The French bulldog breed might be all the rave at the moment (with puppies selling for thousands of pounds) but, sadly, its distant cousin, the American bulldog, does not share the same popularity.

We need to redress the balance because the American bulldog has some wonderful traits and, in the right home, makes the perfect family pet.

The American bulldog also has a fascinating history, and it is an intrinsic part of American culture.

The breed dates back to the 17th century and is believed to be descended from the Old English bulldog, which is now extinct.

The Old English bulldogs were brought to the southern states of America by immigrant settlers from the West Midlands, and they were used as all-round working dogs to guard the settlements and round up the stock.

The breed was standardised in the mid-20th century, with the best ’specimens’ collected from the southern farms, and it was eventually recognised by the American Kennel Club.

So what makes an American bulldog?

They are medium-sized, fairly stocky dogs with square shaped heads and fairly short muzzles. They are predominantly white with patches that come in a variety of colours such as brindle, fawn and black.

Personality wise they are playful, easy-going and incredibly loyal, but because their genetic make-up is that of a guard dog they are not as friendly with people they don’t know. They need owners who can give them lots of time and attention and they don’t cope well if they are left un-stimulated or on their own for long periods of time.

Owners need to establish and maintain clear behaviour expectations from the outset, and ensure that their bulldog is constantly socialised both with humans and other dogs. They will be rewarded with a loving and devoted family-orientated dog.

Dodger is a perfect example of the American bulldog breed.

He is affable, funny, and very affectionate.

He is variously described by the kennels team as a ’lovable oaf’, a ’bundle of fun’, a ’bit of a dope’ and a ’real character’, and he’s a very popular boy.

His training includes trips around the island, so that he can experience being with people he doesn’t know and so that he can meet other dogs.

He’s become a real attention seeker and draws the crowds, but we would far rather he had a home to call his own and a family to return to at the end of the day.

Dodger is only three years old and so when his new family finally find him, he will be with them for many years.

Initially we advise that he should be the only pet in the household, until he settles, and he should be introduced to extended family and friends in a managed way, so as not to overwhelm him.

The only reason Dodger is still with us is that he is not a fashionable breed - in fact, it could be said that he is an unfashionable breed.

If you have the time and energy for a new dog in your life, please give Dodger and the American bulldog breed the opportunity to prove themselves, and don’t be misled by inaccurate representations that the larger bull breeds are aggressive or hard to handle. This is simply not true.

And please remember - secondhand animals make first-class pets.