Buying an American Bulldog puppy is a big commitment -- financially, emotionally, and for the next 10 to 15 years of your life. The right breeder will welcome your questions. The wrong one will dodge them. Here are 10 questions every buyer should ask, what a good answer sounds like, and what should make you think twice.
1. What health testing have you done on both parents?
Health testing is non-negotiable. American Bulldogs are prone to specific genetic conditions, and a responsible breeder screens for them before ever making a pairing. You want to see documented results -- not just a verbal assurance.
Good Answer
"Both parents have OFA-certified hips and elbows, CERF or OFA eye clearances, and have been tested for NCL (Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis) and ICH (Ichthyosis). I can show you the results."
Red Flag
"Oh, they're both really healthy. They've never been sick." No documentation, no OFA numbers, no genetic test results.
2. What is the COI of this pairing?
COI -- Coefficient of Inbreeding -- measures how genetically related the sire and dam are. A lower COI generally means better genetic diversity and fewer inherited health problems. Any breeder making intentional pairings should know this number. You can verify it yourself using the COI Calculator in our pedigree database.
Good Answer
"The COI on this pairing is 4.2% over 10 generations. I always check before breeding." The breeder knows the number, understands why it matters, and can show you.
Red Flag
"What's COI?" or "I don't worry about that." A breeder who does not understand inbreeding coefficients is not making informed breeding decisions.
3. Can I see the sire and dam in person or on video?
Meeting the parents tells you a lot about what your puppy will look like and act like as an adult. At minimum, you should be able to meet the dam. If the sire is owned by someone else, a good breeder will have photos, videos, and full pedigree information available.
Good Answer
"Absolutely. The dam is here -- you can meet her. The sire is owned by another breeder, but here are photos, videos, and his pedigree. I can connect you with his owner too."
Red Flag
"The sire isn't around" with no photos, no pedigree information, and no willingness to share details.
4. Are the parents registered? Can I verify them in the pedigree database?
Registration proves identity and lineage. A responsible breeder registers their dogs with a recognized registry -- ABRA, NKC, or UKC -- and should be happy to provide registration numbers so you can verify the pedigree yourself. You can search our archive to look up any registered American Bulldog.
Good Answer
"Yes, both are ABRA registered. Here are the registration numbers -- look them up yourself." Transparency is a green flag.
Red Flag
"Papers cost extra" or "I haven't gotten around to registering them." If a breeder charges extra for registration papers, that is a major warning sign.
5. Do you have a purchase contract? What does it include?
A written contract protects both the buyer and the seller. It should spell out health guarantees, what happens if you can no longer keep the dog, spay/neuter expectations, and the breeder's responsibilities if a genetic condition appears.
Good Answer
"Yes, every puppy goes home with a signed contract. It includes a two-year health guarantee, a mandatory return clause if you can ever no longer keep the dog, and spay/neuter terms."
Red Flag
No contract at all, or a verbal agreement. If a breeder will not put their promises in writing, those promises mean nothing.
6. Why did you make this specific pairing?
This question reveals whether a breeder is breeding with intention or just breeding dogs they have access to. A thoughtful answer shows planning, research, and a goal for the litter.
Good Answer
"The dam has excellent structure but could use more drive. The sire brings strong working temperament and complements her hip scores. I've studied the pedigree back five generations to make sure the match works."
Red Flag
"They were both available" or "I just thought they'd make nice puppies." No mention of temperament, structure, health, or pedigree research.
7. What socialization do the puppies get before going home?
The first 8 to 12 weeks of a puppy's life are critical for development. How a breeder handles this period shapes the dog your puppy becomes. You want to hear about specific, intentional exposure -- not just outdoor time.
Good Answer
"We follow a structured socialization program. Puppies are exposed to different surfaces, sounds, people of all ages, and car rides. We start crate training and basic handling by five weeks."
Red Flag
"They play in the yard with the other dogs." No structure, no plan, no intentional exposure.
8. What support do you offer after the sale?
A good breeder does not disappear once the puppy leaves. They are a resource for the life of that dog -- for training questions, health concerns, diet advice, and anything else that comes up.
Good Answer
"I'm available for the life of the dog. I want you to call me with questions. If anything ever happens and you can't keep the dog, it comes back to me. No exceptions."
Red Flag
Silence after the sale. No follow-up, no check-ins, no willingness to help. You are on your own.
9. Can I speak to previous puppy buyers?
References from past buyers are one of the most reliable ways to gauge a breeder's reputation. Happy buyers are usually eager to share their experience. A breeder who refuses to connect you with past buyers may have something to hide.
Good Answer
"Absolutely. Here are a few people who have dogs from previous litters. They would be happy to talk to you."
Red Flag
"I don't give out that information" or "Just check my social media." Unwillingness to provide direct references is a concern.
10. How long is the wait for a puppy?
Responsible breeders do not always have puppies available. They breed intentionally, often once or twice a year, and usually have a waitlist. A wait is a sign that the breeder is doing things right -- not a reason to look elsewhere.
Good Answer
"We have a waitlist. Our next litter is planned for this fall, and there are a few spots open. I screen all buyers before placing a puppy."
Red Flag
"Ready now! Come pick one up today!" Puppies always available, no waitlist, no screening process. This often points to a high-volume operation that prioritizes sales over the dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important question to ask an American Bulldog breeder?
Ask about health testing on both parents. A responsible breeder should have OFA results for hips and elbows, eye clearances, and genetic testing for conditions like NCL and ICH. If a breeder says the parents are healthy but cannot show documentation, that is a red flag.
What is COI and why should I ask about it?
COI stands for Coefficient of Inbreeding. It measures how closely related the sire and dam are. A lower COI generally means better genetic diversity and fewer health risks. A knowledgeable breeder should know the COI of their pairing and be able to show you the calculation. You can verify it yourself using our
COI Calculator.
Should an American Bulldog breeder have a purchase contract?
Yes. A reputable breeder will always provide a written purchase contract that includes a health guarantee, spay/neuter requirements if applicable, and a return clause stating they will take the dog back at any point in its life if you can no longer keep it. No contract is a serious warning sign.
Is it a bad sign if a breeder has puppies available immediately?
Not always, but it can be. Responsible breeders typically have waitlists because they breed intentionally and less frequently. A breeder who always has puppies ready to go may be prioritizing volume over quality. Ask how often they breed and how many litters they produce per year.
How can I verify an American Bulldog's pedigree?
Ask the breeder for the dog's registered name and registration numbers. You can
search the American Bulldog Pedigree Database to verify lineage, view pedigrees, and check health information. If a breeder is reluctant to share registration details, proceed with caution.
