Various Bulldog types

*blackrose

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#1
I was bored today and was browsing around online, drooling over various dogs. Then I started looking around at the various "alternative" bulldog types and realized I loved their looks, but had no clue how their temperaments/health/drives/etc. were different.

So, enlighten me! What are the basic differences between the various bulldog breeds? American Bulldog, Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog, Olde English Bulldogge (OEBKC version, not the IOEBA version), Leavitt Bulldog, etc., etc.

I know from my past research that the OEBKC does not condone or promote protection sports, so none of their dogs are competed with in those avenues. And they aren't restricted to just the Leavitt line. Whereas the Leavitt Bulldog does compete in protection sports and is restricted to only dogs from the Leavitt line.
I didn't know if with the line differentiation there was a distinct temperament/health difference.

I know next to nothing about American Bulldogs. I know there is a split in type (Johnson and Scott), but that's about it. Does the type difference result in a different "dog", or are they essentially the same?
I know I've liked the ones I've met, but other than that my knowledge of them is almost nothing.
Are Alapaha's related in any way to the AmBulldog? How are they the same? Different?

I'd really like to own a bulldog breed one of these days and I'm just trying to get a feel for the various types and how they compare to one another. All I know is that they are absolutely gorgeous.


And, just to make things even more difficult, how would you say one of these breeds compares to your run of the mill generic Pit Bull that you'd find at a shelter? (As that is really what I have experience with and figure using that as a comparison point would be best.)

How would they do in sports (such as obedience, rally, agility, etc.)? Home life?
 

Lyzelle

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#2
I knew of one American Bulldog, possibly mix. He was a dork. Completely and utter derp. Smart, though, super smart and picked up on basic things very quickly. Very athletic, always loved attention and exercise. Horribly SSA, though. That's about all I got, I'm sure others will chime in, though. Picture of the White Boy. Yes, those scars are due to wars. :( He was my surrogate boy. Would have taken him in a heartbeat if I could.

 

Romy

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#3
I don't know the difference between american bulldog lines, but will say that the ones I have met were very dedicated guard dogs. Completely different from ohmygoshsohappytoseeahuman pit bulls. My cousin has a female Johnson and she would probably back up her bark if someone pushed her and came into the yard despite her roaring through the fence at them. She does. Not. Like. Intruders.
 

*blackrose

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I knew of one American Bulldog, possibly mix. He was a dork. Completely and utter derp. Smart, though, super smart and picked up on basic things very quickly. Very athletic, always loved attention and exercise. Horribly SSA, though. That's about all I got, I'm sure others will chime in, though. Picture of the White Boy. Yes, those scars are due to wars. He was my surrogate boy. Would havetaken him in a heartbeat ifI could. ]
Big derpy dogs are my favorite. <3

I don't know the difference between american bulldog lines, but will say that the ones I have met were very dedicated guard dogs. Completely different from ohmygoshsohappytoseeahuman pit bulls. My cousin has a female Johnson and she would probably back up her bark if someone pushed her and came into the yard despite her roaring through the fence at them. She does. Not. Like. Intruders.
This wouldn't bother me, but good to know. If I won't have Chloe with me, I actually want to have a protective dog.
 

Pops2

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#5
to the best of my knowledge the leavitt/hermes is the oldest line of recreated bulldog but there are alot of them: olde, old time, old tyme/dorsett, original, old boston, valley, victorian, old english red, gargoyle & a few others i can't think of off the top of my head. the goals varied from a healthier type of english bulldog to "recreating" the old bullbaiting/butcher's "british bulldog." the breeds used in the creation of the various lines/breeds were english bulldog, bullmastiff, boston terrier, boxer, APBT, AmStaff & staffybull. so temperament & personality will vary widely even within one breed.

the american bulldog is allegedly descended directly/enyirely from the old butcher's bulldog. but anyone that thinks no game bulldog was bred in is fooling themselves. the johnson line also had english added from AKC ch high hopes. there are rumors st bernard & bullmastiff were added too. i've seen some fuzzy johnson dogs that make the st accusation likely true.

the alapaha is basically like the recreated oldes but uses mostly AB, pitty, a little EB & catahoula. the houla in them can make them stranger unfriendly.

the arkansas giant bulldog is just EBXpit & the catahoula bulldog is houlaXAB. tons of hog dogs are catahoula bulldogs w/o the fancy name & big price tag.
ETA banter bulldog is a linebred mix of boxer, AB & APBT. the breeder's focus was weightpull & he dallied in PP sport.
 

