The Bulldog

In this book you will learn all the main aspects of properly raising and caring for a Bulldog. The book covers the origin of this breed and the proper way to train this beautiful dog. You will learn about the Bulldog's temperament, its important history and the maintenance and training your dog will need. This book teaches how to avoid mistakes in training due to not understanding the temperament of the Bulldog breed. Finally, many breeds have their own ailments and the Bulldog is no different. You will learn about the various ailments of the Bulldog and what to look for as it ages. Your Bulldog makes a great watchdog, courageous to a fault when it comes to defending his family and territory, albeit very sweet and sociable. Instead of being lively, he is as dignified as his expression suggests, with a kind and sometimes stubborn, nature. Easygoing and friendly, your Bulldog will get along with everyone. He can be slow to learn. However, once he has learned something, he'll never forget it. Rarely a barker, his appearance is enough to scare off any possible intruders. The Bulldog is very different from the mastiff-type dogs who were his ancestors. The breed was entirely developed in Old England. First mentioned in 1500, the fierce dogs were utilized in what was known as bull-baiting, both a practical activity as well as a popular sport where the dog would grab a bull's nose and roughly shake it, causing the bull to lose its balance and fall to the ground where the dog held tight to keep the animal pinned. After Bulldogs came to the U.S., one by the name of Donald - a brindle and white Bulldog - was shown in 1880 in New York. In 1886, Bob, another Bulldog, was registered with the AKC. H.D. Kendall, from Lowell Massachusetts, formed the Bulldog Club of America in 1890. At first, this club used the English breed standard, but felt it wasn't exact enough for them. In 1894, they put together an American standard for the American-bred Bulldog. The British reacted in protest to the name, along with some of the details of the new standard. Over time, the standard was re-done and came to be accepted in 1896; it is still the standard today. In 1890, the AKC recognized the Bulldog breed. Bulldogs rose in popularity during the 1940s and 1950s so that they were near the top 10 breeds. According to the AKC, the breed ranks fifth out of different dog breeds and varieties that are listed in the AKC registry - a true tribute to his standing as a companion dog. Above all, the Bulldog breed as it is today stands as a triumphant example of the human ability to alter an entire breed, making it into an affectionate, desirable companion through dedicated, careful breeding practice. During the 1800s, some cities - like Rome - had laws forbidding Bulldogs to be walked on the streets, even leashed, because of how ferocious they were. Yet, only a few years later, the Bulldog was becoming known as a most tranquil and friendly dog; all due to some very dedicated, patient, knowledgeable breeders with a vision of how a Bulldog could be at its best. He can live literally anywhere, adores children, is loyal and affection and very easy to care for. In fact, the Bulldog, today, is probably one of the gentlest dogs there are. Have your new pup checked by a vet within a few days of his coming home with you. Your vet can then advise you concerning general healthcare of your Bulldog, feeding, preventing heartworms, deworming and vaccinations. Until he's had all his vaccines, always carry your Bulldog in a crate or in your arms when you take him to the vet. As with anything worthwhile, owning a dog involves not only pleasure and company, but responsibility as well. The fun parts are obvious, but you must also be aware of the responsibilities, not only for your dog, but also for other people and the neighborhood or anything around him. Owning a dog requires a conscious approach to everything that is in his/her environment.