Other Names: English Bulldog
Type: Companion Dog
Height: 12 - 16
inches.
Weight: Females: 40 - 55
lbs.; Males: 50 - 65 lbs.
Colors: Uniform color
or with a black mask or muzzle; reds, red brindle, piebald, other brindles,
red-fawn or yellow; or black, which is undesirable. They can be solid white, or
any of these colors on a white background.
Coat: Short, smooth, close, and finely
textured.
Temperament: Bulldogs
are affectionate, docile, and reliable. They can be stubborn at times, but are
very friendly and loving. They have mellow personalities, and can be quite
comical. They are husky, gentle and good-natured. They are jovial, amiable, and
willing to please. Courageous and capable of powerful strength, they are
sometimes cantankerous with other dogs.
With Children:
Bulldogs are wonderful with children, they love a low-key romp with
the kids in the backyard. They are loving and friendly, and make excellent
playmates, although not the fastest dog in the world.
With Pets: Yes, but may get aggressive towards other
animals when food is present. They are generally good with other animals,
except some dogs that may provoke a fight.
Watch-dog: Very low. Bulldogs
are slow and cumbersome.
Guard-dog: High.
Bulldogs can and will fight if the need be.
Care and Training:
Regular brushing of the Bulldogs' coat with a rough cloth and minimal exercise
is needed. Care should be taken not to over feed the Bulldog, as they can be
quite lazy and already heavy-set. Bulldogs would also prefer not to take any
exercise, and therefore must be exercised minimally, making sure they get it but
not overworking them. Special care to powder their fold and wrinkles and under
their tail during hot weather, although hot weather is unsuitable for the
Bulldog. Bulldogs should not be over exerted in hot weather. The folds of their
cheeks should be cleaned daily and baths given when needed. Bulldogs do not make
a good dog for the obedience enthusiast.
Learning Rate: Low. They can be stubborn. Intelligent,
but uncomplicated.
Activity: Indoors very low, they
do not take to exercise as often as they should, possibly because of breathing
difficulties. Outdoor activity is low.
Special Needs:
Protection from the heat, socialization, training, wrinkle cleaning
on the face.
Living Environment: Indoor -
outdoor arrangement in a temperate climate. Does not do well in extreme weather
conditions, especially heat. Should not be around an area that they could fall
into a body of water easily, as they can not swim. The best owner for a Bulldog
would be a family or elderly person in country, suburban or city environment.
Bulldogs are suitable for apartment living.
Health Issues: Bulldogs have been bred smaller and more compact, creating many health problems. They are very susceptible to overheating, itchy skin, allergies, difficulty breathing, brachycephalic syndrome, eye problems and reproductive problems. Due to the prized wide chest and small hips that show rings emphasize, many puppies must be born Caesarean section because they cannot fit through the birth canal. Other health concerns include elongated soft palate, small trachea, heart problems, hip dysplasia, shoulder luxation and internalized tail.
Life Span: 8 - 12 years
Litter Size: 1 to 4
puppies.
Country of Origin:
Great Britain
History:
The term "Bulldog" was originally created to describe any dog
that shared the same qualities of a dog who fought bulls in bull-baiting. As the
story goes, bull-baiting began in the 13th century in England, when Lord
Stamford of Lincolnshire saw a couple dogs "baiting" a butcher's bull. Lord
Stamford was so entertained that he had a field reserved for bull-baiting in
order that the butcher provide their own dogs. Bull meat was said to taste
better if it had been baited before it was butchered. The dogs were also put
into the fighting ring with other dogs, in the sport of dog-fighting. They would
even take on other animals such as bulls, bears, badgers, lions and monkeys in
the ring. After 1835 when bull-baiting was outlawed, the Bulldog had depleted
its use. But thanks to their popularity already and the help of Bill George, an
avid breeder, the Bulldog maintained its status. The only difference now was
that they were bred for personality, not fighting ability. The Bulldog continued
on and became more and more friendly and amiable, rather than fierce and
aggressive. In 1891 the London Bulldog Society was formed, and still has
meetings at the Crufts Dog Show. Bulldogs roots are firmly planted in British
soil, being mentioned in many written works in English history as well as being
a national icon for Britain. Shakespeare refers to the breed in King Henry, VI.
The breed was bred down to become smaller than it originally was. Now breeders
concentrate on developing their non-ferocious traits, which actually has led to
a lot of health problems. Bulldogs can not swim, can not go on long walks, and
can be in danger in the heat. They have been bred to have such wide collar bones
and chests that they often cannot fit through the birth canal when being born,
and therefore must have Caesarian sections performed. The Bulldog is now a
popular show dog and pet around the world.
First Registered by the AKC:
1934
AKC Group:
Non-Sporting
Class: Non-Sporting
Registries:
AKC, CKC, APIR,UARB,FCI (Group 2), KC (GB)