As a continuation of the selecting a dog breed series, I will discuss the choices for a bulldog type breed. There are many different breeds that I consider in this group, like the bull terrier, the English bulldog, the American bulldog, boxers, etc. The three I will focus on today are the Bull Terrier, Boston Terrier, and the Boxer.

Bull Terrier

Why would I consider purchasing a Bull Terrier? I love bull dog type breeds and my choices today will deal with bull dog types. Although I have never owned a Bull Terrier; they appeal to me in a basic way. Other than a general interest, my consideration for this breed is based on research of the various breeds of dogs from books and watching dog shows. I also have to admit that I loved the Bull Terrier in the movie Patton. My research showed that they are much more versatile than I would have guessed based on their original purpose of fighting. Some have been used to herd sheep and hunt.

Brief Description: True to it’s original purpose the Bull Terrier is strong, agile, and balanced on it’s feet. Since they are not breed for fighting any longer, modern breeders breed for disposition rather than the desire to fight. Today’s Bull Terrier is not at all quarrelsome, rather they seek to avoid trouble. You can observe their easy going personality at dog shows. An unusual byproduct of its origin’s breeding is that these fighting dogs had to be able to keep its head and think for its self because the owners did not want an out of control dog which would bite them when it was wounded and hurt. This makes the Bull Terrier unusually reliable with children. The most notable mental characteristics of the Bull Terrier are desire for human companionship, longing for affection, unusual intelligence and an apparent sense of humor. He likes to be lead, not forced. He responses much better to positive training rather than a lot of punishment.

Positives:

1. Great companion and faithful protector.

2. Usually a calm breed.

3. Intelligent

Negatives:

1. Do not tolerate teasing from children.

2. Can be possessive and jealous.

3. Need a lot of companionship or they can be destructive.

Boston Terrier

Why would I consider purchasing a Boston Terrier? Although I have never owned a Boston Terrier, my Uncle owned one and loved him. The Boston Terrier is one of the few breeds developed in America. Like all bull dog types, the Boston Terrier was used for fighting. At one time the Boston Terrier was one of the most popular show dogs in America.

Brief Description: True to it’s original purpose, the Boston Terrier should be lively, highly intelligent, smooth-coated, short round headed, compactly-built, and short tailed. They should convey an impression of determination and style with easy carriage in its movement. They should not weigh over 25 pounds. Most Boston Terriers are black with some white markings generally on their shoulders.

Positives:

1. Well mannered and intelligent.

2. Easily trained.

3. Friendly with a sense of humor.

4. Great with children and the elderly.

Negatives:

1. Skin and heart tumors are common in the breed.

2. Can be difficult to house train.

Boxer

Why would I consider purchasing a Boxer? I have always liked Boxers and have owned a couple plus one half Boxer/half Bull Dog. The Boxers were great family dogs but the half Boxer was the most un-trainable dog I have experience.They are beautiful dogs in my eyes, especially the brindled ones. Boxers are very popular in America and Europe.

Brief Description: The Boxer is a clean-limbed dog of great strength. This characteristic is greatly enhanced by their sturdy beauty, good nature, good sense, and utter dependability. They are widely used by law enforcement and security agencies. The boxer is a median-sized, sturdy dog, squarely built, with a short back, strong limbs, and short tight-fitting coat. His muscles should be well developed, clean, hard, and appear smooth (not bulgy) under taut skin. His movements should denote energy.

Positives:

1. Playful and curious.

2. Highly intelligent.

3. Loyal and affectionate.

4. Great guard dogs

Negatives:

1. Love to jump.

2. Very energetic and need a strong owner.