Health Testing

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Moore American Bulldogs is a registered Australian breeder producing premium ABRA pedigree Johnson American Bulldogs with a strong focus on health!All breeding dogs are: Fully pedigree registered, DNA health tested for over 300 genetic diseases, Hip and Elbow scored. All records can be viewed in person or via a video call

​All Puppies prior to going to their new homes are microchipped, vaccinated and given a genetic health guarantee as well as a signed check list from the vet ensuring the vet does not miss a single thing!

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American Bulldog Health: Genetic Issues Future Owners Should Understand Before Buying a Puppy​

A serious American Bulldog breeder should be willing to talk about health honestly.

Not dramatically. Not fearfully. Not with false promises. Just honestly.

The American Bulldog is a strong, loyal, impressive breed, but like every breed, there are genetic health conditions that responsible breeders need to understand. Good breeding is not just about producing a big head, a thick body, a flashy colour, or a powerful-looking puppy. It is about making careful decisions that give puppies the best possible foundation for a healthy, stable life.

At Moore American Bulldogs, we DNA test our dogs for over 300 genetic diseases because we believe future owners deserve more than nice photos and vague promises. They deserve transparency, planning, and a breeder who takes the long-term health of the breed seriously.

 

Why Genetic Testing Matters in American Bulldogs

DNA testing does not make a breeder perfect. It does not guarantee that a dog will never have a health problem. No ethical breeder should ever promise that.

What DNA testing does is give breeders important information.

It can help identify whether a dog is clear, a carrier, or at risk for certain inherited conditions. That information helps responsible breeders make better pairing decisions and avoid producing puppies affected by known preventable genetic diseases.

Orivet states that its health and trait panels identify risk markers across hundreds of inherited conditions, helping breeders plan smarter pairings and produce healthier litters.

That is the point. Genetic testing is not a marketing trick. It is a breeding tool.

 

The Orivet American Bulldog Panel

The Orivet American Bulldog Full Breed Profile lists several breed-relevant disease tests for American Bulldogs. These include Cystinuria Type 3 risk variants, Degenerative Myelopathy, Hyperuricosuria, Ichthyosis, Multifocal Retinopathy CMR1, Myotonia Congenita, Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 10, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy crd2PRA.

That list matters because it shows future puppy buyers what serious breeders should be aware of.

A breeder does not need to scare people with health information, but they should be able to discuss it. If someone is breeding American Bulldogs and cannot explain what they test for, why they test, or how results affect breeding decisions, that is a concern.

 

Common Genetic Conditions American Bulldog Buyers Should Know About

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Cystinuria Type 3

Cystinuria is one of the conditions listed on the Orivet American Bulldog profile.

In simple terms, cystinuria can affect how certain amino acids are processed and may contribute to urinary stone formation in affected dogs. For breeders, the important point is that known risk variants should not be ignored.

This is the kind of issue puppy buyers may never think to ask about, but responsible breeders should already have it on their radar.

 

Degenerative Myelopathy

Degenerative Myelopathy is also listed on the Orivet American Bulldog profile.

Degenerative Myelopathy is a serious inherited neurological condition seen in multiple breeds. It affects the spinal cord and can lead to progressive weakness and loss of coordination. DNA testing helps breeders understand whether a dog carries known risk variants and allows them to make more careful breeding decisions.

This is exactly why “my dogs look healthy” is not enough. Some inherited risks are not obvious just by looking at the dog.

 

Hyperuricosuria

Hyperuricosuria is another condition listed by Orivet for American Bulldogs.

This condition is associated with elevated uric acid in the urine and can increase the risk of urinary stones. Again, this is not something a puppy buyer can see in a cute eight-week-old puppy photo.

Responsible breeding means looking deeper than the surface.

 

Ichthyosis

Ichthyosis, specifically listed by Orivet as “Ichthyosis (American Bulldog),” is a skin-related inherited condition relevant to the breed.

Skin matters in bulldog-type dogs. Many people focus on colour and markings, but skin quality, coat health, and inherited skin conditions are far more important than chasing a fashionable look.

A pretty puppy with poor skin genetics may become a frustrating, expensive, uncomfortable adult dog.

