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| Version | User | Scope of changes |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 24 2008, 11:41 PM EDT (current) | smcquade | 1 word added, 1 word deleted |
| Mar 15 2008, 6:16 PM EDT | Anonymous | 4 words added |
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Often called so ugly that it’s cute, the Bulldog is a family dog. If you want a companion that will dote on you and your children, this is the right breed to take home.
History
Bulldogs are a result of crossbreeding between Mastiffs and Pugs. They were first bred for bull baiting, hunting, and for pulling carts.
Originally bred in the United Kingdom, Bulldogs derived their name from their similarities in appearance to a bull, as well as from the strength and force with which they attacked bulls in contest arenas. However the Bulldogs that exist today have a temperament far different from that of their ancestors.
Physical description
The Bulldog has a broad head, a short muzzle, flat, a black nose, and large nostrils. The cheeks stretch to the side of the eyes, and the skin on the forehead and skull is in thick folds. Their height varies from twelve to sixteen inches while their weight is anything between 40 to 50 pounds.
The Bulldog has a small stature and is thickset with sturdy legs and wide shoulders. They also have a massive head. Bulldogs come in a range of colors such as brindle, fawn, pale red or yellow, white, and a combination of these hues.
Grooming/exercise needs
Bulldogs are easy to groom because of their short, fine, and easy-to-comb coat. Bathe your pet only when necessary, but remember to wipe its face and in between the folds of its skin daily. Comb its hair with a firm brush regularly.
Bulldogs require exercise to stay fit. If not encouraged to exercise from an early age, they can become lazy. To avoid this, regular activity is encouraged from an early stage.
Due to their solid structure people often presume that Bulldogs are fat. As long as your dog is getting adequate exercise and a balanced diet, you have no reason to worry about its weight.
Temperament
The Bulldog’s ferocious appearance often makes people afraid of this breed. This works in your favor if you are looking for a pet to double up as a guard dog, however, Bulldogs are extremely gentle and loving. They make good house pets and don’t bark much. Bulldogs are also known to be quite stubborn so it is important owners show that they are the "pack leaders" early on.
This breed enjoys human contact and likes being around adults as well as children. They also require a lot of human interaction and like to be sure of their place in the family. Like the Boxer, Bulldogs snore and drool a lot, but once you get used to it, you hardly notice this. It's the passing of wind that gets you every time !!!
Potential health problems
Bulldogs have small windpipes and as a result suffer from breathing discomfort. They are also prone to eyesight related problems, such as a condition known as "Cherry Eye". Like Boston Terriers, they face problems in extreme weather conditions. Very hot temperatures result in heat stroke, so never leave your dog unattended in a car.
Most pups are delivered by caesarean section due to the large size of their head. This breed is also prone to skin infections.
Life expectancy
Bulldogs have a short average life span of only eight to ten years.
Bulldogs on WikiFido
Additional Information
- Bulldog - Online Community
- Bulldog Online Community - DogBreed.org
