English bulldogs require special care to maintain their health and well-being.
The English bulldog is a powerful, but friendly breed. The breed's unique appearance and sweet nature only add to its great appeal among dog lovers. Some people believe that English bulldogs are vicious and aggressive due to the breed's sordid past. In reality, English bulldogs do not get the respect they deserve.
History
The English bulldog originated in England in the early 13th century as a bear- and bull-baiting dog. English bulldogs were specially bred and trained to pin down bulls. In bull-baiting, one or more dogs would clamp onto the bull's nose until the bull became paralyzed. Bulldogs were bred with strong jaws and short muzzles so they would not suffocate when holding onto a bull's nose. Many dogs were injured or killed while bull-baiting. The Cruelty to Animals Act banned the sport in 1835.
Temperament
Despite the breed's tainted history, modern English bulldogs are known for their playful and affectionate nature. These dogs seek out human attention and make great family companions. They are especially good with children, but it is recommended that children should not be left unsupervised around any breed of dog. English bulldogs are generally laid back, but food aggression may be an issue. They also tend to be stubborn which may make obedience training more difficult.
Care
English bulldogs have folds around their muzzles and tails; it is very important to cleanse these folds to avoid skin infections. Use a damp wash cloth with a small amount of gentle soap to clean in and around the folds. Take care not to get soap in the eyes. Dry the folds completely with a dry wash cloth.
Bulldogs only need one bath a week. They have sensitive skin and too many baths can cause the skin to dry out. They also have short coats so they do not need to be brushed very often. Brush the coat once a week to remove dead hair.
Health Issues
English bulldogs are very sensitive to hot temperatures and are prone to heat stroke. Extremely cold temperatures are dangerous as well. Colds and heat stroke can be fatal; therefore, bulldogs should be kept in a mild environment away from the harsh natural elements. Healthy English bulldogs have a life span of eight to 10 years.
The short muzzle and elongated soft palate of an English bulldog can cause breathing problems. The soft palate can be corrected by laser surgery. These dogs also snore and drool heavily. Keep a tissue or clean cloth handy to wipe excess drool off the dog's muzzle.
English bulldogs are prone to certain genetic disorders such as hip dysplasia, elongated palate, narrow trachea, and cherry eye (prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid). Keep the number of a 24-hour veterinary clinic with you at all times in case of an emergency.
Training
English bulldogs are stubborn, but very intelligent. Training them can be difficult and requires much patience and time. Being consistent is the key to successful training sessions. Reward your bulldog when it displays good behavior. You should never be violent when your dog does something wrong.
Basic obedience training is important. English bulldogs need to be taught basic commands such as come, heel, sit and stay. Training your English bulldog to walk on a leash is also an essential task. English bulldogs are naturally strong so they need to be taught properly be lead by a leash. A well-behaved and obedient dog will make both you and your dog happier.
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