That manly dog is Bodhi the Bulldog. Photo: neilio [Flickr]
I don't to post links to galleries (too much clicking!) but I'll make an exception for this one: an AskMen Top 10 list of ... manly dogs! (It's a fun topic, and I was itching to use this cute lil' bulldog photo above by Neil Lee of BeatnikPad)
Anyhoo, here's number 10 of AskMen's Top 10 Manly Dogs:
No.10 - Bulldog
Taking a turn toward a smaller breed, the Bulldog is a pint-sized tough guy, or at least they’re designed to look that way. This dog looks like a mix of a pug and a Mastiff. Bulldogs can look simultaneously peeved and happy, and they have lovable and quirky personalities that are a significant departure from the other manly dogs seen here.
Having a Bulldog as a pet is a surefire way to win friends and impress women; their bullish looks and saggy skin folds provide lots of laughs and their relatively poor conditioning, due to their heavyset, makes for some hilarious outings at the park when tossing a stick around. Still, they are just as dedicated to their territory as any other breed, and their dedicated companionship and ability to inspire are perfect reasons for their use as the official mascot of the U.S. Marine Corps.
Is it me, or is that picture of the Ridgeback on that site not really like a Ridgeback? It looks like a mix of some kind to me.
I am a pretty manly girl, I suppose. I either have or have at one time owned almost every breed on that list. I swear I'm a girl!
I had a Rhodesian Ridgeback growing up and will attest that they are AMAZING dogs...loyal, loving, intelligent and just plain wonderful...great family dogs and, in my opinion, not 'Manly' dogs at all
http://www.susanshami.com/what_are_catahoulas2.htm
i was like thats notttt a Rhodesian, but ok?
how is that the manliest dog anyways? ... strange
and ali thats great:] definitely go to a shelter or rescue, and research research research! haha, breeds really tend to differ in needs and personality and you should find the one most appealing/fit for you:]
Was it me, or did it seem like the top 5 or so were just the "macho dogs" they were denouncing in the intro? When I think macho, german shepherd and rottweiler come to mind...
Anywho... love bulldogs every since we got our little french bulldog mix. He's all bulldog though at heart. He is such a stubborn little turd, spoiled rotten, is going to kill us w/ his gas, but we love him to death and wouldn't trade him for the world.
I was honestly surprised that they were the number one manliest dog, though. My Beagle mix can beat my Ridgeback up and she definitely rules the roost, while the Ridgie is really a big baby. I get the feeling that he would react appropriately if we were ever threatened, but until I see it, I'd trust my Beagle to protect me before I trusted the Ridgie, simply because I can't imagine him in anything but "lovey mode".
As already mentioned, the best place to look for a particular breed is a breed rescue. Shelter dogs are great too if you are okay with the idea of a mutt or a dog whose history might not be entirely clear. My Beagle mix is a shelter dog and she's wonderful. Either way, any dog can adjust to a new life and be a wonderful pet if you take the time to work with them.
I don't usually like to say that one breed is better than the other, but be careful with Bulldogs, as many of them come with problems due to bad breeding. I love them and love their personalities, but there are a lot of skin, eye, and breathing problems associated with the breed that can get very expensive.
No Great Dane, no Irish Wolfhound. Lame.
Fakeity, I had a Catahoula once. Craziest dog we've ever owned. Very active, loved playing in the pond, but also loved digging in the garden, stealing neighbor's shoes (we lived in a semi-rural area where most people kept their dogs off leash outside), and otherwise making a nuisance of herself.
We had to get his nares enlarged b/c he was having trouble breathing. Before the surgery, he didn't sleep very well b/c he would try to prop his head up b/c it was easier for him to breath that way. He's totally fine now though, still snores, but his breathing is normal.
Short snout dogs are all the same in that they will not tolerate heat very well, so that def should be a consideration when getting a bulldog or a pug or any other short snout dog. They will overheat in warm weather if you're not careful.
As for the overweight issue. Most bulldogs are stocky, which can make them look overweight when they're not. I know that's true for alot of french bulldogs. They have a very stocky build most of the time, and it gives the appearance as though they are overweight.
Anyway... as I already said, love bulldogs... hopefully in the future, we'll add another to our family :)
Boxers are the best dogs ever!
Its all about the ears.