| The Bulldog, a member of the Non-Sporting Dog | | | | potential, it makes up for it with its superb character. It |
| Group. With origins (many years ago) in fighting, you | | | | comes in a wide range of colors including brindles of all |
| would think this is a vicious tank of terror. Not hardly. | | | | sorts, red, fawn or piebald. Anything but black! |
| The Bulldog is now a gentle, docile, family loving pet | | | | Care: The short-haired, smooth coat calls for a |
| capable of protecting if needed. Needing less exercise | | | | minimum of grooming and just needs to be combed |
| than many other breeds, it makes the perfect dog for | | | | and brushed with a firm bristle brush. The face and |
| the home bound and couch potatoes. Could a Bulldog | | | | cheeks require regular cleaning with a damp cloth to |
| be the right dog breed for you? Choosing the right | | | | keep the wrinkles clean. |
| breed dog is very important for you and for your dog. | | | | Personality and Temperament: Breeders very early on |
| Here are the dog breed standards and other important | | | | recognized the Bulldog's inherent courage and strength |
| information you should read prior to buying a new dog | | | | and a few generations managed to breed out it |
| or puppy for your home. | | | | ferocity. Today the breed makes a fine pet and is |
| History: The Bulldog is thought to have descended | | | | fun-loving, devoted, friendly and easy-going. It has |
| from the ancient Asiatic mastiff but developed its | | | | acquired an enviable reputation as a guard dog and for |
| characteristic traits in Great Britain. In ancient days | | | | displays of exceptional bravery. Their nature makes |
| when it was used to fight against bulls, the Bulldog's job | | | | them excellent as pets for children. However, in certain |
| was to bury its tremendously strong jaws in the bull's | | | | cases they are known to become quite strong-willed |
| hide and just hang on. The British outlawed these | | | | and dominating for which firm and patient training is |
| contests early in the nineteenth century, resulting in one | | | | recommended. The Bulldog is generally |
| of the greatest turnabouts in dog history. The breed | | | | accommodating to other pets within the family itself |
| gets its name because of the uncanny resemblance | | | | but can prove hostile towards other dogs. As puppies |
| of its build to that of a bull as well as its association | | | | they seem to be full of energy and vitality which |
| with the sport of bullfighting. | | | | gradually tends to recede as they grow older. |
| The type of work the breed does: Though originally | | | | Living environment: Bulldogs are known to be very |
| used in sports such as bull-baiting and dog fighting, | | | | good apartment dwellers as they are inactive indoors |
| Bulldogs are today bred primarily as companion dogs | | | | and do not require a yard. They are best suited to |
| and family pets. | | | | temperate climates as they have a low tolerance for |
| Physical Representation: The Bulldog is a medium-sized | | | | extreme weather conditions. Short, brisk walks help |
| dog with a wide and compact build. The head is | | | | keep them fit and healthy. Bulldogs cannot swim and |
| massive and the cheeks stretch to the side of the | | | | you need to stay alert when taking your dog for a |
| eyes. There are dense folds of skin in the forehead | | | | walk along the beach. |
| and the pug-shaped muzzle is short and the nose is | | | | At a glance: |
| black with visibly large nostrils. The lower jaw is | | | | - Breed Group: Non-Sporting Dog Group |
| undershot with the upper lip being pendent. The dark, | | | | - Height: 12 to 16 inches |
| round eyes are set far apart from each other. Though | | | | - Weight: 40 to 55 pounds |
| the Bulldog is not known for its beauty-pageant | | | | - Color: fawn, red, brindle, washed-out red, and white. |