Bulldog/Amstaffs

i assume when you say bulldog that you mean american bulldog.....  an english bulldog is a different thing all together.
 
i can tell you that these dogs need a TON of excersise, a TON of training, even more excersise, and even more training.[]  this is not because of their reputations.  in fact, the way they got their reputations is from people who didn't excersise or train them.  they are normally *great* with kids.  in a previous post, i quoted a source who said, as far as he knew, amstaffs and pits were the only breed he could think of that were specifically bred for non-agression towards humans.  because of this, they are not good guard dogs and are easily stolen.  they are *L O Y A L* and extremely goofy and loveable.  you will find many, many members here who have successfully integrated amstaffs, pits, and pit mixes with cats, ferrets, and other dogs.  this, however is not always possible.  my dogs are lovely with each other, and lovely with most other dogs, but want to kill most small animals.  because of their relative strength per size, they can be capable of inflicting a LOT of damage very quickly, and if not trained properly, can be extremely difficult to walk on a leash (they'll drag you around the block 40 times and never slow down)  i cannot stress the excersise angle enough.  and remember, amstaffs and pits have "terrier" at the end of their names, which means you can expect some terrier style behaviors- hard-headedness, digging, high energy.  they are notorious escape artists and should never be left alone in a yard, not even the most dog-proof yard.  my male can clear a 6 foot fence, no problem.  i would classify them as high maintenance in the energy dept, but that is balanced out by low maintenance grooming needs.
 
but the most important thing i can tell you is this:NOTHING can prepare you for the public perception of owning these breeds.  nothing.  people will cross the street when walking, refuse to visit your home, hide their children, evict you, kick you out of parks and public recreation areas, you name it.  they are banned in a LOT of cities and by many homeowner's associations.  owning a "bully breed" will make it very hard to find a place to rent.  people will assume things about YOU (drug dealer, gang banger, dog fighter) when you walk with one.  unsavory characters will ask to buy, trade, or breed your dogs.
 
i don't want to dissuade you and would encourage you to visit a shelter, as i got my purebred amstaff at a shelter. 
 
having said all these things, i wouldn't trade my dogs for the key to the gates of heaven.  look around at the photos for sharing, you will find a TON of bullies in there, and i'm sure those posters all feel the same way that i do.  nothing beats that "bully smile" and that big block head and that "you're home" or "dinnertime" dance.  every bully i've ever known has been *friendly* and sweet and hungry for affection.  if you've got love to give, they'll take it and beg for more.
 
if you think you can handle the energy level, go for it!  just remember:  they're not for a casual dog owner.  if you don't want to work at dog ownership, forget it.
 
hope that helps.

first are you prepared to take on all the added responsibilities of owning an aggressive breed? next, what kind of bulldog are you considering? english, american, french, old english, and so on. pit bulls are a wonderful breed as i own one now and have for many years. i've also owned an american and an english  bulldogs. bulldogs are very stubborn and difficult to train but they are loving and loyal. they can have a lot of serious skin issues and americans and pits are very prone to parvo if not properly vaccinated. english's can't take harsh weather cold or hot, they drool and the deep facial wrinkles must be kept clean and dry. all the bullies i've had, have had a hard time with accepting other dogs and fights had gotten vicious. and the bullie wasn't even 8 mos. old

allick06, i take exception with you generalizing the entire breed as aggressive.  you didn't specify *which* breed you were talking about, but i can guess. 
 
MANY DIFFERENT BREEDS HAVE "PROBLEMS WITH AGGRESSION."  pit bulls and amstaffs and bulldogs are not inherently aggressive.  no dog is inherently aggressive.  aggression is a manifestation of poor training and insufficient excersise, which leads to frustration, which CAN lead to aggression.  pit bulls and amstaffs have very high energy and need a LOT more excersise than most people are willing to provide. 
 
if you meant specifically *dog* aggression, then you should have said so.  please don't perpetuate negative stereotypes.  having said that, you will find MANY members here who have successfully integrated pits and their cousins into multi-dog households and even with small animals.  even i have two bullies, and they get on just fine.

That bothered me as well.
 
For the OP.....there are many breeds that I would not recommend for first time owners, bullie breeds and german shepherds among them.  Your friend got lucky or had an outstanding trainer to work with.....

glad someone is paying attention besides me, glenmar[].  truthfully, whether or not i would recommend a bully to a first time owner would depend on whether i knew them personally......  and i don't know this person, so i guess i wouldn't.  and i think maybe german shepherds are similar- you don't know how to handle them unless you *know*[]

also, if you plan to get a bully because you want to look like a tough guy when you're walking down the street, do us all a favor and DON'T

Hi, im new to the sight, just registered. I have a french mastiff and he was my first pet. I was told this wasnt the dog for a novice owner but i have been commited to training him since he was a pup. Thats the key. I really dont believe there are "bad dogs" but more so "bad owners". Jake LOVES my children and he is very protective of our home. He will not let a stranger into the house until we have introduced them first. Even then he will position himself betwee me and the other person. I couldnt ask for a better protector and loyal companion.
These dogs do need a lot of exersise, i absoutly agree. Jake is 14 months old (100 lb) and  he has TONS of energy. I try to walk him daily, but with the cold months here in MI ive kinda slacked. And i see a difference in him! He gets very ancy, and will come sit in front of me and just wine for no apparent reason. Ive figured out when he gets his walks he doesnt act this way and he LISTENS MUCH BETTER! Walkin/exercising with your dog builds your relationship and show them whos in control if you walk them properly. Never let this type of dog pull on the leash, if he can dominate you he will!!!!
I interated my dog with a cat at about 10 months old. At first he wanted to kill it, but i made him lay down, put slight pressure on his neck with my fingers (so he knew i was in control), and slowley brought the cat closer and closer. It didnt take long before they were playmates!
I would recommend this breed to anyone who is commited to disipline and exercise. They are loyal, loving and gentle. But will still defend your home fiercly. As another said, people are scared of these dogs. They are very muscular, with a big broad head. People do stare, and back away, especially with their children. They act like hes the devil. Ive even been told not to bring jake to my kids soccer games, at a park where dogs are allowed! 
If your still looking, i hope this helps.   
ATTACHED IS A PICTURE OF MY "JAKER".