Bulldog (English Bulldog or British Bulldog)
The English Bulldog has short legs and is a broad, medium-sized, compact dog. The head and body are enormous, with folds of additional skin on the forehead and the skull. The sides of the eyes are reached by the cheeks. Bullbaiting, a bloody sport, and driving cattle to market were two of the Bulldog’s early uses. They are now kind friends who love kids.
The stop is broad, deep, and pug-shaped with a wide, short snout. Large nostrils and a big nose define the ebony face. Deeply set, black eyes. Despite being purebred dogs, you could find them at shelters or with rescue organizations. Don’t forget to adopt! If you want to bring a dog home, avoid shopping.
For a complete list of Bulldog breed characteristics and information In Petlifehealth, see below!
Bulldog Breed More Info
What do the United States Marine Corps, Yale University, University of Georgia, and several more institutions have in common? They all selected a dog to stand in for their hard-headed, persevering personalities. Those dogs? Of course, it’s the Bulldog!
The breed, which is also known as the English Bulldog or the British Bulldog, was developed in England and has a bloody history. It was bred from fighting mastiffs that the Romans imported to the British Isles and utilized in the brutal bullbaiting sport. The English Bulldog of today, however, just faintly resembles his predecessors. And what about all the ferocity he shown in the bullbaiting pens? gone forever. You’d be hard pressed to find a dog with a kinder, more loving personality, despite his still fearsome appearance.
Bulldogs are never confused with other dog breeds. They have a thick-set, low-slung physique and are a medium-sized dog. Their huge, square head has a short snout. They have robust, powerful limbs, large shoulders, and chests.
Bulldogs are broad and robust while being low to the ground. They should have thick forehead wrinkles and large heads with cheeks that reach the sides of their eyes. A bulldog has a sagging upper lip and an undershot lower jaw, which causes the bottom teeth to protrude more than the top teeth. The Bulldog has large, powerful jaws that are designed to grip on to and hold onto his opponent.
Eyes of bulldogs are rounded and black. They have tiny, rose-shaped ears that are rolled back. Their rumps carry their short tails low. The strong build of the Bulldog gives him a unique walk. He walks more like a waddle since his stocky legs are placed at each corner of his torso. It sort of looks like a sideways roll with loose joints. It is challenging for the females to whelp puppies on their own because of their huge heads and wide shoulders relative to their rear ends. In most cases, caesarean sections are required to birth the puppies, making Bulldog breeding a costly endeavor.
Despite their representations in cartoons as vicious canines, modern Bulldogs are raised to be loving and obedient. They are, in fact, tenacious and brave, but they aren’t looking for a battle. While they are sociable and fun, they can also be a little obstinate and protective of their family. When they are old, they frequently have a quiet dignity about them. Bulldogs are social animals. They are attention-seekers that love nothing more than to lounge next to their owners while maybe dozing off with their heads in their laps.
Unfortunately, the Bulldog’s unusual body and head configuration predisposes him to health issues, particularly joint and respiratory issues. If they don’t exercise enough, they may easily gain weight. Their bodies are under stress from being overweight, which might make their health issues worse.
Although the bulldog is a popular dog in the United States, not everyone should own one. He is very hefty for his size, so picking him up, say to take him to the vet, can be difficult. Bulldogs are often sedentary inside and prefer to sleep until mealtimes again. Although they like kids, they don’t anticipate them to spend all day racing after a ball or playing tag in the garden. For a little period, your Bulldog may indulge in this play, but eventually, you’ll find him back by your side, satisfied to watch the world go by and smile up at you joyfully with that face that only a mother—or a diehard Bulldog fan—could adore.
Bulldog History
Today’s English Bulldog is very different from his forebears. The Bulldog breed, which sprang from ancient mastiff-type canines, was totally created in England. The breed was first mentioned around 1500 when a man was described as having “two Bolddogges at his tayle.” Bull baiting, a procedure that involves the dog grasping onto the bull’s snout and violently shaking it, was used to train the then-ferocious canines.
Bull baiting really had a purpose; it was believed to make the flesh of the bull more tender. This procedure has long been believed to “thin” the bull’s blood and soften its meat after butchering. This idea was so ingrained that regulations requiring bulls to be lured before being killed were prevalent across England.
In addition, it was a well-liked spectator sport at a time before professional sports, TV shows, movies, and video games existed. If it could, the irate bull would use its horns to launch the dog into the air, much to the amusement of the throng watching. In contrast, the dog would make an effort to grab hold of the bull, generally at the nose, and try to pin it to the ground with the power of its severe bite. There were advertisements for upcoming bullbaitings, and spectators placed bets on how the contest would end.
