Edie MacKenzie

Edie MacKenzie is a published author, traveler, dog lover, and tortoise enthusiast. Passionate about what she does, her books provide peopel a firm grounding in the dog breed and their unique characteristics with a nice touch of humor.

The Bulldog

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Bulldog History and origin:

Bulldogs were first used in England during the Middle Ages as baiters and fighters of bulls.  They were originally bred to have courage and tenacity similar to the Mastiff.  These early dogs were incredibly aggressive.  It was not until the 19th century that the present personable temperament was achieved.

Description:

The Bulldog stands 13 to 15 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 40 and 60 pounds.  He has a dense, powerful body, an extremely blunt muzzle, a pronounced under-bite, and a short, smooth shedding coat that requires regular brushing with a fairly stiff brush. The color may be brindle, white, fawn, red, or patched.

About the Bulldog:

The Bulldog is a courageous, intelligent, sweet, stubborn, incredibly strong dog that is filled with athletic enthusiasm.  Despite his ferocious appearance, this breed has a docile temperament.  He is extremely personable and loving, but because of his strength and enthusiasm, he is not always the best choice for the elderly or the disabled.  Though normally not aggressive, he may resist training because he has a stubborn streak left over from his bull-fighting days. The Bulldog needs training from early on, particularly in learning not to pull on the leash, not to jump up on people, and in general to contain his exuberance.  He is a fast-learner and loves taking part in games.  He loves children and  gets along well with strangers; just make sure he does not get overenthusiastic and knock your friends or your children with his bowling-ball body.  Training should start form puppy hood and should be firm and persistent.  You must gain adequate control of this eager, powerful, stubborn breed early in life.  The Bulldog is susceptible to respiratory problems.  He will snort and sneeze, spewing out undesirable secretions, usually while licking your face.  The Bulldog also snores.  In addition, the deep wrinkles on his face and forehead tend to get infected if not cleaned and powdered with cornstarch once a day.  Some Bulldogs may need eyelid surgery if a condition known as entropion sets in, causing the eyelids to turn in so that the eyelashes rub against the cornea.  This breed is also sensitive to extremes in temperature and can easily become overheated.  Finally, because of his heavy frame, the Bulldog can develop structural problems and arthritis later in life.  Do not take this dog jogging or let him get overweight.

Feeding:

Recommended feeding for this breed is 1 can (13.3oz) of high quality meaty product with biscuit added.  1 teaspoon of cod liver oil daily is recommended in winter.

Ideal home:

An apartment is fine provided this breed is exercised regularly.  The owner of a Bulldog should be an active, capable leader who desires a sweet, personable, vigorous dog that is good with family and friends.  Children are fine as long as no roughhousing is allowed. The elderly and the disabled may have difficulty dealing with this breed’s high level of enthusiasm; the Bulldog can be a very physical animal and, in his eagerness to play, may knock his owner down and cause an injury.  Time to train, exercise, and socialize thie Bulldog is important.

The Boxer

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History and origin of The Boxer:

This breed can be traced to the old holding dogs of Mollossus or Mastiff types.  Perfected in Germany during the 19th century, the Boxer was developed by crossing Mastiff, Bulldog, and terrier bloodlines and was once used for fighting and bull baiting.  Similar to the Bulldog, his jaw is undershot, a trait common in bull-baiters.  Today’s Boxers do not have the fierce temperament of the earlier dogs.

Description:
The Boxer stands 21 to 25 inches at the shoulder and weighs 55 to 75 pounds. Strong and thickly muscled, he has a short muzzle, a docked tail, and cropped or uncropped ears.  The shedding coat is short, stiff, somewhat prickly to the touch, and of very low maintenance, requiring only an occasional brushing.  His color may be brindle with white or fawn with white.

About The Boxer

The Boxer is a brave, loyal, clownish dog who loves children and makes a good guard dog.  He is a friendly, headstrong, high-energy breed that is very affectionate but easily distracted.  A busy, curious breed, the Boxer needs firm, precise obedience training from an early age in order to contain his boundless energy, but the training should not be overbearing or rushed.  He can be suspicious of strangers and, in some cases, may be dog- or people-aggressive, especially the male.  Daily exercise is important.  This dog makes an excellent jogging partner and agility dog.  The Boxer is normally good with children, but care must be taken that this strong breed does not knock down and hurt a child.  Roughhousing, wrestling, and chasing should not be allowed.  He is a powerful, exuberant dog who tends to wag his whole body when pleased.  The Boxer has little cushioning on his body and needs a blanket or bed to lie on.  He has no body fat and therefore gets cold easily and does not do well in cold climates.  He is also prone to respiratory problems, is a horrendous snorer and sneezer, and can be flatulent.  This breed is susceptible to heart problems and bloat and normally lives only ten to twelve years.

Feeding:
Recommended feeding for the Boxer is 1 ½ – 2 ½ cans (13.3oz) of a branded meaty product with biscuit added in same amount or 5 cupfuls of a complete, dry food.

Ideal home:
A house with a fenced yard is important.  The owner of a Boxer should be an active, strong, competent leader who has the time and patience to work, socialize, and exercise this energetic, often stubborn breed.  Children are okay provided no roughhousing occurs.  Persons who are very easygoing or slow-moving should avoid this breed, as should those who are nervous, cautious, or overbearing.  The elderly and the disabled may have a hard time controlling the Boxer and may create a dominant dog that lacks confidence.

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