Bulldog

When bear-baiting died out in Britain, the mastiff breeds used were crossed with terriers to create the Bulldog for the newer sport of bull-baiting. This powerful and tenacious dog would hang on to the bull regardless of injury. When this sport in turn became illegal in 1830, the breed was in danger of dying out, as it was physically ill-suited to dog fights. However, breeder Bill George undertook a programme to reduce aggression in the Bulldog, transforming the brawler into a companion breed. It had already become a symbol of the British nation, and by the 1880s a music-hall song dubbed British sailors “boys of the Bulldog breed”.

Dog name synonyms: English Bulldog

HISTORY

The Bulldog is one of the oldest indigenous breeds. He is known as the national dog of Great Britain. Throughout the world it is associated with British determination and the legendary John Bull – as a symbol of both English and Englishness.

Even though the Bulldog’s roots can be traced all the way back to the 5th century, it was not until the 13th century that the breed officially developed. The Bulldog descended from ancient Mastiffs that originated in Asia and were later brought to Europe.

Bulldogs were originally bred to help butchers control livestock. Unfortunately they were also used in the barbaric “sport” called bull-baiting. Over the course of 350 years, until bull-baiting was banned, bulldogs were bred for aggression, ferocity and unusual courage.

In modern days, the Bulldog is a loving companion and the official mascot of many sport clubs, universities and companies worldwide.

PERSONALITY

Although bulldogs have mixed personality traits – sociable and sweet but also courageous watchdogs, generally they are considered to be lovers, not fighters.

Bulldogs are friendly, easygoing and get along with everyone. They are well-regarded for their ability to quickly form loving bonds with children of all ages. As a breed they are people oriented and crave constant human attention.

They are described as amiable, laid back, devoted, docile, willful and gregarious. If the Bulldog’s personality is to be described in one word – that word should be sleepy.

TRAITS

The perfect Bulldog specimen should be of medium size with heavy but low-swung body, big short head, wide shoulders and sturdy limbs. He is massive both across the chest and throughout the body. His general appearance could be described as broad, powerful and compact, while suggesting great stability, vigor and strength. The Bulldog’s most striking trait is his irresistible underbite.

The Bulldog’s coat is short, flat, glossy and straight, while the skin is quite loose especially around the neck area. Coat’s color can be brindle, white, red, fawn or piebald. A small white chest patch is accepted.

Males weight 50lb (22.5kg) and females weight 40lb (18kg), while their height at withers is 12-14’’ (30.5-35.5cm) depending on gender.

HANDLING

Although Bulldogs can be mellow, they are very often considered hard to train, because their character is determined by the tenacity and headstrong nature of their ancestors. They are stubborn and always trying to exert dominance over their human housemates. That is why early socialization is crucial when it comes to raising a well behaved Bulldog.
Correction based training regimens, especially harsh ones, work very poorly with this breed. On the other hand rewards-based methods are proved to be quite effective. Food aggression, aggression towards other dogs and object guarding are common problems when it comes to Bulldogs.

HEALTH

Bulldogs have a plethora of health problems including cardiovascular conditions (ventricular septal defect, tetralogy of Fallot, aortic stenosis, pulmonic stenosis), dermatological conditions (muzzle folliculitis and furunculosis, pododermatits, generalized demodicosis, seasonal flank alopecia), endocrine diseases (hypothyroidism), musculo-skeletal conditions (congenital elbow luxation, hip dysplasia), gastrointestinal conditions (cleft palate), neurological conditions (congenital deafness, hydrocephalus, spina bifida, primary brain tumour), reproductive conditions (dystocia, cryptorchidism), renal and urinary conditions (ectopic ureters, urolithiasis), respiratory conditions (hypoplastic trachea, upper airway brachycephalic syndrome) and ocular conditions (entropion of the lower lid, ceratoconjuctivitis sicca).

In order to avoid problems such as skin infections, rashes and allergies, bulldogs require daily cleaning of their skin folds. They are also extremely prone to heat problems.
The average lifespan of the Bulldog is estimated to be 8 years.