American Bulldog

The American Bulldog makes a wonderful family pet, but this breed also requires significant exercise and training to be a healthy, well-behaved companion. In the grooming department, these short-haired dogs don't require much beyond basic grooming.

Exercise

American Bulldogs do best with at least an hour of exercise per day, which owners can provide through daily walks or yard play. In addition to helping your dog maintain a healthy weight, exercise is a great way to keep this breed mentally stimulated.

Without enough exercise, American Bulldogs tend to find their own entertainment - which can lead to destructive behaviors such as chewing on furniture or getting into off-limits items around the house. This breed is best suited for active families who enjoy plenty of playtime with their dogs. Your American Bulldog will be happy to join you for walks, runs, hikes, and games like fetch or tug-of-war.

Grooming

The American Bulldog's short, fine coat requires minimal grooming, but this breed sheds throughout the year. These dogs usually enjoy being groomed, and weekly brushing will go a long way toward helping owners manage the shedding.

Although their coat is relatively low-maintenance, American Bulldogs are known to have problems with excessive drooling. Their slobber is natural; just be sure to keep all folds free of excess moisture to prevent bacterial buildup or infection. Like other dogs, American Bulldogs need regular bathing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning. Their nails should be trimmed every few weeks to prevent overgrowth and pain, while their ears should be cleaned as needed to prevent infections.

Training

Early socialization and puppy training classes are essential to channeling the American Bulldog's energy. Rules and routines should be established early and followed as the dog grows. They require a firm but loving hand to establish and maintain proper boundaries. The more exposure they have to good training practices, other dogs, and people, the more likely they will be successful in managing both inside and outside their environment.

Health

The American Bulldog is considered a healthy breed. Owners should follow a schedule of examinations and vaccinations as recommended by their veterinarian. Hip and joint problems are a concern for this breed; hip and elbow evaluations should also be performed. Like other breeds, the American Bulldog has the potential to develop genetic health problems. Breeders should screen all potential breeding pairs for genetic diseases.

Diet and Nutrition

American bulldogs do best on high-quality dog food with meat protein listed as the first ingredient. Avoid overfeeding to prevent unnecessary weight gain, which can cause joint issues. Your veterinarian may also recommend omega-3 fatty acids for joint health.

Along with maintaining the proper nutrients, it's important to be aware of any food allergies your dog may have if they struggle with red, itchy skin. Talk to your veterinarian to determine a suitable diet and portion sizes for your dog based on their age, weight, activity level, and specific medical needs. Allergy tests provide the most definitive results, but owners can also slowly switch between different protein options to find the best results.