Bulldog

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Bulldog Breed Profile

Known as the national symbol of Great Britain, the characteristics of a perfect Bulldog are medium size, smooth coat, heavy, thick-set, low-swung body, massive short-faced head, wide shoulders, smaller hips and sturdy limbs. Bred down from aggressive behavior to loving and friendly disposition, Bulldogs are an ideal pet as they love to be in the company of their family. They adore children and make an excellent companion to them because of their gentle, yet sometimes stubborn nature. Bulldogs are laid-back, loyal good natured and undemanding companion who would make a great companion for the elderly as well. It would be difficult to find a dog more mellow than the English Bulldog. They do tend to drool and wheeze, and they may snore. Bulldogs can also be humorous, even comical which add to their charm. Some are known to have chronic flatulence. They have the jutted jaw of the original Bulldogs, yet the smaller body and happy personality that the previous did not retain. Bulldogs have been bred from fighting dogs and bull-baiters to friendly happy companions. They are quiet, loving, and gentile. They tend to snort and wheeze a lot due to breathing difficulties. They love to take naps and be lazy, although exercise should be in their weekly regimen. Bulldogs cannot handle a lot of physical activity or a lot of heat, as they may overheat easily. They also can not swim and should not be near an area they can accidentally fall into a body of water. They are likeable, loveable, and have sweet dispositions.

Other Names: English Bulldog

Type: Companion Dog

Height: 12 - 16 inches.
Weight: Females: 40 - 50 lbs.; Males: 50 - 55 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.

Bulldog 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.

Bulldog 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: 4 puppies.

Country of Origin: Great Britain
Bulldog 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, FCI (Group 2), KC (GB)

Bulldogs

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