@Kjelle wrote:
@AmericanBulldogMom I just saw this horrible article about a pittie mauling someone. It looked more like your boy than what I think of as a Pitbull so I googled a bit. What a confusion of breeds with similiar roots! Then I wondered how you were able to find a good puppy. I am sure you have people thinking he is to be feared but it is obvious he wasn't bred for fierceness and has an excellent and loving disposition. Have you encountered any issues where you live? 💋🐕
@Kjelle You have hit on a subject for that I could talk about for days. LOL! I am very familiar with the stereotypes that come along with owning "bully breeds" as we will call them. I am a HUGE advocate for these breeds, very misunderstood. I fell in love with the bully breeds at a young. It's the tough exterior with the big mushy heart inside that gets me.
I did a ton of research and knew the American Bulldog was for me and found a fantastic breeder not too far from my home. I just got really lucky to have one so close. That was 20 years ago now and for me, my home would never be complete with one. That breeder that I was lucky enough to find is now a very close friend of mine and is also where I got Rip. She's become one of the most respected AB breeders in the country. I train with her, show with her, etc.
After having AB's for 20yrs now I have definitely come across the negativity. He is very often initially perceived as being very intimidating and thought of as a "huge pit bull". When people see him wagging his tail as they get closer and are kind enough to ask about him, they are pleasantly surprised. He's a great ambassador for the breed. Everyone walks away thanking me for meeting him. He's also the first American Bulldog many of the general public meet - which is why most assume he's a "huge pit bull". LOL! I take him everywhere I can to dispell all the bad things and misconceptions people hear and that the media spreads. Some people have their minds made up that these dogs are just bad. Those people I don't waste my time on. But to everyone who's willing to learn, meet him, etc. I will talk to you all day. My son was 9mo's old when my first AB came home at 9 wks old. They grew up as best friends, just as Rip is now my son's best friends and he's 20 yrs old now. While my son was still in HS I took Rip to every one of his home track meets. Everyone loved him...especially the kids, and he loved them all as well. No one meets him without getting bulldog kisses. LOL! I'd bring him up into the stands and sit and he just ate up all the attention. Again, it's good for people to meet a well bred dog like Rip, to ease their judgements, etc. I work very hard socializing him, etc. My very first AB was a Certified Therapy Dog.
I could go on and on and I am sure you regret asking me this question after my way too long response. But I am very passionate about these dogs and work very hard to show the public these dogs are not all monsters. I love my big baby!! Thanks for asking @Kjelle, I really do appreciate it.
Blogs & Forums
