Also called Old Southern White Bulldog, Southern White, Country Bulldog, Hill Bulldog
Affectionate and devoted at home, with a fearless streak that made it a valued farm guardian.
| Size | Large |
|---|---|
| Weight | 27 to 52 kg (60 to 115 lb)males 34 to 52 kg, females 27 to 41 kg123 |
| Height | 50 to 69 cm (20 to 27 in)males 50 to 69 cm, females 51 to 64 cm31 |
| Lifespan | 10 to 12 years2 |
| Coat | Short, close coat |
| Origin | United States, from working bulldogs kept on farms and ranches in the American South.31 |
A typical home-care rhythm for an American Bulldog. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
10 of the 44 countries we check have a rule that names the American Bulldog. Check the law before you travel or move, the details change.
| Country | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Germany, Bayern | RestrictedKategorie 2: presumed fighting dogs unless a Negativzeugnis (negative certificate after temperament test) is obtained for the individual dog. | official |
| Germany, Hessen | RestrictedHundeVO 2003 (amended 2022): one list of presumed dangerous breeds; keeping needs a permit, Wesenstest, Sachkunde, liability insurance, muzzle and leash. | official |
| Germany, Nordrhein-Westfalen | RestrictedLHundG NRW §10 Hunde bestimmter Rassen: permit, Sachkunde, insurance, leash and muzzle; large dogs (40 cm / 20 kg) of any breed must be notified and leashed in built-up areas. | official |
| Denmark | BannedHundeloven §1a: possession and breeding of these 13 breeds and any cross containing them is prohibited (since 2010); commercial import is banned. | source |
| Denmark | Import bannedHundeloven §1a stk. 3: commercial import of the listed dogs and their crosses is prohibited; consolidated act LBK nr 329 af 02/03/2021. | official |
| Lithuania | RestrictedDangerous breeds (pavojingi sunys): permit from the municipality to keep in multi-apartment buildings, warning sign, muzzle and short leash in public, microchip and rabies vaccination; the list is exhaustive. | source |
| Poland | Permit requiredRozporzadzenie MSWiA of 28 April 2003 (Dz.U. 2003 nr 77 poz. 687) under art. 10 of the Animal Protection Act: keeping or breeding these 11 breeds requires a permit from the municipality; the permit is refused or withdrawn if the dog is kept in a way that endangers people or animals. | official |
| Switzerland, Ticino | Permit requiredRegolamento sui cani (RCani, in force 1 Jan 2026) art. 14-20: 30 breeds and crosses born after 1 April 2009 need an authorisation from the cantonal veterinary office before acquisition, a training course, aptitude tests at 9-13 months and in year 3; applies to dogs staying over 30 days a year. | source |
| Iceland | Import bannedMAST (Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority) does not permit import of these breeds, their crosses for 5 generations, wolf hybrids for 10 generations, or other dogs of comparable origin, physique or temperament. | official |
| Ukraine | Insurance requiredCabinet of Ministers resolution 'Deiaki pytannia shchodo nebezpechnykh porid sobak' (10 Nov 2021) lists 51 breeds and their mixes as dangerous: owners must hold compulsory liability insurance when registering, and use a leash and muzzle where the dog may endanger people. | official |
| Russia | Muzzle and leash requiredGovernment decree 974 of 29 July 2019 under Federal Law 498-FZ: 'potentially dangerous dogs' may not be walked without a leash and muzzle except on the owner's fenced property with a warning sign; no ownership ban. | source |
| Singapore | Import bannedAVS: Part 1 specified dogs (except those already licensed) are not allowed into Singapore for sale, visit or stay. | official |
| Singapore | Insurance requiredPart 1 licensing conditions: leashed and muzzled in public, sterilised over 6 months, insurance of at least 100,000 SGD, 5,000 SGD banker's guarantee, obedience training. | official |
| Malaysia | Import bannedDepartment of Veterinary Services Malaysia: these breeds and their crosses are banned from import (as published on the Australian government MICoR page for Malaysia). | official |
Checked 2026-11-05. Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
Needs daily exercise such as long leash walks, space to run and games that give its mind something to do.2
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.2
A people-oriented dog that does best with company and early socialisation with people and other animals.23
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.31
The breed name 'American Bulldog' reflects its origin in the United States and its descent from the English Bulldog, brought to the American colonies where it was developed as a working farm dog.1
I sprawl on the porch, watching the yard. My human brings coffee and scratches my ears. I do a slow patrol, then flop back down. A squirrel taunts me; I grumble but stay put. For lunch, I get a treat. Later, I chase a ball until I'm tired. At dusk, I lean on my human's leg, content. Life is good.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Feed adult American Bulldogs at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Free feeding is not recommended for puppies. Follow the food label for amounts and check with your vet for a schedule that suits your dog.5
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and size. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, and alcohol. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a complete list.6
Bathe your American Bulldog only as needed, typically every 8 weeks or so, as part of Pet Wiki's starting plan. More frequent baths may be needed if they get very dirty or have skin issues, but always use a dog-safe shampoo.27 Pet Wiki plan
Brush your American Bulldog's short coat weekly to keep it glossy and reduce shedding. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests brushing every 7 days. This also helps distribute natural oils and keeps the coat healthy.27 Pet Wiki plan
Trim nails every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part). If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer to show you how.7 Pet Wiki plan
This breed needs daily exercise like long leash walks, space to run, and games that challenge their mind. Pet Wiki's starting plan recommends daily walks and play. A tired dog is a happy dog.2 Pet Wiki plan
Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste (never human toothpaste). Check ears every two weeks and clean gently with a vet-recommended solution, never pushing anything into the ear canal. Daily brushing is ideal.27 Pet Wiki plan
American Bulldogs typically live 10 to 12 years. With good care, regular vet checkups, and a healthy lifestyle, they can enjoy a full lifespan.2
Yes, they are affectionate and devoted at home, and can be good with children and other pets when properly socialized from a young age. Early socialization with people and animals is key.32
This people-oriented dog does best with company and may struggle if left alone for long periods. They need early socialisation and thrive with regular human interaction. If left alone, provide toys and a safe space, but it's best to avoid extended absences.23
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.
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