing if the dog in question is your own. A DNA test will give confirmation if your dog is an American Bulldog.
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Warnings

Be aware that, due to bearing resemblance to "pitbulls", American Bulldogs may be banned in some areas.^{[31]XResearch source} Take note of the dog bans in your location.
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