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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]PP here, I wanted to agree that bulldogs are wonderful but they often have health issues that are very difficult to deal with both emotionally and financially.[/quote]

Are bulldogs playful?  Will they run after balls, etc.?[/quote]

Poster who said bulldogs have health problems: The bulldogs I've known are loving and affectionate. They put their heads on your leg, but they have no neck so it's like their chin only and it's really very cute. They may run after toys if they're not in horrible pain from some surgery or another they've had to have because of their snout or tail or their legs or their back. Seriously, the people who bred them originally were, in my personal opinion, extremely selfish and irresponsible. They are wonderful warm animals that some jerk made into a mess of health issues. I also agree that they aren't very smart, but they make up for it in that ugly adorable thing that makes you just want to snuggle them despite their massive amounts of drool. I do think the PP was right that the French Bulldog isn't as prone to the health problems.

Jack Russell's are very energetic and they will tend to jump HIGH in the air even when you're just standing there. They are high strung and love to play and can chase a ball over and over for a very long period of time :)

The breed that runs and plays that people don't expect to is the Bloodhound. They are surprisingly energetic.....they can outdo many dogs on this.....they were bred to hunt obviously so they needed the energy.....and they also are good with kids and sweet. They have health problems associated with their ears, I think, and perhaps with their backs but I'm not sure about that.

Dogs with a "regular" snout, smaller ears (but not necessarily pointy), who aren't far longer than they are tall (Daschaunds....which are also very sweet dogs by the way), and who have not been completely over-bred, are usually less prone to health issues.

Labs are actually rather high maintenance. They have extended puppy-hoods and like to chew on things. A guy I work with has had Labs since before they were popular and he absolutely adores the breed but is very honest that it shouldn't be for everyone. He has always said that they need a ton of attention. They are not at all guard dogs. My Havanese is listed as more of a guard than a Lab. The Havanese will bark....but can not do anything....when they see a stranger.....the Lab is more likely to lick the intruder than to bark at him/her. It's a loveable trait but I have to admit that I like that my little dog would let me know if someone was in the house, particuarly when my husband is traveling for work or something and we're alone. Sometimes I hear something and then I think "Oh, the dog would have barked if someone were here that I didn't know about". I think for the same type of dog a Golden Retreiver may be a better fit if you're looking for something that's not quite as energetic but is good with kids and likes to play.

As you can tell....I'm a dog person and I really love all dogs. I think every breed has good and bad traits and it's just finding the right mix for you. Also remember that breeds are overall traits, but the dog will have his/her own personality. My Parents have a dog that is supposed to be calm and is really a nutball. My one friend got a dog that should have been 10 lbs. and is more like 25. There are Golden Retrievers bred by very reputable breeders that are riddled with health issues and Bulldogs in shelters that are perfectly healthy. It's a good place to start though by figuring out the breed.[/quote]

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