The English bulldog is a British dog breed with a strong and muscular build, a wrinkled face, and a short nose. Despite the rugged appearance, English Bulldogs have a sweet disposition, are predictable, dependable, and excellent with children.
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ENGLISH BULLDOG BREED PROFILE
ENGLISH BULLDOG CHARACTERISTICS
- Country of Origin: England
- Weight: Male bulldogs weigh 54 pounds, and females can weigh up to 50 pounds.
- Height: Male 17 inches, female 16 inches
- Energy Level: Mild
- Lifespan: 8 to 10 years
- Coat: Short
- Colors: Brindle, Fawn, Piebald, Solid Red, or White
- Tendency to shed: low
- Tendency to Drool: high
- Grooming needs:low
- Attention needs: moderate
- Tendency to Bark: low
- Exercise requirement: 20 to 40 minutes daily exercise
- Tendency to dig: low
HISTORY
In 1631 or 1632, the first Bulldg’s reference appears in a letter from Preswick Eaton requesting the shipment of two Bulldogs. By 1666, the English scientist Christopher Merrett applied the name Canis pugnax, to Butchers Bull or Bear Dog, as an entry in his Pinax Rerum Naturalium Britannicarum.
The Bulldogs acquired his name for his use in the sport of bull-baiting. Over the centuries, these dogs developed the stocky bodies and massive heads and jaws that characterize the English bulldogs today.
In 1835, a revision in the English legislation to protect animals from mistreatment forbade Bulldogs baiting. Although these dogs are just as physically capable as their ancestors, modern Bulldogs have a much calmer temperament.
APPEARANCE
The head and shoulders of the English bulldog are broad with a pronounced jaw prognathism. The thick folds in the skin are usually on their forehead; his eyes are round, black, and widely separated; they have a short snout with characteristic folds on the nose; hanging skin below the neck; drooping lips, and pointed teeth.
The coat is short, flat, and sleek with red, fawn, white, brindle, and piebald colors.
ENGLISH BULLDOG TEMPERAMENT
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), Bulldogs should be calm and friendly, resolute and courageous, not fierce or aggressive. The behavior should be gentle and dignified.
Over time, breeders reduced and even eliminated the aggressive behavior of these dogs.
Bulldogs have a friendly, patient, yet stubborn nature. They also make excellent family pets because they form strong bonds with children and with other dogs and pets.
HEALTH
According to a 2004 UK survey, the average age of death for Bulldogs is six years and three months, and the principal cause of death is related to:
- Heart problems (20%)
- Cancer (18%)
- Old age (9%) The average lifespan of the English bulldog is 10 to 11 years.
According to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, Bulldogs suffer from hip dysplasia. Similarly, this breed scores poorly on the British Veterinary Association and Kennel Club hip dysplasia scoring scheme.
Bulldog deliveries are often complicated because their heads are large and often get stuck in the birth canal; as a result, more than 80% of Bulldog litters need a C-section.
The English bulldog requires daily exercises to maintain good shape and prevent heart and lung conditions.
The English bulldog is among the breeds most severely affected by brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. This condition can manifest itself in different ways, such as intolerance to heat and physical exertion.
Because the Bulldogs have small nasal cavities, they pant a lot and have heat sensitivity. Bulldog owners can keep their dogs cool by taking proper precautions during summer.
During the summer, the English bulldog must be in the shade and always have enough water at hand to keep him hydrated.
Like all short-faced breeds, their inefficient and sometimes labored breathing can cause them to overheat. They can even die of hyperthermia.
ENGLISH BULLDOG GROOMING
To maintain the folds on a Bulldog’s face, owners must clean them daily to prevent infection caused by moisture buildup.
The naturally curly tails of some Bulldogs can be so close to the body that they require regular cleaning and ointment.
Due to the large volume of skin folds on the Bulldog’s body, they have a high prevalence of skin fold dermatitis.
ENGLISH BULLDOG TRAINING
Although Bulldogs are calm dogs and devoted to their owners, like all other dog breeds, they need early socialization.
Bulldogs love to chew and play tug-of-war, yet, it is essential to train the young dog to drop what is in his mouth when asked.
Just as important is teaching the puppy to accept people taking food from his bowl while eating to prevent the habit of being protective of his food.
NUTRITION
High-quality dog food, commercially manufactured or homemade, is a good choice for Bulldogs.
Watch the dog’s calorie intake since some dogs tend to become overweight.
Treats can be an important training aid, but too many can cause obesity.
Learn which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not. Consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet.
Clean, fresh water must be available at all times.
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