It is believed that the bulldog's origin stems from England and Europe.
These dogs were developed for the purpose of bull-baiting. This practice began as a necessity of farmers and butchers,
who needed to keep angry bulls under control. However, bull-baiting quickly developed into a spectator sport and was
eventually outlawed by English parliament.
They are a Molosser breed with ancestors dating back to the Tibetan Mastiff.
Farmers would cross Mastiffs and bulldog types to create their "Gladiator dogs". These "Gladiator dogs" were considered
the prize fighters of their times. Dogs that stem from this line are the American Pitbull Terrier, the Staffordshire
Terrier, the Bull Terrier, and American Bulldogs to name a few.
The ancestors of the American Bulldogs were brought to the Americas by
settlers in the late 1700s. They were used as farm utility dogs to protect the family farm, control livestock, and to
hunt wild boar. These dogs are different from the English Bulldog that we know today. Opposed to the English bulldog,
they are a functional working breed that do not carry the miriad of health problems.
The American Bulldog we know today is considered the "original" bulldog,
from which the English bred in the sour mug trait to create the English. Bulldog. The "original bulldog" survived
in the southern region of the United States as the premier working breed. This priceless breed was almost extinct
until breed preservationists such as Alan Scott, Darrin Jones, and John D. Johnson made it their goal to preserve and
promote this wonderful breed.
Members of:
We are a fully Licensed Kennel
with both the National Kennel Club and The American Bulldog Association
There are two primary types of American Bulldogs, the performance
and the Johnson types. The "Johnson" type is characterized by a shorter muzzle, larger head and body, and more undershot
bite. Males range from 100 - 135 lbs. and stand upwards of 27" at the shoulder. The "Performance" type
or "Standard" American Bulldog is characterized by a leaner build, scissor or small undershot bite, and longer muzzle.
Males range from 85 - 110 lbs. and stand between 23 - 26" in height.
There are always exceptions to the rule and that is why we do not
claim that all Johnson or Standard type bulldogs fit their mold perfectly. Alot of breeders are introducing "bully"
lines to their "standard" bulldogs to create bigger heads and greater size, while keeping the agility and endurance
of their dogs. Some "bully" breeders are also producing smaller and more athletic Johnson bulldogs.
We at Valor American Bulldogs have chosen to work with Performance bred American Bulldogs. We have found that the
phenotype of these lines are more well-suited for the tasks we expect of our dogs. Our primary means
of testing our dogs are Schutzhund (a German Protection Sport) and Catch work (to preserve the original purpose of the breed).
Both these tasks require a dog to have solid nerve, intelligence, good working structure, and endurance. Our personal
belief is that you will not find a more versatile American Bulldog than a Standard type/ Performance bred.
American Bulldogs are truly a special breed. They
stand out from all others because of their sound temperments, strong bodies and bulldog tenacity. They are bred to endure
rigorous environmental conditions, as well as to be a discretionary protector with minimal training. This breed has
been called upon for centuries to perform any task set before it. Because of it's intelligence, functionality
and tenacity, the American Bulldogs supercede any other breed for companionship and hard work ethics. They
are the sport utility of the dog world!
AS SEEN ON THE PROTECTION DOG BOARD
We look forward to hearing from you with any comments or questions you may have!
