Aside from Johnson and
Standard American Bulldogs, some breeders seek to combine the
elements of the two in what is known as a hybrid.
Today’s Description of the
American Bulldog
Because of its self-confidence
and determination, the American Bulldog demands early obedience
training and socialization. Fearless, loyal, and brave, this breed
is devoted to pleasing its master and is extremely protective of its
territory. It's extremely gentle and affectionate towards children
when introduced to them at an early age. Because of this breed's
strength and intelligence, it's not recommended for novice owners.
According
to ABA Registry:
1997 Revisions: Our former term
of "Scott" for the standard type AB has led to much
confusion. Many of the dogs referred to as Scott type have
very little or no Scott background whatsoever. My personal
dogs are mostly Scott (Painter)/Johnson hybrids, and it was
presumptuous and confusing on my part to designate all
non-Johnson dogs as being the Scott-type, when many were
Bailey/Williamson/ Tate/Tuck combinations. Henceforth the
non-Johnson type will be referred to as the
"standard" type. Although the vast majority of
purebred ABs are 75 to 100% white, there are a few that have
less than 25% white. Our standard is now amended to say
"All white, pied, or up to 90% color [brindle or red
patches, (red is defined as any shade of tan, brown or red)],
with a portion of the white on the head." This seems to
be a more accurate reflection taking into account the rarer
color form. Our standard was designed as a description of the
breed rather than a "perfection to aspire to" as
others claim theirs to be.
Background: The
American Bulldog originated as a catchdog (mostly cattle) and
property protection dog, in America’s Southeast. He was not
bred to put on threat displays or to look a certain way. But,
he did need the right equipment to take care of his real
bulldog duties which were confrontational personal and
property protection and as a catch dog. He needed to be strong
enough to put unruly bulls on the ground and athletic enough
to catch hogs that were allowed to free range in a semi-wild
state.
General Appearance: The
American Bulldog should generate the impression of great
strength, agility, endurance and exhibit a well-knit, sturdy,
compact frame with the absence of excessive bulk. Males are
characteristically larger, heavier boned and more masculine
than the bitches. The AB is a white or white and patched
(brindle or red) dog. When patched he can range from the
traditional pied markings of a patch over one or both eyes or
ears, or a patch on the base of the tail, to a large saddle
patch and various other patches.
For judging purposes, distinctions between an ideal
"Standard-type" and an ideal
"Johnson-type" are defined in brackets and in bold.
Size: General:
Males - 23 to 27 inches at the withers and weigh from 75 to
120 lbs. Females - 21 to 25 inches at the withers, 60 to 90
lbs. The weight should be proportional to size.
[Standard-type: an ideal male should be 23 to 27 inches at the
withers and/ weigh from 75 to 110 lbs., females, 21 to 25
inches, 60 to 85 lbs. The weight should be proportional to
size.]
[Johnson-type: an ideal male should be 22 to 26 inches at the
withers and weigh from 80 to 120 lbs. Females 20 to 24 inches,
60 to 90 lbs.]
Head: Medium in length and broad
across skull with pronounced muscular cheeks.
Eyes: Medium in size. Any color.
The haw should not be visible. Black eye rims preferred on
white dogs. Pink eye rims to be considered a cosmetic fault.
Muzzle: Medium length (2 to 4
in.), square and broad with a strong underjaw. Lips should be
full but not pendulous. 42 to 44 teeth.
[Standard-type: tight undershot (reverse scissors)
preferred. Scissors and even bites are considered a cosmetic
fault. Structural faults are a muzzle under 2 inches or longer
than 4 inches, pendulous lips, less than 42 teeth, more than
1/4 inch undershot, small teeth or uneven incisors.]
[Johnson-type: definite undershot, 1/8 to 1/4 inch preferred.
Scissors or even bite is a disqualification. Structural faults
are a muzzle under 2 inches or over 4 inches.]
Nose color:
black or grizzle. On black nosed dogs the lips should be black
with some pink allowed. A pink nose to be considered a
cosmetic fault.
Ears: Cropped or
uncropped. Uncropped preferred.
Neck: Muscular,
medium in length, slightly arched, tapering from shoulders to
head, with a slight dewlap allowed.
