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. . . . TO OWN AN AMERICAN BULLDOG
So, you have thought about it and you have decided that you want to get an American Bulldog (“AB”). You have done your research and you know what you are looking for in your dog. You know whether you are looking for a dog that you can show, breed, work, or that you just want for a pet only. You have investigated different lines and spoken to several breeders about their dogs, their breeding standards, and of course, the price. And now you are ready to purchase.
BUT BEFORE YOU DO, PLEASE CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:
Owning an AB, or any dog for that matter, is a relationship and responsibility that will last several years. Make sure you are willing to and prepared to provide enough time, energy and space for your dog. That is not to say that you cannot house an AB in an apartment (which would not be ideal), but you best be ready to go for long walks or runs, as your AB will need lots of exercise to be in optimum health and condition.
Dogs are pack animals. The dog views your family as his pack. When his pack is missing for many hours during the day, he may get frustrated, lonely or bored, and he may do “bad things” to keep himself entertained, like chewing up your leather couch or “feathering” your bedroom with pillow stuffing. You will need to commit your time to your dog for training and companionship. You can crate your dog. In fact, most dogs enjoy having a crate and crate training is awesome for housebreaking. But, you have to remember that you cannot simply crate your dog and forget about him for 12-14 hours. If your schedule cannot accommodate the needs of your dog, then do not get one.
Your AB will want to play with you. A lot. Be prepared to throw a ball or play tug with your dog daily.
Your AB may not like other dogs or animals. Some ABs get along fine with cats, other dogs, ferrets, and even hamsters. But, NOT ALL DO. Don’t expect that you will be able to take your AB to the dog park to play with the other dogs. And if you have more than one dog, you will need to be vigilant and cautious that you don’t put them in situations where they might end up in an altercation. And you should also be prepared for the possibility that they might have to be separated if they decide they are no longer compatible.
Are ABs good with children? Some are. Some are not. As with ANY dog, adult supervision is always important. ABs are big, strong dogs. They are generally quite tough and tolerant. They are also protective of their “pack,” including children. A good breeder will not steer you toward a dog that shows signs of being aggressive, nervy, or fearful. A good deal of a dog’s temperament is genetic. Make sure the parents of your puppy have temperament traits that you like or are willing to live with.
ABs tend to be happy most of the time. That means their tail is often wagging. The AB tail can be like a whip, and if you are a small child whose face is about tail height it can be quite uncomfortable. Or your glass on the coffee table can become airborne as though it was just pitched to Sammy Sosa. ABs are known to be great with kids, but as with any large dog, they can easily overwhelm a small child just because of their bulk and energetic nature. If you have small children, or plan on having them, you will need to make sure you are going to invest the time to train your AB to act quietly around a child. You will also need to teach your child how to treat a dog with respect.
ABs eat just about anything. They are not picky. The will eat your laundry, your plants, your shoes, tree limbs, and yes, even their own poo (ick!). It will be your responsibility to train your dog to not destroy or eat things he shouldn’t, or to keep them out of his reach. Some things they eat will not harm them, but others can be deadly or require expensive veterinary care or surgery to remove the foreign object from their gut. What comes within their reach is your responsibility.
If, after reading the above, you are undaunted and you still think an AB is right for you, then you are ready. Eagle’s Wing AB will be happy to consult with you concerning available pups or adult dogs, and assist you with matching the right animal to meet your objective.
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