Spanky weighs in at 73 lbs. He was snipped before adulthood and did not get his full growth. He can be a handful and does keep me on my toes.
He can pull Diesel around (Diesel is a Dogue De Bordeaux/Bulldog mix - we think - doggy DNA test is still out) and weighs in at 80lbs. When I say he can pull him around, I mean they play tug of war with the Kong toys and when Diesel lays down (hoping to get the upper hand) Spanky will pull him around the house. It does not matter if he's on the hardwood floor or carpet, Spanky pulls him. It's a hoot to watch.
Athletic, yes...very energetic dog. Needs his walk or lots of run time in the backyard to work off energy. I have also trained him on a treadmill, so in the winter, he can get his exercise, too.
They do need to be socialized, especially if you are going to have them as your farm dog. Actually, that was their original breeding. He (Spanky) came to me as a foster and that was three and a half years ago. I cannot imagine life without him. He's very special to me. He's my boy.
He did have some fear issues, that we have worked through. He had been abandoned in his first home. Then a rescue got him and adopted him out. Then the gal was losing her home (down economy) and I fostered him and have had him since. The first thing we built together was trust and have never looked back. I think he was about a year old when I got him.
He did well adjusting to my pack. Although I had females at the time. However, over the last year, I have lost both girls...
He absolutely hates water, so I use a "waterless" bath. It's a spray, then wipe-down. I also use wipes for dogs. It makes his coat shine and again it's without water. Even when he loves to roll in the dirt, I dust him off then he gets his waterless bath. Oh when it rains, I practically have to drag him out to do his business. BUT the upside, he LOVES to come in and go through the "wipe-down." I know he loves the attention.
I use a fine comb (blade) during shedding season. He again, loves the attention. I didn't realize I would actually get hair but he sheds very little. He has a very thin coat. When he got here, he actually had patches where he was hairless. I think it was due to stress. BUT he's easy to maintain!
Visual deterant - he's your man! That boy would lay down his life for me, not that I would ever ask that of him...there is no greater love than when a friend would lay down their life. I would never put him in harms way. I am willing to do the dirty work. That is why my quote is, "forget the dogs, beware of the owner!" However, he is a wonderful alarm system and that is all I ask of him. Therefore, he get's kibble, water and a roof over his head
Intelligent - He knows come by the word, hand signal, whistle and his name, sit, and will sit for food and a treat, (also for his treat he will shake and high five,) down, stay, and another trick or two. Has manners when he wants up in my lap (yes, 73 lbs lap dog) or if I allow him to sleep with me. He knows he must wait to be invited. He knows the rules and follows them.
If I am upset, he is by my side in a heartbeat...and will not leave until I calm down. If he thinks I am in danger, he will not leave my side, either.
When we walk, he walks beside me. He is good with his pack-mates although I will say this. I recently acquired Diesel (late July.) I did not think we would have aggressive issues but I have had to step in and supervise these two more than once. Actually, I supervise them all the time. There is more to it than Spanky my Am Bulldog being aggressive. My Diesel is a bully, too. Therefore they can feed off of each other. However, Diesel is very, very playful and will belly up in an instant. He can also instigate things. So it is a two way street.
If you are getting an Am Bulldog from a puppy, your situation will be a little different. Spanky is four years old. Diesel is a rescue from a shelter and is five years old. Spanky was use to females (and they were the alpha's).
He and Diesel get along well but because they are both bullies, they have to be supervised. They love to wrestle and act like sibs. My females were older and could not play with Spanky the way Diesel can, so I actually think Diesel is teaching Spanky how to be a dog inside a "playful" pack.
BTW, they hunt together in the backyard, looking for vermin. You cannot breed out instinct. It is there just under the surface waiting to come out. Vermin bring it out in my two. Squirrels don't have a chance in my yard. Birds are in danger, too.
Since neither dog like water, I take a water bottle out with me. If they begin to fixate or jump up on the fence, I give a warning. If they listen, they get praise. If they don't, they get a squirt from the bottle. They are good listeners because neither like water. Both are very sensitive. Commands work very well and water is used very little. If I only need to get their attention, I will spray it up and over them (not a direct hit) like it's raining, that get's their attention and they are ready to listen...and move on. Very little use of water (don't want to over use it.) Smart dogs, easy to break their train of thought and get them back on track. I love it!
My American Bulldog is loving, comical, strong-willed, longer fuse than the (APBT) and longer legs too, Be careful, he will herd you (run circles around you or other animals). Sometimes confused with the APBT but those are just uneducated people.
He snores when he's asleep, when he's awake, when he's happy. He snorts like a bull, when he's excited he breathes like a bulldog. At first, I thought he had asthma. Ha, I was wrong...it's just his breed.
He will make you laugh until tears stream from your eyes or your belly hurts. Keep your camera or video recorder close by. You'll need it. They can be a real hoot. Mine gets so happy, he does the kidney bean dance, you know where his tail wags so hard his body shakes and forms a kidney bean?
I love it when he fluffs his pillow, it looks like he digging it up from China and using his whole body. I need to get that on film. Sometimes, I will come in and it's half way across the room, but I'll tell you it's the most fluffy dog pillow I've every seen.
Sorry so long, just trying to answer your questions...
"From wet noses to wiggly butts, our dogs are not just dogs, they are family!"
The first pic is Spanky alone. The second is Spanky and Diesel...
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My American Bulldog - Scott Breed
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