Topnotch Kennels & American Bulldogs
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Keeping updated with all bulldog issues is our main priority. A small number of misguided people and some authorities are giving false impressions about this particular breed.The American Bulldog is not related to the American Pit Bull Terrier and is not a fighting dog as these same misguided people would have us believe. American Bulldogs are excellent family dogs, have featured in many films and programmes including at least two Walt Disney children's films, and are accepted by the American public. We want the same in the UK and are slowly getting there.We have kept these dogs for as long as the breed has been in the UK , bred excellent lines, although we do not breed now, and feel qualified to offer independent advice on the American Bulldog.
The American Bulldog
The American Bulldog is an assertive medium to large breed of dog originating from the American Southeast. Descended from working catch dogs the American Bulldog has evolved into America's number One - family and property protection dog. American Bulldogs are powerful, strong willed dogs that, with basic obedience training and early socialization, make the best canine citizens.
The History of the Breed
The bulldog in his pure form was in America as early as the 17th Century. In colonial America bulldogs were used by butchers and even engaged in baiting contests. The modern American Bulldog can trace its roots to remnants of the original bulldog that managed to survive as farmers catch dogs in isolated pockets of the South-eastern United States. Its original purpose on these South-eastern plantations and ranches was personal and property protection and as an aid in catching large animals such as cattle and hogs that were allowed to free range in a semi-wild state.
All modern American Bulldogs can trace their roots to four strains - these are Johnson , Scott, Bailey & Williamson - from the Alabama / Georgia area of the United States.
The breed was not known by its modern name until about ten years ago. The breed we know as the American Bulldog was originally known by many different names before the name American Bulldog became the standard. In different parts of the South he was known as the `English white` or `White English` because he was a primarily white dog. He was also called the `Alabama` or `Southern Bulldog `but most commonly just `Bulldog`.
The breed was not called a bulldog because of a certain look, but because they did real bull work. They could round up and catch rough cattle for their owners and did double duty as a farm protector against feral dogs and trespassers.
The American Bulldog became noticed by the public in the early 1980`s and began to increase in popularity. A good all round family pet and guard dog was a thing to be desired. The breed started to arrive in the Uk approx. 1995 and is now gaining popularity over here.
Responsible ownership of American Bulldogs is a must. Like a young human , a young American bulldog must be taught what is right and what is wrong in order to live in our society. Early socialization and basic obedience training is the key to responsibly owning the American Bulldog, as with any other breed of dog.
American Bulldog Association
The American Bulldog Association is the publisher of the magazine `American Bulldog Review`, keeper of the American Bulldog stud book, and registrar and promoter of the American Bulldog - world-wide.
The American Bulldog Association was formed in 1989 initially to keep the American Bulldog stud book of the breed and to register breeding quality, pure-bred American Bulldogs. Until this point the breed was only recognized and registered by rare breed registries interested in all manner of breeds of dogs and other animals , not promoting well bred functional American Bulldogs. The ABA was founded with the commitment of educating breeders and the encouragement of keeping intact the soundness and qualities of the true bulldog.
Address -
American Bulldog Association
71801 Hill Road
Covelo
California 95428
United States Of America