The Bulldog is the national
symbol of Great Britain, having originated in the
British Isles. Today, this breed makes a wonderful
pet although you want to make sure the puppy is
given proper socialization. Unfortunately, the
Bulldog was first bred for bull baiting, meaning it
was aggressive and ferocious but now, the negative
traits have been eliminated through selective
breeding.
The great thing about choosing the Bulldog is that t
has been fortunate in being virtually free of any
disabling genetic diseases, unlike most other
breeds. Even so, the Bulldog only has a lifespan of
8 to 10 years. However, there are a few
considerations associated with the Bulldog although
they are minor. For instance, this breed has
sensitive skin. Therefore, any shampoo should be
dye-free and unscented. Additionally, simple insect
bites can cause hives and itching. Because of this,
it is recommended that the Bulldog not be a
full-time outside dog. Because the price of the
Bulldog is high, they are sometimes the focus of
theft so do not leave the dog unattended.
You will also find that the
Bulldog does best in a home that is cool,
comfortable, and free from neglect or fear. This
breed loves being around people and in fact, when
left alone, could possess destructive behaviors. For
this reason, if you work outside the home, it is
highly recommended you invest in a dog crate. Due to
wrinkled skin, you want to keep this breed in the
air conditioning, especially in the summer months.
This breed also needs to have its toenails clipped
more frequently than other dog breeds. Again, the
Bulldog is known for having wrinkles. If not
cleaned, you could be dealing with irritation or
infection. Once a week, use unscented baby wipes to
clean these areas and then provide the dog with a
monthly bath. Other than daily brush, the breed
should have no significant problems.
Now, this breed does have a flat face, which means
it is prone to breathing problems. For this reason,
the Bulldog does not do well in hot climates. In
fact, if left in the heat, the Bulldog can actually
suffer from heat stroke. Additionally, some Bulldogs
will have problems with breathing because of a
collapsible palate. For this, your veterinarian can
perform a relatively simple surgery to correct it.
If not, you would notice your dog snoring and
breathing heavily.
Finally, the Bulldog is not a good swimmer. Because
of the body structure, you should never put your
Bulldog in water. If you have a swimming pool or
pond, make sure it is protected with a fence in that
if the dog were to get in the water, it would likely
drown. Other common health risks include allergies,
cherry eye, cataracts, and in older dogs, hip
dysplasia. Then, if you plan to breed a Bulldog,
keep in mind that puppies are commonly delivered via
caesarean section due to its body structure.
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