American Bulldogs

Author
Discussion

maxxy5

Original Poster:

771 posts

171 months

Saturday 13th November 2010
quotequote all
Does anybody have any experience with American Bulldogs? I'm interested. Obviously they require special attention in training but I don't want something like an Akita which you're not even supposed to let off the lead. I would like to let the dog free in certain areas. Feel free to disagree with Akita thing, just what I've heard. I have experience with 'wilful' (read: grab your arm and won't let go) large terriers so don't mind a bit of attitude.

bexVN

14,682 posts

218 months

Sunday 14th November 2010
quotequote all
I have met very friendly and very dodgy of the breed. Unfortunately becoming a chav fave.

I have found that in they start of as ultra friendly pups but as they reach maturity without correct guidance and good training become unpredictable.

Shame as I really like the good ones.

Edited by bexVN on Sunday 14th November 00:38

Mrs Grumpy

863 posts

196 months

Sunday 14th November 2010
quotequote all
There are a lot about in rescue. As Bex says, becoming a chav favourite much like the staffie, which is very sad. Hence they are now being overbred and end up in rescue frown

I haven't met many, but the ones I have met have been very nice smile

Myc

306 posts

168 months

Monday 15th November 2010
quotequote all
Hi Max,

Cant add anything specifically to the American Bulldog angle, but as the owner of a large dog just be aware of the issues the dogs size itself raises.

Transport - A large boot that the dog can get into easily.
Friends - Even your friends that love dogs will be nervous around it at first but the ones that are nervous of dogs will be terrified.
Walking - Will your partner be phsically strong enough to walk the dog. Will the people you want to look after it when your on holiday be able to accomodate it, walk it and not be intimidated by its size.
Internal Space - Big dogs make rooms feel very small very easily. Even its bed will need a 4ft x 3ft space somewhere.
External Space - It will need long walks off the lead. You will need the time to do this twice a day and fields or woods nearby to take it.
Perception - Be prepared for people to look at you in disdain for owning "one of them pitbulls". Other dog owners to accuse your dog of being dangerous even though its done nothing and expecting your dog to let their little terrier bite it without retaliation.

I'm sure you've considered many of these things already but thought there'd be no harm in giving a heads up about my experiences.

If you are considering a rescue then www.dogpages.org.uk is a pretty good place to start.