Charlotte Foster
The English Bulldog is not only an excellent bodyguard but also a true friend. Even if for some reason you feel sad at heart, this stocky “Englishman” with a funny face will certainly be able to cheer you up. But if a big head, a lot of wrinkles and folds on the face can cheer, then the abundant salivation inherent in dogs can push someone away. The English Bulldog has a very characteristic appearance that cannot be confused with any other. Because of his appearance, it may seem that the pet is by nature clumsy and slow. However, if a real danger arises for himself or the owner, the dog will react quickly and be able to defend himself. The four-legged native of Foggy Albion has a calm disposition and a balanced character. These traits are combined with courage and even stubbornness.
Brief Information
- Breed name: English Bulldog
- Country of origin: United Kingdom
- Weight: males 24-25 kg, females 22-23 kg
- Height (height at the withers): about 40 cm
- Life span: 7-10 years
Key Facts
- An adult English Bulldog is a rather lazy dog and goes for a walk without much enthusiasm, maybe even stubborn. However, to keep fit, daily walking is essential.
- Heat and high humidity are a real punishment for dogs of this breed. When walking with a Bulldog on a sunny summer day, make sure that your pet does not overheat, and if this happens, take urgent measures.
- The English Bulldog is not a “street” breed. In the yard of the house, in an ordinary kennel, he will be extremely uncomfortable, and all due to the fact that he has short hair that does not protect him from the cold. You can keep such dogs only in the house or in the apartment.
- Four-legged gentlemen often make a lot of noise. They gurgle, wheeze, and snore at night.
- Not very much in tune with the “aristocratic” norms and another feature of these dogs – they often suffer from flatulence, that is, increased gas production. For squeamish people, this can be a real problem.
- The English Bulldog is vulnerable to various respiratory diseases. The reason is in the short muzzle, which makes the organs of the nasopharynx vulnerable to various pathogens.
- Representatives of this breed often suffer from gluttony, easily gain weight, and then suffer from obesity.
- Due to the large head and structural features of the skull, English Bulldogs have difficulty reproducing offspring. Most puppies are born by cesarean section.
History of the English Bulldog Breed
A dog of the Bulldog breed is a constant participant in cartoons, movies, TV shows. These animals can be seen on various advertising materials, on the emblems of sports teams – thanks to their colorful appearance and specific history, Bulldogs are today one of the most recognizable dogs.
The first mention of this breed dates back to 1500 – at that time and later, Bulldogs were widely used in a bloody entertainment called bull-baiting by dogs. Now it seems wild to us, but in those distant years, and, up to the 19th century, many believed that this makes the meat of the bull more tender.
These misconceptions were extremely common to the point that in parts of the UK there was even a law requiring butchers to poison a bull with dogs before slaughter. Based on the logic that this procedure “makes the blood thinner” – complete heresy, of course. In truth, the Bulldogs were extremely effective in fighting bulls, grabbing them by the neck and biting through an artery.
At first, the bull fiercely resisted, but gradually his strength left him. However, if the dog did not have time to dodge the mighty horns, it was an inevitable death. Bulldogs hunted not only bulls but also large predators, such as bears, which was also very popular with the audience. Here it is necessary to make a reservation that the Bulldog of the 17th century and the Bulldog of the 21st century are dogs different, both in size and in temperament.
This became possible thanks to the efforts of the 19th-century breeders who decided to remake the breed. Moreover, the authorities banned bloody entertainment. For these purposes, only docile dogs were selected, with a minimum amount of aggression. The first dog show in which the updated Bulldog participated took place in 1861. And in 1864, enthusiasts created the first Bulldog club in England.
Features of the Breed
Representatives of other breeds, for example, the American Akita or the Alaskan Malamute, literally cannot live without walking. They love to walk, frolic. But the same cannot be said about the English Bulldog. This dog is a real sloth. His favorite place in the house is the master’s sofa, around which he constantly spins and can sleep at least all day. Long walks, especially long distances, are also not to his taste. Our “gentleman” is most comfortable near home.
Another feature of the breed is enviable stubbornness. If an English Bulldog doesn’t want to do something, then you will literally get tired until you force him. At some point, it begins to seem that the nerves simply will not stand it, but you cannot really get angry with your pet, which is distinguished by very amusing behavior. On the contrary, he will make you involuntarily smile even when you least want it.