Sit Stay

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#8
A friend of ours has two White English Bulldogs. They are very stout - a little stockier than some American Bulldogs I've seen. Very stable, balanced dogs. She does agility, obedience, and herding with them. They're also her chores dogs around her hobby farm and aid in putting animals away, watching over their ducks and chickens, and I know they were great and very tender with a bottle lamb she had. She recently got an American Bulldog puppy who she hopes will have the same kind of farm utility capabilities.
 

*blackrose

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#9
I met an American Bulldog today in at work (poor thing has had two knee surgeries and now has something wrong with her hip - and she's only two years old). She was such an AWESOME dog. Happy, goob, so athletic and fit, and her temperament was just awesome. We x-rayed her hips and stifles without sedating her and although she thrashed around - a LOT - we were able to hold her on her back without her even once getting snippy/aggressive about it.

Do they typically make good all around dogs? I'd be interested in a dog that is athletic, able to settle in the house, good with kids, good with family pets, protective, and able to compete (as a hobby/not really competitive) in obedience/rally/whatever.

One of the reasons I'm looking at alternative bulldogs (as opposed to a rescue Pittie or what not) is two fold: one, I'm hoping the chance of inter-house dog aggression is not as high, and two, the likely hood of the breed being denied by insurance/land lord/etc. is a heck of a lot less likely since they aren't a "known" breed.
 

*blackrose

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#10
Im going to talk about the American Bulldog as the is the breed I know most about.

There are really 3 main "types":

The Classic/Johnson line - These dogs look more bullyish, they tend to be bigger and have flatter faces. Some people refer to these dogs as the "junk yard dogs" as they have that big intimidating look.

The Standard/Scott/Performance lines - These tend to be smaller and more athletic then the Johnsons dogs, people say they look similar to Pit bulls. These are usually the type you see out doing agility/protection/whatever sports.

The Hybrid lines - Just like the name suggest these dogs are a mix of the Johnson and Scott lines.

Theres also the Southern White and Painter/Margentina lines but I dont know much about them.

My personal favorite are the Standard/Scott/Performance lines because well I like my working dogs =)

As far as the temperament difference between the lines, I dont know much about the Johnson lines but Scott type dogs are working dogs. They should have good drive, solid nerve and be intelligent. They arent a breed I would give to a typical pet owner. As with out proper care this breed can become aggressive.

And I would say with the right owner this breed would be fine in a home environment or as a competition dog.

Here are three of my favorite AB breeders that I would suggest checking out:
http://www.kiwsabs.com/
http://www.v-abs.com/
^Those two are more on the protection side of the breed
http://www.norcalsbulldogs.com/main.html
^While Norcals dogs seem to do everything :p


(Im still kind of a newbie to the breed so if I said anything wrong dont hold it against me ;) )
I'm pretty sure I like the Scott lines, in terms of looks, anyway. When I think "American Bulldog", that is what comes to mind. That's also been the style I've met. 'Course, I'm also pretty sure all of the ones I've met have been pet/BYB bred.
 

~Dixie's_Mom~

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#11
Not sure if anyone's mentioned this, but French Bulldogs have really caught my eye lately! So that may be something you'd like to look into. :)
 

Miakoda

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#13
The Johnson line has gone to ****. They are now bred for their big heads and wide chests (and bowed elbows...that looks cool, ya know?).

I, personally, haven't seen a single quality working bulldog from the Johnson line. With that said, I have seen many wonderful hybrids, and I know a lady up in Canada with some of the best ABs I've ever seen.

The modern-day AB is a recreation of what the breed was supposedly like back in the olden days. The modern-day recreation is a mix of many breeds, including the American Pit Bull Terrier, the Saint Bernard, and even the Pug. Talk about variety! O_O

As for their nature, ABs are definitely guardian-type dogs. Strangers need to be thoroughly investigated, therefore they won't be greeted by happy tails and slobbery kisses. Most have pretty high prey drive, and many make **** fine hunting dogs. I've had the pleasure of hog hunting with some of the finest ABs (IMO) around. They are also fun-loving, have lots of energy, and enjoy spending time with their people.
 

