Column: Why you need an English Bulldog in your life
As of 2007, 43.2 million people own dogs in the United States, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
I am lucky enough to be one of them. I don’t just own any dog, I own an English bulldog.
English bulldogs make for great pets for any household. English bulldogs are most commonly known for being show dogs, but the breed also makes an outstanding family companion because of its sweet temperament, according to bulldoginformation.com. English bulldogs are usually calm and gentle.
Bulldogs also rarely ever bark. They usually only bark if startled or sense danger. I know my English bulldog, Brutus, only barks when something startles him when he is sleeping.
Some may think these slightly overweight and wrinkly dogs are lazy, but they are actually very lively and energetic. Bulldogs still love to play like any other dog, especially as puppies.
English bulldogs also have a really neat magic trick. They can be running around and energetically playing, and within half a second, be sound asleep and snoring. Brutus has mastered this trick.
English bulldogs are the perfect combination of sweet and cuddly paired with energetic and playful. What more could you ask for in a pet?
Not only is the bulldog a great pet, but they are also used as a mascot and icon. According to ownersbulldogguide.com, 28 different universities in the U.S. use the English bulldog as an icon. Over 80 different secondary schools have a bulldog as a mascot.
The downside is the expense of buying a bulldog puppy, and the expense of the veterinary bills for this dog. Since bulldogs have the smashed in face, that is just so darn cute, they also have breathing issues. Sometimes surgeries can be done to remedy this, but the surgery can be very expensive.
But everything worth having comes at a great price, and the English bulldog is no exception.
English bulldogs are the best breed to get, whether it is for a single individual or a family pet. I am lucky to be a dog owner, but more importantly, an English bulldog owner.
Everyone needs a Brutus in their life.
Abby Allgire is a senior journalism major. She can be reached at 581-2812