American Bulldog puppies are beloved by many owners of American Pit Bull Terriers. The breeds are close cousins and share similarities in size and overall appearance. Because American Pit Bulls have been banned in many places, American Bulldogs have become a popular replacement breed. Though Bulldogs were once bred to be aggressive, the breed does not have the bad reputation of the Pit Bull. American Bulldogs are also related to, but completely different than, French and English Bulldogs.



The history of the Bulldog begins in England. Bulldogs descended from the Old English Bulldog - a breed now extinct. French and English Bulldogs were bred with Pugs down to a smaller, compact size. The American Bulldog retains the closest resemblance to the original Old English Bulldog.

European immigrants brought Bulldogs to America. An American, John D. Johnson, bred these Bulldogs to retain the size and strength of original Old English Bulldogs-an extinct breed. American Bulldogs puppies are bred in many countries today.

American Bulldogs have not been registered with the American Kennel Club but were registered with the United Kennel Club in 1999. American Bulldogs have grown in popularity due to their similarity to cousin, the American Pit Bull Terrier.

The first question a potential buyer of American Bulldog puppies should ask himself is why he wants an American Bulldog. This is not a dog breed for an inexperienced dog owner and the dogs are not to be used for fighting or other aggressive activity. Once a buyer thoroughly researches the breed, knows how to care for and train American Bulldogs, has bought all the necessary supplies, he is then ready to shop for a good breeder.

Buyers should ask for references from breeders and should have thorough knowledge of the American Bulldog breed so that they know what to look for in puppies and what questions to ask the breeder. Puppies should never be purchased from pet stores, as good breeders would not allow this breed to be sold to inexperienced buyers.

Buyers should only buy American Bulldog puppies from certified breeders who maintain their own kennels where buyers can visit and meet breeder dogs, have extensive knowledge about the breed, are affiliated with American Bulldog rescue centers and shelters and interview the buyer to make sure buyer and puppy are a good match. Reputable breeders also provide medical and immunization records, certification of ancestry/pedigree information and a limited warranty or guarantee. Answering questions about care, grooming and training should be second nature to a good breeder.

Besides getting puppy supply tips from breeders, buyers should also make sure that their breeder is well informed about the breed. Breeders should be able to answer all questions buyers have about caring for and raising American Bulldog puppies. Breeders should be able to provide puppy medical records including immunization history and screening results for common genetic disorders, pedigree and certification, and a warranty or guarantee against illness.