How to Select a Bulldog

Originally bred for bullbaiting, this breed is no longer aggressive, despite its tough looks. The bulldog is recognized as the mascot of many schools and colleges, and it is the fine-looking pooch on the Red Dog beer label. A related breed, the French bulldog, is much smaller and has bat (pricked) ears.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dental Kits (for Dogs)
• Dog Beds
• Dog Brushes
• Dog Carriers
• Dog Dishes
• Dog Food
• Dog Leashes
• Dog Shampoo
• Nail Clippers For Dogs
• Dog Shampoo

1. Choose a bulldog if you want a friendly, loyal companion. Bulldogs typically are not good watchdogs and don't bark much, although they have more energy than many people imagine.

2. Consider a bulldog if you're looking for a good family dog. They are very tolerant and gentle with children.

3. Plan to socialize your bulldog early if you have other pets. They can be aggressive toward other animals if not properly socialized at a young age.

4. Be aware that although this dog may be stubby, he is a large and sturdy pet. Adult males weigh between 40 and 80 lbs., with an average weight around 55 lbs. They stand from 14 to 16 inches at the shoulder, although some long-legged dogs reach as high as 18 inches. The female is usually lighter and shorter than the male.

5. Research the prices of bulldogs, which vary from state to state and depend largely on quality and breed. (Bulldogs are difficult to breed and are typically born via cesarean section.)

6. Consider adopting from a rescue group, but make sure to find a qualified veterinarian and to give your new bulldog extra love and care. Most adopted bulldogs have chronic coat and health conditions because previous owners did not give them proper care.

7. Remember that bulldogs tend to be very stubborn, which means that you must be consistent and patient while training them. They are intelligent dogs who are very good at getting their own way, so motivational training techniques are the way to go.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you or someone in your home is willing to spend 30 to 60 minutes a day playing with and exercising the dog.
• With proper care and exercise, bulldogs can live for 8 to 13 years.
• Don't leave your bulldog outside in warm weather - they're prone to overheating.

[tveraamo]

on 5/27/2009 Please PLEASE do not use alcohol on your bulldogs wrinkles! Depending on the condition of the wrinkles, you can use a cloth with plain water, or baby wipes with aloe and lanolin. If the wrinkles looks irritated, use a soothing cream or ointment.

[pugsnbulldogs]

on 4/28/2008 The idea that MOST adopted bulldogs have health problems is erroneous. I have a rescue for pugs and bulldogs, and MOST do NOT have health problems. Especially chronic health problems. SOME have health problems, SOME have temperment problems, SOME have attachment issues.........just like every other breed!

on 11/22/2005 I got my Bulldog from a top breeder and she said to only use Vaseline to clean the folds and wrinkles on my dog. She said it should be done one to two times a day. It stops sweat from forming.

on 11/22/2005 I haven't tried using alcohol but I'd be a little leery of doing so for fear of getting it into the eye. My dog tends to squirm a bit at any type of grooming...Also, since she does scratch these areas, I would think that the alcohol may sting, making it an even more traumatic experience for her; which we all know we do not want to do. Anyways, what I use seems to work well.
1. Witch Hazel, on a cotton swab, or
2. Unscented baby wipes, they seem to work just fine and I believe they contain small amounts of the alcohol which would still help aide in drying out the folds but possibly without the sting.

on 11/22/2005 The wrinkle on your bulldog's face is always wet and smelly. You can clean it with a damp cloth and a little rubbing alcohol. Just don't get in eyes. The alcohol will help keep it dry so don't use it more than 3 times a week.