American Bulldog Health: What Owners Need to Know

Overview

American Bulldogs are generally healthy, strong dogs, but like all breeds, they can face specific health problems. Knowing what to watch for helps you keep your bulldog in top shape. We use Embark DNA tests on our dogs to see if they are either clear status, carrier status, or affected status, by any of the American Bulldog breed specific diseases. If a dog is a “carrier,” then we try to breed that dog to a dog that is “clear.” We don’t use any dogs that are “affected” by NCL10, HUU, ICH, NM, or cmr1. However, all bulldogs are “affected” by Mast Cell Tumors (MCT). Yet, this is the case for essentially all bull breeds, and it is not a serious concern if you are feeding your dog quality food and giving them plenty of exercise. Hip Dysplasia and Elbow Dysplasia are screened through PennHip testing and OFA testing. We use PennHip testing for our dogs’ hips. Read more below about these diseases and how they could impact your bulldog’s health. (The information below is summarized from the Embark Vet website.)

 Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 10 (NCL10):

This disease compromises the lysosome structure in the dog’s cells. The lysosome recycles waste in the cell. When this structure fails, the cell will deteriorate and eventually die. When this happens for long enough the dog will begin to show neural decline e.g. loss of use of legs, loss of balance, loss of muscle coordination. If a dog is affected by NCL and begins showing symptoms, that dog is sadly waiting a slow-progressing death sentence. This is preventable through EMbark DNA testing to ensure no two carriers are bred together and ensure no dogs affected by NCL are used in a breeding program.

Hyperuricosuria (HUU):

This disease compromises the kidneys’ ability to convert uric acid into allantoin and then excrete it in the urine. The buildup of uric acid leads to kidney stones and bladder stones. If a dog is “affected” by HUU the symptoms vary in severity. An affected dog may have smelly, cloudy pee, or it could be as severe as blockages and pain which would require surgery. This disease is preventable through Embark DNA testing of breeding stock and planning accordingly.

Ichthyosis (ICH):

This disease causes the dog to have scaly, irritated, itchy skin. An affected dog will show signs as early as 2 weeks after birth. This is not a life-threatening disease, but the owner of an affected dog will need to take better care than usual of their dog’s skin. This disease is preventable through Embark DNA testing of breeding stock and planning accordingly.

Nemaline Myopathy (NM):

This disease causes generalized muscle weakness and symptoms arise around 2 months of age. This muscle weakness may show up in the affected dog as an inability to handle exercise, loss of strength, and tremors. This disease is preventable through Embark DNA testing of breeding stock and planning accordingly.

Canine Multifocal Retinopathy (cmr1):

This disease causes abnormalities in the retina creating small retinal folds and/or lesions. In the most severe cases it can cause blindness. If a dog is affected symptoms will begin showing up in puppies between 11 weeks and 16 weeks old and will cease development at around 1 year of age. A dog that is affected with cmr1 should have regular vet examinations. This disease is preventable through Embark DNA testing of breeding stock and planning accordingly.

Mast Cell Tumors (MCT):

This condition is the most common malignant skin tumor in dogs. These tumors consist of white blood cells under the skin. These tumors show up on average around age 7, but can show up at any age. In some cases, these tumors can form on organs and the only way to remove them is through surgery. However, dogs that have similar genetics are rarely diagnosed with MCT. An estimated 13 of 1,000 female dogs with these genetics have received an MCT diagnosis, and 5 of 1,000 female dogs without these genetic similarities have received an MCT diagnosis. Furthermore, 13 of 1,000 male dogs with similar genetics have received an MCT diagnosis and 4 of 1,000 of male dogs without these genetic similarities have received an MCT diagnosis. In other words, although all bulldogs are affected by MCT they will rarely, if ever, develop symptoms. If you notice Mast Cell Tumors developing on your dog it is important that you schedule a vet visit.

Hip Dysplasia & Elbow Dysplasia:

Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are skeletal diseases that are common in large breed dogs. Hip and elbow dysplasia compromises the proper growth of the ball and socket joints. The socket under-develops causing improper coverage of the ball joint which makes for a lax joint. This added movement in the joint creates scar tissue and it encourages bone spur growth. These bone spurs create pain for the dog and compromises movement. In severe cases dogs will become incapable of walking. Hip and Elbow dysplasia are preventable through PennHip testing and OFA testing. In our breeding program we strive to breed dogs that have excellent PennHip scores.

Preventative Care Essentials

Vet Checkups
  • Puppies: Every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks old
  • Adults: Annual examinations
  • Seniors (6+ years): Twice yearly exams
Vaccinations
  • Core vaccines: Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus
  • Optional: Adenovirus, Bordetella, Leptospirosis, Lyme (based on region)
  • Follow your vet's recommended schedule
Parasite Control
  • Heartworm prevention is ESSENTIAL depending on your region
  • Regular flea and tick prevention
  • Deworming as recommended by your vet
Weight Management
  • Keep your bulldog lean - you should be able to feel (but not see) ribs
  • Measure food portions according to package guidelines for active dogs
  • Adjust as needed based on body condition
  • Obesity worsens joint problems and shortens lifespan
Exercise Needs
  • Daily walks and/or runs (30 minutes minimum)
  • Avoid exercise in extreme heat
  • Always provide fresh water
  • Allow cooling breaks during rigorous activity
Health Testing for Breeding Dogs

If breeding is ever considered, health testing should include:

  • Hip and elbow evaluations (PennHip and OFA)
  • Embark DNA testing for NCL10, HUU, NM, ICH, cmr1
  • Temperament Evaluation from an experienced trainer or breeder
Record Keeping

Keep a folder with:

  • Puppy Owner/Breeder Agreement Documents
  • Registered Pedigree
  • Vaccination records
  • Medication history
  • Any test results
  • Notes on health concerns
Resources

Find Your Perfect Bulldog Today

Available dogsInquire