American Bulldog: breed description, character and content

The American Bulldog is a dog that embodies many qualities: composure, calm, courage, devotion. Such pets will be an excellent acquisition for both home security and simple friendship. However, before buying a puppy, you should carefully study all the features of this breed, its pros and cons, as well as the necessary conditions for such a dog.

American bulldogs or ambuli are the descendants of the oldest Molossian dogs, popular even in Ancient Egypt and Greece. Further references to them date back to the Middle Ages, where dogs were given the unenviable role of participating in bullfights. It is no secret that the Middle Ages did not differ in purity of morals and kind-heartedness, therefore both bulls and dogs massively died. Bulldogs could afford to buy only very rich people, because one dog was worth a fortune.

However, the Middle Ages passed and the popularity of ambulances rapidly declined. Cattle were banned, and the dogs' notoriety did not go away. The animals literally turned out to be useless to anyone, the authorities forbade the owners to let them off the chain while they were on a walk. Of course, such prohibitions did not appeal to the owners of dogs and they began work on breeding, introducing toy bulldogs, who became the ancestors of modern French baby dogs. On this, the excitement subsided, and the ambuli were again in danger of extinction.

Perhaps the world would never have found out about such dogs if the British had not decided to colonize the lands of America. Taking with them all their belongings, including dogs, the citizens of England moved to new places. At first it was difficult, because the climate of America at that time did not differ in softness and warmth. We had to literally survive, and here the dogs showed their true qualities. They guarded houses, herded herds of cows and sheep, stood in the plow instead of horses, helped the owners hunt and brought game. Without these dogs, the British would have had a hard time.

The ambulances were brought to their first exhibition at the end of the 20th century, and there, finally, the entire world community saw them. Many visitors were amazed at the appearance of the dogs, the admiration caused a strong, like a lump of muscles, body, dense teeth, ready to grab any prey, strong paws. Breeders paid attention to the dog and the breed began to spread rapidly, finally acquiring its modern name. In addition, the amulets began to be bred for work in police stations.

In Russia, this wonderful dog arrived just in the turmoil of the 90s. Then there were not too many, it was considered very "status" to have such a pet. Now the number of American bulldogs is steadily increasing, and more and more people want to acquire these powerful and frightening, but such faithful dogs.

The American Bulldog is a rather large and massive dog. It is immediately worth noting that there is a description of two breed standards, and a person who is unfamiliar with bulldogs in general will seem to be completely different dogs. In fact, everything is a little different.

Johnson's type is a classic bulldog, as if descended from a picture. They are powerful, strong, squat. They resemble a square shape, the legs of such dogs are short. But dogs like Scott are called standard. This, one can say, is the “lite version”, such dogs are light, mobile, active, they do not cause impressions of special power. They look more like pit bulls than bulldogs.

Now we turn to the description of American bulldogs in accordance with the approved FCI standard.

• The height of an adult dog is 55-70 cm in a male and 52-65 cm in a female. The weight of the male is from 30 to 54 kg, the bitches from 26 to 45.
• The head is large, the skull is round and wide. The dog has a high forehead.
• The face of the Johnson type dogs is more square, the stop is clearly visible. Scott dogs have a wedge-shaped muzzle, the feet are weakly expressed. Both breeds have folds, as well as a large black or brown nose. The lips are also black, tightly in contact with the teeth.
• The ears are small, set high, can both stand and hang. As a rule, they have the shape of a triangle, but the standard allows several other variations. It is impossible to stop the ears of such a dog.
• The eyes are small and round, located far from each other. Shades are diverse: from honey to dark brown.
• The teeth of the ambul are strong, and the jaws are wide, with the lower protruding forward. When the dog’s mouth is closed, teeth should not be visible.
• The dog’s neck is very strong, muscular. The developed scruff is clearly visible.
• The body is a little elongated, strong, neck girth equal to the head. The tail has a wide base and a narrow tip.
• The front legs are very strong, with tightly clenched fingers at the ends. The limbs are wide. The hind legs look narrower, but the distance between them is greater than between the front.
• The coat is tight to the body, short. As for color, the most common are tiger, white, black, white and red colors. The standard allows dogs with a marble and blue color, but they must have white spots.

Of course, the standard also developed defects that can cause difficulties if you decide to send the dog to the exhibition:

• tail in the form of a corkscrew adjacent to the back;
• gray spots on the nose or its completely gray shade;
• bulging eyes with heavy eyelids;
• general weakness, poorly developed muscles;
• narrow muzzle;
• green, yellow, or blue eyes;
• eyelids with no pigmentation;
• different eye color;
• long wool;
• scissor bite;
• inappropriate behavior: fear or, conversely, aggression;
• uneven teeth;
• lack of vision or hearing.

