WITH a height of around 22-28 inches and weight of around 32-54kg, the American Bulldog is bigger than its English cousin.

They were originally used by farmers due to their strength and stamina and they can be trained to drive cattle or as guard dogs.

The breed faced near extinction in the aftermath of World War I, but it has since grown in popularity due to an extensive breeding programme in an effort to save them.

The breed, not to be confused with the American Pit Bull, does not fall under the Dangerous Dogs Act (1991).

However, it has hit the headlines in recent years after a number of attacks on members of the public.

An eighteen-month old girl was killed by her uncle’s American Bulldog in West Sussex in 2010, while a four-year old girl was killed by her pet bulldog in Leicestershire in 2013.

Another girl was left with serious facial injuries in an attack which lasted six minutes in Glasgow the same year.

The breed is restricted or banned in several American states, as well as Denmark and Singapore.

Experts say the breed is known to be gentle, loving and protective when raised appropriately as a companion dog, but vigorous exercise is important to avoid a bad temperament and early socialisation is encouraged.