*blackrose

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#14
Could anybody point me in the direction of a good breeder (I'm not interested in protection work, or strictly hunting...but an all around solid dog with a good off switch) in the midwest area? IN/OH/IL/MI/WI/KY...
 

Miakoda

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blackrose, I'm going to ask around to a few hunting friends. Since many of them travel to hunt (hogs), they will probably know of some. If I can find anything, I'll pm you. :)
 
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#16
I only have experience with American Bulldogs and Pitt bulls. I have raised pitt bulls for about 17 years. That has been my only choice of dog forever, until my husband bought me my American for mother's day. I have been sold since day one. I think I have found my new preferred breed. Pitt Bulls in my experience are good with kids, and if raised with cats..yes even kittens, they will even get a long with them. I even had a pitt bull who helped me save a litter of kittens by helping keep them clean while I bottle fed and he was male which made it even more strange lol. Pitt bulls are loyal and will give their life for you. Protective but can be friendly at the same time..but the downfall..they are stubborn!!! It Takes an enormously amount of time to raise a well behaved and trained pitt bull. I got my American at six weeks and he already listened so well and it was not due to the person who my husband bought him from. He was under nourished and not socialized at all. He was skiddish of us and very scared of human contact. I was very weary of how he would turn out. Within one night he was out of it and a totally new and improved puppy. He learns very fast.He has a wonderful personality, athletic, loves to play...and has been no where near as hard headed and stubborn as my pit bulls have been! I wanted to get rid of him when my husband brought him home because I didn't really know about those dog and been a one type dog forever. I am so glad I didn't and I am so sold on this breed and is now my preferred!
 

Emily

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#17
Oh man, you've been in "pitt" bulls for 17 years, still spell it that way, and still think they should be "protective"? :eek:
 
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#18
You Have to excuse my Louisiana Bayou Twang sometimes. When I am writing to other people online I try to keep in mind that I am writing to people that are all over the world and try to speak and spell as normal as possible but sometimes it gets the best of me! Where I come from that's how just about everyone spells it..its like a trademark or something I really don't know why. And to clarify, I don't think Pitt bulls should be protective..they are naturally protective. That is where irresponsible pit bull owners come into play...Some people try to train their pit bulls to be protective and to protect. In reality their are just making mean vicious dogs that are really going to hurt someone. No training is needed for them..if you treat them right and give them love they will be loyal to the endand let no harm come to you.
 
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#19
Oh man, you've been in "pitt" bulls for 17 years, still spell it that way, and still think they should be "protective"? :eek:
Yes, for 17 years. Also, you can google "pitt" bulls and it is a common spelling, especially where I live down south Louisiana. And just to clarify, I am not sure what you are implying about "you still think they "should" be protective." But if you are implying that I make them mean, you are wrong. Actually this is where the irresponsible pitt bull owners come into play. They get a pitt bull and train it to guard, and make them mean trying to get a good guard dog. Really, all they end up with are nasty ferocious dogs that will attack anything in their path. Which will only lead to fines and the dog being put to sleep. Pitt bulls don't need that. They are naturally protective. Shower them with love, affection,and a happy home and they will dedicate their life to you and let no harm come your way. To help clarify a little bit more here's an example.

Pitt bulls trained to guard, fight and made mean=
A dog who will tear anything from limb to limb who enters the yard such as another animal,kid, or adult.

Pitt bulls who are loved and treated like a normal pet instead of like a weapon=

A dog who will allow anyone in the house as long as they are let in and not climbing through a window. A dog who loves people and enjoys meeting new people as long as they keep there hands to their self and not on the dogs family. This comes naturally to them, needs not to be taught.

There is "protective" and "ferocious"..there is a difference.
 

Pops2

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#20
i think she is referring to the fact there is no such breed as pitt bull, it is a generic misnomer applied to any big blockheaded dog by people ignorant of what an American Pit Bull Terrier really is.
 

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