Also known simply as the Bulldog, the English Bulldog is a friendly and loyal breed. But how do you know whether you are ready to purchase a pet and if this breed is right for you? This information is absolutely necessary in making the decision to purchase a pet.
History
The origin of the English Bulldog can be traced back to 17th century England. Enthusiasts believe the breed to have originated much earlier, though this has never been proven scientifically or otherwise.
Throughout its history, the English Bulldog has been most commonly kept as a companion, proving its superior abilities to provide gentle friendship.
During the 18th and early 19th centuries, the English Bulldog was known for being a fighting breed. Dog fighting was outlawed in England in 1935, threatening complete extinction of the breed. Credited for saving the English Bulldog are several unknown breeders and breed enthusiasts, gathering breed-able specimens and working for years to repopulate the breed to the stable numbers it currently remains at.
Today, while the English Bulldog has attained an underground popularity as a companion dog, the breed remains somewhat rare world wide.
Personality Traits
Best known for its friendly and outgoing nature, the English Bulldog thrives on strong and dependable relationships with humans. This breed is very intelligent and generally responds well to training. As a pet, the English Bulldog is obedient, loyal, loving, and affectionate. These dogs require little exercise when fully grown and adapt well to indoor living.
Train-ability
Due to its need for human attention and eagerness to please and impress its owner, the English Bulldog generally responds well to basic training and commands. This breed is very bright and has the ability to learn to perform most any task its trainer is willing to take the time to teach.
Establishing immediate trust and respect is key to successfully training the English Bulldog. These dogs respond best to a stern yet gentle approach by a patient and caring handler.
Benefits and Disadvantages of the Breed
There are many benefits to owning an English Bulldog, such as its no hassle, low maintenance coat. These dogs are very intelligent and capable of learning to perform many impressive tricks and tasks. When properly socialized from a young age, the English Bulldog gets along well with small children and other pets, making friends quickly, and known for its gentle approach to children. This breed only requires moderate amounts of exercise and adapts well to indoor living. The English Bulldog is obedient, loyal, loving, and affectionate, making an excellent family pet and companion alike.
Unfortunately, there are also disadvantages to owning an English Bulldog. While this breed only requires moderate amounts of daily exercise, they do need room to run and play on a regular basis, especially when young. Anyone wishing to purchase this breed lacking the adequate amount of time and space to dedicate to the dog is strongly advised against doing so. An English Bulldog not receiving the proper amount of exercise and space will often act out by destroying property, chewing, barking, whining, and ignoring basic training such as housebreaking.
Like many companion breeds, the English Bulldog is known to suffer from separation anxiety. Individuals seeking to purchase this breed who travel frequently, have full time work, or are away from the home on a daily basis are advised to begin researching another breed. During an attack of separation anxiety, the English Bulldog will act out of nervous destruction and may destroy property, chew, bark, whine, and ignore housebreaking training.
The English Bulldog is known for almost constant flatulence and drooling, which most owners don’t mind, but some may become irritated with.
As previously mentioned, the English Bulldog remains somewhat rare world wide and can prove difficult to obtain. Individuals wishing to purchase this breed often encounter such challenges as inability to locate a breeder, extremely high prices, and being placed on long waiting lists.
Common Health Concerns
While the English Bulldog is typically known as a healthy and hearty breed, they do suffer from a few health problems, including: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation – dislocation of the knee, breathing issues due to small wind pipe, skin sensitivity and infections, sensitivity to extremely hot or cold weather, visual problems, obesity, and bloat.
Now that you know all about the breed, do you think you are ready to own an English Bulldog? Remember, purchasing a pet is a big decision and should be discussed thoroughly and seriously with your entire family.
Sources:
http://www.akc.org/breeds/bulldog
http://www.strongpets.com/bulldog.php
