'Johnson' American Bulldog

Search Johnson Breed Info by Google® American Bulldog (Comprehensive Owner's Guide) The American Bulldog is now one of the nation’s most celebrated canine exports, establishing a devoted following around the globe. Author Abe Fishman provides a controversial but wholly candid retelling of the breed’s history and its re-creation in the United States. The history chapter is followed by a chapter devoted to the characteristics of this exceptional working breed, offering sound advice about which owners are best suited to this vigorous and active canine.

Breed History

The American bulldog began life as cattle drivers. The dogs were trained to catch and hold cows and bulls until they could be corralled. American bulldogs are perfect for this as they have what's known as a "lockjaw". Their jaws will lock once the dog has bitten down on something. Basically, once an American bulldog bites something, you're going to have a tough time of getting it to let go.

American bulldogs found homes with people would had emigrated from England to the USA. Perhaps the English took a liking to them because of their fondness for English bulldogs. The breeds physical abilities and temperament made them excellent working dogs in multiple fields; including guard duty and of course cattle driving.

Over time, the need for the American bulldog was largely over, and the breed was close to extinction. However, in the mid-20th century, two men decided to change this, Allen Scott and John D. Johnson. Practically every American bulldog alive today can trace its pedigree back to the dogs that Johnson and Scott used to breed their first American bulldog pups.

The Johnson American Bulldog, which is sometimes called the “Classic” American Bulldog is a distinctive breed that is popular in breeding circles and in dog shows. Johnson American Bulldogs are taller and heavier than the closely related Scott American Bulldog. Johnson Bulldogs have wider chests and more boxy-looking heads.

The original English Bulldog started as a cattle dog and a guard dog. They were extremely good utility dogs and immigrants from England brought them to the United States to help them start a new life. Once they were here, they were called by many different names and had actually almost reached extinction by the mid-20th century.

But two men decided to restore the breed. One of them was John D. Johnson, after which the Johnson American Bulldog is named. Allen Scott was the other man breeding American Bulldogs to repopulate them. His American Bulldogs are known as “Scott American Bulldogs.”

Johnson American Bulldog Personality

The "Johnson" American bulldog is the larger of the two American bulldog types today. They are also known as the classic American bulldog. They stand between 23 and 27 inches at the shoulder and weigh an impressive 90 to 120 pounds. Johnson's American bulldogs have wider chests, heavier bones and boxier heads than Scott's. You may notice the similarities between Johnson's and English bulldogs; this is due to an early cross with their English cousins.

Although "Johnson" American bulldogs are large and look quite boisterous, they have very similar temperaments to English bulldogs. They have a gentle and affectionate quality that often leads to them being known as massive lap dogs. They also have a love for children and are alert, loyal and confident. All American bulldog types respond well to being trained early and to an owner that isn't afraid to step into the pack leaders shoes and show discipline when needed.

The Johnson American Bulldog is very gentle and affectionate. They will climb up on your lap and they love playing with children. However, they are also very good guard dogs due to the fact that they are constantly on alert and very loyal to their owners.

The Johnson American Bulldog is very strong-willed, so training should be done as soon as possible. It may be too late to try to train them when they are older.

Once a "Johnson" American bulldog is part of a pack, it will protect it with its life. It is a true family pet that will love you and protect you no matter the cost. However, the downside to this loyalty is that they love to be near you. So you will have one of the biggest lapdogs in the world for around 16 years of your life! You may never stand up within these 16 years, but you'll have a friend to lick your face regardless.

Food, Height & Weight

The dog stands between 23 and 27 inches at the shoulder; weight ranges from 90 to 120 pounds. The bitch is about the same height and usually weighs just a few pounds less.

American Bulldogs should be fed puppy food up until about 10 months and then switched to adult food. From 0 to 6 months, you should feed them 3-4 times per day. After they are a year old, you can feed them twice a day. Their diet should consist of protein, fats, fruits and vegetables, with very little or none of fillers, milk products and fatty foods. Also, dog foods that contain carrots or other forms of beta-carotene will help to promote good eye health.

Health & Life Expectancy

"Johnson" American bulldogs require a lot of exercise to keep them entertained and healthy. Remember, these dogs were first bred to help with cattle driving, so they aren't shy of a bit of exercise. There are few health issues associated with American bulldogs, however, overall, they are considered a healthy breed.
American Bulldogs can suffer from medical conditions such as poor vision, digestive issues, hip dysplasia and joint issues, due to the stress that the large body puts upon its short legs.

In addition, American Bulldogs have digestive problems, which means that they are particularly prone to flatulence, something that your kids will find endlessly amusing.

The American Bulldog is a big shedder, so you want to brush them often to get rid of loose hair. They also need to be exposed to people regularly because they are very protective otherwise.

The American Bulldog will live between 10 and 15 years.

Fun Facts

There are several interesting facts about the American Bulldog. Both the Scott and Johnson American Bulldogs owe their existence to two men: Allen Scott and John D. Johnson. Every single American Bulldog alive today has either Johnson’s stud dog “Dick the Bruiser” or Scott’s “Mac the Masher” in their ancestry. In addition, American Bulldogs have digestive problems, which means that they are particularly prone to flatulence, something that your kids will find endlessly amusing.