Know About Bulldogs Before You Adopt Them

English bulldog or bull dogs as they are popularly known originated in the British Isles; they get their name “bull” because of the robust look of a bull and their being used for bull baiting till the 19th century. Known for their aggressive, ferocious and courageous nature they generally attacked bulls’ bottom up making it difficult for the bull to fight back.

Bulldogs are wide, medium sized, compact dogs with short legs; they have a massive body and head with extra skin on both sides of the skull and forehead falling in folds, with the cheek extending to the sides of the eyes that are deep set. Their jaws are massive, broad and square with hanging upper lips, with their tails being straight or screwed and carried low. Their short, flat, straight, smooth and glossy coat could have colors like red brindle, other shades of brindle, solid white, solid red, fawn, fallow, piebald, pale yellow or washed-out red or white or a combination of these colors.

Bulldogs are usually 12-16 inches in height; their weight could vary between 53 to 55 pounds for males and 49 to 51 pounds for females. Though their appearance is intimidating, they are the most gentlest of dogs that would see off intruders. Determined, persistent, very affectionate and dependable this breed of dog are ideal for children also and known for their courage and guarding abilities.

Being a people’s dog, bulldogs require a lot of human attention for their happiness; they are dominating and need an owner that displays strong leadership qualities. When the humans do not assume leadership qualities, this breed turns very aggressive; though this may be very stressful for the dog when it has to keep humans in line. Known to be best family pets, bulldogs fight with strange dogs who they do not consider as their pack. Full of energy when they are young, bulldogs slow down when they age; they are well known for their loud snores, drool, slobber tendencies and messy eating. Probably the snoring and breathing problems they experience could be due to the small size of their windpipes.

Ideal for apartment life and an indoor dog, bulldogs live to an average age of 8 years. They thrive best in temperate climates, finding it difficult to stand cold climates and being prone to heat strokes in hot climates in hot rooms and cars. They are average shedders and their smooth, fine, short-haired coat can be easily groomed with a comb and firm bristle brush. They could be given a bath whenever necessary or their face could be wiped with a damp cloth to clean inside the folds.

Lastly it is very necessary to give a bull dog a daily walk, its absence leading to behavioral issues. Make sure the dog heel beside or behind the person holding the lead; also teach the bulldog to enter and exit all door and gateways after the human. Both these actions convey to them that the human is the leader. Most bulldogs in good shape are capable of moving fast for short periods of time.

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