Welcome 
Hello Mike from Wisconsin
Hi
I am a registered nurse for 11 yrs now and currently own an 11 yr old English Springer Spaniel , but I have been thinking of getting and American Bulldog and found this forum as I was searching for information .
My primary reason for looking at an american bulldog is pretty simple , I enjoy being active outside with running and bike riding which I used to do with my Springer until he became arthritic and was unable to enjoy these activities . I have always loved the aesthetics of a bulldog , and thought I would love to have an English until I read about their numerous health problems and sedentary life style.
I have a household of 3 children ages 5-10 so I want a dog that will be safe and enjoyable around children and easily socialize into the household . Only pets I have are my Neutered male Springer who basically thinks he is human and never enjoyed playing with other dogs much . He doesn't get aggressive he just basically ignores them , I take him out to my Step father's house in the country with their Golden Retriever and my dog just sits on the steps wanting to go in the house while my mom's dog is running around playing.
I plan on enrolling the dog and myself into an obedience class as soon as possible if I decide to get one , because I really want a happy dog that understands what is acceptable and what is not. I trained my springer myself , but I realize there is a big difference in the two breeds and want to train the Bulldog properly from the start .
I live on a corner lot in a town of about 8 thousand so its a quiet neighborhood with a good size yard ,but it is not fenced in .
Does this sound like a breed of dog I would be happy with and be able to properly enjoy ? I tried to include enough info on living area and my expectations , but if anyone has questions for me feel free to ask .
Thank you
mike
I am a registered nurse for 11 yrs now and currently own an 11 yr old English Springer Spaniel , but I have been thinking of getting and American Bulldog and found this forum as I was searching for information .
My primary reason for looking at an american bulldog is pretty simple , I enjoy being active outside with running and bike riding which I used to do with my Springer until he became arthritic and was unable to enjoy these activities . I have always loved the aesthetics of a bulldog , and thought I would love to have an English until I read about their numerous health problems and sedentary life style.
I have a household of 3 children ages 5-10 so I want a dog that will be safe and enjoyable around children and easily socialize into the household . Only pets I have are my Neutered male Springer who basically thinks he is human and never enjoyed playing with other dogs much . He doesn't get aggressive he just basically ignores them , I take him out to my Step father's house in the country with their Golden Retriever and my dog just sits on the steps wanting to go in the house while my mom's dog is running around playing.
I plan on enrolling the dog and myself into an obedience class as soon as possible if I decide to get one , because I really want a happy dog that understands what is acceptable and what is not. I trained my springer myself , but I realize there is a big difference in the two breeds and want to train the Bulldog properly from the start .
I live on a corner lot in a town of about 8 thousand so its a quiet neighborhood with a good size yard ,but it is not fenced in .
Does this sound like a breed of dog I would be happy with and be able to properly enjoy ? I tried to include enough info on living area and my expectations , but if anyone has questions for me feel free to ask .
Thank you
mike
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I think you would do fine w/ an AB. But, it's always better to have a 5-6' privacy fence with a bully breed dog...for it's safety and the safety of other animals in the neighborhood.
~S
For the record, I don't have one now, but will as soon as I can get one. I did get a 10x10x6' fenced enclosure for them.
~S
For the record, I don't have one now, but will as soon as I can get one. I did get a 10x10x6' fenced enclosure for them.
hi Mike! Welcome. American Bulldogs can be wonderful companions. Do lots of research. Ask around about breeders. That's the most important aspect, to find a reputable breeder. Having a male dog already, I would suggest a female to avoid any same sex agression problems. Doesn't sound like your Spaniel would be a problem, but an AB has dominant tendencies. Keep reading, ask lots of questions. Like BanterBull said, fence in your yard, not with an invisible fence, either! Good luck in your quest!
Thank you for the replies so far ! Sounds like I need to think of getting a fence , which isn't a problem since half the adjoining properties on both sides have fences .
You could look into olde english bulldogges too. I had exactly your reasoning in the beginning. I wanted an English bulldog but i'm active and don't want an unhealthy sedentary dog (not always but it is generally the case/risk taking by purchasing the breed). All Olde English bulldogges that are bred have to pass MRI screenings for hip dysplasia testing, so that cuts out a major problem of english bulldogs. Also the nasal cavity isn't is compressed into the head so respiratory problems aren't as common. If you want any other info let me know because I just got my OEB puppy Zipp a few days ago but have been doing tons of research since last September. Hope this helps even if you're set on an American Bulldog
Well to be honest I am naive about old english bulldogges , I assumed they were the same dog as the English until I found this forum . They do sound interesting and I would definately have to do some reading up on them . I really don't have my heart set on a specific breed per se , its just that the reading I have done so far led me towards the American Bulldog as far as physical traits , temperment , and activity level .
Hi Mike and welcome!! I am an APBT owner - but I see you live in Wisconsin and was just wondering where - I am in Milwaukee but was raised in DePere!!
Hey Boda ,
I live in Sparta , but I am originally from Lacrosse . Nice looking dog you have !
I live in Sparta , but I am originally from Lacrosse . Nice looking dog you have !
For more information OEBs and quality breeders in your area try www.ioeba.net. There are two main lines of OEBs which seem to be evolving. One tends to look more 'bully' with shorter legs, this dog is more laid back more akin to the 'typical' EB. The other has longer legs and tends to be more athletic.mjh68 said:Well to be honest I am naive about old english bulldogges , I assumed they were the same dog as the English until I found this forum . They do sound interesting and I would definately have to do some reading up on them . I really don't have my heart set on a specific breed per se , its just that the reading I have done so far led me towards the American Bulldog as far as physical traits , temperment , and activity level .
YAY Sparta!!! A friend of mine lived there years ago! Welcome again!mjh68 said:Hey Boda ,
I live in Sparta , but I am originally from Lacrosse . Nice looking dog you have !
Thanks again Bod !
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