Snorting, snuffing, wheezing, grunting:
Why English Bulldogs make the greatest pets
Imagine waking up in the middle of the night, twisting and turning, and unable to sleep. The culprit? The lazy beast next to you snorting, snuffing, wheezing and grunting. And don’t think I am talking about that lug you call a husband. We’re talking about your English bulldog and in all of his charming ways he has stolen your heart.
It takes a special person to have an English bulldog as a companion, but when you decide you are that person, you will find a hungry and lazy oversized lapdog that would rather cuddle up with you on the couch than take a run around the block. By the way, you’ll probably be helping him up on the couch.
So, what is it about English bulldogs that make people go crazy? Well, to start, bulldogs act the exact way that we humans feel – pretty much all the time. When they need to fart, they fart. A bowl of food is a reason to ignore everything around them. And, let’s face it, drool just comes with the territory.
Like a cuddly bowl of Jell-O bulldogs strut, or wobble as they run. Sloppy smiles greet you as they pass by, and all you can think of is, “Boy, do I love that little guy.”
If you’re not already sold on why English bulldogs make great pets, let’s look at some of the fascinating traits that make them one of the most popular dog breeds in America.
The Ultimate Companion
If you didn’t know, and if you have ever been near a bulldog you probably didn’t, bulldogs were bred in the 14th century to be fierce fighters and were forced to play a game called bull-baiting. That is, they would provoke bulls by latching onto their nose and ears. Quite a difference from the loyal and laid back companion of today.
Unlike many dog breeds, most bulldogs are not the jealous type. In fact, bulldogs tend to be great with kids. They are also good with other dogs, and funny enough with cats. You probably wouldn’t have guessed that watching Tom and Jerry in your younger years.
Bulldogs love company and attention and are one of the most laid back dogs you will ever find. They don’t bark much, and well if a burglar stops by, your bulldog is more likely to cuddle up than to alert you. But, it is this temperament that makes them one of the best dogs to have around your children and family.
While it is important to remember that dogs are like humans, each with their own personality, bulldogs are known to be very friendly and accepting companions. To a bulldog, there are two things in life. Food and toys – everything not food is a toy. That would be kids, dogs, cats… You get the picture.
All Those Noises
If you have ever heard of people joking about their bulldog’s gassiness, drooling, and various noises, they are not kidding. Due to the stature of bulldogs, short, broad, with big heads, the dogs have some unique characteristics. For example, with flews along the upper part of their mouth, and a pronounced underbite bulldogs have a habit of drooling, and giving awfully slobbery kisses. This is especially so when they are eating.
Speaking of eating, diet and how a bulldog eats are major contributors to the stereotypical gassiness of the dogs. Bulldogs are voracious eaters, so much so that they eat so quickly they take in large amounts of air, which eventually contributes to what we like to call farting.
Remember me mentioning bulldogs being lazy? Well, this is a big contributor to their wheezing, grunting and snorting. Let’s just say that bulldogs would be more likely watching the Olympics on television this summer, than participating in the Olympics. Bulldogs would much rather lounge around on a soft little bed than they would go for a walk. This contributes to obesity in bulldogs. So, it is recommended to take your bulldog for a walk at least once a day, but don’t be surprised if they can’t go too far. However, with enough affection, you may be able to coax them farther than you think. Remember, bulldogs adore attention – especially from the big toy that feeds them.
When it comes down to it, English bulldogs provide a calm and gentle temperament that works for the whole family, including your furry feline, Garfield. They love attention, are affectionate, and provide an array of unique noises and behaviors to keep you and your family entertained all day.