Why did the American Bulldog develop a mindset of thinking for themselves historically?
Answer
Expected to work alone against challenging livestock.
The independent streak, often presenting as stubbornness, is not a defect but a functional trait rooted in the breed's historical working environment. Unlike certain other breeds that were developed specifically to work in very close partnership with humans, such as herding breeds that rely on precise human signals, early American Bulldogs were often tasked with working independently. Their assignments involved confronting and managing difficult livestock on their own initiative. This scenario necessitated the development of strong problem-solving skills and a mindset focused on self-reliance, which translates into the strong-willed characteristic seen today.
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