Baxter came to us from a high kill shelter. He is now looking for his forever home. He is up to date on all of his vaccinations as well as microchipped. He does have some separation anxiety but as long as he gets adequate exercise and is crated when left at home alone, he does just fine.

Baxter has so many wonderful qualities it is amazing that someone has not adopted him and made him part of their family. Here are a few of the wonderful things we have observed:

• Leash Manners - Baxter does well on a leash. He tends to get really excited when he senses he’ll be going on a walk, but don’t most dogs?
• Crate/House Training - Baxter is crate trained and house trained. He will sit by the door when he needs to be let out. He has never had an accident inside. We have a doggy door on the porch and he learned to use that the first day.
• Socialization - Baxter is very good with people of all ages and genders. He can sound mean from the other side of the fence but has never bit, growled or been mean to anyone we let into our home or yard. Cats? Well they had better hide. Baxter is definitely not socialized with cats!
• Energy Level and Exercise - Baxter has a lot of energy but can be pretty mellow. He doesn’t really play with any toys. Sometimes he will have ‘puppy attacks’ and run around the yard for no apparent reason and occasionally he does like to get chased but will tire after about five minutes.
• Daily Structure and Schedule - Baxter likes to sleep and go out into the back yard to hunt lizards. Some days he likes to curl up in a bare dirt spot he dug out for himself and protect the yard. Most times he likes to follow his person around the house and keep watch over them.
• Confidence Level - Baxter really loves to go to the Sanford Center and to the Oviedo Marketplace. He has been with us to friends' homes and had no problems but he much prefers his own place.
• Obedience Training - Baxter is smart and is also very food motivated.  He knows No, Sit, Wait and Down.  He is really good with Come, by calling his name with a whistle or hand clap.  He does not beg for food and never climbs up on furniture.  He will wait patiently while you fill his food bowl and set it down before eating.
• Behaviors - Just recently he came back inside several times wet on a sunny day. I guess he learned he can dig under the fence and go on’ walk about’ down to the river nearby. He loves the water. I have since fixed the weak spots in the fence and correct him when caught digging.
• Personality Quirks - Baxter is a huge love sponge. He loves to be petted and scratched. He loves to lean against you looking for affection. He will sleep with his head in your lap if you let him.
• Ideal Home - Baxter would do best with a home where he is not left alone for long periods of time, as he does have separation anxiety. The home should be cat free. If there is another dog in the household their behavior together would need to be checked first. Some dogs he loves and some it is war a first sight.

According to www.dogbreedinfo.com, early Bulldogs were used in the bloody sport of bull bating. Some of these dogs emigrated with their masters from England to America. Eventually the English Bulldog was bred down in size and his personality was softened, but the American version remained a larger, fiercer dog. The American version has longer legs and more speed and agility than its English cousin. After returning from World War II, John Johnson of Summerville, Georgia was shocked to find out that the breed was nearly extinct, and set out on a mission to revive the breed. Thanks to his efforts, they have made a remarkable comeback. The American Bulldog has also been used as a guard and in hunting bear, wild boar, squirrel and raccoon. They have even been trained to drive cattle and guard stock from predators. Farmers prize these dogs for their stamina, protectiveness, intelligence and working abilities. Some of the American Bulldogs talents are hunting, watchdogging, tracking, weight pulling, and guarding. An American Bulldog should never be confused with uniquely different breeds such as the American Staffordshire Terrier or the American Pit Bull Terrier. The American Bulldog is brave and determined but not hostile. Alert and self-confident, this breed genuinely loves children. It is known for its acts of heroism towards its master. These dogs have fought wild dogs, bulls and even fire. It is said "fighting off one of these dogs is like fighting an animal that possesses an alligator's head and a python's body." Yet when called off by their handler, they immediately obey. No wonder they are said to have "true grit, true devotion and true love." Because of its strong protective instincts, the American Bulldog should be well-socialized and obedience trained at an early age. Some may be aggressive with other dogs and reserved with strangers. They need to be around people to be truly happy. This breed tends to drool and slobber. They have a life expectancy of up to 16 years.