 

Multifocal Retinopathy CMR1

Orivet includes Multifocal Retinopathy CMR1 for mastiff and bull breeds on the American Bulldog profile.

This is an inherited eye condition. Eye health is another area that should be taken seriously in breeding programs, even when the dog appears normal externally.

A breeder who DNA tests is not guessing. They are gathering information before making breeding decisions.

 

Myotonia Congenita

Myotonia Congenita, American Bulldog type, is listed on the Orivet American Bulldog panel.

This condition can affect muscle function. It is one of those examples of why breed-specific testing matters. A generic “the parents look healthy” approach is not enough when known inherited conditions exist within a breed.

 

Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 10

Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 10, American Bulldog type, is also included on the Orivet American Bulldog profile.

The University of Missouri’s Canine Genetics Laboratory describes the American Bulldog form of Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis as a progressive neurological disorder, with signs typically beginning between one and two years of age. It notes signs such as ataxia, hypermetria, paraparesis, and progressive decline.

This is a serious example of why genetic screening matters. Some diseases do not show up when puppies are young. By the time symptoms appear, the damage is already done.

 

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Progressive Retinal Atrophy, including crd2PRA, is listed on the Orivet American Bulldog profile.

PRA refers to inherited eye disease that can lead to progressive vision loss. For breeders, the goal is to understand genetic risk and avoid careless pairings that may produce affected puppies.

 

DNA Testing Is Only One Part of Health

This is important: DNA testing is not the whole health picture.

A breeder can DNA test and still make poor breeding decisions if they ignore structure, temperament, movement, breathing, weight, fertility, skin, family suitability, and the general soundness of the dogs they are using.

At Moore American Bulldogs, we believe health has to be viewed as a whole dog issue.

That means looking at:

Temperament, Structure, Movement, Breed type, Skin and coat quality, Family stability, Physical soundness, Known genetic disease risks, Suitability of pairings, Long-term quality of life

A dog is not “well bred” just because it has a DNA certificate. But a breeder who does not DNA test at all is leaving too much to chance.

 

Why “Clear” Does Not Always Mean Better Breeding

Some buyers hear the word “carrier” and panic. That is not always necessary.

In many genetic conditions, a carrier dog is not affected. What matters is how that dog is bred. A responsible breeder can use DNA results to avoid carrier-to-carrier pairings where that would create risk of affected puppies.

This is where knowledge matters.

A breeder who understands DNA testing can protect valuable bloodlines while making intelligent decisions. A breeder who does not understand the results may either ignore serious risks or remove good dogs from breeding unnecessarily.

The goal is not fear-based breeding. The goal is informed breeding.

 

Be Careful of Breeders Who Only Talk About Colour and Size

In American Bulldogs, it is easy for buyers to get distracted by the obvious things.

Big head. Thick body. Rare colour. Flashy markings. Huge puppy. Impressive photo.

But none of those things tell you whether the breeder has tested for inherited disease. None of those things tell you whether the parents are structurally sound. None of those things tell you whether the puppy has been raised properly or whether the breeder understands the breed.

A premium American Bulldog breeder in Australia should care about more than looks.

At Moore American Bulldogs, we love the old-school Johnson American Bulldog type, but we do not believe type should come at the expense of health, stability, or responsible breeding.

 

What Puppy Buyers Should Ask an American Bulldog Breeder

When looking for American Bulldog puppies in Australia, especially Johnson American Bulldog puppies, ask clear questions.

Ask if the breeding dogs have been DNA tested. Ask what panel was used. Ask which diseases are relevant to the breed. Ask whether the breeder understands carrier status. Ask how results affect pairings. Ask whether they breed for temperament and structure as well as health. Ask whether they support owners after purchase.

A serious breeder will not be offended by responsible questions.

In fact, good breeders usually prefer educated buyers because educated buyers understand why ethical breeding matters.

 

Moore American Bulldogs and Genetic Testing

At Moore American Bulldogs, we DNA test our dogs for over 300 genetic diseases because we are not interested in guesswork.

We want strong Johnson American Bulldogs with the right temperament, correct structure, family suitability, and health-conscious breeding behind them.

