The American Bulldog is one of several breeds of Bulldog popular today. Not to be confused with the French Bulldog or English Bulldog, the American Bulldog is a close cousin and shares a similar appearance with the American Pit Bull Terrier, or Pit Bull. The history of the Bulldog begins in England. Bulldogs descended from the Old English Bulldog - a breed now extinct. French and English Bulldogs were bred with Pugs down to a smaller, compact size. The American Bulldog retains the closest resemblance to the original Old English Bulldog.
Bulldogs were brought to America by immigrants and used as working dogs on farms and ranches. The original form of the breed almost became extinct after World War II. A war veteran and breeder, John D. Johnson, scoured the American South for remaining Bulldogs and begin breeding the American version known today. American Bulldogs are much larger than European forms and are still used for cattle droving. They are also used as K-9 dogs and as family pets. The breed has gained popularity due to the banning of the American Pit Bull in many countries. Former owners of banned Pit Bulls view American Bulldog puppies as attractive replacements.
American Bulldog puppies should only be purchased from legitimate, certified American Bulldog breeders. A great deal of research should go into choosing a breeder. Because of the use of these dogs as fighters and aggressors in the past, no American Bulldog should be bought if it has an undocumented bloodline. American Bulldog puppies are viewed by many as replacements for American Pit Bull puppies, because the breed is now banned in many countries.
Buyers must realize that there are many illegitimate breeders trying to cash in on the breed's rising popularity. Questionable methods are used by many breeders to sell uncertified dogs that may have health or behavioral issues. Buyers should ask for references from breeders and should have thorough knowledge of the American Bulldog breed so that they know what to look for in puppies and what questions to ask the breeder. Puppies should never be purchased from pet stores, as good breeders would not allow this breed to be sold to inexperienced buyers.
Along with asking for references and tips on care and grooming, buyers of American Bulldog puppies should ask breeders what Bulldog puppy supplies are needed prior to bringing puppies home. It is important that dog owners have their homes set up for new additions so that puppies can feel comfortable and secure in their new environment. Good breeders may even provide a list of puppy supplies and may recommend brands of food, certain grooming products, training manuals and special chew toys to help discipline and occupy bulldog puppies.
Good American Bulldog breeders will ask buyers questions about their knowledge of the breed to make sure puppies are going to a home that meets their needs. They will provide documentation of puppies' medical records and make sure buyers have a veterinarian to provide follow up medical care. They will also help buyers set up a schedule for puppies and answer questions about general care, discipline and grooming.
Buyers should research the breed and breeders thoroughly before purchasing purebred American Bulldog puppies. This article focuses on American Bulldog puppies and lists all the Bulldog puppy supplies buyers need to raise happy, healthy purebred puppies.