American Bulldog

If you want a Malois why don't you go to Belgium and get one? It's not far, make a little break of it. Probably cheaper than here too.

Expensive dogs can be purchased much cheaper elsewhere in Europe. Easily save 1k on bulldog type breeds.
 
So much ignorance in this thread.

The American Bulldog, like most other dogs, can be a great companion. A properly educated and loved dog will never be a threat to your family or guests!

That being said, you already have a pack and there's always the chance one or more of the other pets will reject the new dog. This can be corrected by an assertive, experienced owner but no always so, just like people, pets sometimes just don't get along.

In example, my Malamute, despite training, good behaviour, exercise and regular contact/play with other dogs, hates sharing my family's attention. He is very friendly with other dogs during walks/play, I've never seen him initiate aggressive behaviour yet when other dogs visit our home he displays jealousy and he becomes very possessive. Given long term exposure to such a scenario, he may even become aggressive so we will never get another dog.

My advice is to get the dog but take good care of him(or her), train him and constantly watch for behaviour issues in the puppy's first year or so. If your pack adopts him, he will be a great addition to the family. :)
 
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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Perhaps you should read the posts properly as that is rather irrelevant to the points that have been made.
 
Xordium said:
As others have said you may want to reconsider this.

And lol to the it's not the breed brigade ... you seriously think there are no genetics at play?!?
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Of course not I mean we see the same amount of deaths from Pugs as we do from bull terrier/pit bull types.... oh wait. Yeah facts re: serious injuries/deaths don't really factor in the minds of the owners of those sorts of dogs because:

'my Rex wouldn't 'arm a fly, e's real good with the little uns on the estate innit'
 
ExRayTed said:
A deterrent against what? Is a dog with 'presence' the best way to go about solving whatever issue there is? (if indeed there is an issue)
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This. I've never had any pets and know nothing about dogs, but from where I'm sitting the 'reason' to get a bigger/meaner dog as a deterrent is not a good argument at all. If you've already got two dogs in the house and somebody breaks in at night, they're bound to go running as soon as one of the dogs pipes up. I really don't see the need for anything else, in any household. Let alone one with small children.
 
dowie said:
Perhaps you should read the posts properly as that is rather irrelevant to the points that have been made.
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Think I've read every post prior to my one, maybe you can point out the ones not based on outdated preconceptions or link to fearmongering articles by the typical rags? Some breeds will be harder to train than others, but no dog is going to be attack without giving warning signs. That is your job as a responsible owner to learn them and make sure your children (if you have any) aren't left unattended. The rest again is properly socialising and training your dog.
 
diamount said:
Think I've read every post prior to my one, maybe you can point out the ones not based on outdated preconceptions or link to fearmongering articles by the typical rags? Some breeds will be harder to train than others, but no dog is going to be attack without giving warning signs. That is your job as a responsible owner to learn them and make sure your children (if you have any) aren't left unattended. The rest again is properly socialising and training your dog.
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Spoken like a true dangerous dog owner.
 
DJ_Switch said:
Spoken like a true dangerous dog owner.
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I don't believe my German Shepherd has ever attacked anyone in the 8 years we've had her. But spoken like a true Daily Mail reader? What a stupid post, can't even have a proper discussion on GD anymore. Just stupid drive-by and poorly thought out sentences nowadays.
 
I hope your dog doesn't pick up on your aggressive attitude diamount, it could be a disaster waiting to happen. It seems to be quite a common trait of a lot of dangerous dog owners.
 
My Grandparents had a little Westie, and that thing would put any so called 'dangerous dog' breed to shame. It had acquired a taste for human flesh and blood.
 
dowie said:
I'm not sure the dog is going to pick up on your stupidity, the other poster was referring to aggression etc.. :p
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I'm fully aware what he said. Like I said, it's hard to gauge any sort of emotive response without the person specifically saying so or with the usage of smileys. I also can't see how my posts can be seen as aggressive without the usual hallmarks like the classic swear words, insults or ad hominems expertly used by a few on here. But I will just say it right now, I don't carry over any sort of emotion from my time on the internet into the real world. Cool as a cucumber.
 
dowie said:
What with facts like death rates etc..

he'd likely come to the same conclusions... maybe it is you who ought to try 'educating yourself'.
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A neglected Westie is less likely to hurt anyone than a 10 times larger neglected Bulldog. Thank you Capt. Obvious.

Dogs are malleable, they mold their behaviour and even personality and temperament on their environment. The tragedies you read about in tabloids are the responsability of the owners.
 
I've abandoned the idea of an American Bulldog, we're used to dogs and are firm with them so I doubt we would have any issues but there is still that risk that isn't sitting right with me.

I live on quite a big plot of land, which isn't easy to get to or get into but having a large dog roaming the grounds would certainly act as a deterrent. As said though this isn't the only purpose of the dog, he'll be a member of the family first and foremost.
 
I get people are defending the breed and i agree with the argument that no breed is more aggressive but certain breeds are definitely more dangerous due to power and size. A child can provoke a dog into 'excessive' play or even acts of aggression and so should always be supervised when the dog is with the kid. With that said, i would avoid getting an american bulldog or any other large breed. The other dogs can over excite the new one in seconds and unless you are within arms reach all the time, which tbh no parent is of their child, i would avoid introducing another big dog.
 
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