American Bulldog puppies

What to expect at eight weeks

At eight weeks a American Bulldog puppy is sleeping around 18 to 20 hours a day, is not house trained, and cannot hold on for more than an hour or two at a stretch. A large breed puppy at eight weeks looks deceptively normal sized and will roughly double every few weeks for a while. Keep exercise short and low impact, the growth plates are wide open. Expect moderate energy, in short bursts separated by long naps. Grooming needs are moderate, so build the brushing habit now while the coat is still short and easy. The socialisation window is open and closing: everything it meets calmly now, from vacuum cleaners to men in hats, is easier for the rest of its life.

Health worth knowing about

Conditions this breed is reported to be predisposed to. Predisposed does not mean inevitable, it means ask about it.

• Hip and elbow dysplasia, screened by hip and elbow evaluation of breeding stock
• Ichthyosis, an inherited skin condition that makes the outer layer of skin flake and itch
• Allergic skin disease, showing as itching, fur loss, red skin and recurring infections
• Ear infections, often secondary to allergies and to wax build up
• Other inherited disease, which breeders should pre screen breeding pairs for

From American Bulldog breed information at https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/american-bulldog/. Discuss any of these with your own vet.

Your American Bulldog puppy's first six months

• Vaccination schedule, dated for your country.
• Worming and parasite schedule.
• Feeding calculator. Set expected adult size to Large for a American Bulldog.
• Adult size predictor, to check growth against the 27.2 to 45.4 kg adult range.
• Puppy names and the first week checklist.

Other large breeds

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