Despite his origins as a guard dog and bullfighter, there is no better-natured breed than the bulldog. His charm has earned him countless devoted fans, and last year it propelled him onto the American Kennel Club's list of the 10 most popular breeds.

The bulldog may be the dog world's undisputed Miss Congeniality, but his looks are definitely a matter of taste. Big-headed and full of wrinkles, he weighs around 50 pounds and stands just a little over a foot high. His compact size and modest exercise requirements make him perfect for apartment and city living.

But life with a bulldog isn't without its drawbacks. Even their biggest admirers admit they can be destructive chewers, often still behaving like puppies until the age of 3. Those endearing puppy ways make it hard for some owners to train them, with dire consequences for things such as shoes and table legs Ñ making bulldogs somewhat less than ideal for first-time dog owners.

Health is also an area of concern with the breed. Bulldogs frequently have serious difficulty breathing because of the structure of their neck and head, and they can't tolerate strenuous exercise. A hot bulldog can be a dead bulldog, so air conditioning is not optional in any but the coolest climates. Their coat needs little care, but their numerous folds and wrinkles need daily cleaning, especially around the eyes and tail.

As the bulldog's popularity grows, so does his appeal to those seeking to profit from it. Be sure to obtain your bulldog from a reputable rescue group Ñ check out www.rescuebulldogs.org -- or from a reputable breeder who is a member of the Bulldog Club of America (www.thebca.org).