These early Bulldogs were bred to be particularly skilled in this violent pastime; they were taller and heavier than modern Bulldogs. Typically, they approached the agitated bull on their stomachs to prevent him from getting his horns beneath them and throwing them into the air. Once the Bulldog had a solid grip on the bull’s nose, the bull was powerless to escape from their broad mouths and strong jaws. The Bulldog held on to the bull’s muzzle, breathing through his small, flat nose. No matter how hard the bull attempted to shake him off, he had to have tenacity to hold on. The Bulldog’s high pain sensibility was designed to help him perform well in this cruel environment. According to legend, even the creases on his head were designed to save him from going blind by directing the blood from his grasp on the bull away from his eyes.
Bullbaiting was banned in England in 1835, after years of debate, and many people assumed the Bulldog would vanish as he had no use anymore. The Bulldog wasn’t a loving friend at the time. For many years, the most courageous and violent canines have been bred specifically to be bull-baiters. They relished the opportunity to engage in combat with bulls, bears, and other opponents. They only knew that.
Despite this, a lot of people loved the English Bulldog‘s fortitude, power, and tenacity. These select few choose to preserve their looks by breeding them for sweetness and gentleness rather than the violence required for the baiting arena.
The Bulldog was consequently redesigned. Only canines with a calm disposition were chosen for breeding by committed, persistent breeders. Dogs who were aggressive or anxious were not permitted to breed. These breeders changed the Bulldog into the kind, friendly dog we know today by concentrating on the breed’s disposition. In England, breeders first entered Bulldogs into conformation competitions in 1859. Bulldogs were originally permitted to be displayed at dog shows in 1860 in Birmingham, England. Bulldog King Dick won the Birmingham show in 1861. Crib, a dog that was one of his offspring, was subsequently said to be “quite near to perfection.”
A guy by the name of R.S. Rockstro founded the first organization dedicated to the Bulldog breed in 1864. The club’s slogan was “Hold Fast,” and there were roughly 30 members total. The first breed standard was written by Samuel Wickens, a club member, under the pen name Philo-Kuon. According to legend, the first breed standard ever published was for the bulldog. Sadly, the club only lasted three years until it was abolished.
Another Bulldog club was established in 1875, and it produced a breed standard that was comparable to the Philo-Kuon. There are still members of this breed group.
Bulldogs were imported into the country, and Donald, a brindle and white Bulldog, was displayed in New York in 1880. In 1886, Bob the Bulldog registered with the American Kennel Club. The Bulldog Club of America was formed in 1890 by Lowell, Massachusetts resident H.D. Kendall. One of the first breed groups to join the brand-new American Kennel Club was this one. The organization initially utilized the British breed standard but felt it was too vague, so in 1894 they created the American standard for what they dubbed the American-bred Bulldog. The name of the new standard as well as a few of its components drew complaints from the English. The standard was amended and approved in 1896 after much effort. Even now, this standard is applied.
The Bulldog was approved by the American Kennel Club in 1890. Bulldogs were among the ten most popular breeds in the 1940s and 1950s. The Bulldog now holds the 12th place out of 155 breeds and variations recognized with the AKC, which is a testament to his excellent reputation as a companion.
The Bulldog is a triumph of human capacity to rehabilitate a whole breed and convert it into a lovable, friendly companion via careful, conscientious breeding procedures more than anything else. Due to its viciousness, towns like Rome created laws prohibiting Bulldogs from being walked on the streets, even while on a leash. However, a few years later, the English Bulldog was already renowned as one of the kindest and most peaceful of dogs. All because some committed breeders had the persistence, wisdom, and understanding to see the potential of the Bulldog.
Bulldog Size
Adult male English Bulldog typically weigh 50 pounds, and mature females 40 pounds. Dogs in shows may weigh up to 10 pounds more. At the shoulder, they are 12 to 15 inches tall.
The English Bulldog is a stout little powerhouse that emanates considerable strength, stability, and enthusiasm through its distinctive crab-like waddle.
The English Bulldog‘s shoulders are large, musculature, and broad, and its neck is short and thick. The back is barrel-shaped and slightly arched, and the chest is large and deep. His hips, which are rounded, stick out somewhat over the level of the back. The thick, straight, or screwed stubby tail is thick. His small, stocky legs are well-defined in the muscles. To create a solid, base-wide stance, they are fanned out and slightly bent at the elbows and hocks.
