Bulldog Breed Information.

The original purpose of the Bulldogs was to direct cattle to the market and contest in bullbaiting sporting activity. Modern-day Bulldogs are family companions who play with kids and are considered a must-have family pet.

With a medium size physique, Bulldog is popularly known as the British Bulldog or English Bulldog. It has a distinct pushed-in nose with a muscular and round face that gives it a unique appearance. According to the American Kennel Club, bulldogs are the fifth most popular breed in the USA in the year 2017. Its wrinkled face gives it a distinctive look that no other kind possesses.

There is no possible way you can confuse a bulldog with other breeds. Its skin on the head is very loose, small ears, undershot jaw with hanging chops on both sides, and the distinctive rolling gait are clear illustrations of a Bulldog. They are very flexible and love coiling on your lap regardless of their 50 pounds weight. They love casual walks in the park and regular exercise.

Appearance

Bulldogs have a unique physical appearance that distinguishes them from other breeds. They have spherical heads with evident mandibular prognathism. The spherical head with very short muzzle gives its face a flat-look. Their eyes are dark and positioned low and wide on the forehead in the fore plane. The nose is black and faintly inverted. The ear is small and angled forward giving the frame of its forehead.

It has a tiny and thick neck with gigantic, and broad shoulders. Its chest is deep and filled, and the back is barreled and somewhat curved. It has protruding round-shaped hips just above the level of the back. Its tail is naturally short, and it is either straight or screwed. Many owners prefer those with straight tails. A fully mature British Bulldog weighs approximately 25kg for a male breed and 23kg female.

Health

Cardiac issues, cancer, and old age are the most responsible for the death of bulldogs. Cardiac problems are responsible for 20% deaths, cancer at 18% and old age at 9%. They have a lifespan of about 10 to 11 years. Just like any other living beings, Bulldogs are prone to hereditary health issues such as hip dysplasia. According to a research done by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, over 70% of Bulldogs are affected by hip dysplasia.

The several wrinkles all over their bodies give a conducive environment for the development of bacteria and fungi. If left unclean, they can easily be infested with bacterial infections. Brachycephalic airway syndrome is prevalent in Bulldogs. The condition narrows the upper airways giving a Bulldog difficulty in breathing. Naturally, Bulldogs don’t do well in hot weather, narrowing their breathing canals makes it worse when cooling down after exercise.

Another common health issue with the Bulldogs is Patellar luxation, which affects about 6.2% of Bulldogs. An interdigital cyst is also very common with Bulldogs. When cysts form between the toes of your Bulldog, they cause distress, but a professional vet can quickly treat it. The Bulldogs are also likely to have respiratory issues, cherry eye, allergies, and hip problems. An experienced veterinarian can rectify all these health problems.

When shopping for a Bulldog, it is advisable to buy from a certified breeder to make sure that you acquire the healthiest dog. Bulldogs need frequent check-ups, deworming, and necessary vaccination. A responsible breeder will provide you with all the essential family history of your Bulldog to avert hereditary health problems.

Temperament and Personality

The Bulldogs are naturally friendly, calm and quickly get along with people or other pets. They rarely bark at anyone, strangers included. Its easygoing attitude and friendliness make it a perfect mate for families with small children. With all these mellow characteristics, Bulldogs can be challenging to train. They are less likely to be obedient during training sessions but grasps studies fast and firm.

They love fun-filled repeated training with a myriad of reinforcements such as threats and rewards. A short park walk is enough to make it tired for a nap. Being not so good with hot weather, always walk it out during cold times. The Bulldogs are friendly and comfortable to hang out with, making them excellent watchdogs.

Experienced trainers and breeders understand the features of the Bulldogs. Most of them are sociable, enduring, but naturally stubborn. Trainers have come up with ways to remove or reduce the aggressive nature of this breed. Their affinity to bond quickly with kids has made the Bulldogs a must-have pet in several families.

Care And Grooming

The Bulldogs have fairly dense fur making them easy to groom. It has a short coat that doesn’t require any fancy grooming, but it does have some special needs when it comes to skincare. It’s essential for it to live in air-conditioned coziness, not only to thwart heatstroke but also because it loves its family and wants to be with them all the time.

In as much as the Bulldog’s coat is easy to clean, its wrinkles need specialized upkeep to avoid skin infections. Cleaning the facial and nose wrinkles calls for skilled care. You may need to clean the wrinkles more regularly depending on the features of your Bulldog. The crud from the wrinkles should be removed with a soft wet cloth or wet wipes. After removal, dry up the wrinkles effectively. If moist, wrinkles give a perfect shelter for bacterial breeding.

Feeding

The Bulldogs’ proposed daily feeds is a half to 2 cups of the right quality dog food, given twice a day. The amount largely depends on different factors. The amount of food to give your Bulldog depends on;

• Age
• Size
• Metabolism
• Activeness
• The health of the dog

An active Bulldog will need more food than an inactive one. You should always buy quality foods to avoid food-related health problems or malnutrition. Overfeeding your Bulldog will lead to obesity. Obese dogs have joint problems and will need more exercise. The Bulldogs are very dormant while inside your house, it is ideal for giving them routine daily walks to avoid getting them fat.

Author Bio:

Tony is the owner of Petpetbuy.com, the pet-parent of two dogs, and he is also an active animal rescuer. He works with multiple non-governmental organisations which work towards providing aid to homeless dogs and cats.