Pet Wiki

American Bulldog

Also called Old Southern White Bulldog, Southern White, Country Bulldog, Hill Bulldog

Affectionate and devoted at home, with a fearless streak that made it a valued farm guardian.

SizeLarge
Weight27 to 52 kg (60 to 115 lb)males 34 to 52 kg, females 27 to 41 kg123
Height50 to 69 cm (20 to 27 in)males 50 to 69 cm, females 51 to 64 cm31
Lifespan10 to 12 years2
CoatShort, close coat
OriginUnited States, from working bulldogs kept on farms and ranches in the American South.31
Recognised breedShort profile
gentle and loving with its family
brave, confident guardian
athletic and hard-working
32

Personality what they are like

Affectionate and devoted at home, with a fearless streak that made it a valued farm guardian. Young dogs can be reserved with strangers, and many owners describe a sweet, slightly goofy side. It responds best to kind, reward-based training.32

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, close coat

A powerful, athletic bulldog with a short coat no longer than about an inch, which can feel soft or fairly stiff.31

Colourswhitewhite with red patcheswhite with brown patcheswhite with brindle patcheswhite with fawn patches13

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an American Bulldog. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkevery 2 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Needs daily exercise such as long leash walks, space to run and games that give its mind something to do.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Regular brushing keeps the short coat glossy, with baths only as needed. Wipe any facial skin folds, and keep ears, paws and teeth checked as part of routine care.2

Company who they like around

A people-oriented dog that does best with company and early socialisation with people and other animals.23

The story where it all began

Bulldogs brought from England to North America were kept by small farmers in the South as catch dogs, stock dogs and guardians. After nearly disappearing by the end of the Second World War, the type was revived by breeders John D. Johnson and Alan Scott, whose lines gave rise to the bulkier 'Johnson' and more athletic 'Scott' styles.31

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Chance, the lively dog in the Homeward Bound films, was played by an American Bulldog.1

  2. 2

    The Zynga games logo shows the silhouette of an American Bulldog, named after the founder's dog.1

  3. 3

    The breed's two main styles are named after the men who revived it, Johnson and Scott.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name 'American Bulldog' reflects its origin in the United States and its descent from the English Bulldog, brought to the American colonies where it was developed as a working farm dog.1

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

BubbaDixieMaeCashSageRhettScarlettPeachHuckJunoBeauTater

A day in the life told by an American Bulldog

I sprawl on the porch, watching the yard. My human brings coffee and scratches my ears. I do a slow patrol, then flop back down. A squirrel taunts me; I grumble but stay put. For lunch, I get a treat. Later, I chase a ball until I'm tired. At dusk, I lean on my human's leg, content. Life is good.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

UKC
Recognised 1 January 1999; Guardian Dog Group.3
AKC
Accepted into the Foundation Stock Service in November 2019.1

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my American Bulldog, and at what times?

Feed adult American Bulldogs at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Free feeding is not recommended for puppies. Follow the food label for amounts and check with your vet for a schedule that suits your dog.5

What should an American Bulldog eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and size. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, and alcohol. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a complete list.6

How often should I bathe an American Bulldog?

Bathe your American Bulldog only as needed, typically every 8 weeks or so, as part of Pet Wiki's starting plan. More frequent baths may be needed if they get very dirty or have skin issues, but always use a dog-safe shampoo.27 Pet Wiki plan

How often does an American Bulldog need brushing?

Brush your American Bulldog's short coat weekly to keep it glossy and reduce shedding. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests brushing every 7 days. This also helps distribute natural oils and keeps the coat healthy.27 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim an American Bulldog's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part). If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer to show you how.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does an American Bulldog need?

This breed needs daily exercise like long leash walks, space to run, and games that challenge their mind. Pet Wiki's starting plan recommends daily walks and play. A tired dog is a happy dog.2 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after an American Bulldog's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste (never human toothpaste). Check ears every two weeks and clean gently with a vet-recommended solution, never pushing anything into the ear canal. Daily brushing is ideal.27 Pet Wiki plan

How long does an American Bulldog live?

American Bulldogs typically live 10 to 12 years. With good care, regular vet checkups, and a healthy lifestyle, they can enjoy a full lifespan.2

Is an American Bulldog good with children and other pets?

Yes, they are affectionate and devoted at home, and can be good with children and other pets when properly socialized from a young age. Early socialization with people and animals is key.32

Can an American Bulldog be left alone?

This people-oriented dog does best with company and may struggle if left alone for long periods. They need early socialisation and thrive with regular human interaction. If left alone, provide toys and a safe space, but it's best to avoid extended absences.23

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Wikipedia: American Bulldog en.wikipedia.orgused for history, AKC FSS, weight, height, colours, fun facts
  2. Purina: American Bulldog purina.comused for lifespan, weight, grooming, exercise, temperament
  3. UKC Breed Standard: American Bulldog ukcdogs.comused for recognition, history, height, coat, colours, temperament
  4. petmd.com petmd.com
  5. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.