Information about the English Bulldog including appearance, temperament, and health concerns.
The English Bulldog is said to be a descendant of the Mastiff. These dogs were originally from Asia and were brought to Europe, where they were developed into the English Bulldog that we know of today. Originally, the English Bulldog was bred for bull baiting (a practice of baiting a bull before slaughtering it, so the meat would be tender and not spoiled). But this led to bull baiting contests. These contests were considered a sport and outlawed in 1835. This breed was first recognized by the AKC in 1934. They are currently shown in dog shows as part of the non-sporting group. They have become a very popular show dog and family pet throughout the world.
The English Bulldog is a small and wide dog. It has a thick, broad head. Most people prefer a broader head, the broader the better the dog is liked. It is a very compact and stocky built dog, with the look of a little bull. Also, this is partly where it got its' name from. The English Bulldog has a short muzzle and a wide lower jaw that sticks out past their upper jaw, it has an underbite. They have an upturned, flat pug like nose. It's nose is usually black, but on rare occasions can be pink. Their eyes are round and very large. They usually have dark eyes. The English Bulldog has a short cropped tail. Because of its' short, stocky build the English Bulldog waddles when it walks.
The English Bulldog comes in many colors. They can be red or a washed-out reddish color. They can also be in a brindle pattern. Sometimes they are even a pale yellow color. They can also be white with any combination of the colors already mentioned. Black is not a color that is accepted when showing the Bulldogs. Their coat is very short and smooth. Their hair is fine and they are considered an average shedder.
English Bulldogs are a gentle, friendly dog. Most people mistake them for a fierce dog. Because of their muscular, stocky build, most people see them as a tank with teeth. The first thought people have is that because of their looks they must be mean. But in truth, they are not mean. They are a very gentle and loving dog. They are very loyal and will come to the defense of their human family in a second. They can be very loving and affectionate. They generally get along well with children and will even allow them to pull and poke and prod without becoming aggrevated. They are a very laid back, easy going dog. They are definitely an indoor dog. As an adult, they usually become very laid back and demand little exercise. Even though they can become couch potatoes, they still need some exercise to stay healthy. The English Bulldog is a great pet for an apartment. Because of their pug-like nose, they can snore very loudly. They are also known for their drooling and their slobbering. They usually only bark when there is a reason and they are not really whiners. This type of dog can be somewhat clumsy, because of their short, muscular build. Sometimes they can be relentless chewers as adult dogs, especially if they were big chewers as puppies. All in all, they are a dependable companion and a great watch dog that will return all the love that it is given, plus more.
One thing about the English Bulldog that everyone should know is, they can overheat very easily. They cannot handle hot temperatures. When the weather is hot, they do better when they are kept in an air conditioned home. They are also sensitive to cold weather, because of their short hair. They are not really an outside dog. The English Bulldog also has very poor eyesight.They can be prone to skin problems. Special care needs to be taken with their skin, especially in the folds around the face and muzzle. They can have hip problems, such as hip displaysia. Also, some English Bulldogs can develop knee problems due to their short, stubby legs and their stocky body. One problem most people do not consider is that the English Bulldog has a very sensitive digestive system. This is something that anyone who is considering an English Bulldog should think about because this could be very unpleasant to people who have sensitive noses! But if the dog is given the proper exercise and diet, and is also bought from a reputable breeder, some of these problems should not be a concern.
An English Bulldog usually stands between 12 and 16 inches, even though there is no certain height dictated for the breed by the AKC. Most English Bulldogs that are shown are on the shorter side. Their weight usually runs about 53-55 pounds for a male and 49-51 pounds for a female. The average lifespan of the English Bulldog is between 7 to 9 years. But some can have shorter lives or longer lives, depending on their health and exercise routines.
They are an easy breed to care for when it comes to grooming. They should be combed with a stiff, bristled brush once a day. They only need to get a bath when necessary. It is important to give extra special care to the folds on the face to prevent infections of the skin. The face should be wiped with a damp cloth once a day. This type of dog sheds an average amount, but as long as you groom once a day, this should not be a really big problem.
The English Bulldog is a part of the Mastiff family. It is shown in dog shows in the non-sporting group. The English Bulldog is sometimes known as the puppy that never grew up. This can be a good quality and can add excitement and fun to any family. All in all, they are a loyal and effectionate pet and can be a great dog for someone who has limited exercise time to spend with their pet. Even though they can be stubborn, this breed of dog can make a great addition to any family.
