Breed Type

Non-sporting or Utility

History

The Bulldog originates from an ancient mastiff breed the Bullenbeissers who were originally bred in Asia and used in Greece, Egypt and Rome to guard and bring cattle to slaughter and to attack wild animals. It was brought to England by Roman conquerors where it was bred into a smaller dog that in the 13th century was used as a bull baiter. Bull baiting was a horrific blood ‘sport' where a bull was tied to a post while the Bulldog suffocated it by getting a death grip on the bull's muzzle. The Bulldogs appearance is strongly tied to this history. The famous skin folds, flattened nose and overshot lower jaw all were designed to help it subdue a bull, boar or even bear! Today the breed has thrived as a trustworthy and affectionate companion animal and put its bloodthirsty past behind it.  

Description

The Bulldog is medium sized but is massively built - giving an overall impression of strength. They are definitely not a lapdog (but try telling that to your affectionate Bulldog!). The heavy and thick-set body is offset by a massive skull with a ‘short face' (eg. .the distance from the tip of the nose to the cheekbone is small).The breed belongs to a group termed ‘brachycephalic'- this refers to all dogs and cats with ‘pushed in faces'.

The Bulldog bite is quite distinctive - the lower jaw should protrude in front of the upper jaw and turn upwards (eg. ‘undershot' or technically called ‘mandibular prognathism').The short, thick and strong neck leads down to a heavily muscled but low-slung body with a wide chest. Loose skin is also present on the neck and shoulders, forming dewlaps from the lower jaw to the chest. The shoulders are much wider than their hips. The Bulldog back is also quite distinctive as the line of the spine should fall just behind the shoulders and then curve upwards again towards the tail. This is known as a ‘roach back' or ‘wheel-back'. (Often considered a fault in other breeds). The chest should wide and deep with a well tucked up belly. The tail is relatively short and should be hung low and either straight or ‘screwed'

Size

Dogs 23-25kg (50-55pounds)
Bitches 18-23kg (40-50pounds)

Coat

The coat is short and straight and easy to care for. However the skin folds do require daily cleaning to prevent painful infections developing. Main colors are white, red or fallow (cream to fawn), piebald or brindle.

Temperament

Aggressive tendencies have been bred out of the Bulldog. It is known as an affectionate and trustworthy family dog that craves human attention. They can be quite stubborn which combined with a well hidden intelligence can make them a handful to train.

Longevity

8-10years

Health

It is extremely important for potential owners to be aware that this breed needs careful daily attention to keep the skin folds clean and dry. They are also extremely prone to heat stroke so require special care in warm climates. Because of their brachycephalic conformation, Bulldogs need to have a vet that is comfortable with and understands their medical needs. 

Possible Genetic Disorders

Brachycephalic syndrome (causing respiratory problems), cardiac problems, hip dysplasia and dry eye.

Best Suited

  • Those willing to put in time for daily TLC - this includes cleaning under your dogs tail and between skin folds!
  • Those with a sense of humor
  • People willing to research and understand the bulldogs special needs
  • For people wanting a companion and a household member

Worst Suited

  • For joggers
  • For warm climates where you can't leave your dog inside with the air conditioner on!
  • For those who think the Bulldog is cool but don't understand they are actually a high maintenance breed

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