The dog’s face seems flattened because of its huge, spherical head and short, narrow nose. The dark, broad, and low-set eyes of the English bulldog are situated on the frontal plane of the forehead. Black and slightly crooked, the nose is. The large, wide, and undershot jaws, or “chops,” are enormous. A funny smile results from the lower jaw jutting out in front of the upper jaw so barely showing the bottom incisors. Pendulous and plump lips are present. The cheeks have a good amount of sideward protrusion. The ears are tiny, angular, and narrow, framing the forehead like flaps.
With deep creases, substantial folds, and a dewlap hanging from the throat, the English Bulldog‘s skin is loose and pendent. The coat has a short, fine-textured coat. Brindle, piebald, and plain white, red, fawn, or fallow are among the many color patterns.
Bulldog Personality
The English Bulldog is affectionate and kind. The bulldog is a great family pet since it is dependable and predictable and is kind to most kids. Being a people-focused breed, they aggressively seek out human attention.
The English Bulldog is a lover, not a warrior. He is sociable and kind, yet has a reputation for bravery that makes him an outstanding watchdog. He has a gentle personality, but he may be obstinate on times, and is dignified rather than animated. The Bulldog gets along with everyone because he is amiable and laid back. He has a tendency to learn things slowly, but once he does, he retains information well. English Bulldog don’t usually bark. Usually, just their physical presence is enough to scare off attackers.
They are good watchdogs because they still possess the bravery that was originally bred into them for bull baiting. English Bulldog can be aggressive against unfamiliar dogs, despite the fact that they often get along well with other home pets.
Bulldog Temperament
Various factors, including training, socialization, and inheritance, have an effect on temperament. Puppies with good dispositions are interested and lively, approachable, and want to be cuddled. Select a puppy that is in the midst of the pack rather than one that is bullying its littermates or cowering in a corner. Always meet at least one parent to make sure they are pleasant and comfortable with you. Usually, the mother is the one who is available. It’s also beneficial to meet the parents’ siblings or other family members to get a sense of what the puppy will be like as an adult. English Bulldogs are among the friendliest canines, despite their fearsome look. Although few would dare a close contact with a dog bold enough to entice a bull, it will nevertheless repel any invader. It is characterized as a kind and obedient creature that is kind to children while yet being brave and having strong guarding skills. This breed may be quite obstinate and bullheaded. They do not readily give up. English Bulldogs are very much a people’s dog, begging for and adoring any amount of human contact! The breed needs a lot of human interaction to be happy.
Bulldogs, like other dogs, require early socialization, or being exposed to a wide variety of people, sights, noises, and experiences, while they are young. The process of socialization ensures that your English Bulldog puppy develops into a well-rounded adult dog. He should start by enrolling in a kindergarten class for puppies. Regularly hosting guests, taking him to crowded parks, dog-friendly shops, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will all help him hone his social skills.
Bulldog Health
English Bulldog, like other breeds, are prone to certain illnesses and ailments. Even while not all Bulldogs may have any or all of these illnesses, it’s still vital to be aware of them so you can ask the right questions of breeders and know what to watch for as your English Bulldog ages.
You can assist guarantee that you obtain the healthiest Bulldog possible by purchasing from a reputable breeder. Before you bring home a English Bulldog puppy from a reputable breeder, he will have received his vaccinations and deworming. Responsible breeders screen their breeding stock for genetic disorders specific to the breed and only utilize physically sound, mature (at least 2 years old) dogs. Both parents should have health certificates, which are proof that a dog has been examined and found to be free of a certain ailment. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) clearances for the hips, elbows, and knees, as well as the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) certification indicating the eyes are healthy, are expected in English Bulldogs.
Dogs under the age of two do not receive health certifications. That’s because certain health issues don’t manifest themselves until a dog is fully mature. Because of this, it’s frequently advised to wait until dogs are two or three years old before breeding them.
Bulldogs generally have a wide range of health issues. They are lovely dogs, but make sure you are prepared to regularly monitor their health and can afford any necessary medical care. English Bulldogs might be impacted by the following conditions:
- Cherry Eye: In this disease, the gland under the third eyelid bulges out and resembles a cherry on top of the eye. The gland might need to be removed by your vet.
- Dry Eye: This disorder is brought on by insufficient natural tear production. A dry look or a blue haze in the eye are warning signs. If your Bulldog has dry eyes, your veterinarian can run a test to find out and then prescribe medicine you can use to manage the discomfort.
- Entropion: In this condition, the eyelashes curl inward and irritate the eye by rubbing against it. Surgery could be necessary to fix it.
