American Bulldog

Sirrel Squirrel

Sirrel Squirrel

Sirrel Squirrel

Soldato
Joined
5 Aug 2003
Posts
8,535
Location
Essex
We are on the search for a large breed of dog and really like the idea of an American Bulldog. Everything I've read has been positive in that they have a good temperment and are good with other animals in their 'pack' (we have 2x dogs and 2x cats) but can be quite lively. We live on a big bit of land though so he would get plenty of exercise especially with the other 2 dogs to run around with. Everything I've read suggests that they are good with children too (mine are 6 and 3) but having spoken to a couple of people, they've mentioned that the dogs can turn, which contradicts everything I've found online so I wonder if there is a bit of stigma attached to the breed or people are thinking of a different breed, like a Bull Mastiff or Pitbull.

Does anyone have any experience or thoughts?
 
Suggest you do a bit more reading. There's a number of accounts of them attacking people. Recently in Durham a breeder lost his arm after three of his turned on him at once.
Believe it was national news.
 
I wouldn't get a dog like that if you've got kids... sure there are plenty of staffie or similar owners who will adamantly state their dog is fantastic with kids and won't hurt a fly but the reality is that if a pit bull type dog does decide to flip out then the consequences are far more devastating than a lot of other breeds.
 
You have 2 dogs already and you want more dogs being a American Bulldog?!?! Plus you have 2 children. Personality I would not bother.
 
malachi said:
You have 2 dogs already and you want more dogs being a American Bulldog?!?! Plus you have 2 children. Personality I would not bother.
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Just one more, with the house I have now and not trying to sound snobby, I need a dog with a bit more of a presence than my current dogs mainly to act as a deterrent but obviously be a good family dog too.
 
Get a Great Pyrenees our was great with my young daughter and they are a great companion. They are also a flock/herd protection dog so it would watch after your kids and other dogs.

 
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if you love the bull breeds get an English bulldog,

bloody lovely dogs nowhere near as large as an American bulldog but they are just big loving slobbery things ;)

don't be put off by stories you read or hear, theres no such thing as a bad breed. its all down to upbringing and training you impart on the dog.
 
Personally i'd go with:

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<3
 
Is that a GSD or Belgian Malinoisas? Hard to tell!

I wouldn't get another GSD, lovely dogs but I wouldn't want to risk it having issues with its legs later in life. Mine was fine but his brother had terrible problems as well as others I've seen.
 
Don't listen to the typical fearmongers. The old adage goes for any breed, socialise it as a pup with your kids, friends/family, strangers, other dogs. Etc. No dog is inherently aggressive, only those behavioral problems are exacerbated due to the breeds strength.
 
diamount said:
Don't listen to the typical fearmongers. The old adage goes for any breed, socialise it as a pup with your kids, friends/family, strangers, other dogs. Etc. No dog is inherently aggressive, only those behavioral problems are exacerbated due to the breeds strength.
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Some breeds are, more aggressive. Having been bred for it over countless generations.
 
diamount said:
Don't listen to the typical fearmongers. The old adage goes for any breed, socialise it as a pup with your kids, friends/family, strangers, other dogs. Etc. No dog is inherently aggressive, only those behavioral problems are exacerbated due to the breeds strength.
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This reminds me of those people you get in the newspaper "He'd never done anything like this before, it was totally out of character for Rex when he ripped little Annie's face off".
 
Woden said:
Some breeds are, more aggressive. Having been bred for it over countless generations.
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I've seen no evidence of that. The only stories we've seen are from the typical chav estates who use the dogs as a status and tough guy symbol. Nothing about the thousands of dog owners with families. Of course you will should never leave a child unattended with any dog, doesn't matter if it's a staffy or a chihuahua as children do not understand dogs body language.

If you're proactive, no incident should happen especially if you follow the usual guidelines.

Em3bbs said:
This reminds me of those people you get in the newspaper "He'd never done anything like this before, it was totally out of character for Rex when he ripped little Annie's face off".
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They would never admit they themselves were at fault for not properly training and socialising their dog.
 
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