People often have mixed feelings when it comes to Bulldogs. Some think of them as furious and grim, while people who own a Bulldog know what a lovely companion they are! The American Bulldog is a well-adjusted muscular dog that is energetic, strong, and friendly. American Bully is a successor of the English Bulldog, who was bred to work on fields.
Black American Bullies are a mix of American Pit Bull Terrier, Bulldog, and Staffordshire Terrier, and they come in an all-black coat. However, black is not the correct color for an American Bulldog. Traditionally, American Bulldogs are often white with patches of red, brindle, and black.
Apart from mixed shades of white, this dog breed also comes in other colors, including all-white, black, and chocolate. But yes, American Bulldogs can be all-black. Black is among the other four rare colors for these Rocky Bullies. Regardless of appearance, Bulldogs are excellent domestic canines. Before you drive down to get one, let us discuss things that will help you raise your Bully right.
How Big Do Black American Bulldogs Get?
Black American Bulldogs have a remarkably muscular body that can go up to 22 to 28 inches in height by the time they become adults in the case of males, whereas the height range for females is 20 to 26 inches.
When compared to French Bulldogs or English Bulldogs, Black American Bullies are quite taller. This breed reaches a weight of 70 to 120 lbs for males and 60 to 100 lbs for females as they enter adulthood.
If you own an average-sized yard, you can easily exercise your medium to large-sized American Bully in your home without taking them out for a walk on busy days.
Physical Appearance
Black American Bulldogs are rocky, strong, and have a long back that makes them look very upright. Bullies usually stand 2 feet at the shoulder and have a much-positioned body structure.
Since Bullies were originally bred to work on farms, they have big heads with powerful jaws. Their ears may be uncropped, rose, drop, semi-prick, or cropped. They have dark brown eyes, round or almond-shaped. Bulldogs have an erect tail, thick at the base, that gradually thins out at the top.
Coat Color And Pattern
The characteristic black coat on the Black American Bulldogs is due to a certain pigment called eumelanin, whose production depends on the B locus in the cells.
These Bullies are black because these expressed B genes are dominant.
Black American Bulldogs have varieties of coats that may be solid or patterned. Their black coats are soft and short-haired. They may contain patterns of black, brindle, fawn, or red color on their coat.
How Long Do Black American Bulldogs Live?
A Black American Bulldog has a life expectancy of 10 to 16 years.
Bullies are a working breed, so obviously very healthy. Exercising is crucial to keep the pooch healthy. While they are comfortable indoors, physical activity is not to be compromised. They are robust and active, so playing outdoors helps them stay healthy and live even longer.
However, there are some common health issues of Bulldogs that you may face if not given proper care.
Obesity
Black American Bulldogs are brachycephalic dog breeds that have shorter snouts, thereby making it harder for them to breathe well. So, obesity will make it hard for your furry friend to breathe. Lack of exercise will make them prone to being overweight.
Hip Dysplasia
If Black American Bulldogs have been overweight since childhood, they are more likely to develop hip dysplasia in adulthood. In this, the hip joint grows abnormally and becomes weaker.
Overheating
Black American Bulldogs are not very habitable to humidity and heat. When you are walking or exercising your canine outdoors on a warm day, keep an eye for signs and symptoms of overheating.
If you encounter such a situation, lie down your doggie in a cooler place. You can also buy a small pool for your Bully to help them beat the heat.
Cherry Eye
Cherry eye is a nasty issue in Black American Bulldogs where a third eyelid bulges. Unlike humans, dogs have three eyelids to protect their eyes. In certain conditions, the third eyelid gets irritated and protrudes.
Cherry eye is not an emergency but can be concerning if ignored for a long time; therefore, consult a vet sooner.
How To Take Care Of Your Black American Bulldog?
Your Black American Bully needs at least an hour of exercise every day to stay healthy and away from health issues like obesity and hip dysplasia.
Bulldogs have strong muscles, and to maintain them, your Fido requires good playtime each day along with a high-quality diet to increase their life expectancy and keep fit. However, lack of exercise will lead to problems mentioned below:
- Heart diseases
- Poor digestion
- Hip dysplasia
- Obesity
On the contrary, a good exercise routine will help your canine friends in the following ways:
- Better functioning organs
- Stronger bones
- Improved brain function
- Quality of sleep
You can take your four-legged buddy on a good 45-min walk to help them maintain their strong muscles. Some other fun activities are fetching, jolly ball, Frisbee, tug-of-war, and dog toys.
High-Quality Diet
For Bullies, diet is a vital factor in keeping their muscular body intact. The ideal meal for a Bully can be 2 to 3 cups per day. The high-quality food should be given in two meals.
However, the amount of food your canine eats also depends on his activity level, age, and metabolism. The ideal diet of a Bully must consist of carbs, protein, good fats, minerals, and multivitamins. To make sure that your Fido gets all the essentials, you can also get a nutritious Pet Plate for them.