That does not mean we claim perfection. No breeder can honestly promise that every dog will live a problem-free life. Genetics, environment, nutrition, training, injury, ageing, and owner management all play a role.

But it does mean we take our responsibility seriously.

We believe future owners deserve a breeder who is selective, transparent, and educated. Not someone breeding casually and hoping for the best.

 

 

FAQ: American Bulldog Genetic Health

 

Do American Bulldogs have genetic health issues?

Yes. Like all breeds, American Bulldogs can carry genetic risks. The Orivet American Bulldog Full Breed Profile lists conditions including Cystinuria Type 3, Degenerative Myelopathy, Hyperuricosuria, Ichthyosis, CMR1, Myotonia Congenita, Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 10, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy crd2PRA.

 

Does DNA testing guarantee a healthy puppy?

No. DNA testing does not guarantee perfect health. It helps breeders identify known inherited disease risks and make more informed breeding decisions.

 

Why does Moore American Bulldogs DNA test for 300+ diseases?

We test broadly because responsible breeding should not rely on appearance alone. Testing for over 300 genetic diseases gives us more information and helps us make better decisions when planning pairings.

 

Should I avoid a breeder who does not DNA test?

A lack of DNA testing should make you cautious. It does not automatically mean every puppy will be unhealthy, but it does suggest the breeder may not be using the full tools available for responsible breeding.

 

Is temperament still important if a dog is health tested?

Yes. Health testing is only one part of breeding. Temperament, structure, stability, family suitability, and responsible puppy raising are just as important.

 

Final Thoughts

American Bulldog health should be talked about with maturity.

Not panic. Not denial. Not sales talk.

The truth is simple: the American Bulldog is a powerful, loyal, beautiful breed, and it deserves breeders who take health seriously. DNA testing is one of the tools that separates careful breeding from casual breeding.

If you are searching for an American Bulldog breeder in Australia, do not just look for the biggest puppy or the flashiest photo. Look for a breeder who understands the breed deeply, tests properly, breeds selectively, and cares where their puppies go.

At Moore American Bulldogs, we DNA test our dogs for over 300 genetic diseases and focus on producing Johnson American Bulldogs with health awareness, stable temperament, correct structure, and true family suitability.

If you are looking for Johnson American Bulldog puppies in Australia and want a breeder who values more than colour, size, or quick sales, Moore American Bulldogs is here to help you make an informed decision.

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​​​​​What Future Owners Need to Know Before Buying a Johnson American Bulldog

Buying an American Bulldog is not the same as buying an average pet dog.

This is a powerful, loyal, intelligent, family-focused breed with deep working roots and a strong sense of attachment to its people. When bred and raised properly, a Johnson American Bulldog can be one of the most devoted family companions you will ever own. But when bred carelessly, raised poorly, or placed in the wrong home, the same breed can become too much dog for the average owner.

That is why education matters.

At Moore American Bulldogs, we believe future owners should understand the breed before they bring a puppy home. A good American Bulldog breeder does not just sell puppies. They help families choose the right bloodline, the right temperament, and the right type of dog for their lifestyle.

If you are searching for an American Bulldog in Australia, especially a Johnson American Bulldog in Australia, this is the first thing you need to understand: the breeder you choose matters just as much as the puppy you choose.

 

What Is a Johnson American Bulldog?

The Johnson American Bulldog is the heavier, more powerful, old-school type of American Bulldog. Compared with the Scott type, Johnson American Bulldogs are usually broader, heavier boned, more mastiff-like in appearance, and known for their strong family loyalty.

A correct Johnson type American Bulldog should have substance, confidence, stability, and a calm but protective nature. They should not be nervous, sharp, unpredictable, frantic, or bred only for exaggerated size.

The true old-school Johnson American Bulldog is not a fashion dog. It is not a status symbol. It is not a dog that should be bred only because it looks impressive in photos.

The Johnson American Bulldog should be a strong, stable, loyal family companion with correct structure, sound temperament, and the ability to live as part of a real household.

That is the type of dog Moore American Bulldogs is focused on preserving.

 

Why Temperament Matters More Than Colour

One of the biggest mistakes puppy buyers make is choosing a puppy based on colour alone.

