It is common knowledge that American Bulldogs are one of the most muscular and powerful dogs. But with great strength comes possible danger, especially if not adequately trained and socialized. Many people think American Bulldogs are dangerous dogs, which is completely false.
Contrary to popular belief, American Bulldog breeding was not to be aggressive fighting dogs. So, are American Bulldogs dangerous? If so, then what are the reasons? Let’s talk about that.
Why are American Bulldogs Dangerous?
Let’s clear one thing up first, American Bulldogs are not a dangerous breed but very loving, patient, affectionate, and loyal. Their aggressiveness is solely dependent on their upbringing and training.
American Bulldogs are a high-energy breed that can become agitated quickly. They also have strong jaws and can do severe damage if they bite.
American Bulldogs were bred to be guard dogs and for farming as they were powerful. They could feel threatened. The aggression could stem from fear for their family from a person, animal, or sometimes as innocent as a loud noise.
It is in their instinct to protect their owner at all costs, so they will become aggressive when something or someone provokes their instinct to protect.
Being aggressive to defend one’s family is a natural behavior of all loyal dog breeds, and Bulldogs are one of the most loyal dog breeds ever.
If you are pondering getting an American Bulldog, please consider all the risks beforehand and are ready to take adequate precautions.
Despite your American Bulldog’s aggressive appearance, his temperament is one of courage and gentleness. Your dog will be very loving and have endless patience when dealing with children.
Aggression in American Bulldogs
The American Bulldog is a strong dog originally bred for working purposes. They are known for their protective nature and loyalty and make excellent family pets.
However, they can also be aggressive if not properly trained or socialized. Like any dog, it is imperative to supervise them around children and other animals to prevent any potential problems.
Several situations may trigger aggressiveness in American Bulldogs in American Bulldogs that’s outlined right down below.
Factors that Contribute to Aggression in American Bulldogs
Several factors come into play when an American Bulldog may be aggressive. These factors are:
1. When Threatened
American Bulldogs may develop aggression if they feel their family is being threatened. This may be by another human, dog, animal, or sometimes a few loud noises.
2. They Are Protecting Their Territory
American Bulldogs are loyal and very protective of their family and home. They might become aggressive if they feel like something or someone is invading their territory.
The invasion could be some stranger entering the home yard or any other animal entering their space.
3. They May Be in Pain
It’s a natural phenomenon for animals to become aggressive when in pain, and American Bulldogs are no exception. If your dog is acting out and may appear to be in pain, it is vital to understand the issue.
If you can’t find anything physical or visible that might be causing the pain, take them to the vet immediately.
4. Playing Around
All young dogs and puppies, in particular, become overexcited during play and mistakenly bite or nip at their owner or other pet animals.
It is essential to teach them early in life that it is unacceptable behavior and provide them with chew toys to help redirect their energy.
5. Food Sharing
Bulldogs are not keen on sharing their food, so they could be s guarding their food bowl and show aggressiveness if someone tries to touch it. Keep your children and other pets away from your Bulldog during food time.
6. Threat to Dominance
Your American Bulldog may show aggressiveness towards another male dog. This only happens if your Bulldog is not socialized at an early age.
You can avoid this behavior by putting him in puppy training school while he’s young. And continue to expose him to other dogs of family and friends as he keeps growing.
While American Bulldogs can be aggressive, this is usually only the if they are appropriately trained and socialized. With the right owners, they can make excellent, loving, and joyous pets.
Comparison to Other Breeds in Terms of Aggression Levels
A study done between 2005 and 2017 in the USA shows that Pitbull is the most dangerous dog breed in terms of dog fatalities causing over 65% of overall deaths.
The American Bulldogs were the 5th on the list, with only 3.5% of overall deaths. It should be noted that the impact of their bite could be deadly.
The second on the list was Rottweiler, with 10.4% of fatalities to its name, while German Shepherd and some mixed breeds have 4.6% and 3.9%, respectively.
Keep in mind that American Bulldogs only cause a fraction of overall dog bite-related deaths, and that is due to bad parenting. The American Bulldogs are not even close if we compare them to Pitbull.
