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› Forum › THE LOUNGE › Bulldogs?
I’ll make this short and sweet… what does anyone know about bulldogs (in general) when in combination with rabbits?
I’m pretty much looking for a simple “Yes, that could work!” or “No, are you insane?!”
Bulldogs are a good choice in a setting that includes house rabbits, in my opinion. Bulldogs, even though stubborn, are people-oriented and once the novelty of meeting a rabbit has worn off they can be extremely gentle.
“Yes, that could work”
I think so too.
Thank you, Petzy. We’re all aware of the “no-no” breeds, but I’ve never really heard anything one way or another regarding bulldogs, and I have to admit I don’t know A LOT about the breed… just that my husband and I think they are adorable and we’d love to maybe consider having one someday. Whether or not that ever happens, who knows? There are not many in Ohio that I’m finding (b/c I’m looking around when I shouldn’t be…)
You know what I need… a bulldog forum. Lol…
I love the French Bulldogs – they are so cute but obviously they don’t pose a threat to a rabbit.
I did adopt to someone who had an English Bulldog and I didn’t have a problem with it. A bulldog forum would be a great idea.
What kind of bulldog are you talking about? French? English? Olde English? American? They’re all pretty significantly different.
Posted By TARM on 06/01/2010 01:24 PM
What kind of bulldog are you talking about? French? English? Olde English? American? They’re all pretty significantly different.
I still say they are all a good choice with rabbits if introduced properly. Bulldogs tend to be belligerent with other canines but much better with other animals. There is going to be the initial excitement but I think one of the bulldog breeds is an excellent choice for a home with house rabbits. Would you consider a puppy, Beka?
bulldogs are also known to be great with children, at least the British BD is.
We love the English. Aren’t the English and Old English the same thing? (I am really, really clueless. LOL!)
I signed up on a forum just now. We’ll see what happens. I’m so used to a lot of forum activity and immediate answers like on BB! I get impatient on slow boards!
Probably not a puppy. I’m hearing that bulldog puppies are very, very rambunctious, and they are near impossible to come by in rescues. So that’s pretty much out.
Edited to Add: At least very difficult to come by in rescues in OHIO!!! I know many areas have an overabundance like with all breeds. But there are not many near us.
The English and British Bulldog are the same but the Old English is a more ancient breed. Some people feel that due to its old genepool the Old English tends to have less health problems than many of the modern bulldog breeds. A friend of mine breeds American Bulldogs and if you want to avoid rambunctious, avoid the American for sure. They are fun, but in giant proportions, it can get crazy.
I think the most important question for you when thinking of getting an English BD is if you want such an attachable dog. They REALLY love and need their people. They are not very trainable, but stubborn, oh so stubborn. A dog like that might insist that you go out with him to watch him pee…
This is from the American Kennel Club:
Bulldogs are recognized as excellent family pets because of their tendency to form strong bonds with children. They tend to be gentle and protective. The breed requires minimal grooming and exercise. Their short nose makes them prone to overheating in warm weather, so make sure to provide a shady place to rest.
Thinking about this some more, I believe very strongly that you have to pick the type of dog that will fit your household all over. If it was just about the bunnies I would recommend a St Bernard or Bloodhoud, the kind that will lick their quarry.
This is from HRS, if you haven’t read it, about rabit/dog bonding
http://www.rabbit.org/journal/1/dogs.html
I think I’d be okay with that. I have rabbits, so I think it’d be nice to feel needed by a pet for a change… lol! Like I said, we’re just talking at this point. It’s not like we’re picking out names or anything!
Posted By Beka27 on 06/01/2010 02:17 PM
we’re just talking at this point. It’s not like we’re picking out names or anything!
so you had me at the edge of my seat for nothing? I love bulldogs! If you get one you owe me pictures!
Bulldogs like the old and english are very very strong something to keep in mind when walking one
also they are too top heavy and their front ends sink when in water so it can drown quikly
a big issue with me is they are so extremely stubborn plus they head but you and can knock you over or give you a painful head butt
these are 2 reasons I would not have one. Though I love their looks
again this is just me i have known someone who owns them and this is what i observed in person
Posted By bunnytowne on 06/01/2010 04:44 PM
also they are too top heavy and their front ends sink when in water so it can drown quikly
you’re too much BT! –There you have it, Beka, don’t get a bulldog, its front end will sink.
lmao! Love the sinking comment!
Wow, Beka, I had no idea you were hankerin’ for a canine. ^_^ Having just brought a new one into my house I have to say, whatever the breed….be prepared for WORK. Bunnies are SIMPLE compared to these little terrors! ^_^ House dogs don’t compare to ones who can live outdoors 24/7…my huskies were very low maintenance. A dog indoors is a dog that needs constant supervision.
