Bulldog - Dog Breeds

By John M Williams

Group: Non-sporting

Weight: male: 50, female: 40 lbs

Height: 12-15 inches

Overview

The bulldogs you get today have a very different nature from those of his ancestors. These dogs are descended from the ancient Asiatic mastiff, but their development took place in Great Britain. The name bulldog, which is medieval in origin, refers not only to the vigorous look of a little bull, which this hostile dog has, but also to the authority with which this dog attacked bulls in arena combat before that exercise was forbidden by law in the nineteenth century.

Temperament

Bulldogs are some of the gentlest dogs there are, although their appearance might suggest otherwise. These dogs are fairly hostile toward intruders and not many will take them on as they possess a lot of courage. The Bulldog is a very caring and reliable dog that is very gentle with children. This breed is famous for its bravery and outstanding guarding capabilities. Seeing that the Bulldog is fairly stubborn, they can also be very persistent, causing them to not give up without a fight.

Care

These dogs do not require a lot of maintenance when it comes to the grooming of their coats. The Bulldog should only be brushed with a firm hair brush occasionally. They should also only be bathed when it is really necessary. Seeing that they have a lot of wrinkles on their face, they can be wiped with a damp cloth to clean inside the wrinkles. The Bulldog is an average shedding dog.

Training

Early socialization and obedience training is vital for the Bulldogs as they have a strong tendency to be very tough and wilful. It is important that their owners establish their dominance early on. This is a dog that will not do well if unkind and cruel training methods are used. Training should always be done in a firm, just and tolerant manner. The Bulldogs also loves to be admired and receive a reward if they have done well.

Health problems

Bulldogs tend to have problems with breathing, and some of them have small windpipes. This breed also has poor vision and is at risk of heat stroke in summer. They are also very sensitive to cold weather. Because of their large heads, many puppies are delivered by caesarean section. The Bulldog has a very active digestive system which may offend people with sensitive noses. These dogs are also vulnerable to skin infections and hip and knee problems.

For more info on Bulldog or a full list of Dog Breeds visit this Dog Training resource website.