An American bulldog is a dog that can brighten up a lonely evening, and entertain the owner on a walk, and drive off the robbers from a private site. The dog will always protect its owner, no matter what the cost. However, there are some "pitfalls." If the dog at least once sees that his master is weak and can’t cope with the situation, in the dog’s opinion, is elementary, then he will quickly take a leadership position and it will not be easy to remove him.

Despite the rather scary look, the dogs are very friendly and sociable. They will be happy to stay with the owner, run around in the yard, greeting the neighbors. A well-bred dog will not be dangerous, it can be left with older children. But before that, children should still be told about the rules of behavior with a dog. For example, if a child constantly drags a dog by its ears or tail, poke a finger at it or raise its voice, the dog may become angry.

Ambul is an ideal option for protection. Its advantage is that the dog will not break into a hysterical pointless barking, seeing a passerby in the distance. This dog always takes a wait and see attitude, carefully watching the unwanted guest. If a person comes too close or begins to tease a dog, the bulldog growls revealingly, frightening. When such a trick turned out to be useless, the dog may pounce, but will not inflict severe injuries. As a rule, the sight of a huge dog and a couple of moments for which an unlucky thief finds himself on the ground is enough for everyone to have the good sense to leave as soon as possible.

The advantage, and at the same time the problem of the ambul, is his remarkable intellect. The owner should not underestimate the pet: even a three-month-old baby can easily guess how to turn the door handle, get his food out of a loose closet or make his way into a room with forbidden, but such interesting indoor plants. Sometimes the pranks of dogs can reach large proportions: not finding what to do with themselves, the dog may well begin to tear off the wallpaper, nibble the sofa, scratch the floor.

To prevent this, the dog must be physically loaded. You have long walks through parks and forests, active ball and stick games, leisurely jogging and cycling, in which the dog will catch you. There is a positive quality in this: the dog does not show impatience during the walk, therefore, it will not pull the leash, forcing the owner to endlessly shout commands to stop.

There is another very important behavioral point that must be considered before you buy a dog. An ambul is an animal that should be the only one in the house. Taking it as a friend for another dog or cat is a bad idea. The dog will not tolerate competition and will remember its glorious past, where its whole life consisted of sleep, food and bullfights. Particularly dangerous are poorly trained ambulances: if they don’t like something, they are quite capable of driving and killing their “roommate”.

An American bulldog is a dog that you take not for a week, but for at least 10 years, so you need to approach the choice of a puppy with all responsibility. Kids should be bought exclusively in nurseries - yes, it is more expensive, but you will be sure of the health and mental stability of the crumbs. Require pedigrees and certificates of vaccination is necessary, because from the pedigrees you can learn a lot about the condition of the parents of a small outpatient. As a rule, at the time of inspection, the puppies lie next to their mother. A mother should not grin, growl, or rush at people - this is a sign of mental imbalance.

You can not buy too small or too grown puppies, the optimal age of babies is 1.5-3 months. At this time, the bulldogs are already quite socialized and can be excommunicated. Inspect the individual you like. The puppy's coat should be smooth, shiny, without bald spots, there can be no scratches and wounds, suppurations on the body. The ears and eyes must also be clean, the nose wet. The behavior of the “dog child” plays an important role: if the puppy crashes into a corner and growls in the uterus from the outside, it is better not to buy it.

As for the price of small bulldogs, it will not be too high. An ordinary puppy costs about $ 120, and babies with a pedigree who are not planned to be bred and sent to exhibitions cost about 350. Litter from titled parents will cost the future owner $ 850.

Despite the fact that American bulldogs almost do not require special and thorough care from the owners, they without fail expect from them love and care. The dog needs to be taken in a family where there is a calm emotional background and nightly scandals are not expected. Once in a heated environment, the dog will begin to suffer, it will have neurosis, illness, lack of appetite, the animal can run wild and become aggressive.

It is best to buy a bulldog for a private home. In the courtyard, you can equip a spacious aviary, where the pet can sleep and relax, as well as shelter from the weather. Dense rags or mattresses must always be on the ground so that the dog does not lie on a bare surface. It should not be put on the chain of the ambulo - this dog is already quite calm and will not annoy the surrounding running leg or flood bark.

Those owners who live in the apartment should immediately show the dog his place. It is unacceptable to allow the dog to lie on sofas, armchairs, jump onto the table, window sills. From the first day the dog must clearly understand that this is his place, and here he can rest and sleep. Not far from the dog bed, you can place several toys with which the dog will take his leisure time in the absence of the owner.