While both breeds can be aggressive sometimes, American Bulldogs are less likely to attack without provocation. Furthermore, American Bulldogs are more well-tempered and less prone to aggressive episodes than Pitbull.
In contrast, Pitbull have a reputation for being dangerous and aggressive, likely due to part of their history being bred for fighting.
Pitbull are considered a more dangerous breed because of their history and extra muscular build. American Bulldogs also have a weaker jaw compared to Pitbull.
Training and Socialization of American Bulldogs
1. Training for Obedience
One of the easiest to train dogs are American Bulldogs. They may be stubborn, but they are very loyal and intelligent. They need an “alpha” parent who is not afraid to take charge, enforce boundaries, and state dominance with a firm hand.
Early training is very crucial in developing discipline in your puppy. American Bulldog’s temperament is affectionate and loyal, but they could turn destructive, aggressive, and unresponsive if not appropriately trained by an “alpha.”
Due to high intelligence, the American Bulldog can understand directions, and when they seek respect from a dominant owner with whom they have bonded, they become relatively easy to train.
You can train them by being the take-action alpha, but you must reward them with treats. Although, socialization must start at a young age.
The American Bulldog is an active breed and needs a suitable amount of exercise to stay healthy and happy. Exercising them for at least 30 to 60 minutes every day is recommended.
Remember that the amount and exercise your American Bulldog needs will depend on his age, energy level, and overall health.
Puppies will require more exercise than older dogs. You should always consult your vet to ensure you are giving your puppy the right amount of activity.
2. Socialization with Family
To socialize your American Bulldog, you must introduce them to other dogs and humans at an early stage. This is very important so that they may not attack a peaceful stranger in the future.
As I mentioned above, you can enroll your American Bulldog in a puppy preschool. The American Bulldogs are generally good with other dogs of size, but they may sometimes be territorial.
They also usually get along with other pets in the house, including cats. Bulldogs can be socialized along with other dogs. However, they might see small dogs as prey, so you should keep them away from each other.
Socialization is critical when it comes to dogs, no matter the breed. This is because socializing helps them learn how to interact with other dogs comfortably.
If the American Bulldogs are not properly socialized, they might view other dogs as a threat and act aggressively toward them.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Are American Bulldogs as dangerous as Pitbull?
No, the Pitbull is more dangerous and more potent, accounting for almost 65% of all dog-related deaths. They have a more muscular build and an aggressive tendency than American Bulldogs.
The American Bulldogs are dangerous and bold, but that is highly dependent on the training given by the owners.
Do American Bulldogs Bite?
American Bulldogs bite when they are playing with you and get overly excited or teething. They can also bite if they are provoked.
American Bulldogs have a powerful jaw with a bite force of 305 PSI; this is lower than Mastiff and Rottweiler. Their jaws may not be the strongest, but they can still inflict severe damage.
Are American Bulldogs Good with Kids?
The American Bulldogs are usually great with kids. They are patient and loyal dogs that make great family pets.
However, it is essential to socialize them early on and supervise them around children. American Bulldogs are strong-willed, so positive reinforcement is a must.
Are American Bulldogs Easy to Train?
The American Bulldogs are very easy to train as they are brilliant dogs. They, however, are very stubborn and need a strong “alpha” parent to take charge and lead the way to teach them.
Remember to keep a positive yet firm mindset with Bulldogs to make them obedient. In addition to that, socialize your Bulldog from an early age.
Do American Bulldogs Have a Lockjaw?
American Bulldogs do not have a lockjaw. Their skull is short and wide, giving them a less powerful bite than most dogs such as Pitbull. However, they have strong teeth that can inflict severe damage if they bite someone.
Conclusion
Ultimately, no dog is aggressive by birth. The environment and the people who raise them make them bold and dangerous. Many American Bulldogs are neglected by owners, making them aggressive, which gives these dogs a bad influence.
If you are a good dog owner and responsible towards your duties, your dog will never become aggressive, no matter the breed.
When American Bulldogs are not properly socialized, they get spooked easily, and it’s not their fault but the owner’s. Do your due diligence before buying an American Bulldog, and you will be good to go.
