American bulldog puppies are popular pets and excellent companion animals when they are grown. When adopting an American bulldog puppy, be aware of what you are getting into. Learning more about the breed itself and the kind of adult animal you are getting is an important part of responsibly owning a pet.
Size
An average of 11 American bulldog puppies are produced per litter. When an American bulldog puppy matures into a full adult, a male will be 22 to 28 inches high and weigh 70 to 120 lbs., and a female will be 20 to 26 inches high and weigh 60 to 100 lbs.
Types
American bulldog puppies come in two types: The Johnson type (also known as the classic), which will grow into a large, wide dog that looks a great deal like a bull mastiff, and the Scott type, which is tall and thinner than the Johnson type and less tightly muscled. Look at your puppy's parents and consult with the breeder regarding what your puppy will look like as an adult.
Considerations
American bulldog puppies are intelligent and occasionally stubborn. They need firm training from the beginning to make sure they mature into well-behaved adults. Dogs that lack training can become aggressive and dominant. Unless American bulldog puppies are trained from an early age, they become bored and destructive. Begin training when the puppy is brought home.
Activity
American bulldog puppies are highly energetic and require a fair amount of daily exercise. In order to keep your puppy from becoming destructive in the house, take him out for walks and runs. It is also worth noting that this breed has a high prey drive and should be kept from chasing smaller animals.
Warning
American bulldogs are prone to hip dysplasia. This genetic flaw is one that is devastating to larger dogs and it is present in many strains of the American bulldog. Before you purchase a puppy from a breeder, make sure that the hips of both parents have been tested and are free of dysplasia.
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