All about British Bulldogs
The British bulldog, well what can I say, they are the most fantastic dogs to have with adults/children and other dogs, no matter where or what situation they're in they're always a happy breed and will do anything to make owners proud of them. I’ve had and looked after a variety of different breeds but I have to say the most appealing and unforgettable breed is that of the bulldog, and once you experience this breed you will never want to change to a different breed.
Bulldogs have come along way from hundreds of years ago where the breed was only used for one sole purpose; for the barbaric sport known as bull baiting, a sport that became very popular in England in the 13th Century. Yet at that time, the bulldogs were desired to be as low to the ground as they could possibly be, as the breeders of those days, preferred them this way.
If you watch your bulldog, when he or she is playing they sometimes put their jaw to the ground and their rear end facing upwards, this behaviour is from the past of the fighting days, as they were trained to attack the bull in this manner; nowadays it is much more of a playful behaviour.
Fortunately the bulldog is nothing like the aggressive dog that it was hundreds of years ago. These dogs have dramatically changed over the hundreds of years of breeding, now the bulldog is more of a loyal companion, in some cases there have been aggressive bulldogs, like there is in every breed, but if a bulldog is like this, then they should always be avoided, as they are a dog with very great strength.
If you are thinking of purchasing a bulldog, then remember that training should always be given, as it is not suitable for a bulldog to be jumping on people, as this could still be seen as a hazard especially if children are present, as they are a very big-boned dog.
The weight of a bulldog should be for bitches: 50-55lbs and for males 55-60lbs.
Bulldogs should never be left to lie around, as they need regular walks to maintain a good shape and healthy body. Note: long walks should be avoided in summer heat, as this could be harmful and cause heat stroke in some cases. A lot of people know this breed as a lazy breed but it is surprising what this breed can do as one of my bulldogs will walk five miles a day and loves it but this shouldn’t be done with any bulldog as they all vary, especially in the summer heat but they do need a good walk everyday to keep them in excellent shape.
When it comes to feeding and grooming, bulldogs should never be overfed as this causes health problems but should be fed a balanced diet of foods like chicken/ rice/vegetables. Sometimes carbohydrates, like pasta can be given, but not too much, as foods like this can cause skin irritations, in my opinion.
In regard to grooming bulldogs they don’t need much attention, but still should be groomed every other day. When it comes to cleaning the face, always wipe with a damp cloth as dirt can sometimes gather and collect in the dog’s wrinkles.
Overall a bulldog is a family dog; and has come along way from what it was hundreds of years ago, when they were only used for their fighting instincts and aggressive behaviour, which in those days they were praised for. But these bulldogs, of nowadays should still be owned by a responsible owner, who has the ability to understand such a complex animal with such great strength and power.
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