Colour is easy to see. Temperament is harder to understand.

A pretty puppy can still grow into a dog with poor nerves, weak confidence, bad structure, or an unstable temperament. A rare colour does not make a dog well bred. A big head does not make a dog suitable for children. A flashy photo does not tell you whether that puppy has been raised properly.

When choosing American Bulldog puppies in Australia, temperament should always come first.

A good American Bulldog family dog should be:

Confident without being frantic. Loyal without being unstable. Protective without being nervy. Strong without being out of control. Affectionate without being needy or anxious. Socialised without being forced into chaos.

At Moore American Bulldogs, temperament is one of the most important parts of our breeding decisions. We want dogs that can live with families, children, structure, routine, visitors, and normal household life.

A powerful breed needs a stable mind. There is no way around that.

 

Structure Is Not Just About Looks

Many people look at an American Bulldog and notice the head, chest, size, and muscle first. Those things matter, but structure is much deeper than appearance.

Good structure affects how a dog moves, grows, carries weight, exercises, and ages. A poorly built dog may look impressive as a puppy or young adult, but weak structure can create long-term problems as the dog matures.

When looking for a premium American Bulldog breeder in Australia, you should be asking whether the breeder understands:

Bone and balance, Movement, Feet and pasterns, Hip and rear strength, Front assembly, Breathing and overall function, Healthy weight and conditioning, Breed type without exaggeration.

A Johnson American Bulldog should be strong and substantial, but still functional. Bigger is not always better. Heavier is not always better. Extreme does not mean correct.

At Moore American Bulldogs, we care about the full dog, not just the parts that look good in a photo.

 

American Bulldogs Are Family Dogs, But They Need Leadership

A well-bred American Bulldog can be a beautiful family dog. They are often affectionate, loyal, people-focused, and deeply bonded to their home.

But they are not a soft, easy, low-boundary breed.

This is a dog that needs clear rules, calm leadership, structure, and consistency from the beginning. They do best in homes that understand routine, boundaries, training, and fair expectations.

An American Bulldog puppy should not be raised like a handbag dog. They should not be allowed to jump on everyone, mouth children, charge through doorways, pull on lead, guard food, or make their own decisions about every situation.

Those behaviours may look cute in a puppy. They are not cute in a strong adult dog.

Good ownership starts early. That means:

Teaching calm behaviour inside the home. Crate training. properly Setting doorway and feeding rules. Teaching lead manners. Socialising sensibly, not wildly Rewarding. calm confidence, Not allowing pushy behavior to become a habit

At Moore American Bulldogs, we want our puppies to go to homes that understand the difference between loving a dog and letting a dog run the household.

 

Ethical American Bulldog Breeders Screen Buyers

A serious breeder should care where their puppies go.

If someone will sell a powerful breed puppy to anyone with money, that is not a good sign. Ethical breeders ask questions. They want to know about your home, lifestyle, experience, family, fencing, expectations, and plans for the dog.

That is not being difficult. That is responsible breeding.

American Bulldogs are not suitable for every home. Some families are a perfect fit. Others may need more preparation. Some homes may be better suited to a different breed entirely.

At Moore American Bulldogs, we are selective because we care about the future of the puppies we produce. We are not interested in rushing puppies out the door. We would rather wait for the right homes than place a puppy badly.

That is what separates an ethical American Bulldog breeder from a backyard breeder.

 

The Risk of Poorly Bred American Bulldogs

Poor breeding does not just affect appearance. It can affect the dog’s entire life.

A poorly bred American Bulldog may struggle with weak nerves, poor social confidence, unstable behaviour, structural weakness, poor health awareness, or unsuitable drive levels for a family home.

The risks are even higher when breeders focus only on:

Size, Colour, Big heads, Quick sales, Trendy looks, Social media attention, Producing as many puppies as possible and Selling to anyone without screening

This is where many owners get caught. They think they are saving money by buying a cheaper puppy, but they may end up paying for it later through behavioural problems, vet bills, training issues, stress, and heartbreak.

A well-bred puppy from a serious breeder is not just a purchase. It is an investment in better odds.