Bring puppies of the ambul for a walk should be as often as possible. Thus, the dog will be able to go to the toilet, and also at least a little waste the accumulated energy. It is advisable for bulldog babies to lay a disposable diaper or rag in the house so that the puppy can relieve the need if it does not tolerate the street.

In addition to the conditions of detention of the dog, there are several more mandatory rules of care, which also must be observed.

• Pet hair should be combed once a week. To do this, you will need to buy a special brush at the pet store intended for smooth-haired dogs.Several times a year, the song fades, at this time combing should be done more often, otherwise the woolen “tumbleweed” will fly all over the room.
• Dogs need to be bathed once or twice a year, and use only special shampoos for animals. After bathing, the dog needs to be wiped with a towel and dried. More frequent bathing is not recommended, since even the highest quality shampoos wash away the protective layer from the wool. However, if the dog is all smeared with dirt, breaking the rule is allowed. Paws are wiped after each walk.
• The ears of the dog should be checked regularly for contamination. If you see dirt or sulfur inside the abalone, you need to clean it. To do this, use an ear stick soaked in hydrogen peroxide. Also in specialty stores special products for cleaning dog ears are sold.
• No less important is the examination of the eyes. Any nitrous should be removed immediately. You can rinse the eye ampule with a weakly cooled tea or a decoction of chamomile. But if the matter was not limited to simple nitrides and you noticed pus, redness or incomprehensible spots, you should immediately go to the veterinarian.
• The teeth of American bulldogs need regular brushing. To do this, you will need dog toothpaste and a brush, which are also available in any pet store.
• As for the claws, the dogs living in the city grind them naturally, running on a hard surface, such as asphalt. The ambulances that live in the yard with soft soil do not have such an opportunity. Therefore, they will have to cut their claws on their own, using a special claw cutter for large dogs. Sharp tips need additional grinding with a nail file.
• The muzzle of the American Bulldog has folds that should be looked after. All folds will need to be cleaned at least several times a week with a cotton swab dipped in an antiseptic, it is important and timely to remove saliva from the lips of the pet.

Bulldogs that are properly looked after live for many years - an average of 12-15. This period can be increased if the dog is provided with constant physical activity, good nutrition, vitamins and simple human care. Ambulas are almost not sick, they are strong and hardy. However, there are diseases that can still shorten your pet's lifespan.

Most often bulldogs suffer:

• eye diseases;
• joint problems, especially hip;
• allergies and rashes;
• cardiovascular ailments and heart disease;
• epilepsy;
• deafness.

There are two ways to feed an American bulldog: prepared food or natural food.

Ready-made feeds are ideal for owners who cannot afford to stand by the stove and make up a varied menu for the dog every day. In addition, such a feed is balanced and already has all the vitamins in it, which means that you will not need to purchase additional mineral complexes. The disadvantage of dry feed is their price, because a good composition can not be cheap. Experts recommend buying premium or super-premium feed for bulldogs.

Natural feeding is, of course, more diverse, but you will have to regularly compose a menu and supplement it with all the substances necessary for the dog. Consider what must be included in the pet's diet.

• Meat of low-fat varieties: beef, turkey, chicken. Meat should be a staple. From time to time it is replaced by offal, for example, kidneys or heart.
• In addition to meat, cereals must be present in the dog’s diet. The best choice would be oatmeal or barley porridge, sometimes you can give buckwheat to the dog.
• From vegetables, the dog is suitable for boiled potatoes, cabbage, cucumbers, carrots and beets, from fruits - apples. Any such product must be scalded with boiling water before serving.
• Eggs are also needed for dogs - they are given in boiled form 1-2 times a week. In addition, most dogs love omelettes.
• American Bulldogs and sour-milk products are very fond of. You should pamper your pet with cottage cheese, fermented baked milk, kefir, unsweetened yoghurts. You can’t give milk.

Ambul puppies are fed 6 times a day, while the portions should be small. After two months of age, the number of feedings is reduced to 4-5. Babies from 4 to 6 months are fed 4 times a day, and puppies in the age range from 6 to 18 months - 3. Adult dogs are transferred to a two-time type of food. At the same time, you need to remember that you can’t overfeed the dogs, you will have to constantly monitor the calorie content of the diet. Meat should be the main product, but only they are forbidden to feed.

It should also be borne in mind that there are products that are strictly prohibited for ambulances:

• fatty and fried food from your table - no matter how greedy your eyes look at a crispy chicken leg, you should not concede in this regard;
• smoked meats, pickled and salted products;
• onions and garlic, food with spices;
• any kind of pork meat;
• sausage, sausages and sausages;
• large and small tubular bones;
• sweets, cookies, other sweets;
• raw fish and eggs;
• minced meat;
• fresh white bread;
• legumes.