Dental Care
It is important to keep your pet’s teeth clean to avoid potential dental issues. For better oral hygiene of your Bully, you can use dental water additives. Put one tablespoon of it in your doggie’s water bowl daily, and you are all set for the day.
Can Black American Bulldogs Be Aggressive? Temperaments Of Black American Bulldogs
Black American Bulldogs are known to exhibit aggression and hostility. Such traits are likely to be inherited from generations since these Bullies were bred to perform farm works such as baiting or herding, where dominance comes in handy.
Younger bullies are more aggressive than older ones; they bite, nibble, and chew things they should not. But take this normal, it will get better as they grow old.
However, to promote a stable and calm temperament, early socialization is mandatory. To avoid dog aggression in your canine buddy, socialize him/her with other dogs and even cats from an early age.
Separation Anxiety
Just like other doggies, Black American Bulldogs suffer from separation anxiety too. Without the proper training, these pooches cannot be left alone for more than 6 hours. When they do, they can become destructive.
In terms of destructive behavior, Black American Bulldogs can exhibit chewing of furniture or barking tendencies. As Bullies are companion dogs, they will need lots of attention and play-time. Consider setting them up with a professional sitter or dog daycare center in your absence.
Quick-Learners
Black American bulldogs are eager learners and consistent. By the time they reach six months, you can start training them with basic commands like “No,” “Sit,” “Stand,” and “Stay.” Don’t miss out on the “drop it” command, as your bully’s bite is strong enough to destroy the toys. They can be dominating, so training is necessary to teach them obedience.
Hyperactive
Black American Bulldogs are hyperactive up to the age of 4 to 5 years. It can get difficult to calm them as all they want is to play and run around. You can provide them with calming chews to compose them.
Female Black Bullies are more active and aggressive as compared to male ones. However, plenty of energy is a healthy sign, and you can always use treats or training to wind down.
All in all, Black American Bullies are best owned by owners with an active lifestyle and love having an athletic companion for hunting, farming, or protection. Naturally, they are calm, and their behaviors toward strangers fluctuate from friendly to aloof. All these Bullies are vigilant guardians and live for their owners.
Do Black American Bulldogs Shed? Grooming Tips For Black American Bulldogs
Black American Bullies shed throughout the year due to their short coat. Factors such as climate, diet, and skin conditions also contribute to their shedding.
These Bullies have short coats that do not require excessive grooming. Also, puppies tend to shed more hair, but their shedding levels will reduce as they mature to become adults.
Black American Bulldogs are not hypoallergenic. These purebred pooches produce a high amount of allergens. Therefore, people sensitive to allergies must avoid being in proximity.
Brush The Coat Twice Or Thrice Per Week
You can brush your Fido 2 to 3 times a week to get rid of all the dead hair that may lead to skin problems if not cleaned properly. Brush for at least 10 minutes every three days to maintain a healthy coat. You can change the brushing pattern as per your Bully’s needs and shedding quantity.
To make things less hectic, you can use the FURminator Undercoat Tool, which helps in removing the deadhead from the undercoat without hurting your pooch. It is safe and effective in reducing shedding with regular use.
Regular Bathing And Cleaning
Your Black Bully requires a regular bath and cleaning as often as once per week. Do not delay bathing your canine for more than six weeks, or it will start smelling bad.
Before bathing, use a dryer to loosen dirt, dander skin, and dead hair from their coat. Use a high-quality shampoo for bathing your Bully. You can consider using Pro Pet Works All Natural 5-In-1 Oatmeal Shampoo. This shampoo is hypoallergenic and soap-free, so completely safe for your pooch.
Other Grooming Tips
Use a hydrating spray to keep the coat moisturized after bathing your Bully. Trim their nails from time to time as long nails are uncomfortable and compromise the paw’s shape. Brush their teeth daily.
Related Questions
How Much Does Black American Bulldog Cost? The cost for Black American Bulldogs ranges from $1,500 to $4,000. The price may vary from different places to breeders, but you get a fully screened doggie for temperament issues and health. Bullies are not the most expensive to own. However, purebred puppies may cost you more as they are pricey to breed.
Do Black American Bulldogs Swim? No, a Black American Bulldog cannot swim because of their short snouts due to brachycephaly; it is difficult for them to keep their head out of water. Make sure to use a life vest for your furry friend whenever they are near water sources to avoid the risk of drowning.
What Is A Black Pocket American Bully? A Black Pocket Bully is a mixed breed of American Pit Bull Terrier and Patterdale Terrier. On average, this tiny pooch can weigh between 10 to 20 lbs for females and 11 to 22 lbs for males, and it is no wonder that it is often called a Miniature Pit Bull. A Pocket Bully is a designer dog and, therefore, very expensive. You can carry this tiny muscular canine in your bag easily.
