INTRODUCTION TO THE AUSTRALIAN BULLDOG
Over the last few decades there have been world-wide efforts to reconstruct or reform the British or English Bulldog. The AUSTRALIAN BULLDOG is a purely Australian vision which has produced a dog instantly recognisable as a ‘bulldog’ without the anatomical exaggerations to restrict vigour, activity and overall health, while retaining a sound and endearing temperament and personality. Although possibly fierce in appearance, the Australian Bulldog should never be unstable or aggressive. This dog does not make a good ‘guard’ dog, an Australian Bulldog is a people friendly, family dog. It is loyal, extremely outgoing and affectionate in nature, stable and predictable. The ABS Inc. is aware however that bad owners can make bad dogs whatever the breed and actively encourage new owners to attend puppy classes and obedience classes. The Australian Bulldog should never be a ‘British Bulldog look-alike’ having a longer nose, fewer wrinkles, straight back, longer and straight legs, brick shaped body, long or short tail, balanced and uninhibited movement without a rolling gait. It is a medium sized, short-haired, thickset bulldog. Full details including heights and weights are given in the full ABS Inc. Breed Standard . Remember the Australian Bulldog should be immediately recognisable as a bulldog but is a breed in its own right. Even the most superficial research will show that nearly all modern day purebred dogs have been ‘created’ over the last few centuries by the crossing and intermingling of dog breeds and individual dogs. The Australian Bulldog is no different. However the crossing and intermingling of breeds to create the Australian Bulldog was finished some long time ago. A true Australian Bulldog is never a British Bulldog straight crossed with another breed. Prospective owners/interested parties should beware, do their research and look only at dogs registered through a reputable body. The Australian Bulldog Society Incorporated is the only incorporated, constituted, financially accountable parent body for this wonderful breed, registering only Australian Bulldog to Australian Bulldog litters and overseen by an annually elected Management Committee and State Representatives. All members of the Australian Bulldog Society Inc. are bound by the ABS Inc. Code of Ethics . You are encouraged to become a financial member of the Australian Bulldog Society Inc. and be involved in the future of your country's own bulldog. The full ABS Inc. Constitution and membership application form are available on the club website: www.australianbulldogsociety.com The ABS Inc. now offers an Australian Bulldog Rescue and Rehoming Service. Any Australian Bulldog that is surrendered to a rescue shelter is eligible through this program for rehoming. If you know of any AB in need, or you are interested in fostering or interested in providing a permanent, loving home for one of these dogs please contact us on the email listed. All ABs coming through this service will be desexed before going to a new home. DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that the ABS Inc. takes no responsibility for the lineage, health, temperament, type or actions of any dog coming through the ABS Rescue/Rehoming Service. The ABS Inc. is the only outlet from which to purchase The Handbook of the Australian Bulldog which contains chapters on the worldwide alternative bulldog programs, a full history of the Australian Bulldog, thoughts from a Judge’s perspective and a Vet’s perspective, owners’ testimonials, notes on breeding, caring for pups, pup behaviour, house training, dogs&children, and lots of photographs. For purchasing details see www.australianbulldogsociety.com
