American Bulldog

Also called Old Southern White Bulldog, Southern White, Country Bulldog, Hill Bulldog

Recognised breedShort profile

From United States, from working bulldogs kept on farms and ranches in the American South.1 2

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male34 to 52 kg2 3 1

Weight, female27 to 41 kg2 3 1

Height, male50 to 69 cm1 2

Height, female51 to 64 cm1 2

Lifespan10 to 12 years3

Sizelarge

Wikipedia gives males 34-52 kg and females 27-41 kg; Purina gives 75-100 lb and 60-80 lb. UKC asks only that weight suit the height.

gentle and loving with its family

brave, confident guardian

athletic and hard-working

1 3

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, close coat

A powerful, athletic bulldog with a short coat no longer than about an inch, which can feel soft or fairly stiff.1 2

Colourswhitewhite with red patcheswhite with brown patcheswhite with brindle patcheswhite with fawn patches2 1

Personality what they are like

Affectionate and devoted at home, with a fearless streak that made it a valued farm guardian. Young dogs can be reserved with strangers, and many owners describe a sweet, slightly goofy side. It responds best to kind, reward-based training.1 3

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Needs daily exercise such as long leash walks, space to run and games that give its mind something to do.3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Regular brushing keeps the short coat glossy, with baths only as needed. Wipe any facial skin folds, and keep ears, paws and teeth checked as part of routine care.3

Company who they like around

A people-oriented dog that does best with company and early socialisation with people and other animals.3 1

The story where it all began

Bulldogs brought from England to North America were kept by small farmers in the South as catch dogs, stock dogs and guardians. After nearly disappearing by the end of the Second World War, the type was revived by breeders John D. Johnson and Alan Scott, whose lines gave rise to the bulkier 'Johnson' and more athletic 'Scott' styles.1 2

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Chance, the lively dog in the Homeward Bound films, was played by an American Bulldog.2
2
The Zynga games logo shows the silhouette of an American Bulldog, named after the founder's dog.2
3
The breed's two main styles are named after the men who revived it, Johnson and Scott.2

Recognised by the official bits

UKC: Recognised 1 January 1999; Guardian Dog Group.1
AKC: Accepted into the Foundation Stock Service in November 2019.2

The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you

A typical home-care rhythm for a American Bulldog. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year

Start a free diary

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Where this comes from

Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.

UKC Breed Standard: American Bulldog ukcdogs.comused for recognition, history, height, coat, colours, temperament
Wikipedia: American Bulldog en.wikipedia.orgused for history, AKC FSS, weight, height, colours, fun facts
Purina: American Bulldog purina.comused for lifespan, weight, grooming, exercise, temperament

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.