The English Bulldog will become a true friend of the younger family members. He establishes a strong bond with children and in relation to them, he behaves just fine. Of the shortcomings, I would like to highlight the fact that dogs of this breed are very fond of chewing on various things, including the master’s slippers. If you don’t give him a lot of toys to chew, the pet will cause considerable damage to your property, ruining the legs of sofas, armchairs, tables with his teeth.
Another characteristic feature of the breed is that the natives of the British Isles do not tolerate heat well. For this reason, English Bulldog may not be the best choice for those living in hot areas. But on the other hand, it is perfect for living in the city, since it does not need constant physical exercise. True, many potential owners are confused by the inherent drooling and smell of the dog. This can really be a problem in urban apartments, so before buying an English Bulldog puppy, carefully weigh for yourself whether you can get along with it, given such characteristics of the animal.
Appearance
English Bulldogs have a massive head and small pelvis. Because of these structural features, which do not allow puppies to pass through the birth canal normally, representatives of this breed often give birth with the help of a veterinarian who performs a cesarean section. In addition, the English Bulldog belongs to the brachycephalic dogs, a distinctive feature of which is a depressed nose and head.
These funny “Englishmen” are also distinguished by their non-gentlemanly behavior. Since they breathe with their mouths open, they swallow a lot of air at the same time, which, in fact, causes flatulence. Hosts need to either just get used to it, or keep an air freshener with them at all times.
The English Bulldog is a medium-sized dog. He is sleek, well-built, and stocky. The head is distinctly large, massive, its girth is equal to the height of the dog at the withers. A characteristic feature of bulldogs is a short and wide muzzle with the same wide and large nose.
Height at the withers depends on gender. In males, it is 36-41 cm, in female dogs – 30-36 cm. Males have more weight, it is 20-25 kg. Female dogs weigh 16-20 kg.
Color
The color of the Bulldog is distinguished by its uniformity, purity, and brightness. There are different colors in the English Bulldog breed, but preference should be given to red-brindle and all other brindle colors, white, red, deer, piebald – and in the indicated sequence.
If your pet has a small white spot on the chest, this is permissible, but only in two color options: solid and brindle.
Personality
The English Bulldog perceives the family in which he lives as his “pack”. The pet empathizes with everything that happens in the house, showing sensitivity and devotion to the owners.
The representative of this breed will make a good companion. He loves children very much, realizing that they are the object of universal love of adults, and tries to imitate the latter in this, showing similar feelings to young family members. By nature, our “Englishman” is somewhat simple-minded, which makes him an irreplaceable participant in children’s entertainment. Bulldogs are noisy, reckless, very energetic, and at the same time impatient.
Despite its rusticity, the dog of this breed is very smart. In addition, she does not tolerate loneliness. With a lack of communication, he becomes gloomy and obstinate. By the way, stubbornness is one of the characteristic traits of the Bulldog’s character, thanks to which he gained world fame. It is impossible to force the English Bulldog to do something with the help of rudeness or force, but it is quite possible to agree with him, as they say, in an amicable way. Dog breeders respect this quality of this breed so much that the Bulldog has become the mascot of many sports clubs.
What else impresses about the English Bulldog is his deep dedication to man. He accepts his master by anyone – energetic or lazy, joyful or sad, successful or not, that is, as he is, and is always ready to protect his owner if any danger threatens him.
The English Bulldog has a formidable appearance, but at heart, he is affectionate, friendly, and calm. At the same time, he is distinguished by independence and independence, poise, and self-confidence. In relation to other domestic animals, the “Englishman” behaves peacefully.
Training
A Bulldog dog is okay with the training process, and usually, there are no problems with this. However, most likely you will have to face innate laziness and stubbornness. There is no panacea or remedy for all cases. Only patience, kindness, and a sense of humor will help you. And also, of course, a tasty treat as a reward, as Bulldogs love to eat.
Usually, these dogs are taught basic commands, since the more commands they have learned, the more difficult it is for them to learn new ones. Moreover, Bulldogs generally quite slowly consolidate the passed material. In everyday life, this will practically not bother you. In the life of every dog, there is a period when the owner needs to clearly place himself in the role of a leader. The Bulldog is no exception. Thanks to their natural friendliness and open character, you can always find a common language with these animals without resorting to emergency measures.
