How to choose the right dog breed: The Bulldog

The Bulldog is well suited for the environment of the college fraternity, where it has enjoyed considerable success as a mascot. It ranks low on overall reactivity, not barking or snapping much, and not reacting much to noise and hubbub.

The Bulldog channels its aggressiveness not into household protection - who needs a watchdog in a fraternity house? - but into survival: aggression toward other intruding mascots and resistance to domination by owners. It is just as well that no one expects a mascot to be obedience trained, for the Bulldog ranks among the lowest on this particular trait. Fortunately, it is slightly higher in ease of housebreaking. Assuming you love the Bulldog's unique face and conformation, you can expect to improve its suitability for normal homes by selecting a female.

The Bulldogs have some traits that recommend it to certain households. Its rank in dominance over owner is only medium. The Bulldog's highest rank within reactivity - snapping at children - still is below average, and selecting a female would tend to mellow this trait. Finally, the Bulldog ranks third lowest of all breeds in general activity. If jittery, nervous dogs drive you crazy, you can feel secure in choosing a Bulldog, particularly since it is also ranked second lowest of all breeds on both destructiveness and playfulness.

The Bulldog:

Weight: 50 lbs
Height: 15 in.
Build: Sturdy
Coat: Short.
Color: White and tan.

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