Inverted Or Reverse Sneezing: This isn’t technically a health issue, but it typically happens when the Bulldog’s soft palate closes as a result of nasal secretions dripping down on it. Additionally, it could happen if your Bulldog gets anything up his nose. It doesn’t sound as bad as it is. Try massaging your Bulldog’s throat to help him relax; this should subside fast. - Brachycephalic Syndrome: Dogs with small heads, narrow noses, or extended soft palates are more likely to have this condition. Their airways are partially or completely blocked, which can result in anything from loud or difficult breathing to an airway collapse. Snuffling and snorting are frequently seen in dogs with brachycephalic condition. Depending on the severity of the illness, treatment may involve oxygen therapy as well as surgery to shorten or broaden the palates.
- Head Shakes: This just affects the head, yet it mimics a fit. It is described as an uncontrollable up-and-down or side-to-side head shaking. This is violent at times. This dog seems to be aware of what is going on and conscious. Low blood sugar and stress may be related to it. Breeders frequently advise diverting your dog to halt the trembling or giving them some honey to raise their blood sugar level. Take him to the vet as soon as you can to make sure he isn’t in pain if the shaking doesn’t seem to be caused by stress or excessive enthusiasm.
- Demodectic mange( Also called Demodicosis): All dogs travel with a little companion known as a demodex mite. In the first few days after birth, the mother infects her puppies with this mite. Only the mother can “transfer” these mites to her puppies; they cannot be transmitted to people or even to other dogs. Demodex mites are found in hair follicles and are often not a concern. However, your Bulldog may acquire demodectic mange if his immune system is weak or impaired. Demodectic mange can be exclusive to one area or widespread. On the head, neck, and forelegs, areas of red, scaly skin with hair loss can be seen in the localized form. It is regarded as a puppy ailment and frequently goes away on its own. However, you should still take your dog to the doctor since demodectic mange can develop into its generalized version. (Lymph nodes that are enlarged frequently indicate that this will happen.)
Older puppies and young adult dogs are more susceptible to generalized demodectic mange, which affects the entire body. All throughout its body, the dog gets skin diseases, bald areas, and patchy skin. Due to the fact that demodicosis is thought to have a hereditary component, it is not recommended to breed dogs that acquire localized or widespread demodicosis. - Hip Dysplasia: The thighbone does not fit securely into the hip joint due to this heritable disease. Due to their tendency to naturally have shallow hip joints, bulldogs typically appear to have hip dysplasia on hip x-rays, but unless they are allowed to gain too much weight or are over exercised during their time of fast growth, they seldom have the related difficulties with lameness. Before consenting to surgery, get a second opinion and research other treatments, like as vitamins, if your Bulldog has been diagnosed with hip dysplasia.
Tail Problems: Some Bulldogs have “tight” tails such screw tails, inverted tails, or other variations, which can lead to skin issues. To avoid infection, keep your Bulldog’s tail dry and clean. - Patellar luxation (Also known as “slipped stifles”): Small dogs commonly have this issue. It is brought on when the patella, which consists of the femur (the thigh bone), patella (the knee cap), and tibia (the calf), is not lined up properly. This results in a skip or a hop in the gait or lameness in the affected limb. Although the actual misalignment or luxation does not often happen until much later, the problem is present from birth. Arthritis is a degenerative joint condition that can be brought on by the rubbing that patellar luxation causes. There are four levels of patellar luxation, from grade I, a rare luxation that only temporarily impairs the joint, to degree IV, when the tibia is severely turned and the patella cannot be manually straightened.
Bulldog Care
English Bulldogs are inactive when indoors and don’t need a lot of activity (although they must be walked every day to keep them from gaining weight). They are indoor dogs who favor a laid-back way of life. After playing for around 15 minutes, they are prepared for a nap. The Bulldog can live in any type of household, from an apartment to a house with a yard, thanks to its low to moderate energy level. During the cool part of the day, you can take the Bulldog for a mile or two of walking, but he’ll be content with a quick lap around your neighborhood. English Bulldogs don’t do well in excessively hot (or cold) conditions because of their pushed-in face. When they are heated, they breathe deeply and have poor heat transfer. They are particularly prone to heat exhaustion. They can be killed in as little as 30 minutes of exposure to 85 degree heat outside. Give him a cool environment and an abundance of clean water. English Bulldogs are incapable of swimming. They are dragged downward by their enormous heads. A pool, spa, or pond should not be accessible to your English Bulldog.