Shoulders: Very
muscular with wide sloping blades, shoulders set so elbows are
not angled out.
Chest, Back and Loin:
The chest should be deep and moderately wide without being
excessively wide as to throw the shoulders out. The back
should be of medium length, strong and broad. Loins should be
slightly tucked which corresponds to a slight roach in the
back which slopes to the stern. Faults: sway back, narrow or
shallow chest, lack of tuck up.
Hindquarters: Very
broad and well muscled and in proportion to the shoulders.
Narrow hips are a very serious fault.
Legs: Strong and
straight with heavy bone. Front legs should not set too close
together or too far apart. Faults: in at the elbows or
excessively bowlegged. Rear legs should have a visible
angulation of the stifle joint.
Movement: The
gait is balanced and smooth, powerful and unhindered
suggesting agility with easy, ground covering strides, showing
strong driving action in the hind quarters with corresponding
reach in front. As speed increases the feet move toward the
center line of the body to maintain balance. Ideally the dog
should single-track. The top line remains firm and level,
parallel to the line of motion. Head and tail carriage should
reflect that of a proud, confident and alert animal.
Movement faults:
Any suggestion of clumsiness, tossing and/or rolling of the
body, crossing or interference of front or rear legs, short or
stilted steps, twisting joints, pacing, paddling, or weaving.
Similar movement faults are to be penalized according to the
degree to which they interfere with the ability of the dog to
work.
Feet: Of
moderate size, toes of medium length, well arched and close
together, not splayed. Pasterns should be strong, straight and
upright.
Tail: Set low,
thick at the root, tapering to a point. Tail should not curl
over back. Docked or undocked.
Coat: Short,
close, stiff to the touch, not long and fuzzy.
Color: All
white, pied, or up to 90% color [brindle or red patches, (red
is defined as any shade of tan, brown or red)], with a portion
of the white on the head.
Disposition: Alert,
outgoing and friendly with a self-assured attitude. Some
aloofness with strangers and assertiveness toward other dogs
is not considered a fault.
Disqualification’s:
Both types: dogs that are deaf or males without two testicles
clearly descended.
[Johnson-type: an even or scissors bite.]
Fault Degrees: A
cosmetic fault is one of a minor nature. A fault not specified
as cosmetic has to do with structure as it relates to a
working dog. In a show or other evaluation, the dog is to be
penalized in direct proportion to the degree of the fault. Any
fault which is extreme should be considered a serious fault
and should be penalized appropriately.
We have not included a line drawing of a Standard-type or
Johnson-type standard dog because they could not take into
account the variations acceptable within the realm of the
working American Bulldog. The emphasis placed on specific
types in other breed standards has led to the general
disintegration of the breed concerned by eliminating
individuals who might have contributed significantly to
respective gene pool.
Attributes other than cosmetic listed in the standard all
relate to working qualities which include but are not limited
to agility, endurance, leverage, biting power and heat
tolerance.
Point
Breakdown for Judging
Overall: proportion 10 points
temperament 10 points
total of 20 points
Head: size and shape
10 point
muzzle 5 points
teeth 5 points
total of 20 points
Body: neck 5 points
shoulders 5 points
chest 10 points
back 10 points
hindquarters 10 points
legs 10 points
feet 5 points
tail and coat 5 points
total of 60 points
Grand Total of 100
points
According to
U.K.C. registry:
History
Bulldogs in England were originally working dogs who drove
and caught cattle and guarded their masters' property. The
breed's strength, courage, and familiarity with livestock
led to its popularity in the brutal sport of bull baiting.
When this sport was outlawed in England, the original type
of Bulldog disappeared from Britain and was replaced with
the shorter, stockier, less athletic dog we now know as the
English Bulldog.
The original Bulldog, however, was preserved by working
class immigrants who brought their working dogs with them to
the American South. Small farmers and ranchers used this
all-around working dog for many tasks. By the end of World
War II, however, the breed was almost extinct. Mr. John D.
Johnson, a returning war veteran, decided to resurrect this
breed. Along with Alan Scott and several other breeders,
Johnson began carefully to breed American Bulldogs, keeping
careful records and always with an eye for maintaining the
breed's health and working abilities.
