BULLDOG CHARACTERISTICS

Today's Bulldog is a far cry from the fighting dog of old. Good-natured even-tempered, devoted to his owner, the contemporary Bulldog is a friend of all mankind. Yet in spite of his good temper, he still retains the indomitable courage for which the breed has always been famous, and he will readily show it if attacked by a larger dog. Rarely, though, will a placid Bulldog pick a fight, he would rather give his enemy a wide berth than risk the necessity of bringing his limited agility into action.

The Bulldog is not as active as many breeds, but he has far more energy than he is ordinarily credited with. The massive proportions of many Bulldogs make walking great distances difficult. (However, just before the turn of the century many wagers were made over the walking ability of show Bulldogs. One British writer told of a contest in which dogs were led over a 10-mile course. The winner's speed averaged 4.5 miles per hour - which makes one also admire the walking ability of the dog's owner!)

Today's Bulldogs can adapt with equal ease to apartment or farm living. The dogs much prefer (AND SHOULD) be brought into the house, not left out in back-yard enclosures. They're quite hardy, even though their "pushed in" noses and heavy breathing can lead to asthma.

Some say that Bulldogs are dull-witted, but as lovers of the breed will attest, the dogs are merely somewhat aloof and prefer leisurely ways when there is no particular need for hurry and bother. They can be taught tricks easily, but most of them seem to think that tricks are a waste of time, and will perform for company only when pressed.

Another fallacy believed by some is that the Bulldog's sense of smell is very poor. This might be true of individual dogs, but the breed as a whole exhibits no such shortcoming. In fact, old accounts tell of a remarkable sense of smell which, when properly developed, was usefull in hunting. Today, of course, Bulldogs are companions and general house pets, not hunters.

Bulldogs reach maturity in about 2 years, and live an average of 10 or 12 years (if they are not allowed to become too overweight). This is a somewhat shorter life span than most breeds have.

They are quiet dogs, and prefer a rather quiet, subdued, easy mode of living. When thunderstorms break, you'll probbly find your Bulldog seeking shelter under a bed - one time when his dauntless courage seems to fail him. His courage does come through, though, if an accident befalls him, for vets say that Bulldogs make the best patients; they are able to bear pain better than most breeds.

Easy to groom and keep clean, gentle and kind, a loving companion for young and old, the Bulldog can indeed be called "man's best friend."

- How to Raise and Train a Bulldog by Evelyn Miller, 1960