Train and educate the animal you need to start on the day when it appeared in your home. The owner must establish the rules and boundaries of what is permitted immediately, otherwise problems cannot be avoided. There are several specific rules that will help beginners on such a difficult path.

• The dog must not be allowed to bite. If the dog, unhappy with anything, even slightly bit the owner, the punishment should follow immediately. The dog is taken by the scruff and raised. Then, in a strict tone, you should report the guilty dog. It is forbidden to shout and beat the dog. When the dog is humble, he should be let go. If the animal has bitten you during hygiene procedures, continue them, and then, if successful, reward the puppy with a treat.
• Do not let the dog control you while walking. The enormous power of an adult dog pulling a leash, at best, will lead to the owner rushing after him, not taking the road, and at worst, to falls and injuries. Any attempt to pull the leash must be stopped by a team and a sharp jerk. Ambul must understand that it is he who is obliged to adapt to your rhythm, and not you - to his.
• A dog cannot put its paws or jump on people, including you. Of course, the sight of a happy crumb waiting for the owner to go home and jumping to a height that is impossible for his height will touch. But when the dog grows up, his jumps will no longer seem so enjoyable. At full height, the dog will be able to put its front paws on the shoulders of an adult man, and imagine what would happen if in its place there was a fragile girl or child.All jumps should be stopped by pulling the dog by the collar and reporting in a strict tone. A dog who has learned a lesson should be treated to a treat.
• Do not allow the dog to grab any objects from the floor or the ground. The animal must eat in a certain place, from its feeder. If the ambul is trying to eat a bone or something else on the street, pull the leash and say “no.” When the dog is at home, she may not react to the command. Take a light object and throw it in the impudent. For example, you can use a plastic bottle. In this case, the command should be repeated.
• Do not let the dog conflict with other animals. In general, the dog is not aggressive, but the lack of education can make itself felt. An ill-bred dog is quite capable of starting a pursuit and even biting its offender. This can not be allowed, so control the behavior of the pet. It is good if the dog will communicate with non-conflict relatives or individuals of the opposite sex. You should not provoke the dog: if the bulldog notices that you threw a stick to another dog, revenge will follow immediately.

As for training, experts advise entrusting it to professionals. The American bulldog is a wayward animal and not suitable for everyone; here you need a strong-willed person for whom this pet will not be the first. In addition, an improperly brought up dog of a similar size can cause a lot of trouble, because if he shows aggression to a person or another animal, he will never open his fangs.

If you still decide to train your pet yourself, then remember that there should not be any violence against a dog. You can not raise your voice, even if the dog freaks out, and she will do it with her disobedience and stubbornness. It is forbidden to beat or even slap a pet, otherwise the ambulance's trust will be lost for a long time. Classes with a dog should be regular and conducted every day. Begin with 5-10 minutes, increasing the training time weekly. Initially, the dog is taught simple commands, such as “sit,” “lie,” “fu,” “to me,” “place.”

It should be noted that the general training course should not be carried out indoors. The pet should be in the fresh air, socialize, learn to execute commands in different places. This will help the ambul to get rid of unnecessary aggression, and will develop communication skills with people and other pets. After the completion of the OKD, specialists can offer you guard-guard courses if this is consistent with the purposes for which you bought the dog.

The American Bulldog is a very popular dog today, and it causes certain feelings for each owner.

Among the advantages of the breed, the owners noted loyalty and affection for their master. The dog is ready to follow his beloved family member everywhere and everywhere, and can also protect an adult and a child in case of danger. The American bulldog is athletic and energetic; he will tirelessly cover long distances, chase a ball and a stick, run after a bicycle. A well-bred and obedient dog can be left with children, even entrusted to them to walk it. The dog will be happy to take part in any games.

Ambul is independent, he is able to make decisions and act on the situation. Many owners like this because they know they can rely on their companion and four-legged friend. In addition, the owners note the high intelligence of the dogs, which, however, should be developed with “smart” games and interactive toys.

Among the minuses, dog breeders noted difficulties in training. Dogs are stubborn, they often do not like something, sometimes they generally refuse to execute commands. It is important to properly educate the dog and socialize in time, and many do not have enough time for this. In addition, his dog stubbornness provokes the owner to breakdowns, which turns into even bigger problems. A beginner can not cope with such a breed.The owners also note that the dog constantly saliva, which is also not always convenient. Puppies of puppies are also unhappy that they will not be able to get a second dog or cat.

Summing up, we can say that the American bulldog is not a dog for everyone. Her devotion and calm deserve respect, and her protective qualities will allow her property to always be safe.

About the nature and content of the American Bulldog, see the next video.