Conditions of Detention and Care
Due to the fact that the English Bulldog has a smooth short coat, it is much easier to care for him than for representatives of a number of other breeds. You will need a stiff-bristled brush, with which it is recommended that you brush your pet two to three times a week, which will give the Bulldog a lot of pleasure.
Particular attention should be paid to the folds on the face. Their proper hygiene is essential for the health of the dog. If dirt accumulates in the folds, remove it with a damp cotton pad. And to dry the fold, wipe it with dry cotton wool. No cosmetics are required to care for the English Bulldog, as their use can provoke allergies.
Bathing an English Bulldog too often should not be done – it is enough to do it in cases of urgent need. Frequent bathing can cause peeling of the skin, which will be accompanied by constant itching and cause considerable discomfort to the dog. After walking, dust from the coat is best removed with a damp cloth.
It is important to control the growth of claws, they should be cut regularly. It is recommended to brush the teeth of the English Bulldog regularly, at least once a month. Otherwise, tartar will immediately begin to form.
In the fresh air, Bulldogs are very active and during walks, they do not mind doing sports with their owner. If you neglect physical activity, the English Bulldog will begin to gain excess weight, which will later turn into obesity. However, don’t be too active with your pet on hot or cold days. Due to the fact that the dog has short hair, it can freeze in the cold, and get heatstroke in the heat.
In general, the English Bulldog, in comparison with some other breeds, is not a very active dog. He does not need large spaces. Living in an apartment or in a country house, he sleeps most of the day, and this also leads to an increase in body weight.
Feeding
When it comes to nutrition, English Bulldog owners have 2 options: natural food or dry food. It’s better to decide right away – a mixed diet for this breed is not recommended. Most dog breeders have a preference for super-premium commercial food or holistic. Such a food system will be convenient during travel, moreover, you will not have to monitor the balance of the diet.
In the case of “natural food” feeding, it is important to maintain a balance. Due to the Bulldog’s tendency to obesity, their menu should consist mainly of protein foods with limited carbohydrates. At the same time, they cannot be completely excluded, otherwise, the dog may develop urolithiasis. An example of an “Englishman’s” grocery basket: veal, beef, rice, buckwheat, eggs, kefir, cottage cheese, fresh herbs, vegetables, some fruits, and berries. A puppy needs to eat 59 g of meat per 1 kg of body weight, and an adult English Bulldog should eat 250 g of meat daily.
Health
The English Bulldog breed is characterized by such diseases as cherry eye, keratoconjunctivitis, interdigital dermatitis, dermatitis of skin folds, entropion, acne, congenital dislocation of the elbow, demodicosis, heatstroke, hypothyroidism, distichiasis, tracheal hypoplasia, cryptorchidism, aortic stenosis, vagina hyperplasia, a tetrad of Fallot, deafness, difficult labor, lymphosarcoma, ventricular septal defect.
Before choosing an English Bulldog, a potential owner should take into account that the representatives of this breed have a tendency to digestive problems. They are also prone to flatulence, can snore and salivate profusely.
How to Choose a Puppy
Ask the breeder in detail about each of the puppies he offers. It is not at all necessary to buy the first one who runs up to you: as he grows up, he may not suit you in character. The final choice should be made by asking the seller about the behavior of each puppy and observing them for a while. Pay attention to the puppy’s body. It is desirable that the format of a small Bulldog be square, with a raised croup.
Be sure to ask the breeder what the puppies were fed with. If, for example, dry food, then for the first time take some food from where you bought your pet. Also, take a small cloth with you to keep the scent of the place where the puppy was born and his siblings. In this case, the puppy will much more easily endure a change in diet and a change in environment.
And of course, be sure to carefully study the Official English Bulldog Standard before purchasing. It is desirable with detailed comments on its shortcomings and defects for each item. This is especially important if you choose not only a friend, as they say, for your soul, but also a future participant in exhibition competitions.
The potential owner of this dog should also take into account the fact that many breeders have bred this breed without taking into account the peculiarities of its character, and this has led to an increase in the number of individuals with aggression in character. Therefore, do not allow your pet to grow on its own, take care of it, educate it. Only in this case, you will get an excellent friend with a healthy psyche, loyal, and reliable.