American Bulldog: A Lovable Companion & Loyal Protector 

Powerful, burly, and sometimes silly, the American Bulldog is full of contradictions. Their large, muscular frame confirms generations of hunting feral hogs, guarding small farms, and protecting livestock in the deep American South. But their sweet, goofy demeanor tells a gentler story—one that paints the breed as a lovable companion and a fierce protector.

At Happy Paws, we’re dedicated to helping all dogs, from purebreds to certified mutts, live their happiest, healthiest lives. We’ve designed our dog supplements to target a range of trouble spots in your dog’s health—many of which include common issues for American Bulldogs. 

In this article, we’ll dive into the history of America’s working dog turned loyal pet, give you some information and tips on how to care for them, and help you decide which supplements are best for your pet American Bulldog. 

Quick Facts

Origin: United States

Size: Medium to large

Breed Group: Working

Lifespan: 10–12 years

Coat: Short hair—minimal grooming needed

Temperament: Loyal, protective, outgoing & stubborn

Exercise Needs: American Bulldogs require more exercise than other breeds. This can include longer walks (around 45 minutes) or off-leash playtime. Make sure to stay involved during playtime because active play strengthens your American Bulldog’s mind, as well as their bond with you. 

Training: While behavioral training is necessary for all dogs, American Bulldogs might require a little more because of their strong, muscular nature. Young, untrained American Bulldogs may resemble a bull in a china shop, barreling through your living room in a fit of rambunctious zoomies. Harness this energy through consistent exercise and training.

Dog Health: American Bulldogs, like other medium-to-large-sized dogs, can suffer from joint dysplasia, allergies, and cognitive decline. Below, we’ll discuss effective supplements for these common American Bulldog concerns. 

Happy Paws for American Bulldogs

Enrich your bulldog’s health with high-quality, tasty supplements like these!

In-Depth Look at Popular Supplements for American Bulldogs

If you are a member of the American Bulldog Owners Club, we want to welcome you with open arms! These lovable giants are tough not to spoil; it’s impossible not to give in to their begging pouts. So, if you want to spoil your American Bulldog, do so with healthy treats that actually taste like treats. 

These high-quality, tail-waggin’ dog supplements use an array of all-natural, organic ingredients to enrich your American Bulldog’s health, while satisfying their taste buds. Here are a few supplements to help you care for your American bully.

Cognitive Dog Chews: Balance your dog’s mood, stress, and mental health with our Cognitive Dog Chews. These vegan, chicken-flavored treats use powerful blends of vitamins and antioxidants to care for your dog’s brain and neural health. 

10-in-1 Multivitamin Dog Chews: Our 10-in-1 Multivitamin Dog Chews use multiple essential nutrients to fortify your dog’s daily health and give them a well-rounded supplement. One vegan, lamb-flavored treat introduces ten key nutrients to keep your American Bulldog healthy, happy, and active. 

Immunity Booster Dog Chews: Allergies are common for American Bulldogs, and our Immunity Booster Dog Chews are here to help! These pumpkin-flavored soft chews use a range of adaptogenic mushrooms, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to enrich your dog’s immune system and build back stronger immunity.

Hip & Joint Dog Chews: Soothe the symptoms of joint dysplasia with our Hip & Joint Dog Chews! Packed with a blend of joint-friendly ingredients, this supplement helps reduce inflammation and support joint health, thanks to compounds like glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid.

Common American Bulldog Health Concerns

Like other medium-to-large dogs, American Bulldogs are often prone to common health issues like these:

Elbow & Hip Dysplasia: According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), American Bulldogs are susceptible to various forms of joint dysplasia. Most common in larger dogs, joint dysplasia is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. This ailment occurs when the bone in a joint is misshapen, leading to an awkward fit in your dog’s hips and elbows. In their early years, your dog won’t notice this problem. But as they age, the misaligned joint can lead to pain, osteoarthritis, limping, and trouble standing up.

Cognitive Decline: Even with steady exercise and a healthy diet, your pet American Bulldog can experience potential cognitive decline. This can result in low mood, minimal energy, and prolonged lethargy. 

Allergies: American Bulldogs can have an overactive immune system, leading to a number of common allergies. Plus, with their short coat, these allergies can snowball into several types of dermal dilemmas. Signs that your dog has allergies include frequent skin infections, fur loss, constant licking, itching, scratching, or red, inflamed skin.

About The American Bulldog Breed

A descendant of the English Bulldog breed, the American Bulldog has a much more rugged history than its British counterpart. Early in our nation’s history, settlers employed the American Bulldog to patrol farmlands, join hunts, and act as the family guardian. Nowadays, the American Bulldog has taken a more domesticated role, plopping next to you on the couch for cuddles or fetching the frisbee—and yet, that fierce loyalty and intelligence remain. 

