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Pet Insurance for American Bulldogs

Find out all about American Bulldogs and their common health conditions, and then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers. 

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, updated on September 15th, 2023       

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Price range

$500–$1,500

Height

50–71cm

Weight

28–58kg

Personality

Confident, alert, fearless

Coat type

Short

Exercise needs

Moderate to high

Kid-friendly?

Yes, but not near babies or small children

Life expectancy

10 - 15 years

American Bulldog

Overview

The American Bulldog has its roots in working dogs used for hunting and farming tasks. They are descended from Mastifs, and originated in Asia. They are known for their courage and protective nature, and characterised by a powerful and muscular build. They are faster and bigger than English Bulldogs, and have been known to jump up over 1.8m. They have a short coat that requires minimal grooming or maintenance.  

They are highly intelligent and alert dogs, making them excellent watchdogs, but as they are very loyal to their owners, they can be affectionate and loving, and make friendly companions. They can display an independent streak, so early socialisation and consistent training are essential to ensure they are well-behaved and obedient family members. They require regular exercise and are energetic companions, suitable for larger properties with plenty of outside space.  

Common American Bulldog diseases and conditions

  • Elbow and Hip Dysplasia: These orthopedic conditions can affect joint development, potentially leading to discomfort and mobility issues.
  • Thyroid problems: American Bulldogs may experience thyroid issues, which can impact metabolism and overall health.
  • Ear infections: Due to their ear structure, they can be prone to ear infections. Regular vet check-ups can help prevent and address ear problems.
  • Eye conditions (Entropion or Cherry Eye): American Bulldogs are known to suffer from eye conditions such as entropion or cherry eye. Routine veterinary visits are crucial to ensure eye health and early problem detection.

Breed-specific issues:

American Bulldogs are strong-willed and powerful dogs, and owners must establish themselves as the pack leader through positive reinforcement training right from the beginning. Early socialisation and training is important to ensure they are well-adjusted and friendly toward strangers.  

How much does pet insurance cost for an American Bulldog?

There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your American Bulldog, including the following:

  • Age: The older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because senior dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.    
  • Type of insurance you choose:  There are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most.  
  • The policy annual limit: Each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.   
  • Sub-limits: In addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub-limits that apply to the policy, for example, a $300 sub limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.   
  • Benefit percentage: Pet insurance does not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies, up to 90% for top-of-the-range cover.  
  • Excess amount: This is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, whilst others do.  
  • Any add-ons you choose: It’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.  
  • Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.   

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Common questions about American Bulldogs

Is the American Bulldog a PitBull?

No, American Bulldogs aren't Pitbulls. While both dogs stem from the English Bulldog, the American Bulldog is a specific and separate breed of dog. It was never bred for fighting, and is a larger and friendlier dog than a Pitbull. 

Are American Bulldogs considered aggressive?

Yes, they can be an aggressive breed if trained to be a guard dog. They won’t back down and are very strong-willed. However, if raised correctly they can be affectionate and loving and suitable as a family pet, although should never be left alone with babies or young children.  

Are American Bulldogs permitted in Australia?

Yes, they are permitted in Australia, and should not be confused with American Pitbulls, which are banned in Australia.  

Are American Bulldogs good companions with other dogs?

They don’t tend to get on with others of their own breed, and male American Bulldogs can be very aggressive towards other male dogs. However, they can bond with other larger dog breeds such as Labradors, Dobermans and German Shepherds, who can tolerate a bit of rough play. They should not be trusted with cats or other small family pets.  

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Compare pet insurance policies with Savvy

Whether you're buying for your dog or cat and whether they're big or small, you can compare pet insurance policies tailored to your furry friend's needs from Savvy's panel of trusted Australian insurers. Grab a free, no-obligation quote today!
American Bulldog

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