American Bulldog Breed Standard Overview of Size and Build

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Posted Oct 31, 2024

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Adorable American Bulldog sleeping with toy on bed
Credit: pexels.com, Adorable American Bulldog sleeping with toy on bed

The American Bulldog is a sturdy breed with a muscular build. Males typically weigh between 70-120 pounds, while females weigh between 50-90 pounds.

Their height ranges from 17-20 inches at the shoulder, with a broad chest and well-sprung ribs.

A well-proportioned American Bulldog has a deep chest, well-sprung ribs, and a broad, deep chest.

Their heads are broad and flat, with a distinctive stop and a short, broad muzzle.

Physical Characteristics

The American Bulldog is a powerful and athletic dog, strongly muscled and well boned. Its body is slightly longer than tall, with a large and broad head and a wide muzzle.

The breed comes in a variety of colors, including solid colors, white with colored patches, and brindle. Males are typically larger and more muscular than females, and honorable scars resulting from field work are not penalized.

The American Bulldog has a short and smooth coat, requiring little maintenance except for an occasional bath. The breed is a light-to-moderate shedder, and eye color is usually brown, but heterochromia also occurs.

Appearance

Credit: youtube.com, PHYSICAL APPEARANCE

The American Bulldog's appearance is a testament to its working heritage, with a sturdy build and athletic physique. Its short coat requires minimal maintenance, aside from an occasional bath every few weeks.

The breed's weight ranges from 27 to 54 kilograms, with some individuals exceeding these dimensions. Males are typically larger and more muscular than females.

The American Bulldog's head is large and broad, giving the impression of great power. The muzzle is broad and thick, with a slight taper from the stop to the nose.

The breed's neck is muscular and nearly as broad as the head, with a slight arch at the crest. A slight dewlap is acceptable.

The American Bulldog's tail can be either natural or docked, but a natural tail is preferred. The natural tail is thick at the base, set low, and tapers to a point.

Hindquarters

The hindquarters of a dog are well muscled and broad. This is a key characteristic to look for in a healthy dog.

The width and angulation of the hindquarters is in balance with the width and angulation of the forequarters. This balance is crucial for the dog's overall movement and stability.

Physical Measurements

Credit: youtube.com, American Bulldog Breed Profile

Mature American Bulldogs typically range in height from 20 to 27 inches.

Males are generally larger with heavier bone and more muscle than females.

Weight should be in proportion to height, with no dogs being over or under weight.

Hind Legs

The hind legs are a crucial part of a dog's physical structure, and there are certain characteristics that breeders and owners should look out for.

Thighs that are well developed with thick, easily discerned muscles are a good sign.

The lower thighs are typically muscular and short, which helps with overall balance and movement.

From the side, the rear pasterns should be well let down and perpendicular to the ground.

Straight and parallel rear pasterns viewed from the rear are also a desirable trait.

Narrow or weak hindquarters are considered serious faults, which can affect a dog's ability to move and perform.

Cowhocks and open hocks are also faults that can be seen in a dog's hind legs.

Height and Weight

Credit: youtube.com, Measuring Height & Weight

The American Bulldog's height and weight are quite variable, but they should always be in proportion to each other.

Males are typically larger than females, with heavier bone and more muscle.

A mature male American Bulldog can range in height from 22 to 27 inches.

Weight should be in proportion to height, so a well-conditioned male should weigh accordingly.

In contrast, a mature female American Bulldog typically ranges in height from 20 to 25 inches.

Both males and females should have a well-balanced overall appearance, neither over nor under weight.

Broaden your view: Male English Bulldog

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between standard and classic American Bulldogs?

American Bulldogs come in two main types: Standard and Classic. The main difference between them is their gait and athletic ability, with Standard types being more athletic and Classic types having a more relaxed, rolling gait.

Do American Bulldogs have a scissor bite?

American Bulldogs can have a scissor bite, as well as a reverse scissors bite or a moderate underbite, with an even bite also being acceptable. A scissor bite is one of the preferred bite types in the standard American Bulldog breed.

Sources

  1. American Bulldog - Breed Standards (ukcdogs.com)
  2. AMERICAN BULLDOG Breed Standards (cpryourdog.com)
  3. Bulldog Dog Breed Information (akc.org)
  4. The Bulldog Breed Standard (bulldogclubofamerica.org)
  5. The Bully Breeds (google.com)
  6. Bulldogs (google.com)
  7. American Bulldog Association (ababulldogs.com)

Mary Steuber

Assigning Editor

Mary Steuber is a seasoned assigning editor with a passion for crafting compelling stories that engage and inform readers. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of what resonates with audiences, she has successfully managed a diverse range of article topics, from in-depth breed profiles like "Cockapoo Breed Information" to more lighthearted and entertaining features. Mary's expertise lies in assigning talented writers to tackle complex and nuanced subjects, ensuring that every piece meets the highest standards of quality and accuracy.