Many people feel that their families just aren’t complete without a furry, four-legged companion, be it a dog or a cat. One mistake many people make is simply going out to buy the first puppy available within their budget, but this can backfire and is one of the leading reasons of why there are so many unwanted dogs in animal shelters. Finding the right breed of dog for a family, especially when there are young children at home, warrants a lot of time and research.
English Bulldogs can make wonderful family pets for many households, including those with children. Before you rush out to buy a puppy, however, knowing the history, temperament and health considerations that go along with this breed is an important step in preparing your family for a new furry friend.
Bulldog Origins: From Fighter to Family Favorite:
There are several types of Bulldogs, including the American Bulldog, French Bulldog and Olde English Bulldogge. Usually, though, when someone mentions a “bulldog”, they are speaking about the iconic English Bulldog. Featured in a multitude of movies and cartoons, as well as being the symbol of English tenacity during World War II, the English Bulldog wasn’t always a beloved family pooch; he started out a bull fighter, as the breed name might imply.
The origins of the English Bulldog are somewhat obscure in the fact the breed, as it was first noted in the 1600s, was simply described as a large, muscular dog with a wide head and strong jaw. Exactly what other breeds were combined to make the “Old English Bulldog” is uncertain, but some experts speculate mastiffs and pugs were crossbred to create the breed.
Originally, the bulldog was used to drive cattle and participate in a deadly, cruel sport known as bull baiting. The dog and the bull would face off, with bets being made on who would win, If the dog pinned the bull by the nose (closing off the bull’s airway and forcing it to submission), the dog was the winner. If the dog was gored or trampled, the obvious victor was the bull.
Fortunately, this bloodthirsty sport was outlawed in 1835, and successful efforts were made to breed out aggressive tendencies in the breed. The result is the loveable, easy-going English Bulldog of today, who looks and acts very little like its fighting ancestors.
Bulldogs and Kids:
According to BullDogsNewYork.com, bulldogs can be wonderful companions for children. They said, “They are patient (albeit stubborn), gentle, sturdy enough to withstand being accidentally bumped into or tripped over, and not overly rambunctious or prone to knocking small children down. They also get along well with other dogs and household pets.”
But even the patience of a bulldog has its limits; young children should be taught to be gentle with dogs and should always be supervised while playing with and around dogs. The bulldog, too, should receive early training and socialization. Puppy classes and ongoing training are a worthwhile investment, and can also be a great way to bond with your pup.
English Bulldog Health Issues:
The English Bulldog is prone to several serious health problems, including breathing problems due to the brachycephalic (very short and broad) skull, intolerance to heat, eye problems and bone structure issues. Some breeders are making the effort to improve the health of the English Bulldog
If you’re considering a bulldog puppy, it’s very important to find a reputable breeder rather than purchase one from a pet shop. Sadly, many pet shops get their stock from animal mills, where dogs and cats are bred without proper health checks and with little regard to the well being of the animal. A reputable breeder will always allow you to visit a litter ahead of time and will be happy to answer questions regarding the health, pedigree and history of their animals. A good breeder may even help you choose the right individual puppy for your family, based on the dog’s temperament and energy level.
