Bulldog Dog Breed
The Bulldog is one of those breeds that carries a mean looking facial expression, but is actually a delight to have as a pet. This dog was originally bred to attack bulls, literally. History has it that these ferocious little guys used to attack and bite the nose of large bulls in the ring for entertainment purposes. Luckily today, the Bulldog is just an everyday house pet.
Despite its angry looking face, these dogs are extremely amiable and mellow. The Bulldog is well behaved around children and tends to thrive on pleasing its owners. Although it can be protective of its owner and a little aggressive towards strange dogs, this breed makes a great family companion and will get along just fine with other pets in the home.
Upkeep And Maintenance
When it comes to upkeep and maintenance of the Bulldog, moderate exercise should be given on a daily basis, such as a brisk walk through the park at least once or twice daily. This is definitely not the type of dog that is made for running. The Bulldog is quite docile and tends to prefer a slower pace.
Although the Bulldog can live both indoors and outdoors, it is recommended that it remain inside with the family as much as possible. These dogs cannot stand hot weather and are not good with water. In fact, Bulldogs do not know how to swim.
Grooming the Bulldog takes a little extra care, but only around the face wrinkles and other folds located around the tail. These areas should be cleaned moderately on a daily basis. Other than that, a light brushing over the rest of the coat, once or twice weekly, is all that is needed.
Health Information
There are some major health concerns that you need to be aware of when owning a Bulldog. They include stenotic nares, shoulder luxation, ventricular septal defects, CHD, internalized tail and elongated soft palate. Occasionally you might come across urethral prolapse and vaginal hyperplasia.
The lifespan of the Bulldog can reach up to 12 years, sometimes longer. Specific health tests that are recommended by veterinarians include testing for elbow problems, hip dysplasia, need dysplasia and potential eye problems. Also, wheezing, snoring and lots of drool is typical with every Bulldog.
Doberman Pinscher Dog Breed
Many years ago, during the 1800s, a man named Louis Doberman from Thuringen in Germany, had a career of collecting taxes. Every day he would set out on foot and literally walk door-to-door asking people to pay their overdue taxes.
Needless to say, this job was obviously quite rough and Mr. Doberman needed an excellent guard dog to accompany him on his rounds. He then set out with the goal of creating such a breed. The most likely mix came from the old German Shepherd and the German Pinscher, with later crosses using the Greyhound, Weimaraner and the Black & Tan Manchester Terrier.
Soon enough Mr. Doberman gathered the perfect prototype of the breed which today bears his own name. The original Doberman dogs looked a little different than today’s Doberman Pinschers, with rounder heads and a thicker bone structure, which in time was bred to have a narrower race-like look. By the year 1900, the Doberman Pinscher became so popular that it had its own breed club.
The first Doberman Pinscher found its way to the United States in the early 1900s. Both the US and European nation took to this breed for a perfect police and guard dog. In time, it was also used as a war dog. These valuable functions became the desire of many household families, in addition to the sleek, defined appearance of the animal. By the year 1977, the Doberman Pinscher was the second most popular dog breed in the United States.
Personality
The Doberman Pinscher is a highly intelligent animal that is one of the most capable guard and watchdogs a family could own. Not only is it a highly dependable family protector, but also Doberman Pinscher dogs are one of the easiest breeds to train. They are alert and always ready to serve. These dogs are quite sensitive, obedient, reserved with strangers and are committed to loyalty.
Taking Care Of Your Doberman Pinscher
Upkeep of the Doberman Pinscher takes more than average daily exercise. Bundled with enormous pockets of energy, this dog can become very frustrated and even destructive when kept indoors too long without physical and mental stimulation. Families considering owning a Doberman Pinscher should be prepared for a lifelong commitment of daily brisk walks and plenty of vigorous dog games to play outside. Dobermans can live outside in both hot and cold temperatures, but is more comfortable when inside with its family.
Health Information
The Doberman Pinscher has a lifespan of up to 12 years, with 11 being the average. Veterinarians suggest that these dogs get specifically tested for hip dysplasia, eye problems, cardiac issues and DNA for vWD. Major health concerns that may arise are gastric torsion, demodicosis, vWD and osteosarcoma. Occasionally, minor health problems sometimes include PRA, albinism, narcolepsy and hypothyroidism.
