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English Boodle |
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He is not recognized by the F.C.I. |
Origin |
Great Britain <> France -> U.S.A. | |
Translation |
Francis Vandersteen |
A brief presentation of the English Boodle |
Look at a photo of a typical English Boodle and if you didn't know better, you'd be hard-pressed to guess that one of the parents is a Bulldog. This gem of a dog is a hybrid between a Poodle and a Bulldog. Although the curly hair evokes the Poodle heritage, the Bulldog element is harder to see. However, this hybrid crossing of two breeds can result in great variation in the appearance of the puppies. The dominant parent depends on the laws of genetics, so even in the same litter, some puppies may be stocky and small, while others are leaner and taller. The English Boodle's temperament is one of its outstanding assets, apart from their obvious hairy appearance. The modern Bulldog is an even-tempered dog that loves children, while its intelligence and love of people are well documented. This gives the family the potential to have a near-perfect pet. If they have one drawback, it's the Bulldog's persistent tendency, which means that if they decide not to do something, considerable effort is needed to convince them otherwise. |
History of the English Boodle |
The English Boodle is a new puppy in the field, a dog that is riding the fashionable wave of hybrid breeds. As such, there is no solid origin for the breed, which is largely due to the efforts of individual dog owners or breeders who decided to crossbreed their dogs. On the other hand, both parent breeds have a long history. |
A little of the English Bulldog |
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The Bulldog is probably descended from a Mastiff-type dog. Their origins are altogether more ominous, as they are specially designed for the blood sport of bull-baiting. This arduous sport required a strong, aggressive dog with a low center of gravity. This allowed the dog to lunge at the bull's throat and use its weight to drag the poor animal to the ground. Fortunately, bull baiting is now an unsubtle lesson of the past, with modern Bulldogs having a much calmer character altogether. | ||
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Standard of the English Bulldog | ||
A little of the Poodle |
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The Standard Poodle is one of three variants of the Poodle breed, the other two being the Miniature and Toy. The Poodle is undoubtedly the most popular choice of dog for creating specific crossbreeds. This is not only because they come in three different sizes, but also because they tend to have soft fur and a gentle, intelligent nature. Poodles have been around since the 15th century and are descended from the French Barbet, a water dog. Although the Poodle is mistakenly thought to be a French breed in its own right, experts agree that it originated in Germany, where it was used for duck hunting. | ||
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Standard of the Poodle |
Appearance of the English Boodle |
As with any hybrid dog, no two puppies in the same litter are alike. This depends on the combination of parental genes and the parent each puppy takes after. A typical English Boodle tends to be a shaggy, curly-coated, medium-sized dog. But this varies, with some dogs being smaller if they take after a Miniature Poodle parent. Indeed, some puppies may be long with the Poodle's elegant waistline, while others may be larger and blocky, with the Bulldog's broader square head. |
Temperament of the English Boodle |
The English Boodle has earned a reputation as a great companion animal. That's because their temperament is a blend of the Poodle's intelligence and the Bulldog's relaxed loyalty. When properly socialized as puppies, they become a delightful blend of intelligence and calm, making them an ideal partner for families. The English Boodle has an enviable reputation for being affectionate, gentle and patient, yet slow to anger. They love to please and enjoy nothing better than human company. However, this can be a disadvantage, as well as an advantage, as they can suffer from anxiety when left to their own devices. However, the potential English Boodle owner should be aware that Bulldogs have a persistent tendency. If a full-blooded Bulldog decides it doesn't want to do something, it becomes as pliable as a concrete block. In some cases, the body can inherit this trait, making it less manageable than other breeds. |
Needs and activities of the English Boodle |
The English Boodle is a fun dog to walk, they're curious and will enjoy going out with you. English Boodles have lots of energy when they're young, they'll play, chase an endless ball and be the life of the party. At this stage of life, they need more time to play or exercise. But they become healthier as adults, calmer and more inclined to sit as close to the family as possible. Your lap is theirs, where they'll revel in all the attention. Obedience training and socialization are important if the English Boodle is to become a well-balanced dog in personality and behavior. |
Maintenance of the English Boodle |
The English Boodle requires a little more maintenance than most dogs because of the Poodle coat. This soft coat needs regular brushing, usually every other day, to keep it from tangling. It may be necessary to clip the coat and bathe him using a mild shampoo to maintain the softness. The English Boodle is prone to skin infections, so it's important to use gentle natural products. The ears will need regular checking for infection. Eyes should also be checked and teeth brushed. The English Boodle will love any attention and benefit from any care. |