Although the English Bulldog is unlikely to excel in obedience competitions, once he learns something, he never forgets it. He gains the most knowledge via enjoyable training sessions that include repetition, positive criticism, and food rewards.
Bulldog Exercise
English Bulldogs are calm and content to laze around at their owner’s feet, but they also like to play sometimes and go on walks. The dog will maintain its shape with with moderate activity. However, it’s preferable to spend really hot days in front of an air conditioner because the Bulldog’s short muzzle can make breathing challenging when it’s hot and muggy outside. Pools and stairs can pose serious safety risks. Bulldogs like to wade in extremely shallow water, but they should never be left alone in water that is deeper than elbow-deep.
Bulldog Training
English Bulldogs are affectionate, loyal, and laid-back canines who strive to please their owners. Early socialization is essential to help the dog get off to a good start in life, as it is for all breeds. Additionally, puppy training lessons are highly advised since they teach the owner how to control any undesired tendencies. English Bulldogs love to chew; the majority will spend their entire lives playing with chew toys. They also enjoy playing tug of war, but it’s crucial to educate the puppy to release everything in his jaws when told to do so. In order to prevent the baby English Bulldog from developing a tendency of becoming possessive of his food, he should also be trained from an early age to allow people taking food from his dish while he is eating.
Living With
English Bulldog are great apartment pets since they don’t need a yard. They often don’t require much exercise because they are low-endurance dogs. They flourish in moderate climes best; in hot weather, they immediately overheat and have respiratory problems, while in cold weather, they quickly become chilled.
English Bulldogs typically have heavy breathing, and they frequently snore and cough. Many people also drool. Their short coats need minimal care and they moderately shed. To avoid skin infections, the wrinkles on the face should be frequently cleaned.
Bulldog Food
A high-quality dog food in the range of 1/2 to 2 cups per day, split between two meals, is advised.
The amount of food your adult dog consumes is influenced by his size, age, build, metabolism, and degree of activity. Like people, each dog is unique, thus they don’t all require the same quantity of food. A very active English Bulldog will require more than a couch potato dog, which should almost go without saying. The kind of dog food you purchase also matters; the better the food, the more effectively it will nourish your dog and the less you will need to shake into the bowl. Although it’s simple to overfeed a Bulldog, obesity can strain his joints, therefore it’s important to prevent this from happening. Rather than putting food available all the time, keep your adult English Bulldog in good health by weighing out his meals and feeding him twice a day. Give him the hands-on test if you’re not sure if he’s obese. Your hands should be on his back, fingers stretched out and thumbs along the spine. Without exerting much pressure, you should be able to feel his ribs but not see them. He needs less food and more activity if you can’t.
Bulldog Grooming And Coat Color
Your English Bulldog should have a straight, short, fine-textured, shiny coat. Especially on the head, neck, and shoulders, he has delicate, loose skin. He has two loose folds at the throat (from the jaw to the chest), which are referred to as dewlaps, and his head is covered in deep wrinkles.
English Bulldogs can be any of the following colors: pure white, solid red, fawn, or fallow (pale cream to light fawn, pale yellow, or yellow red), as well as piebald (large patches of two or more colors). Solid black is uncommon and not well regarded. Using a firm bristle brush, brush the English Bulldogs smooth, fine, short-haired coat once every week. Every day, wipe his face with a moist towel, being sure to get in between the wrinkles. After washing, make sure the inside of the creases are totally dry. Some individuals advise using baby wipes infused with lanolin and aloe Vera to remove wrinkles. Ask your veterinarian to suggest a soothing ointment if the skin on the inside of the wrinkles on your Bulldog is inflamed. Once the creases have been removed, wash your Bulldog’s nose and then apply petroleum jelly to maintain it soft and stop it from becoming flaky and dry.
The English Bulldog sheds on average. It will lessen the quantity of hair that gets on your clothes and furnishings if you can brush him more frequently than once per week.
Dental hygiene and nail care are two more grooming requirements. Twice a month, trim the nails of your English Bulldog. They are too lengthy if you can hear them clicking on the floor. The easier it will be for both of you, the sooner you expose your Bulldog to nail clipping.
To get rid of tartar and germs, brush your teeth every day, or at least twice or three times a week. Start early for your puppy to become acclimated to it.
While grooming, keep an eye out for sores, rashes, or infection-related symptoms including redness, soreness, or inflammation on the skin, in the ears, nose, mouth, or eyes, as well as on the feet. Eyes should be clean, without redness or discharge, and ears should have a pleasant scent and not have too much wax or other debris within. You may identify any health issues early on thanks to your thorough weekly exam.