One of the reasons the
American Bulldog is worth more than a common breed
has to do with their rarity and history, but also
because they are one of the most versatile breeds
in existence today. There are also significant
risks involved in obtaining a good specimen from
the US and much time and money is needed to bring a
dog into Australia.
The Major lines of American
Bulldogs
The major lines of American Bulldog can most easily
divided into two main groups, Johnson type, and
Scott (Standard) type:
Johnson - The patriarch of the Johnson strain is
John. D Johnson of Georgia whose family has been
breeding these dogs continuously for over 70 years.
Every single specimen of the strain can trace its
roots back to or through John Johnson's yard. The
characteristics of this strain are large size,
under-shot jaw, broad chests, and very thick limbs
with big paws. They often display straighter
stifles than the Scott type, have flap ears and a
very broad skull, and muzzle. The dogs from this
line weigh between 80-120lbs; 60-90lbs for females.
They seem to be growing all the time as breeder's
breed large specimens to one another. These are the
general characteristics, but specimens within the
strain still vary in conformation and temperament.
The Johnson dog is a defensive animal and an
excellent protector. They get along with almost any
other animal if introduced properly.
Scott (Painter/Baily/Tate/Williamson/Masher) -
These lines are synonymous with working dogs. Allan
Scott was a man who was very selective in his
breeding program. He only kept and bred extremely
hard and smart animals. He used the dangerous and
demanding sport of wild boar hunting as the primary
test of his stock. I feel that it is fair to say
that Baily, Tate and Williamson lines were
developed or refined through the same basic process
at a later date using primarily Scott lines as
foundation stock. These dogs are all extremely
sound physically and mentally as a result of
culling and selective breeding. While we are not
advocates of the hog killing or any other inhumane
activities, hog catching has been a hallmark of
good working dogs for hundred of years. This
ability is an assurance that the good working
qualities of this line remain intact. This line is
typified by a slightly more narrow and longer
muzzle and a more athletic build that the Johnson
type. Joe Painter tried to produce a smaller
"fighting" strain from the Scott line and succeeded
to some degree, however, since this is not the
original purpose of the breed - for general and
physical soundness and for versatility, this
quality has been bred out.
The American Bulldog is a descendant from a very
ancient breed and has its origins back in England.
The original Bulldog has a colorful history and
stories of its courage and ability abound in many
books written about this breed. When English
settlers came to America in the 1600's and 1700's,
many settled in the South Eastern side of America
bringing with them, among other things, their
Bulldogs. It may be of interest to not that some of
the earliest names used to describe what is known
as the American Bulldog, included name such as
"Southern Great Whites" and "Georgia Giants", as
well as Bulldog.
Around the time that English settlers were coming
to America with their Bulldogs (and Terriers) the
effect of the bans on "blood" sports was taking its
toll on the indigenous Bulldog population in the
UK, and the breed was nearly extinct. A few
individuals managed to have some original specimens
but it is reported that these specimens were later
bred to pugs to produce the short muzzle and
brachycephalic appearance that now existing what is
known as the British Bulldog. On the other hand,
pioneers in America needed a dog that could protect
the family from wolves and other wild animals, as
well as guarding against hostile Indians and other
less law abiding citizens. According to one writer,
the American Bulldog was used to catch and hold
unruly cattle so that they could be branded.
The original English Bulldogs that arrived in
America varied in size; evidence of this can be
seen from a chart of comparative weights of
Bulldogs, dating to 1873. In this chart can be seen
dogs ranging in weight from around 40lbs to 50lbs
and up to 90lbs. Historically, it is also important
to note that the very same areas of America that
were settled by the early pioneers, were also the
areas that were also invaded by Spain in the
1500's. This is significant because the Spanish
Mastiff or Spanish War Dogs were also brought to
America at this time and remained in the region. It
is not unreasonable to assume that the Bulldog at
some time may have mated with these Spanish
Mastiffs. This could account for the existence of
some American Bulldogs weighing over 130lbs. The
White English Terrier of around the same period was
also imported into America and may be included in
the equation.
Whatever the heritage one thing is certain, the
Bulldog of old was named because of its
capabilities, not because of it's looks or size. If
the present day American Bulldog is called upon to
do the same tasks as its forefathers, he is capable
- therefore earning the title of Bulldog.
Bulldogs are gaining in popularity by leaps and
bounds. They are currently one of the most popular
dogs in the US and are gaining worldwide
recognition. They have excelled in the sport of
Schutzhund and Ring Sport. Many of the current
international weight pulling gold medallists are
Bulldogs. They are easily trained for obedience,
protection, tracking, and agility. Mike Tyson,
Sylvester Stallone, Michael J.Fox and many other
celebrities currently own Bulldogs. Recently two
Bulldogs were sold to world heavyweight boxing
champion George Foreman and NY Yankees pitcher,
Greg Reese. Most of all, they are simply the best
family PETS you could ever own. There is a saying
that goes around, and we think you'll agree:
"Once You Own A Bulldog. You'll Never Own Anything
Else".
The
Bulldog Temperament
The
American Bulldog is a great family dog, very loving
and affectionate, but also according to the author
of K9 Bodyguards - Mike Harlow, (20 years
experience in protection training) a very capable
dog. A fun-loving, playful dog, who adores
attention and loves children. Yet it is this
loyalty which enables Bulldogs to fight to death
(if need be) to protect. These dogs are sensitive
to their owner's wants, and voice tone variations
are usually enough to achieve any desired results.
These dogs will not randomly attack people or even
threatening dogs, but rather have a keen ability to
defend themself and their loved ones.