English Bulldog 101

Over the past few years, the English Bulldog dog breed has increased in popularity and become one of the most favored dog breeds across America. The English Bulldog is a breed that is confident, gentle, devoted and stubborn all wrapped up into one small package. This dog breed needs a stern handler to take the role of “top dog” because they tend to be stubborn and set in their ways.

The English Bulldog is a stocky dog breed that gets its earlier roots from the Bull Mastiff dog breed. They are widely available in reds, brindle and uniform. This breed has a muzzle shape like no other dog breed. The English Bulldog muzzle has a protruding lower jaw which was specifically bred into these dogs to allow the dog to breath while hanging on to the snout of a bull.

The English Bulldog has been featured in many films, commercials and even spoken of in the famous King Henry VI by Shakespeare. Much later on in 1934, the English Bulldog became one of the recognized dog breeds of the American Kennel Club. This dog breed is recognized in the non-sporting group, but they remain one of the most popular dogs in both the show ring and in households throughout the United States.

The official dog breed profile for the English Bulldog states that the English Bulldog must have a short and smooth coat. This dog breed should stand between 12-14 inches high and weigh between 50-55 pounds. The English Bulldog dog breed does have some health conditions that should be considered before you purchase one.

Among them are an inability to control their inner temperature. These dogs can not be left in the elements of nature as they will over heat in the warmer weather and can freeze in the colder weather. This dog breed should be primarily an indoor dog to protect them from the elements. When an English Bulldog does become heated and sweaty it is important that you take extra measures to ensure their folds around their body are powdered and kept dry. As bacteria can grow and the dog will start to have a foul odor omitting from them.

The English Bulldog does have a snoring issue that you will have to deal with. They often snore or snort while awake and sleeping. This can sometimes sound like the English Bulldog is growling, but generally they are not. Another downfall with this dog breed is their tendency to drool. Typically, this is not problematic for most owners, but it is something that is worth mentioning to make potential owners aware.

If you are looking for a dog breed that is going to do great in obedience, the English Bulldog is not the dog breed for you. They tend to only do what they want to do and nothing more. It is also important that you do not over feed an English Bulldog because their lack of enthusiasm for exercise could lead to an obese dog in a short period of time.

The Beagle: More Than a Hunting Companion

The Beagle dog breed is very well known for their ability to be the perfect hunting companion. However, not nearly as many people know how great of a family pet the Beagle can be. This dog breed is one of the most loving and affectionate that you will find, which is probably why the Beagle has begun to grown in popularity over the past several years.

According to the Beagle dog breed profile, the Beagle is an affectionate, loving, intelligent and sociable dog. The Beagle is a dog breed that loves to be with people and gets along great with other dogs. If you have other animals in your home, it is wise for you to socialize a Beagle at an early age to get them used to the other animals.

The Beagle is a dog breed that does require basic training and a firm, consistent owner. It is important that you have patience with your Beagle, as they do want to please their owner but they can become stuck in their ways and forget they are the pet and not the owner. It is also vital that you establish yourself as the “top dog” with your Beagle or you will find you are fighting a losing battle.

The Beagle also requires mental and physical stimulation. Daily walks for exploration is vital to having a happy Beagle. You will find, walking your Beagle can be an adventure for the both of you. As your dog begins to track a scent and show you just how smart he/she really is. Make sure you do not allow your Beagle to run off of the leash in an unfenced area, as your dog just might find a scent and wonder off. Even the very best behaved Beagles have been known for turning their ears off when they turn their noses on! When they are on a scent trail, they don’t seem to hear their owners beckoning to them to come back.

Unfortunately, the Beagle dog breed does have some behavioral issues that must be mentioned. However, for the most part, these issues can be avoided with proper training and stimulation. Typically, the most common behavior issues are barking/howling, guarding their toys etc, biting, destruction and anxiety. To avoid these behaviors you should make sure you are stimulating a Beagle enough through walks and play. Having a full understanding of the needs for a Beagle is important to avoid unwanted behaviors.

Bringing a Beagle into your life is a commitment that will range from 12-15 years. They have a fairly long life expectancy as long as they are cared for appropriately. They require minimal grooming, baths as needed, nails trimmed as needed and brushing with a firm bristle brush. Keep in mind, the Beagle is recognized in the Hound group, so if you bring your pup swimming you might need to bathe a little more frequently. A healthy Beagle weighs between 20-25 pounds and is between 13-16 inches tall.

The German Shepherd: More Than Just an Average Dog

One of the most popular dog breeds in the United States is the German Shepherd. There are several reasons why this dog breed is so popular among families and business owners. The German Shepherd dog breed is a breed all its own, with dedication, loyalty and an upbeat personality, this dog breed will make you fall in love.

The German Shepherd dog breed profiles all boast about its energy and intelligence. This is a dog breed that does require regular human interaction and a lot of exercise. On average, you can expect to exercise a German Shepherd for at least two hours a day in order to maintain ideal health of the dog. However, shorter spurts of exercise is recommended for a German Shepherd puppy until it reaches a stage where its bones are stronger.

The dog breed profile explains how great the German Shepherd is as a family dog. They have a dedication and devotion to companionship that is unmatchable among the other large dog breeds. They have the ability to be great with children, adults and other animals with the proper socialization at an early age.

According to the German Shepherd dog breed profile, the German Shepherd is above average with its intelligence and has been labeled one of the best all around dog breeds. A German Shepherd can do well living in almost any home. This particular dog breed can live in an apartment or a larger home without any issues.

According to the dog breed information that is available, the German Shepherd requires a lot of exercise and regular grooming. They tend to shed a lot throughout the year and even more when the winter is coming to an end. On average, a German Shepherd should be brushed daily and the nails need to be trimmed regularly, as needed. Under normal circumstances a German Shepherd should be bathed ever 2 to 3 months to minimize the dander and keep the dog clean from debris.

To determine if a German Shepherd is the right dog breed for you, you need to ask yourself a few questions. The first, and most important is “Do I have the time available to devote about 2-3 hours a day with the dog?” If you can not devote yourself to a dog, and are looking for a dog that can entertain itself from the very first day you get it, the German Shepherd is not the breed for you. Socialization, exercise and attention are essential for a happy German Shepherd.

According to the readily available dog breed information, German Shepherds are prone to having joint and bone issues as they age. However, it is possible to treat these heath conditions and maintain a happy and healthy German Shepherd for several years. A few of the most common health conditions with the German Shepherd dog breed are : hip dysplasia, cancer, stomach related issues and skin conditions. But, if you properly care for a German Shepherd you can likely keep any health issues at bay.