Why Are American Bulldogs Called Nanny Dogs?

Some people call American Bulldogs “nanny dogs.” This nickname makes it seem like they’re great with kids. But were they ever really used as nannies? Let’s look at this nickname and learn more about American Bulldogs.

What Does “Nanny Dog” Mean?

A nanny dog is a dog that is good with kids. Nanny dogs are gentle and playful. They are also protective of the children they live with. But, there’s no official type of dog called a “nanny dog.” It’s just a nickname.

Why Do People Call Them “Nanny Dogs”?

People probably started calling some dogs “nanny dogs” in England. This happened in the late 1800s and early 1900s. People used the nickname for dogs that seemed to be good with kids.

These dogs might have been:

• English Bulldogs
• Staffordshire Bull Terriers
• American Pit Bull Terriers

Later, people started using the nickname “nanny dog” for American Bulldogs too. This might be because people wanted to show that these dogs aren’t mean. They wanted to show that these dogs can be sweet and loving.

People who love these dogs share:

• Stories about them being kind to kids.
• Old pictures of the dogs with kids.

But this doesn’t mean all American Bulldogs are good with kids.

A Famous Movie “Nanny Dog”

Nana was the dog in the Disney movie “Peter Pan.” She was a St. Bernard who took care of the kids. Nana became famous and helped people believe that some dogs are great with kids.

Why the “Nanny Dog” Nickname is a Problem

The “nanny dog” nickname can be dangerous. Here’s why:

• All dogs are different. Some dogs are patient with kids, but others aren’t. You can’t just say a dog is safe because of its breed.
• It makes people less careful. People might leave a dog alone with a kid if they think the dog is a “nanny dog.” But an adult should always be watching when kids and dogs are together.
• It creates stereotypes. Saying all American Bulldogs are safe around kids is like saying they’re all mean. Both are wrong. We need to remember that every dog has a different personality.
• It makes people forget to teach kids about dog safety. It’s important for kids to know how to be safe around dogs. Adults need to teach them.

American Bulldogs: What Are They Really Like?

American Bulldogs are:

• Strong
• Athletic

They were first bred to work on farms. People used them to:

• Guard their property
• Herd animals
• Catch wild pigs

They are known for being:

• Smart
• Loyal
• Protective

Can They Be Good Family Pets?

Yes, American Bulldogs can be good family pets. But they need:

• Owners who know how to train dogs
• Owners who can be firm and consistent

American Bulldogs:

• Can be sweet
• Can be stubborn
• Might try to be the boss

They need an owner who:

• Sets clear rules
• Acts like the leader

Training and Socialization

Training American Bulldogs is really important. You should start training them when they’re puppies. Keep training them as they grow up. They need to:

• Learn how to act around people
• Learn how to act around other animals

This is very important if they will live with kids.

The best way to train them is with positive reinforcement. This means:

• Rewarding them when they are good
• Showing them what to do when they are bad

Keeping Kids Safe Around Dogs

Here are some ways to keep kids safe around dogs:

• Never leave kids and dogs alone. Even if a dog seems friendly, accidents can happen. Kids might scare the dog without meaning to. An adult should always be there to make sure everyone is safe.

Important Fact: Little kids are the most likely to be bitten by dogs. And it’s usually a family dog that bites them. This is often because the dog is trying to tell the kid to back off.

• Teach kids how to act around dogs. Kids need to be respectful to dogs. They need to know that dogs need their own space. Teach kids that it hurts dogs when they:
  • Pull their tails
  • Hug them too tight
• Learn to understand what a dog is telling you. You can tell if a dog is stressed or anxious. This can help stop the dog from biting. If a dog is uncomfortable, it might:
  • Lick its lips
  • Yawn
  • Pant
  • Show the whites of its eyes
  • Tuck its tail

If you see any of these signs, separate the dog and the kid.

Conclusion

It’s not right to call American Bulldogs “nanny dogs.” It can be dangerous for kids and dogs.

American Bulldogs can be great pets, but they’re not automatically better with kids than other types of dogs.

To keep everyone safe, we need to:

• Train our dogs
• Teach kids how to act around dogs
• Always watch dogs and kids when they’re together

Let’s love our American Bulldogs and keep everyone safe!