English bulldog

BBulldogs (when you just say Bulldog, it should be understood that you mean an English bulldog - otherwise you need to specify, such as for a French bulldog, an American bulldog, etc.) are truly a joy to all who are fortunate enough to live with or encounter them. They have a loveable disposition and, in general, get along with other breeds and are usually very sociable with adults and children. We have had bulldogs since the early 1980’s and we simply wouldn’t be without at least one, we love them so much. They are affectionately called “sourmugs” as they seem to be scowling and their multiple facial wrinkles and folds accentuate that effect. The “smashed in” face/muzzle perhaps makes them look unhappy - but they’re not - quite the contrary! Bulldogs are also known as the “lazy man’s dog” as they quite content to lay around with their master(s) with limited exercise, however, they actually should be walked regularly or at least allowed to mull about outside with adequate space as their systems require some daily activity. They are usually not capable of being walked for long distances nor running for any extended period of time. They have a characteristic “rolling gait” (the entire torso rolls from side to side) which is very appealing and when they do run they seem to “crab” or come toward you in the diagonal, rather than straightforward, which is also adorable and quite correct if the dog has been properly bred to the American Kennel Club’s established Standard, regarding proportions and conformation, for the bulldog. *Bulldogs do not tolerate the heat well and, in fact, are in danger of choking/suffocating to death in heat or by exhaustion on a hot day as their windpipe (which is narrow to begin with) can become swollen (due to edema) and thus prevent air exchange to and from the lungs. Bulldogs’ life span is ordinarily shorter than many other breeds - perhaps between 8 and 10 years, and only rarely much longer. They can tend to develop veterinary problems owing to their unusual conformation, whether this be skin/coat problems because of their redundant coat and folds, breathing difficulties, crooked (wry) jaws, infected ear canals, infected cysts between the toes, etc., so be prepared to take on some vet and medicine bills, at least from time to time. Despite these drawbacks and cautions, we are thoroughly enchanted and constantly amused at their look, their movements, their sounds, their sheer goodness and the gift of their loving and wonderful personalities. consistency is their middle name. Rarely do you encounter a nasty bulldog - their motto is “peace - or else!” They need and deserve responsible, dedicated and loving pet owners - you will get all that back in spades! One final word - bulldogs are relatively expensive to purchase, and therefore there are those whose primary (or only) goal is profit - these are people who will breed them indiscriminately and who are either ignorant of or disinterested in perpetuating the soundness and conformity of the breed to the AKC Standard. Therefore be very careful from whom you buy your bulldog!! I cannot stress this enough. It should not be from a “puppy mill’ nor a pet store - I would ONLY trust a reputable bulldog breeder who is recommended and has had bulldogs from their kennels handled and successfully shown at AKC-approved Bulldog specialty shows, because those breeders are not in it solely for the money - they care about the dogs and about their well being. They conform to a well thought out breeding program, not a haphazard, uninformed method with unpredictable results. Many of the upstanding bulldog breeders can be found listed in dog magazines. You might well also visit a dog show and ask questions of breeders and those handling and showing the dogs. Do some research on the internet. Do not be taken in simply by seeing a very cute bulldog puppy in a pet store window - without proper experience you have little idea what you are getting nor of the quality of the dog’s breeding which directly affects the bulldog’s future health, temperament and appearance.