 The Bulldog, colloquially known as the British Bulldog or English Bulldog, is a medium-size breed of dog that originated in England.
Bulldog appearance:
Build: Heavy musculature, thick-set neck and shoulders, low-slung body
Weight: 53-55 pounds (24-25kg.) within United Kingdom
Height: 11-14 inches
Coat: Short, smooth
Color: Red, fawn, brindle, pale yellow or washed-out red, or white, or any combination of these colors
Head: Thick, massive, short-faced, broad, with cheeks extending to sides of the eyes, skin on the skull and forehead falling in dense folds, muzzle short and pug, nose broad and black with large nostrils, upper lip pendent and lower jaw very undershot
Teeth: Large, strong
Eyes: Very round, far apart and very dark
Ears: Small and thin, folded back in the form of a rose
Tail: Short and carries low
Feet: Moderate, compact, firmly set
Life span: The average life span is 8 – 12 years History of the Bulldog: The term "bulldog" was first used around 1568 and might have been applied to various ancestors of modern bulldog breeds. Bulldogs were bred in England as a cross between the mastiff and the pug.
In the 1600s, bulldogs were used for bullbaiting (as well as bearbaiting), a gambling sport popular in the 17th century with wagers laid in which trained bulldogs leapt at a bull lashed to a post, latched onto its snout and attempted to suffocate it. Bulldogs have many distinct characteristics that were bred into them so they would be better suited to bullbaiting. The bulldog's body is short, low to the ground and compact, allowing it to be able to scuttle or crawl low under the bull's horns. The lower jaw sticks out further than the top one allowing the bulldog to grip on the nose of the animal and still be able to breathe due to the lay-back of the nose. The wrinkles on the bulldogs face allow the blood from the other animal to run down the bulldogs face instead of going into its eyes.
The oldest single breed specialty club is The Bulldog Club (England), which was formed in 1875. Members of this club met frequently at the Blue Post pub on Oxford Street in London. There they wrote the first standard of perfection for the breed. In 1891 the two top bulldogs, Orry and Dockleaf, competed in a contest to see which dog could walk the farthest. Orry was reminiscent of the original bulldogs, lighter boned and very athletic. Dockleaf was smaller and heavier set, more like modern bulldogs. Dockleaf was declared the winner that year. Although some argued that the older version of the bulldog was more fit to perform, the modern version’s looks won over the fans of the breed because they proved they were equally as fit and athletic in the walking competition.
Recently, many people have tried to recreate a breed more akin to the original bullbaiter. Examples of the trend are the Olde English Bulldogge, Renascence Bulldogge, Victorian, Continental and Dorset Old Tyme Bulldog. The American Kennel Club does not recognize any of these newly "recreated" breeds of dogs. GIVE US A KISS!
Health Issues of Bulldogs:
The bulldog is prone to health issues. Breathing issues can be prevalent in the breed due to the shape of the "undershot" lower jaw and the shortness of muzzle, which was originally bred for gripping. In particular, bulldogs are known to snore. In the United Kingdom, some dogs can be prone to interstitial cysts, which are cysts which form between the toes. These cause the dog some discomfort, though they are treatable either by vet or an experienced owner. Other problems can include cherry eye, certain allergies, and amongst older bulldogs hip issues.
Because of the large heads in proportion to body size, puppies are frequently delivered by Caesarean section as they can get stuck in the birth canal during natural birth. However, it is not uncommon for a bulldog to whelp naturally and successfully.
Bulldogs require daily cleaning of their face folds to avoid unwanted infections caused by moisture accumulation. Daily teeth brushing with a regular human soft toothbrush using a vet approved toothpaste is also recommended.
Like all dogs, bulldogs require daily exercise. If not properly exercised the bulldog could gain weight, which could cause health problems relating to the lungs and heart. Bulldogs are extremely sensitive to heat and cold and great care should be given to the dog during overly warm periods. During these times, the owner should ensure that the dog has plenty of shade, water and should be ideally kept out of standing heat.
As the breed has developed, the tail in some dogs can be tight to the body and can cause infection if not treated or cleaned underneath regularly.
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