Today, a truly amazing and unique dog that each of us has met at least once in our life is presented to your attention. This is a German bulldog. Residents of Germany can rightfully be proud of their talented compatriot. This is truly an amazing mixture of strength and speed, inexhaustible energy with kindness, wisdom and great nobility.
If your choice is a German bulldog, then the family will find an ideal friend, whom you could only dream of. This is a guard and a nanny, a great friend and bodyguard, as well as a fun companion for games. The main thing that you must learn is that the boxer must be properly educated so that his socialization goes as smoothly as possible. These dogs grow up late. Therefore, time cannot be missed.
Origin of breed
In fact, history goes back centuries. Experts believe that these dogs came from the ancient Molossian Great Dane, which gave rise to many breeds. The expressive appearance of dogs sometimes causes some fear among others. They are called fighting and are carefully avoided. This is not without reason. The German Bulldog does not have a very clear past. Although it is not the animal that is to blame, but the man. Until about the middle of the XIX century they were used for dog fights. Accordingly, the most aggressive individuals were selected, and these qualities were cultivated in them.
However, after the ban on such entertainment, breeders looked at these dogs with huge eyes in a different way. The German bulldog was again the object of close attention. However, now, on the contrary, they began to select the calmest and most balanced animals. Years later, it was possible to make the gloomy dog more domestic and peaceful.
Companion dog
The premiere of this breed took place in 1885 at an exhibition in Munich. It was at this time that the breeders presented this dog as a candidate for breeding and keeping at home: calm, balanced and sweet. Subsequently, the breed standard was established, which was adopted only in 1905. Practice more and more convinced that the dog showed excellent service qualities. The boxer turned out to be an excellent watchman and guard, wise, balanced and acting with lightning speed. Apparently, thanks to this image, in a modern game, the premium tank M 41 90 GF (“German Bulldog”) received exactly that name.
In parallel, the boxers managed to earn an excellent reputation at the border service. They also worked with great success in the army. This was the first dog to enlist in the police. Only after many years did a German shepherd appear in the ranks of the security forces. By the way, a boxer (German bulldog) is no worse than she, coping with the duties of a guide for blind people. Until about World War II, this dog was bred in Germany. After the battle ended, representatives of the breed began to travel around the world. Small build, graceful, bright appearance, complaisant character and excellent working qualities - all this led to the fact that many people loved the German Bulldog dog.
general description
The German Bulldog (the photo shows us a dog with a rather strict appearance, but with the kindest heart) is a very faithful animal that has a calm character. From the first days of staying in a family, the puppy considers its owners to be best friends. And he will never forget it. Bulldog is very fond of young children. This is one of the most playful guard dogs. And this quality does not disappear until the end of life. A tiny puppy and a respectable bulldog of old age will equally carry toys to you, forcing them to indulge in them until they drop.
This is a very smart dog for which training is not a problem at all. He picks up teams on the fly, after which he will fulfill all the requirements without fail. Fearless protector and a real tank - so you can christen the animal. These qualities were taken into account when they called the German M41. "Bulldog" - this name was given to the machine.
What should future owners consider?
First of all, forget about the possibility of keeping this dog on the street. Despite the formidable appearance, power and strength, these are very delicate creatures. Fine silky coat does not protect from the cold. The German Bulldog, whose photo is presented in the article, very often suffers from rheumatism. Cold and rainy weather did not suit him at all. In winter, long walks in the snow or cold rain should be avoided. If you are unlucky and the dog is very wet, then be sure to dry the wool dry after returning home.
This breed does not apply to centenarians. Be sure to weigh this moment. Their lives very often end before 10 years. It happens that individual individuals live up to 15, but for this it is necessary to feed the pet correctly and be monitored by a professional veterinarian. By the way, the expression “new German bulldog” has nothing to do with the breed. This is the terminology for a famous game.
External data
It is impossible not to fall in love with puppies of this breed at first sight. Charming creatures with round eyes. Outwardly, it is a powerful, medium-sized dog of a "square" physique, with perfectly sculpted muscles. The height at the withers is 53–64 cm, and weight can range from 25 to 32 kg. These animals have a wide head with a flattened muzzle and a convex forehead. By the way, another description that makes this dog and tank related under the name "black German bulldog".
Due to its fighting past, this dog is today the owner of powerful, strong jaws with a characteristic bite. Modern selection has somewhat corrected the shape of the head, which solved the problem of drool hanging from the muzzle. Now you can not worry about this. The coat of the animal is smooth and short, the color is most often red, tiger or fawn. White marks are acceptable. Wool can only be cleaned with a soft brush, as dogs have very sensitive skin.
Breed standard
As a rule, tails and ears are stopped for boxers. This further emphasizes the square case and gives an impressive look. However, today in Europe they are already beginning to refuse such a procedure, allowing animals to be the way nature created them. In England, for example, stopping is completely prohibited. And in Russia at the exhibitions there are both lop-eared boxers and representatives of the breed with their ears cut off. But there are no tailed individuals in our country yet. Apparently, people's stereotypes are too strong.
The dog should not be too heavy, but at the same time thin-boned or light. Particular expressiveness to the representatives of this breed gives the head. Large, with wide jaws and round eyes, it is remembered immediately and forever. The neck is long, with an elegant arc passing to the withers. Rounded, strong, muscular and dry, she eloquently emphasizes the power of the dog. Their coat is very short and adherent, stiff and shiny.
