American Bulldogs

Does anyone one on here own one or has owned one?
I was thinking about getting a puppy around Christmas.

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Originally Posted by jotay

Does anyone one on here own one or has owned one?
I was thinking about getting a puppy around Christmas.

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I have American Pit Bull Terriers :D :D

So....I say go for it!!!!!!!!

My manager has them. She loves hers. Thems big dogs

We had them/bred them when i was a kid, just note if you're getting one that they're very protective animals- and are wary of strangers, but are Excellent with kids. It just depends on what you're looking for in a dog.

That is what I am looking for :)

I would advise against getting one at christmas. It is a stressful time of the year, with many hazards for young puppies. Not only decorations, and people coming and going, but also rich non-doggy foods that will upset a pups system easily. Not tomention most people are really busy that time of year, and with a American Bulldog pup, you will want to bond with it as much as possible to get the dog to be the dog you want(I.E> protective but calm, good with kids etc)
Wolfy

I will be getting him when we get back from Breckenridge, Col.
That's where we will be doing the Christmas thing so the house will be safe.
As far as spending time w/ him I am lucky as I have a job that will allow for some time off to get him settled in and then also allow for him to come to work w/ me. In essence the house will be in regular mode even tho it will be a tad after the holiday.
I can't wait, I have wanted this dog for sometime :)

i had one about two years ago. she was a great dog. but extreemly hype. if you do not have a back yard i wouldnt even think of it. a walk will just not do. you can go for a 5 mile run and the dog is still just warming up. she ate through a wall. our vet took her because we could not keep her another day. when we move out to the country in about 1year we are absolutly getting another one. i have done a ton of reasearch on the breed. make sure that you get at least a two year hip guarentee. because most people say that they will give you a 6month to a year. when in reality it takes 2 years for most cases of hip problems. if you want i have the web site of one of one of the better breeders in the nation. just pm me.
matt fisher
matt

I haven't had one, but since I am a groomer I have met lots of them. Wonderful dogs, but they NEED good obedience training, and lots of socialization when they are young (puppy classes are wonderful!)

If you can provide this, you will be rewarded with one of the most intelligent and faithful guardians in the world.

For socialization would something like doggie daycare be good?
We have a place like that in the shopping center right next to my hous.

I have read where they say they do try and be the Alpha and you have to be strong and firm with them so they know your the alpha not them.

I want him to be social as I have a cat, my bp and when I visit my sister she has to cockers and I want them all to get along.

Any and all advice is appreciated :)

I would definatly put him in a daycare, even if not on a regular schedule. It gets them used to new sights, smells, people and animals. I think anyone with a watch dog should realize its bred into them, and socializing them will not take away from that "Who is this busting up into my house at 12 at night" but help if you intend to take the dog into the public. Nothing is worse than a heaving dog (and these babies can be major heavyweights- look up cart/weight pulling) barking at someone else and their canine on a walk.
You should have the pup meet the other dogs of the family if you intend to take them over sometimes while it is a pup.
Im really happy for you, I absolutly love the breed.

Also when looking for a breeder, as stated before, make sure the parents have been tested for hip dysplacia and any other medical problems you come across (We havent had a AB in several years and I'd get their problems mixed up with a boxer (which im researching) to tell you other hazards). Just because someone says "Both Parents on Premisis" does NOT mean they're good breeders. What are the odds you're going to buy two puppies that match each other's pros and cons in disposition, size, and standard you're trying to achieve?
ABs as you know arent registered with the AKC so there are atleast two versions of the dog i can remember. i think there is a 3rd cropping up.
BUT American Bulldogs are NOT pittbulls, do not let anyone try to tell you they are because they arent and if it looks like a pitt then that is not a true AB or breeder. They should not be that small. They look like stocky, less exaggerated boxers with rounder faces less defined.

sorry for the rambling.

Thanks for the advice.
I have been doing alot of reading and research on the breed. I just love them.
Here are some breeders I was looking at. I am in No. Va right outside of DC and would like to pick out my pup in person.
www.angelfire.com/va2/katd
www.Laurakennels.com
www.Kesternbulldogs.com
Tell me what you think if ya don't mind.

My cuz has one. He is awesome! Almost as cool as a Rotty. Rotties are my favorite, but I grew up with them and my family has always owned one. Other than a Rotty, it's American Bulldog all the way. They are unrelated to the terrier family so they aren't so darned snippy too. Like French Bulldogs and Pits tend to be. Also, what I have noticed with muscular dogs is that the males look better. They are usually more filled out and muscular looking compared to the females. I favor the all white AmerBulls myself.

Here is the recent member of the family:
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y88...loween-022.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y88...loween-023.jpg

What a great looking Rottie!
Yes, we plan on getting a male and my son wants to name him Tyson ( yes after Mike) Why I do not know. Oh well go figure kids especially teenagers.