Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i have never owned a dog before would an american bulldog be a bad choice? some of the stuff i have read makes them sound tough to handle, i plan on researching training a good amount once i decide to get one.

If you get a dog from a great breeder, an American Bulldog can be a wonderful companion. Actually, many rescues can be as well.

It kind of depends what you are looking for in a dog and how much training you are willing to do. ABs are smart and can be a bit stubborn. That means they aren't dying to please you like a lab or golden retriever.

All dog breeds can be good or bad. All dog breeds can be made better or worse by their experiences with people, their surroundings, and other dogs.

That's probably not the answer you are looking for, but it's been my experience with dogs.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles

I started with my very first dog being an american bulldog.

Pig headed is an understatement. If you are looking at any bully breed, training is a MUST. American Bulldogs make great family companions, however they must learn who is the boss. Lots of socialization is also a must. The AB breed is a protective breed, and when not properly socialized can become an unwelcome body behind the door.

They are a wonderful breed that needs a strong handler.

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Cindy & the bully boys
CGC Brutus the bullheaded bulldoggie
CGC Caesar the fabulous pittie

I wouldn't recomend this dog for a first timmer. I can't think of a dog with a higher pain tolerance. They are very prey drivey with any kind of small animal and sometimes other dogs. If not socialized correctly they can be protective of the family toward other humans.

I really hate to correct you, however when talking pain tolerance levels you really can not get any worse than the APBT or the Am Staffs. From the levels of abuse I have seen heaped on them and the comparison of the ABs with them, it is a WORLD of difference.

ABs prey drives are not high. They are not a terrier, which is a prey based breed. ABs guardianship is the issues with them. They can easily be excessivly protective with out proper socialization and training.

ABs are a breed that was originated in the south as a guardian breed. They guarded the livestock, house and family.

Any breed of dog can in fact make a great first dog with the proper research. As stated, ABs need excessive OB training to be happy. This is also the case with most any other breed. Issues with the ABs to watch for are proper socialization with people, excessive bull headed-ness, and guardianship issues. However with basic OB training and proper socialization these are no longer issues.

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Cindy & the bully boys
CGC Brutus the bullheaded bulldoggie
CGC Caesar the fabulous pittie

most are very prey driven. they were also bred to catch and hold game. my 6month old will chase practically any moving object and clamp on. just do ur homework and get one from a responsible breeder. are you looking for a johnson,performance(standard) or hybrid?