With roots deeply planted in British soil, the English bulldog is a stubborn yet relatively docile breed that has been quite popular since the late 1800s. Initially bred for ferocity and courage, the bulldog is now a devoted and sweet member of the non-sporting group of dogs. Commonly referred to as the “English” Bulldog, the proper name is simply, “bulldog.”
History & Origin
The bulldog is the symbol of tenacity and stubborn determination. Centuries ago,
the breed was called the “bandogge” since the dog spent much of its time bonded
to or tied up with other dogs. The earliest reference to “bulldog” was found in
literature in 1609.
The bulldog was originally kept as a butcher’s dog to control unruly oxen. It
was also used as a guard dog, hunting dog and most commonly for the sport of
baiting. This blood sport is now considered cruel and inhumane but in the early
13th century, it was quite popular. The sport involves tethering the “bait,” a
bull, bear, horse, ape or lion, and the dogs were sent in to attack the animal
and try to overpower it. One of the more common baits was the bull. The bulldog
was commonly used to fight the bull, thus resulting in their name. The bulldog
would grasp the fleshy nose of the bull and pin it to the ground. Bull baiting
continued for centuries until outlawed in 1835.
The bulldog was accepted into the American Kennel Club in 1886.
Appearance
The bulldog was bred for bull baiting and their facial shape reflects this. The
short muzzle and undershot jaw were necessary to enable a vice-like grip. The
nose is placed far back on the face to allow the dog to breathe while holding a
bull by the fleshy nose. Even though they are no longer bred for bull baiting,
their facial features still reflect their past profession.
The bulldog is a medium-sized dog with a stocky built and broad chest. The legs
are short and the tail is often curled although the standard states the
preferred tail should be straight and of uniform taper. Their face and head
usually is very wrinkled with many facial folds. The hair coat is short and can
be liver, tan, black, white or a combination.
The bulldog stands 12 to 16 inches at the shoulder and weighs approximately 50
pounds. For more detailed information on the true English bulldog see the
official standard:
http://thebca.org/ilstd.html
Personality
The bulldog is a stubborn dog but is devoted and quite docile. They can do well
in apartments with the occasional stroll in the park. Bulldogs are not fond of
excessive exercise and do not have boundless energy. They prefer to spend their
days lounging around the house.
Home & Family Relations
The bulldog loves to be in company of family and is generally good with
children. The breed will alert their family to the presence of strangers by
barking and growling but tend not to attack. Their imposing figure is generally
enough to ward off evildoers.
Training
The bulldog doesn’t do very well in obedience training. They are quite stubborn
and tend not to follow instructions quickly. Some feel this trait indicates that
the bulldog is dimwitted but most bulldog owners feel this simply reflects the
bulldogs need to think about things before they act. Our view is they want to
know “what’s in it for them.”
Special Care
Due to a surge in popularity, some disreputable breeders have begun breeding
bulldogs without thought to temperament. This has resulted in an increase in
aggression within the breed. Make sure you acquire your bulldog from a reputable
breeder and socialize your puppy at an early age.
Lifespan
The average lifespan for the English bulldog is 8 to 10 years