Because of the many different types of work this breed
can do, several distinct lines evolved, each emphasizing the
traits needed to do a specific job. The best known lines are
usually referred to as the Johnson and Scott types. The
Johnson dogs are more massive, with a larger, broader head
and shorter muzzle, and a definite undershot bite. The Scott
dogs were somewhat lighter in musculature and bone than the
Johnson dogs, with a less Mastiff-like head. Today, however,
most American Bulldogs have crosses to two or more of these
lines and are not as easily distinguishable.
The modern American Bulldog continues to serve as an
all-purpose working dog; a fearless and steady guard dog;
and a loyal family companion.
The American Bulldog was recognized by the United Kennel
Club on January 1, 1999.
General
Appearance
The American Bulldog is a powerful, athletic short-coated
dog, strongly muscled, and well boned. The body is just
slightly longer than tall. The head is large and broad with
a wide muzzle. Ears are small to medium in size, high set,
and may be drop, semi-prick, rose, or cropped. The tail may
be docked or natural. The American Bulldog comes in solid
colors, white with colored patches, and brindle. Gender
differences are well expressed in this breed, with males
typically larger and more muscular than females. Honorable
scars resulting from field work are not to be penalized. The
American Bulldog should be evaluated as a working dog, and
exaggerations or faults should be penalized in proportion to
how much they interfere with the dog's ability to work.
Characteristics
The essential characteristics of the American Bulldog are
those which enable it to work as a hog and cattle catching
dog, and a protector of personal property. These tasks
require a powerful, agile, confident dog with a large head
and powerful jaws. The American Bulldog is a gentle, loving
family companion who is fearless enough to face an angry
bull or a human intruder. Note: It is common for young
American Bulldogs to be somewhat standoffish with strangers
and judges should not penalize this. By the time the dog is
around 18 months of age, however, the breed's normal
confidence asserts itself.
Disqualifications: Viciousness or extreme shyness;
cowardice.
Head
The head is large and broad giving the impression of great
power. When viewed from the side, the skull and muzzle are
parallel to one another and joined by a well-defined stop.
The stop is very deep and abrupt, almost at a right angle
with the muzzle. Despite the depth of the stop, the forehead
is wider than it is high.
SKULL -- The skull is large, flat, deep, and broad
between the ears. Viewed from the top, the skull is square.
There is a deep median furrow that diminishes in depth from
the stop to the occiput. Cheek muscles are prominent.
MUZZLE -- The muzzle is broad and thick with a very
slight taper from the stop to the nose. The length of the
muzzle is equal to 35 to 45 percent of the length of the
head. Lips are moderately thick but not pendulous. The chin
is well defined and must neither overlap the upper lip nor
be covered by it.
TEETH -- The American Bulldog has a complete set of
large, evenly spaced, white teeth. The preferred bite is
undershot with the inside of the lower incisors extending in
front of the upper incisors up to ¼ inch. A scissors bite
is acceptable. A level bite and extreme undershot bite are
considered faults to the degree that the bite interferes
with the dog's ability to work. Teeth are not visible when
the mouth is closed. Worn teeth or broken teeth are
acceptable.
Disqualification: Overshot.
NOSE -- The nose is large with wide, open nostrils. The
nose may be any color but darker pigment is preferred.
EYES -- Eyes are medium in size, round, and set well
apart. All colors are acceptable but brown is preferred. Haw
is not visible. Dark eye rims are preferred.
Faults: Very visible haws.
EARS -- Ears may be cropped but natural ears are
preferred. Natural ears are small to medium in size, high
set, and may be drop, semi-prick, or rose.
Drop ears: The ears are set high, level with the upper
line of the skull, accentuating the skull's width. At the
base, the ear is just slightly raised in front and then
hangs along the cheek. The tip is slightly rounded. When
pulled toward the eye, the ear should not extend past the
outside corner of the eye.
Semi-prick ears: Same as drop ears except that only the
tips of the ears drop forward.
Rose ears: Rose ears are small and set high on the skull.
Fault: Hound ears.
