Bulldog Personality Test (Part 2)

Bulldog Puppy Obedience Aptitude Test

English Bulldog Temper

Retrieving

Shows the degree of Bulldog puppy's willingness to run the commands and the difficulty of retrieve training.

Squat down beside the puppy and attract its attention with a sheet paper crumpled up. Throw away the paper no more than 4 feet in front of the puppy when he (she) showed some interest to it. Encourage the puppy to retrieve the paper.

Scores:

  • 1 – chases the object, picks it up and runs away
  • 2 - chases the object, stands over it, doesn't return
  • 3 - chases the object, picks it up and returns with it to tester
  • 4 - chases the object and returns without it to tester
  • 5 – starting to chase the object and loses interest to it
  • 6 – doesn't chase the object

Touch Sensitivity

Shows sensitivity degree to touch and kind of training equipment needed.

Sensitive Bulldogs will respond to the slightest leash pulling. Low sensitive Bulldogs may need prong collars. Put the puppy on the ground in front of you. Put its front paw on your palm and press it gently between the thumb and index finger with the other hand. Press between the finger and thumb more firmly while count to ten until you get a response. Do not use fingernail.

Some puppies don't like touching their paws at all. Then, do this test by pressing the puppy's ear edge.

  • 1 – response at 8-10 counts
  • 2 - response at 6-7 counts
  • 3 - response at 5-6 counts
  • 4 - response at 2-4 counts
  • 5 - response at 2-3 counts

Sound Sensitivity

Shows sensitivity degree to sound.

Put Bulldog puppy in the centre of the test area and make a sharp noise behind its back (f.e. bang a metal spoon on the bottom of a metal plate). Watch the response. If it isn't clear, repeat the action.

If the puppy is frightened, this means it is shy. If there is no response, this may point to deafness. 

  • 1 - listens, locates the sound, walks towards it barking
  • 2 - listens, locates the sound, starts barking
  • 3 - listens, locates the sound, walks towards the sound source curiously
  • 4 - listens, locates the sound
  • 5 - listens, backs off, hides
  • 6 - ignores the sound, shows no interest

Sight Sensitivity

Shows the degree of response to moving objects (bicycles, children or animals chasing).

Put the puppy in centre of the test area. Tie a string around a bath towel and jerk it across the floor 2 feet away from Bulldog puppy. Curiosity and eagerness to chase the towel will show the puppy's degree of confidence and aggressiveness.

  • 1 - looks, attacks and bites
  • 2 - looks, barks, tail is up
  • 3 - looks curiously, tries to chase
  • 4 - looks, barks, tail is down
  • 5 - runs away, hides
  • 6 - shows no interest

Stability

Shows the degree of startle response to strange objects.

Open an umbrella about 5 feet from Bulldog puppy and put it gently on the ground.

  • 1 - looks, runs to the umbrella, mouths or bites it
  • 2 - looks, walks to the umbrella, smells it with caution
  • 3 - looks, walks to examine
  • 4 - sits and looks, doesn't move towards the umbrella
  • 5 - runs away from the umbrella
  • 6 - shows no interest

Structure

Shows puppy's structural soundness degree. Good structure is needed.

Sit Bulldog puppy gently in natural position and estimate its structure according to the next categories: straight front, shoulder angulation, shoulder layback, croup angulation, straight rear, rear angulation.

  • Good - the puppy's structure is correct
  • Fair - there is a slight fault or deviation in the puppy's structure
  • Poor - there is an extreme fault or deviation in the puppy's structure
Test Results

Mostly 1's - this Bulldog puppy shows strong desire to be a leader. Has aggressive tendencies to people, other dogs and animals. Quick to bite. This dog is not recommended for families with children and elderly persons. If the results combined with 1 or 2 in touch sensitivity, the dog will be very difficult to train. Needs very experienced trainer and regular education.

Mostly 2's - dominant Bulldog puppy, who can be provoked to bite. Needs an experienced and characterful handler. Strict schedule and regular training are required. This dog is not good for children and elderly persons.

Mostly 3's - this Bulldog is perfect for second time owner. Good with other animals and people. Suitable for children and elderly, but may be too active. Needs training, is easily educated.

Mostly 4's - the best Bulldog for the first time owner. Perfect pet. Good with elderly and children, but may need protection from the second ones. Easily trained. Rather quiet.

Mostly 5's – this Bulldog puppy needs special handling because it is shy and fearful. Doesn't adapt well to environmental changes. Afraid of strange people, places, loud sounds. Slightest stress may provoke the dog to run away. May bite when is severely stressed. Not a good choice for a beginner. Needs very special home with regular environment without children. Perfect for elderly people.

Mostly 6's – too independent Bulldog, which doesn't need anyone. Do not think that you can change this puppy. Not recommended for children or beginners.

No clear scores (several 1's, 2's and 5's): This Bulldog puppy may not be feeling well. Just ate or was wormed recently. Wait two days and re-test the puppy. If the test still shows no clear points (lots of 1's and 5's), it is probably unpredictable that is not good for pets or obedience dogs.

Learn also how to identify your Bulldog's temper.