Overall, this dog breed tends to be confident, social, and is most at ease and relaxed when they are with the people they love. Properly socialized, they tend to be sweethearts with gentle, fun-loving natures. The American Bulldog is affectionate and adores their families. They also tend to love children and tend to be good with other animals.

American Bulldogs can have a high prey drive, so you will want to make sure you introduce and socialize them properly with other small animals in the household. Due to their protective nature, they can be aloof towards strangers and strange dogs, especially when they are younger. Early socialization can help them be more comfortable navigating their guardian instincts.

This is an emotional dog breed and these dogs thrive on human attention and affection, so they tend to bond strongly with their owners and may come across as clingy sometimes. They will also often convince themselves that they are lap dogs regardless of their size, so make sure you are ready for a lot of love and cuddles with your American Bulldog, drool and all!

The American Bulldog is a moderately adaptable dog breed. They are strong, high-energy working dogs that love being around their favorite humans. This makes them better suited to larger homes with space for them to run. They are not generally a good fit for apartment living, but they can adapt as long as they get more than enough exercise and attention every day.

Because they do tend to bond strongly with their owners and want to be near them, they do not tend to do well with long periods of time alone. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to extreme heat or cold, but can adapt to well to most climates. As a brachycephalic, or snub-nosed or flat-faced, dog breed, they are more sensitive to heat and you will need to monitor them closely while out with them in higher temperatures.

There are some health issues that can be found in specific genetic lines and are not common to the breed overall, but these can be ruled out with genetic tests. Some potential health conditions to be aware of in general with the American Bulldog include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, thyroid disorders, kidney disorders, bone cancer, and eye-related issues like ectropion, entropion, and cherry eye.

Good breeding practices and the health of the parents make a big difference in the health of American Bulldog puppies. Talking to the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and asking to see any health clearances can help allay potential concerns.

American Bulldogs are highly trainable and eager to please, so they are a good fit for owners of any experience level, including first-time dog owners. They can have a stubborn streak and they do grow into a large, powerful dog, so a first-time dog owner may want to consider enrolling in puppy training classes. As with any dog breed, early and ongoing training and socialization are important for your American Bulldog puppy to grow into a well-rounded, and a well-behaved, dog.

This dog breed has a short coat that is generally smooth. Common coat colors are white and predominately white with patches of brindle, black, or red. More coat color patterns are emerging and becoming more common like all shades of brindle, fawn, brown, red, and more. The American Bulldog is relatively low maintenance and easy to groom and they are light to moderate shedders. They only require a bath as needed. But, you will need to be prepared to deal with some extra drool!

In addition to coat care, you will also need to care for your American Bulldog’s nails, ears, and teeth. Usually, a monthly or twice-monthly nail trimming is sufficient to keep your dog’s nails from getting too long. You may need to cut your dog’s nails more often if their nails aren’t wearing down as quickly on their own. So, keep an ear out for any sounds when they’re walking across a hard surface. If you hear their nails clicking against the floor, then it’s likely time for a nail trim.

It’s also important to check their ears regularly and carefully clean your dog’s ears as needed. When you check your dog’s ears, you want to make sure they are dry, clean, and free of debris. Floppy ears tend to trap moisture and dirt more often, which can lead to ear infections.

Taking care of your dog’s teeth is also important to help prevent gum disease and tooth decay. The ideal dental care for dogs is using an enzyme toothpaste or brushing their teeth every day and doing cleanings at the vet when needed. Dental hygiene chews or treats, a specially-formulated dental care diet, and more can be used to supplement your dental care efforts.

The American Bulldog is an athletic and high-energy dog breed. They love daily walks and plenty of playtime outside. They may even enjoy plenty of other activities with you like swimming, hiking, and more. Just make sure puppies are finished growing before you start doing higher-impact activities that could damage developing bones and joints.

Also, make sure you watch them in the heat and take breaks. Working in short bursts is one of the ways to safely exercise flat-faced dogs and avoid overheating. With their working dog background, this dog breed does need a job to do in order to stay happy and healthy. They also tend to be a good candidate for dog sports like obedience, weight pulling, the Iron Dog competition, and more.

Fully-grown American Bulldogs usually stand 20-25 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 60-100 pounds. On average, males stand 22-25 inches tall and weigh 75-100 pounds while females stand 20-23 inches tall and weigh 60-80 pounds.

An American Bulldog generally lives for 10-12 years on average.

Chance, one of the canine stars from the classic dog movies, the Homeward Bound films, was an American Bulldog. An American Bulldog was also featured in the 1994 remake of The Little Rascals as Petey and as the family pet in Cheaper by the Dozen.