Neck
The neck is where the American Bulldog exerts power to bring
down livestock. The neck must be long enough to exert
leverage, but short enough to exert power. The neck is
muscular and, at its widest point, is nearly as broad as the
head, with a slight arch at the crest, and tapering slightly
from shoulders to the head. A slight dewlap is acceptable.
Faults: Neck too short and thick; thin or weak
neck.
Forequarters
The shoulders are strong and well muscled. The shoulder
blade is well laid back and forms, with the upper arm, an
apparent 90-degree angle. The tips of the shoulder blades
are set about 2 to 3 finger-widths apart.
The forelegs are heavily boned and very muscular. The
elbows are set on a plane parallel to the body, neither
close to the body nor turned out. Viewed from the front, the
forelegs are perpendicular to the ground or may, especially
in a dog with a very broad chest, incline slightly inward.
The pasterns are short, powerful, and slightly sloping when
viewed in profile. Viewed from the front, the pasterns are
straight.
Body
The chest is deep and moderately wide with ample room for
heart and lungs. The ribs are well sprung from the spine and
then flatten to form a deep body extending at least to the
elbows, or lower in adult dogs. The topline inclines very
slightly downward from well-developed withers to a broad,
muscular back. The loin is short, broad, and slightly
arched, blending into a moderately sloping croup. The flank
is moderately tucked up and firm.
Serious faults: Swayback; sloping topline.
Hindquarters
The hindquarters are well muscled and broad. The width and
angulation of the hindquarters is in balance with the width
and angulation of the forequarters. The thighs are well
developed with thick, easily discerned muscles. The lower
thighs are muscular and short. Viewed from the side, the
rear pasterns are well let down and perpen-dicular to the
ground. Viewed from the rear, the rear pasterns are straight
and parallel to one another.
Faults: Cowhocks; open hocks.
Serious faults: Narrow or weak hindquarters.
Feet
The feet are round, medium in size, well arched, and tight.
Fault: Splayed feet. The seriousness of this fault
is based on the amount of splay in the feet.
Tail
The American Bulldog may have a natural or a docked tail,
but the natural tail is preferred. The natural tail is very
thick at the base, and tapers to a point. The tail is set
low. A "pump handle" tail is preferred but any
tail carriage from upright, when the dog is excited, to
relaxed between the hocks is acceptable.
Serious fault: Tail curled over the back;
corkscrew tail; upright tail when the dog is relaxed.
Coat
The coat is short, close, and stiff to the touch.
Disqualifications: Long or wavy coat.
Color
Any color, color pattern, or combination of colors is
acceptable, except for solid black, solid blue, and tricolor
(white with patches of black and tan). Some dark brindle
coats may appear black unless examined in very bright light.
A buckskin color pattern, where the base of the hair is fawn
and the tips are black, may also appear solid black. A judge
should not disqualify an American Bulldog for black color
unless the dog has been examined in sunlight or other
equally bright light.
Disqualifications: Solid black or blue with no
white markings; tricolor (white with patches of black and
tan).
Height and
Weight
The American Bulldog must be sufficiently powerful and agile
to chase, catch, and bring down free-ranging livestock. Dogs
capable of doing this come in a rather wide range of height
and weight. Males are typically larger with heavier bone and
more muscle than females. Both sexes, however, should have a
well-balanced overall appearance.
Desirable height in a mature male ranges from 22 to 27
inches; in a mature female, from 20 to 25 inches. Desirable
weight in a mature male ranges from 75 to 125 pounds; in a
mature female, from 60 to 100 pounds.
Gait
When trotting, the gait is effortless, smooth, powerful and
well coordinated, showing good reach in front and drive
behind. When moving, the backline remains level with only a
slight flexing to indicate suppleness. Viewed from any
position, legs turn neither in nor out, nor do feet cross or
interfere with each other. As speed increases, feet tend to
converge toward center line of balance.
Poor movement should be penalized to the degree to which
it reduces the American Bulldog's ability to perform the
tasks it was bred to do.
Disqualifications
Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme
shyness. Unilateral or bilateral deafness. Cowardice.
Overshot. Long or wavy coat. Albinism. Solid black or blue
with no white markings. Tricolor (white with patches of
black and tan).
