Breed Facts: Bulldog
One of the world’s most easily recognizable dog breeds, the Bulldog traces its origins to England and has been around since at least the 1600s. These charming dogs have a compact, sturdy build with short legs and an endearing short face.
But those early dogs had little in common with the placid Bulldog we know today. They were aggressive, fighting dogs, used mainly for the cruel “sports” popular in the day, like bull baiting and dog fighting. After these activities were made illegal in 1835, the Bulldog’s numbers went into an alarming decline, and the breed was only saved from extinction by the founding of the Bulldog Club in 1864.
The Bulldog of today is far removed from his violent history and is a gentle, good-natured and loving pet.
These medium-sized dogs and compact, stocky and sturdy, with a coat that can be red, fawn, white, brindle or piebald. The head is large, and the skin is loose fitting and folded. Despite their fierce look and serious expression, Bulldogs are among the most affectionate of all dog breeds. They are also incredibly loyal and devoted to their owners. Bulldogs also make very good guard dogs and are brave enough to take on anyone who threatens their family.
Bulldogs are famously stubborn, and you’ll need plenty of patience to train one. But training is a must, because these dogs can display dominant behaviors. One such behavior, that is fairly common, is guarding possessions, and even people, that they claim as their own.
Bulldogs are known to live for as long as 12 years, although the average lifespan for the breed is just 6.5 years.
Unfortunately, they suffer from myriad health problems, and are particularly prone to hip dysplasia. They may also suffer from cardiac failure, canine cancer, patellar luxation, cherry eye, and various skin allergies. Like most short-faced breeds, Bulldogs are also prone to breathing problems, especially in warm weather. Bulldogs are known to be prodigious snorers and are also prone to flatulence.
Bulldogs are not exactly athletic and are quite happy to spend most of their time sleeping. While this makes them well suited to apartment living, but it doesn’t mean you can skimp on exercise. A short walk will be required every day, but take care not to over exert the dog in warm weather.
The English Bulldog may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but the breed has plenty of fans, and many who have owned a Bully would not have any other dog breed.
If you’re looking for a name for your Bulldog, the best advice is to visit a dog names, website. The one that I recommend is Puppy Names HQ, which has a huge database of excellent dog names including 1000s of cool dog names.
