Your Guide to Dog Breeds

Pet Insurance Experts

English Bulldog

Height

Up to 15.6 inches (to shoulder)

Weight

Male and female up to 50.6lb

Lifespan

Between 12 and 15 years

History

British born and bred, the Bulldog - also known as the English or British Bulldog - is a descendant of the Asiatic Mastiff. The term ‘Bulldog’ was first referenced in written form in the 1600’s, which arose from the dog’s use in bull baiting – betting on whether a dog could grab a bull by the nose and wrestle it down to the ground. Over time, these dogs developed jaws and stocky bodies that typify the breed. In the late 1870s, the oldest single breed club, The Bulldog Club, was set up.

Appearance

Don’t be deceived by the Bulldog’s angry appearance as these dogs are incredibly lovable and affectionate. Their medium-sized heavy bodies are held up by short, muscly legs. Bulldogs have short, thick necks and deep, wide chests. Character-istically, these dogs have a fold of fat over their nose and loose hanging skin around their neck. They have short, flat coats in shades including fawn, white and red.

Things to watch out for

They are very sensitive to heat so extra care should be taken in the winter and summer months to ensure they are comfortable. They can easily get overheated and so do enjoy lying on a cool floor but beware, as they can die of hypothermia in very cold conditions. These dogs need to be walked every day. Bulldogs have a tendency to become overweight, which can lead to health problems such as heart disease and poor joints.

Temperament

Spontaneous, lively and clever, this breed is considerably obedient and they enjoy being faithful to their owners. Mature Bulldogs are calm but can also be playful and friendly. At times, they can be stubborn but love being with familiar people.

Is a Bulldog good for me?

If you have plenty of time to take your dog out for regular exercise, then the Bulldog could be a great choice of pet for you. Be aware that Bulldogs do have a tendency to drool and pass wind excessively, as well as snore!

Did you know?

During WWII, the Bulldog, which popularly represents Great Britain, was often likened to Winston Churchill because of his wartime defiance.

Your guide to dog breeds

Cockapoo

Height

10 - 15 inches at the shoulder

Weight

Male and female between 12 - 25lbs

Lifespan

Typically 15 - 18 years

History

The Cockapoo is a popular designer crossbreed from the US, and a relatively new breed in the UK, arriving here approximately a decade ago. This hybrid breed is the offspring of the Cocker Spaniel and Poodle; one of its ancestors, the Cocker Spaniel, originated in Britain and was bred to hunt woodcock; its other ancestor, the Poodle, is hought to be a French breed but in fact originated in Germany.

Appearance

The standard Cockapoo stands at around 15 inches tall; the Teacup Cockapoo is less than 10 inches tall; the Miniature Cockapoo between 10-14 inches. They are bright-eyed and scruffy-coated; some dogs may have the curly coat of a Poodle and others may have a Spaniel’s much straighter and longer hair. However they typically have soft coats in tan, cream, or a mixture of white and brown (but can also be seen in red, black, and even silver).

Temperament

Cockapoos are fantastic companion dogs and are most likely to be considered a member of the family rather than a ‘guard dog’. They get along with other dogs, cats, small furries and children too. Cockapoos are fiercely loyal and intelligent; however this means they require more attention and more mental and physical stimulation than some other breeds. In terms of grooming, straighter coat types will need their coat brushing at least twice per week; for wavy/curly coat types, two to three times per week; and for tightly curled coat types, you might need to brush their coat every day to keep away tangles and mats.

Things to watch out for

Cockapoos are usually healthy, well-tempered dogs without many serious health problems. However, as they were bred to be companion dogs, they crave human company and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long. Cockapoos can also be prone to certain eye disorders and ear problems, as seen in many dog breeds with soft, floppy ears of this type. The ears should be cleaned weekly, with greater attention given if problems do develop.

Is a Cockapoo good for me?

If you are an outdoorsy type and are looking for an active and outgoing dog that doesn’t tend to bark, doesn’t smell and is easy to train, then you are in for a lifetime of loyal companionship!

Did you know?

A Cockapoo’s coat can change colour over time! They inherited the ‘fading gene’ from their ancestor, the Poodle.

Win a pair of tickets to see Dave Hemingway’s Sunbirds in Manchester

HE man who once told us he loved us from the bottom of his pencil case, founder Beautiful South member Dave Hemingway returns with his new band SUNBIRDS playing Manchester - Deaf Institute on Saturday February 5th, 2022.

Having retired from the live scene at the back end of 2016, Dave has been keeping busy together with erstwhile South colleague, guitarist/ songwriter Phil Barton, new discovery singer/violinist Laura Wilcockson and drummer Marc Parnell. ‘Cool To Be Kind’ was released in November 2020, on the independent label Nectar Records signalling the arrival of Sunbirds with new songs and a new sound. Although born and bred in England, the band’s sound predominantly features the instrumentation of traditional American roots music combined with the occasional outburst of guitar heavy melody more associated with Seattle in the late 80’s/ early 90’s. However, you can only sing about what you know. “Although a lot of the songs have an Americana feel” says Dave “they’re still about life in England. You’re going to feel a bit daft singing about pick-up trucks and low down honkytonks when you live in Yorkshire.” Their debut album - produced by cult producer Teo Miller - captures truthful, open-hearted, funny and sometimes painfully honest songs, turning the page to a new chapter for Dave Hemingway. ‘Cool To Be Kind’ is the result of a few transitional years in Dave and Phil’s individual personal worlds. It tells tales that cover contemporary themes as well as age-old matters of the heart and soul - all viewed through the bottom of a recently drained pint glass. “Now we’re Sunbirds we’re free to dig a little deeper into ourselves”, says Phil “having said that, there’s no exact science here, we’re just enjoying ourselves and expressing whatever we want whether it’s about love, longing, depression or Gary Lineker’s crisp adverts”. Sunbirds are: Dave Hemingway - Vocals Phil Barton - Guitar

Marc Parnell - Drums

Laura Wilcockson - Vocals &

Violin To win the tickets, just answer the following question:

“Which famous band did Dave Hemingway co-found?”

Send your answer, with your contact details, to:

reg@insideflintshiremagazine.

co.uk. Closing date: Saturday April 24, 2021.

Manchester - Deaf Institute - Saturday February 5, 2021 Doors open: 19:30 Tickets: £17.502022 Tickets available from: www.eventim.co.uk/event/sunbirds-the-deaf-institue-13430986/?affiliate=DE1

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