An American Bulldog is recognized by a few key breed characteristics. First, their medium-to-large build shows off a very muscular physique; their short coat leaves behind minimal shedding, and their large, broad heads typically don a friendly, ear-to-ear smile. You can recognize this breed by their moderate-to-high energy levels coupled with their unwavering determination and friendly demeanor. 

American Bulldog Temperament

After generations of being working dogs, American Bulldogs have evolved into a confident breed—one that loves being the center of attention. Their moderate-to-high energy translates into rambunctious playtime, while their goofy behavior can be downright lovable, and their unassuming intelligence and quick wit require involved, mentally stimulating exercise. 

Now, this exercise doesn’t have to be professional-level dog sports, but long walks, tug-of-war, and fetch are great places to start. If you don’t let your pet American Bulldog run out their energy, they may release it in several other ways, like chewing on your favorite shoes or chasing the cat around the house. 

When the situation arises, the American Bulldog’s goofy demeanor quickly shifts into fiercely loyal and protective. Nothing gets between this breed and their trusted owner. This breed doesn’t tend to bark. But, when something isn’t right, the American Bulldog will bark to alert you. This kind but watchful temperament makes the American Bulldog a gentle giant and a popular family companion. 

How to Care for an American Bulldog

Taking care of an American Bulldog is a lot like caring for a toddler—if that toddler was almost a hundred pounds and built of purebred muscle. Here are a few tips for helping to keep your pet American Bulldog happy, healthy, and lively, from their puppy years and well into their golden years.

Skin & Coat Maintenance 

A short coat is a standout characteristic for all American Bulldogs. While this short coat demands minimal grooming, the American Bulldog can have pretty sensitive skin. Ichthyosis is a genetic mutation that causes flaky, itchy skin, preventing the outer dermal layer from properly developing and healing. This may require frequent baths and careful attention to your dog’s skin health. Certain supplements introduce a wide range of botanicals, vitamins, and minerals to enrich your pet’s system with the necessary nutrients for healthy skin.

Daily Exercise

The American Bulldog is deceptively intelligent, showing their emotions with expressive eyebrows and curious side-eyes. And, they are a ball of energy. Mix this intelligence with a rambunctious spirit, all crammed inside a nearly one-hundred-pound dog, and you have a couple of long, rewarding walks in your future. American Bulldogs make great companions on trails, runs, and trips to the park. They can play fetch for hours (and hours) and are always ready for a bout of tug-of-war. 

Enjoy the Downtime

After the puppy stage, American Bulldogs’ energy wanes—just a tad. This lowered baseline means you’ll likely find your American Bulldog lounging on the couch or relaxing at family gatherings. As American Bulldogs get older, this energy level morphs them into a friendly, gentle giant.

Happy Paws: High-Quality Dog Supplements for American Bulldogs

Keeping your American Bulldog happy, healthy, and active shouldn’t feel like a full-time job. At Happy Paws, we’ve designed our dog treats with the best ingredients and flavors possible (our dogs definitely approve!). We’ve made sure these treats are certified organic, non-GMO, and third-party tested for purity, letting you spoil your American Bulldog easily with healthy, tasty treats. 

FAQ

Is the American Bulldog a pitbull?

Technically, yes, American Bulldogs are pit bulls, but not all pit bulls are American Bulldogs. The term “pit bull” tends to include all bulldog breeds, including the American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and a large swathe of other dog breeds. 

Is an American Bulldog a good family dog?

With the right training and resources, the American Bulldog can make an excellent family dog. They have an easy temperament around children and infants. They’re patient, kind, and attentive. Plus, their rambunctious nature can make playtime fun for all. Although, it’s important to note: some American Bulldogs tend to jump on people out of excitement. If this happens to a small child or an elderly person, the American Bulldog can knock them down, which may cause injury. So, having a well-trained bulldog is best if you intend to have them around children or the elderly. 

What breeds make an American Bulldog?

The American Bulldog is a descendant of the English Bulldog, bred as a working dog in early 17th century America. 

Are American Bulldogs cuddly?

American Bulldogs are super affectionate and outgoing—the perfect recipe for cuddles. As puppies, American Bulldogs may be lovable lap dogs that quickly outgrow their spot in your lap. But that doesn’t mean your pet American Bulldog will give up without a fight. This breed is pretty stubborn, so when they want cuddles, they’ll get cuddles. 

How do you give an American Bulldog health supplements?

You can give your dog a Happy Paws health supplement in several ways. First, we’ve designed these supplements as treats, so you can give them to your pupper as a reward for good behavior. Or, you can add it to your dog’s kibble; they make a pretty tasty topper, too.