20. Dec, 2011
About the Breed
While there is more than one type of Bulldog (including the French and American versions), when someone says Bulldog, they are generally referring to the English variety. The Bulldog got his name because of the activity of bull baiting.� Bull baiting was very popular within England at one time, and it required a breed of dog that was quick to fight, tenacious, confident, strong, powerful, and pretty much fearless.
The Bulldog of the day was leggier than today?s modern Bulldog, and he had a smaller head and non-flattened features.� He was not as bulky so was better suited to the task of grabbing a bull by the nose and attempting to bring him to the floor.
By the mid 1800?s, bull baiting became illegal, and the breed was without a job.� Luckily, he had gained popularity and had started to spread out across the world.� With bull baiting gone, breeders changed his temperament and removed virtually all notes of aggression from his temperament making him instead an ideal companion in many aspects.� Along with temperament changes came physical changes, and today?s Bulldog would no longer be capable of the breed?s original purpose.
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Physical Characteristics
The Bulldog is a deceivingly heavy dog weighing 45-50 pounds in a medium sized, compact body.� He is broad shouldered, shorter legged, and thick appearing.� He has a very broad, large head that is a distinctive feature of the breed.
His head has loose skin folds prominently placed particularly above his eyes, across the bridge of his nose, around his lips, and under his chin/neck region.� His face has a squished appearance as he has a shortened muzzle.� His lower jaw extends beyond his upper jaw giving him an underbite.
He naturally has a short, bobbed tail.� His coat is very short and lies flat against the body.
In future years, the Bulldog?s appearance may change.� In various countries around the world, there is concern about his structure and the resulting health from it so it is thought that in future years his head shape, wide shoulders, and flattened nose will change to a degree.
Personality
The Bulldog is one of the most popular breeds for a reason, and it isn?t his good looks! Instead, it is his friendly, playful personality that endears him to people everywhere.� He does well with all kinds and ages of people, and he enjoys children a good deal.� He loves to have attention showered on him, and while he isn?t size appropriate for a lap dog, if not careful you may find you have one.
Most Bulldogs like being around the home and family.� They enjoy that interaction with their human family.� Additionally, they can be very patient, but they can also be very persistent if they want interaction.
He is friendly with new people and enjoys being pet, and he also does well with other dogs and animals if raised with or socialized to.
The Bulldog does require some exercise via short walks or playtime, but exercise is generally short.� While the dog will get excited to do it, the energy and excitement only last a couple of blocks on walks and then he is tired and ready to go home.� Care should be exercised to not overwork a Bulldog or do exercise in warm conditions as he is sensitive to heat and overexertion.�� �
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Training
While the breed doesn?t rank too highly on obedience scales, the breed actually trains very well.� They do best with food or toy based rewards and a positive training environment that is fun.� He may not always do the task right away or exactly like you planned, but he can be trained to learn a variety of new things.
A Bulldog can be stubborn and strong willed, but he can also be tenacious.� It is important that training be consistent and that the handler has an equal amount of will power and the patience to outlast the Bulldog at times.
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Shedding & Grooming
The Bulldog?s coat does shed, but it is easy to care for.� All that is required is a light brush or glove brush to catch those loose hairs.� He doesn?t require frequent baths.
He does require the folds of his skin to be routinely inspected and wiped clean and dried.� He can develop skin irritations or infection in between these folds, so regular inspections can help reduce this problem.
One must also include routine nail trims, ear cleaning, and toothbrushing as part of the grooming regimen.
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Health & Life Expectancy
The average lifespan of the Bulldog is 8-12 years of age.� The Bulldog has several health issues to be aware of:
- Brachycephalic syndrome
- Hip dysplasia
- Uric acid stones
- Alopecia
- Epilepsy
- Heart issues like aortic and pulmonic stenosis
- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca
- Other eye issues like entropion
- Hypothyroidism
- Skin issues like fold dermatitis
- Hypoplastic trachea
- Spina Bifida
- Hydrocephalus
- Deafness
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