Bulldogs first came to the Americas in the early 17th century. In the early days, bulldogs were highly valued for their exceptional strength, speed, and stamina. They frequently engaged in baiting matches, facing off against larger and heavier opponents. Fighting bulldogs often bore colorful nicknames like “Mack the Masher” and “Bud the Bruiser,” building up reputations and fan followings that were all their own. Around this same time, early bulldogs also became a staple on the plantations of the Old South. Where their job duties included herding farmyard hogs, steers, bulls, and other resistant livestock as well as protecting the same from wild predators and human poachers.
Early Bulldog History
Interestingly, the dog we now recognize as the ‘American Bulldog’ had to patiently await the establishment of its formal and permanent name. Known at first as the English White (or, alternately, the White English) for its white color, or in some areas as Alabama, after its state of origin, the bulldog didn’t actually become the bulldog until as late as the 1980s. And when the name “bulldog” finally did stick, it didn’t even have anything to do with how the dog looked, but rather with its dogged work ethic herding bulls!
Bulldogs were the hardest working members of the farm and ranch, catching and restraining even the roughest, toughest steers and big Brahma bulls so their owners could brand and examine them. During this period, bulldogs found a new role as personal protection dogs. Their fierceness made them effective guardians against feral dogs, wild boars, wolves, coyotes, hyenas, bears, and even humans with malicious intent.
In the late 1980s, the bulldog adopted the name ‘American Bulldog,’ paying homage to its significant historical role in early colonization and settlement life. As bulldogs became more popular as family pets and personal protection dogs, they became an increasingly desirable breed to the general public.
Today’s Modern “American Bulldog”
Today’s modern bulldog hails from one of four distinct strains, with each strain having descendants that reach all the way back to the original 17th-century bulldogs. Each of these four strains first originated in the deep south from Alabama to Georgia. The four strains are named Scott, Bailey, Johnson, and Williamson.
Today’s modern American Bulldog ranges in size from medium to large and continues to exhibit the assertive personality traits and powerful upper body strength that characterized the earliest bulldogs. In fact, these traits have made the American bulldog the number one choice for trained protection dogs in homes and businesses today.
Bulldogs, as a breed, possess a strong will but are also receptive to obedience and socialization training, transforming them into valuable canine citizens and integral pack members. The hallmarks of a bulldog that comes from authentic breeding lines and high-quality, appropriate training include native intelligence, mental and emotional stability, determination, courage, high pain tolerance, natural assertiveness and leadership skills, and calm self-possession during the conflict, and an innate protection dog instinct.
Whereas once these traits were invaluable for protecting the family plantation, farm, or ranch from interlopers (animal and human), today. The sought-after traits of Bulldogs, including their strength and tenacity, make them valuable for protection in various settings, from crime-ridden inner-city neighborhoods to suburban and rural areas.
Responsible Bulldog Ownership
While only a handful of modern American bulldogs today still engage in their original roles of herding and guarding livestock. Participating in in-game matches, protecting against wild animal predators, and similar duties. The bulldog as a breed has retained all of its natural abilities to successfully perform these tasks. The enduring legacy of Bulldogs is evident in their modern roles as trained protection dogs, serving in cities, suburbs, and rural areas. Today’s bulldogs exhibit the same calm, cool, take-charge demeanor and intelligence that their early relatives did, which ensures that their popularity continues to grow.
Because of the American bulldog’s strong, intelligent and independent personality, early introduction to obedience and socialization training is a must for everyone’s safety. Bulldogs need the structure of knowing what is “right” and what is “wrong” if. They are to become protection dogs in modern society. Neglecting these vital lessons may result in a bulldog being perceived as a threat, rather than a safeguard for people and property.
However, with an early introduction to training and socialization lessons that are ongoing into adulthood. The American bulldog becomes a protection dog that simply will not quit. The well-trained bulldog’s strength, smarts, stamina, speed, and bravery will forever be at the service of its master. As dedicated personal protection dogs, American Bulldogs will fiercely defend those under their charge, displaying unwavering loyalty and readiness to protect and serve, even at the risk of their own lives.
