A Bulldog is much more than a pair of sad eyes
and droopy jaws, but this dog's appearance is a major reason for its
popularity. The other reason these dogs are so popular is that they have a
sweet and gentle nature.
This breed was originally created to help
butchers slaughter bulls. Some people used the tenacious nature of the
Bulldog to turn their dogs into bull baiters. When this ugly sport was
outlawed, people that loved the breed began breeding only the sweetest dogs.
Today, these dogs are sociable,loyal, friendly
animals.
The Bulldog is a medium sized dog, but is still
very powerful. These dogs weigh between 25 and 30 kgs
and stand 12 to 16 inches high. A Bulldog has a squat body, a flat forehead,
and large jaws. This breed has dark, gentle eyes. Some Bulldogs have
corkscrew tails, but they can also have straight tails.
These odd looking dogs have one purpose, to be
devoted companions. Luckily, they are well suited to their role.
Bulldogs are very low energy
users and do not need to spend a lot of time exercising. Of course,
they still enjoy taking a leisurely evening walk with their owners.
When you live with a Bulldog, you may feel
as though you are living in a teenagers bedroom,since
this breed will snore, drool, and pass gas frequently but
that just makes them loveable!
Despite their size, Bulldogs can be quite
powerful. Because of this, it will be much easier for you to start training
your dog as a puppy. Luckily, these dogs are eager to please their owners,
although they are not always quick learners. In fact, some Bulldogs cannot
understand even the simplest commands until they are six months old.
A Bulldog has a bit of a reputation as a
food hoover. This breed likes to eat. However, you
will need to be sure that you do not let your Bulldog overeat, since obesity
can lead to serious health problems. Of course, like any breed, the Bulldog
does have a few flaws. Some health problems these
charmers face may be allergies, hip dysplasia, eye
problems, and breathing problems which I shall try and
cover for you later.
Bulldog owners need to be especially careful to
keep their dogs out of the sun. These dogs can overheat easily, which can
prove fatal.
With their short coats, Bulldogs need very
little grooming. However, the wrinkles on their face require careful
cleaning. If you do not keep your Bulldog's wrinkles clean, he could develop
skin infections, not to mention a nasty odor.
If you want a loving family pet and can overlook
the fact that your little guy is a bit stinky,
then a Bulldog may just be the right breed for you.