No breeder can guarantee perfection. Dogs are living animals, and owners play a huge role in how they develop. But a thoughtful breeder gives you a stronger foundation to build from.

 

Why Moore American Bulldogs Focuses on the Johnson Type

Moore American Bulldogs is focused on the Johnson American Bulldog because we value the old-school type: strong, loyal, substantial, stable, and family suitable.

We are not trying to create fad dogs. We are not breeding for hype. We are not chasing unusual colours at the expense of temperament, health, or structure.

Our focus is on preserving the qualities that made the Johnson American Bulldog respected in the first place:

Loyal family nature. Stable temperament. Strong structure. Confidence. Substance. Old-school breed type. Correct homes.

Owner education and support.

We want families to understand what they are buying, why the breeder matters, and how to raise the dog properly once it comes home.

That is why our Owner Education section exists.

 

Choosing an American Bulldog Breeder in Australia

If you are looking for an American Bulldog breeder in Australia, do not just ask, “How much are the puppies?”

Ask better questions.

Ask what type of American Bulldog they breed. Ask what temperament they are aiming for. Ask how the puppies are raised. Ask whether they screen homes. Ask what support they offer after purchase. Ask what they value most in their breeding program. Ask whether they understand structure, health, and breed type. Ask whether they are breeding for the long-term future of the dogs, or just selling puppies.

A good breeder should be able to explain their choices clearly. They should not make you feel rushed, dismissed, or pressured.

A premium breeder educates. A backyard breeder sells.

There is a big difference.

 

American Bulldog Puppies Victoria: Why Local Support Matters

For families looking for American Bulldog puppies in Victoria, working with a breeder who offers guidance and support can make the transition much smoother.

Whether you are in Melbourne, Geelong, regional Victoria, or elsewhere in Australia, you want a breeder who understands the breed beyond the puppy stage.

The cute puppy stage is short. The adult dog is what you are really buying.

A Johnson American Bulldog puppy will grow into a strong, powerful companion. That dog needs structure, training, confidence, and a home that understands the breed.

At Moore American Bulldogs, we want owners to feel educated before they commit, not overwhelmed after the puppy arrives.

 

 

FAQ:

Are American Bulldogs good family dogs?

Yes, American Bulldogs can be excellent family dogs when they are well bred, properly raised, and placed in suitable homes. They are usually loyal, affectionate, and strongly bonded to their people. However, they need structure, training, and clear boundaries from an early age.

 

What is the difference between a Johnson American Bulldog and other American Bulldogs?

The Johnson American Bulldog is generally the heavier, broader, more old-school type. They are known for their substance, family loyalty, and powerful build. The Scott type is usually lighter, more athletic, and more performance-focused. Moore American Bulldogs focuses on the Johnson type American Bulldog.

 

Are American Bulldogs easy to train?

American Bulldogs are intelligent and capable, but they are not a breed that should be raised without rules. They need consistent training, calm leadership, and early structure. With the right home, they can become obedient, reliable, and deeply bonded companions.

 

Should I choose an American Bulldog puppy based on colour?

No. Colour should never be the main reason you choose a puppy. Temperament, structure, health awareness, breeder ethics, and suitability for your home are far more important.

 

What should I look for in an American Bulldog breeder?

Look for a breeder who understands temperament, structure, breed type, health, puppy raising, and owner support. A good breeder should screen homes carefully and be willing to educate buyers before and after purchase.

 

Final Thoughts

Buying an American Bulldog is a serious decision.

This is a powerful, loyal, impressive breed that deserves thoughtful breeding and responsible ownership. The right Johnson American Bulldog can become a deeply loved family companion, but the foundation matters.

Choose the breeder carefully. Choose the bloodline carefully. Choose the temperament carefully. Do not rush because a puppy is available today. A good dog is worth waiting for.

At Moore American Bulldogs, we are not just breeding puppies. We are preserving the old-school Johnson American Bulldog type and helping the right families raise stable, confident, loyal dogs.

If you are looking for a Johnson American Bulldog in Australia and want a breeder who focuses on temperament, structure, family suitability, and long-term support, Moore American Bulldogs is here to help you make the right decision.

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