Bulldogs have a reputation for being tenacious but lovable family pets. However, the category of bulldogs actually covers several different breeds, including some fairly rare breeds, such as the Dorset Old Tyme Bulldog. The three most common types of bulldogs for pet owners are the English, American and French bulldog breeds.
History
Of the three breeds, the English bulldog is the oldest. These dogs are thought to be descendants of a type of mastiff found mostly in Asia. The dogs were purposely bred to be effective competitors in a sport known as bull baiting in the United Kingdom--hence the breed's name. This tough fighter was bred into a miniature form known as the French bulldog; this was done in England. Because of its small size, it was more at home in the lap of its owner than in a ring attacking bulls. The modern English bulldog is actually smaller and more friendly than those who attacked the bulls. American bulldogs, who emigrated to the United States with their owners, more closely resemble those earlier specimens.
Appearance Differences
The main difference between these three breeds of bulldogs is their appearance, primarily their size. The American variety is the largest. The breed stands between 22 to 28 inches high and can weigh up to 120 pounds. English bulldogs are much shorter with a maximum height of around 16 inches. They can weigh around 50 pounds. French bulldogs are the tiniest. They stand about a foot tall and must weigh less than 28 pounds.
Temperament
Despite the different sizes of these three bulldog breeds, all of them share a common personality trait: stubbornness. While this may have been a desirable trait for bull baiting, it makes training challenging, especially for inexperienced owners. The key is to establish yourself as a leader early on so the dog respects and listens to your commands. Besides this difficulty, bulldogs are generally affectionate and friendly. They may not be the best choice for small children because they are stronger than they appear but usually make good family pets.
Health Problems
Because of the selective breeding used to create the English and French varieties, health problems are a big issue with these breeds. English bulldogs, for example, are likely to have respiratory and heart problems. French bulldogs who put on too much weight may have a hard time breathing as well. They can sometimes suffer from eye problems, too. The biggest health concern for the American bulldog is hip dysplasia, which is common among larger breed dogs. As you might expect, American bulldogs have the longest life expectancy, at 16 years. English bulldogs live about eight; French ones live up to 12 years.
Grooming
One of the advantages of owning any type of bulldog is that grooming is minimal. Most dogs are fine with an occasional bath and regular brushings. All three breeds shed but not that much, especially if they are brushed frequently. However, English bulldogs do require one extra daily grooming step. Because bacteria can form in the wrinkles around their face, these need to be wiped out with a wet cloth every day.
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