Dog growing up
This is another point that needs to be considered separately. Characteristics of a German bulldog emphasize that it is a late-growing dog. Up to three years, a large dog continues to be a small puppy. But even more adult your pet will remain playful and mobile for the rest of his life. This breed is a great choice for those who have children. Boxer loves kids very much. Like a caring nanny, he will be happy to share his leisure with them.
If your dog spends a lot of time in an open area (for example, you live in a private house), then make sure that the fence is high enough, because the representatives of this breed jump very well. It is very important to ensure that the dog does not overheat. The structure of its muzzle is conducive to thermal shock. That is, with all its power, it is a very gentle dog that needs constant attention. By the way, let’s compare the animal with a tank again: a review of the “German Bulldog” in the famous strategy says about the same thing about this combat vehicle.
It’s a little harder to keep a dog in the apartment. It is vital for him to ensure high physical activity, to walk at least twice a day, and not only leisurely walk, but also actively play the ball. You can even arrange a bike ride. If physical activity is not enough, then unspent energy will be directed against your property.
Behavior and character
Representatives of this breed have a strong nervous system. They are confident, calm and balanced. The nature is of great importance and needs careful attention. This is a strong animal whose power should not be directed against the owners. However, the dog’s affection and fidelity to its owner and home, sensitivity and fearlessness, as well as the courage of a defender, have been known since ancient times.
These dogs are very affectionate with their owners, but very distrustful of strangers. When the dog plays the ball, he is cheerful and carefree, and in attack he is completely fearless. He learns very easily thanks to the willingness to obey. This unpretentious and neat creature, completely charming, honest and open.
Training
If you want to grow up a perfect security guard, bodyguard without special efforts during training, then your best choice is a German bulldog (WOT presents us with a combat vehicle, which also does not require high skills from a beginner). However, independent training, without the teachings and advice of a professional dog handler, as well as built on punishment, can lead to the opposite effect. The dog loses interest in training, trust in its owner. As a result, she will go about her business without paying any attention to you.
The secret to success is consistency, hardness and affection. All teams must be calm, but confident. And their implementation must be encouraged. Often they do the opposite, paying particular attention to failure. A well-mannered dog is fearless, sensitive, has a quick reaction and is well-controlled. It is difficult to call him an intellectual, but natural directness and rudeness give him a special charm.
Socialization
Bringing dogs to the playground should be started as early as possible. Sometimes boxers like to fight with other dogs. Moreover, they do not consider representatives of other breeds to be equal to themselves. And often treat them with obvious neglect. In a fight, natural tenacity and physiological insensitivity to pain greatly helps them. They will not show weakness and will not back down. Today, such traits are no longer aggression, but rather bravado, which is sports and gaming in nature. But they can also be the cause of trouble on the walking platform. Therefore, the sooner you begin to introduce the pet to other representatives of the canine world, the better socialization will go.
Boxer Nutrition
In fact, it does not have a big difference from feeding all other breeds. A large, massive dog requires high-quality, balanced nutrition, without which its development will deviate from the norm. A square build and a tendency to gain weight suggests that it is necessary to avoid a large amount of fat in food. However, this does not mean that it is possible to deprive the dog of beneficial lipids at all. In any case, the basis of the diet should be meat. But to give it better in boiled form. If you cook porridge for a dog, then do not use the fatty broth for this, which remains after that. But thin and tubular bones should be completely excluded from the diet so that the digestive system does not suffer.
Diseases
We have already noted that this breed does not apply to centenarians. In fact, the health status of these dogs leaves much to be desired. Boxers are prone to quite a few health problems. A very common defect is deafness. Between 20 and 40% of puppies are born deaf to one or both ears. Very often they suffer from heart defects. This may be aortic stenosis or cardiomyopathy of the right ventricle. As a rule, these diseases manifest themselves only when the animal grows up.
The weakness is the digestive system. There are metabolic disorders, hypothyroidism, bloating, problems with the intestines. That is why, from the first day the dog is in the house, you will need a competent veterinarian and a well-balanced diet. High-quality feed, given in small portions several times a day, will stabilize the condition of the pet. Such dogs are also prone to food allergies, which once again indicates the need to carefully choose foods or prepared feeds.
However, the greatest concern is the frequency with which representatives of this breed develop cancer. Oncology in veterinary medicine is not well developed. And most often, after making a diagnosis, the doctor will suggest euthanizing the animal so as not to expose it to unnecessary suffering. Based on practice, it can be noted that a cross between a German shepherd and a bulldog has the most good health. Therefore, if you need a friend who will live near you for a long life, then it is better to pay attention to this option. Although, of course, such a dog will not have an exhibition career.
Instead of a conclusion
The German boxer is a charming dog, a great friend and comrade. You can rely on him in the most difficult situation and calmly entrust him with your property. He loves to play, loves when guests come to the house, especially if he is already familiar with these people. He may ask for pens and will definitely sleep with you on the couch. The dog is charming and charismatic, that is, you will fall in love with him just at first sight.
However, seriously, this is a strong and very jealous dog, which requires not only proper education, but also a peculiar approach. With children, boxers get along very well, although if you pull it very much, it may even slightly growl to show who is in charge. This is primarily true for males. A lowered pain threshold makes it almost impossible to raise with slippers, because the dog will still think that they are playing with it. A poorly trained boxer is very wayward. He considers himself a full-fledged person. That is, it is a great dog, but you need to deal with it from childhood: to train and educate.