There’s a popular dog meme that goes something like this: “We were once warriors, and then we discovered sofas.” This is the perfect description for a bulldog.
Descended from fighting mastiffs that originated in ancient Mesopotamia, these animals were brought to the British Isles by the Romans in order to use them in a bloody sport call bullbaiting. Today, there are many types of bulldogs in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, however, people are most familiar with the classic wrinkly-faced, stocky bodied, slightly-slobbery British Bulldog.
Today’s bulldog is definitely a lover, not a fighter, and is more likely to prefer a good snooze on the sofa to exercise (something we can all relate to at some point). They will tend to overeat whenever the opportunity arises, so their food intake must be strictly monitored.
Generally, bulldogs can’t tolerate heat and humidity very well, and they are quite sensitive to cold weather. They must also receive regular exercise to avoid weight problems, which will require some steady encouragement and dedication from you.
Overall, bulldogs tend to be friendly and they make good pets, but their snub-nosed characteristics also make them susceptible to all sorts of health problems, including respiratory problems like wheezing, snoring and sleep apnea. Happily potential health issues can be handled by regular veterinary check ups, and proper feeding and exercise – so they stay healthier and happier for longer.
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