American Bulldog

The amount of food an American Bulldog needs depends on their:  

• age  
• size  
• activity levels  
• fitness  
• weight.   

You can use the information on dog food packets as a guide, taking your dog’s individual needs into account.  

Your dog's body condition is helpful for deciding how much food to give your dog. You can find more about body condition scoring from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WVASA). If you’re not sure, ask your vet for advice. 

American Bulldogs are usually moderately active dogs who need regular exercise and stimulation to keep them physically and mentally healthy. 

American Bulldogs are also at higher risk of developing heat stroke. Take a look at our warm weather advice for more information.

They'll need daily walks, plus plenty of time and opportunity to explore, burn energy, and play. Like all dogs, they will need training and will benefit from daily enrichment. If you enjoy regular time outdoors, this breed could be a great match for you.  
  
Things that you need to think about when exercising your American Bulldog include their:  

• age  
• health  
• personality.  

For example, young or growing dogs might need a few shorter walks each day, rather than one long one. Older, injured or ill dogs will have different exercise needs which should be tailored to them based on advice from your vet. Some dogs will need peaceful walks without many other people or dogs around. Others will enjoy meeting new people and play dates with their furry friends.   
  
Check with your vet if you need advice on exercising your dog.  

American Bulldogs have short fur that generally only needs an occasional brush. American Bulldogs often have skinfolds which require regular cleaning. Speak to your vet for advice on how to do this for your dog. 

To help your dog feel comfortable with handling and grooming, introduce it in a positive way, one step at a time. Teaching your dog to feel relaxed and confident will make grooming more enjoyable for everyone. 

When inside their crate, your dog should have plenty of space to: 

• sit and stand up at their full height 
• turn around without touching the sides 
• lie down fully stretched out 
• comfortably wag their tail.  

It's important to build up the time dogs spend in their crate gradually and to help them associate it with good things happening.