Every time I think bulldog I think of the one that used to be on the Kibbles & Bits commercials. lol
Petzy, I have to ask…would your recommendation go for even a pit bull? Aren’t they supposed to be aggressive and unpredictable? I don’t think I’d want one of those near my bunnies, but then perhaps it is not a true bulldog anyway.
And Beka, I know what you mean about other forums. There is NO place like BB.com! We have such conscientious and attentive peoples here…it’s kind of frustrating when I go to my Yorkie forum and have to wait days for a reply to a post! 0_o
Posted By MimzMum on 06/01/2010 10:42 PM
Petzy, I have to ask…would your recommendation go for even a pit bull? Aren’t they supposed to be aggressive and unpredictable? I don’t think I’d want one of those near my bunnies, but then perhaps it is not a true bulldog anyway.
When I had my pitbull, I didn’t have bunnies but she loved to chase my neighbor’s cat around until I we socialized the two. Even a pitbull is what you make of him. They are a different type of dog though altogether as they have a great deal of terrier in them. Terriers are little fire crackers. I would not recommend them for a household with bunnies even though you can also make it work. Member Barbie once posted this video of a pitbull with cottie kit.
Bulldogs are funny little dogs… A lot of times they are misinterpreted by other dogs because they snuffle and grunt and don’t really look like a dog haha, at least that is what has happened in my experience. You also have to take into account the extra care they require. Sometime allergies are an issue and for some reason I have heard of a lot more medical issues coming up in English/British bulldogs. (I work in a dog store and a lot of times people are buying raw foods for their bulldogs because they are allergic to grains or certain proteins.) I’m not sure why this is or maybe it is just in my area? I also had a friend whose bulldog was allergic to grass and kept having seizures so they had to put him down. Obviously this had something to do with poor breeding though. And with a flat nosed breed they need extra care in warm weather. The reason I wouldn’t get one is because I want an active dog that I can take on hikes! Although bulldogs can be active, they can overheat and have breathing difficulties with their flat faces. You also have to clean out their wrinkles pretty regularly. But most bulldogs I have met have been pretty easy going and I don’t think having one with rabbits would be an issue if introduced properly. My mom’s pug is similar, very gentle and lazy dog but very needy and always wants to be sitting on someone.
I don’t know that little bunny is looking quite annoyed with that big old dog LOL.
Most bulldogs I’ve met don’t have much of a prey drive, and are very laid back, so yeah, I think they could be great with rabbits. I agree with Sullysmom about health problems though – they’re not the healthiest breed, so I think getting one from a reputable breeder could be key.
Awww I think bulldogs are cute, in a silly sort of way. I haven’t spent much time with any bulldogs, but my neighbor has one, and he’s not trained very well… meaning that he practically drags my neighbor around the apartment complex (and has, on several occasions, barreled though the building’s door – and Nick and I were on the other side, lol), even though he’s small (shorter even than Nick), he’s very strong. So with a dog that strong, you’re going to have to do a lot of training on impulse control, because, unless you’re huge, you’ll have a hard time holding him back if he does decide to lunge for the bunnies, that goes for any large breed though. That being said, from what the others are saying about low prey drive, a bull dog sounds like it might be a good fit for you, as long as you don’t plan to do any vigourous exercise with him.
I think, Beka, we started our own bulldog forum here for you. I agree with the points raised by everyone. I just love bulldogs myself and never focus on their drawbacks. I still don’t think they would sink, though, a barrel-chested bulldog might even possess extra buoyancy… (what is the bulldog doing in the water anyways?) — and, yes, they can be annoying too, any dog is, LOL. My quartet is annoyed plenty by mine.
Yeah… I wouldn’t really be doing any water sports with it… lol! I know there are various health issues, but it’s the same with any breed. All breeds are going to have some type of drawback. I just wanted to get the “ok” from you guys before I started doing more research. I’d hate to get my heart set on something, and then realize too late it’s not going to work.
Petzy the front end of the dog really sunk. He jumped off the dock to get into the boat and fell in the water. He was paddling like crazy but his front end sunk no kidding. I was out with friends and they were taking the dog with us. Like to never got him onboard poor thing. He was heavy.
I sat down to play with him in the house and the owner warned me to watch out cuz they like to headbutt. That is one of their play styles.
Those dogs weight a lot more than they look too. So for strength they are too much for me. I love them though. They are so cute. Oh I used a halti on my 2 dogs and it helped the pulling tremendously. With a bull dog I wonder if it would break though
I believe you, BunnyT. Poor dog!
› Forum › THE LOUNGE › Bulldogs?