bulldogs
Average Height: 31-36cm
Average Weight: 23-25kgs
Average Price: £800 - £2000
Living with Hugo by member Mel Parsons
Owning a Bulldog is great fun !
My Bulldog HUGO was destined to come to live with us. He was the last remaining pup of a litter of 6. The breeder is a family friend, I was only going to visit for a cuddle but as the breeder was not keen on the person who had already picked our boy, we had first refusal on him ! There was no way I was going to say no... I knew he was my boy and his name - Hugo of course !
Bridlewood Neptune Trident (Hugo) was born 28th March 2008, he came to live with us in May 2008.
He was just beautiful !
As a pup Hugo had a condition called "Cherry eye", which is very common in Bulldogs. We have a great vet who specialises in eyes so after discussing the options and researching how to do it we had every faith he could resolve the problem.
His cherry eyes quickly healed and Hugo was settling in well at home. Lilly (our "also white" cat) was not so keen on Hugo as he was on her, but as they were about the same size it wasn't a problem.
Hugo is very affectionate and loves nothing more than a cuddle ! His favourite place is snuggled up next to his mama on the sofa. I had 6 weeks at home during the summer with him and have pretty much stayed by his side ever since...
His first walk was not so memorable, he was not so keen on venturing out in to the big wide world so we used to walk him round the garden on his lead at first so he could get used to the idea ! On the subject of walking, Hugo does love a good walk, as long as its not along the road ! He likes to go where he can roam free in the fields where there is no traffic, as he doesn't particularly like cars and lorries. Especially when they make a loud noise. He is a big scaredy cat. He acts very similar to when he see's the hoover ! His lead is not his favourite but once he's out in the fields he has great fun.
We hate to leave Hugo but sadly had to leave him in kennels once when he was just 6 months old to attend a wedding. This was just awful for us (as we all have massive separation anxiety issues) so we simply don't leave him anywhere now.... we will only go away on holiday to places he can come to. Hugo is quite the traveller and has been to Devon, Cornwall, New Forest, Wales and Ireland. He loves going on his holidays and enjoys nothing more than a ride in the car, where he can enjoy the sights.
Everyone loves Hugo and wherever we go people want to take his picture, he makes people smile and gets them talking.
He's won some rosettes in the show ring too. He likes to be the centre of attention and we had some great fun participating in the "fun" dog shows. He would never like to do it seriously.
When his little sis was born (our baby girl) he soon got used to her sharing his floor space with her and likes to lick her fingers and toes and keep watch on her. He proudly stands next to her and barks loudly to alert me if he hears a strange noise such as the postman delivering out letters or the neighbours out in their garden ! He will notice the slightest change to anything different in the house and alert you to it.
Hugo's Dogfather (my Godson) and his little brother just love Hugo to bits and enjoy a good old roll around the floor and a game of chase. When Hugo's cousins come to play he is so happy, he just loves the attention he gets from little people and is very aware he needs to be gentle with them. However he can become a little over excited sometimes, just like a child when they have too many E numbers !
He is just the same with other dogs, perhaps even a little too loving !
Hugo has all the main characteristics of a bulldog, he's loyal, looks tough but is a big baby, he can be stubborn, he does what he wants when he wants, very protective, intelligent, loving, sleeps and snores alot ! He also loves to sunbathe.
Despite his size / weight, he is gentle, caring and sometimes difficult when he doesn't always do as he is told. (It helps to have food in on offer of course but you need to be careful not to treat him too much!)
He costs alot of money too, not only to buy, but he's a regular at the local vets (its easy to tell if he is unwell as he acts differently and is subdued). He has a skin condition and can suffer with allergies, especially in the summer months.
I wouldn't like to count up the thousands we have spent on him over the 3 years ! Not that I begrudge a penny of it, he's too special to worry about that but its definitely something to take into consideration for anyone thinking of getting one.
My Bulldog is just the best !
Written by Melanie Parsons