English Bulldog Dog Breed

History

Today’s English Bulldog is a very different canine compared to their ancestors. Originating from the ancient mastiff-type dogs, this dog breed was entirely developed in England. The first mention of the English Bulldog was in 1500 in a description of a man "with two Bolddogges at his tayle..." However, they could date right back to the 5^th century and a breed called the Alaunt.

They were originally used to catch large animals such as horses, boar, and cattle on farms. However, in the 15^th century, they were also famously used in a brutal sport known as bullbaiting. This involved training dogs to grab hold of a tethered bull’s nose and not let go until the animal had been pulled to the ground or killed.

Until 1835, when bullbaiting was finally outlawed in England, Bulldogs were exclusively bred for this type of aggression. So, when the sport ended, many people felt there was no need for this breed to continue as they were seen as aggressive and not suitable as companions. In fact, the breed could have gone entirely extinct if it wasn’t for their exportation to America and Germany. In America, the bulldog found a new purpose, helping out on rural farms. In Germany, they were eventually crossed to create the Boxer breed.

Despite their negative reputation, Bulldogs finally grew in popularity as companion animals, including in the UK. In 1859, breeders started exhibiting English Bulldogs in conformation shows in England. In 1860, Bulldogs appeared in their first dog show in Birmingham, England.

Today, these dogs are loved for their gentle demeanours and representation of strength and fierce loyalty. In fact, they are commonly used as mascots for a range of universities, sports clubs, schools, and other companies, including the US Marines.

Appearance

An English Bulldog's head is large and square. These dogs have extremely short muzzles, giving their faces a flattened appearance. Their dark eyes are set low and wide on the head and there are distinct wrinkles on the forehead. Their black noses are somewhat upturned with large nostrils. Their massive jaws are wide and undershot, with fleshy lips that overhang. These dogs also have well-rounded cheeks that protrude sideways past the eyes. Their small ears are thin and angled forward like flaps.

The strong neck of the English Bulldog is short and thick with loose skin around the throat that forms slight dewlaps on either side. Their muscular shoulders are massive and broad. Their chests are deep and full, giving a robust, stocky appearance. Their muscular hindquarters are slightly longer than their front legs, with stifles that turn out away from the body slightly.

A distinct physical characteristic of this breed is a slight fall to the back, just behind the shoulders. The spine should rise to the loins and then curve again near the tail. The tail itself is thick at the base and set low and straight, with a downward curve towards the tip.

Personality

The English Bulldog has a sweet, sociable, and calm nature. They are reliable and predictable, which makes them wonderful family pets and excellent watchdogs. Moreover, they are very loving towards children. However, they do have a stubborn streak that needs to be kept in check with regular training.

These comical dogs are easygoing and friendly; they get along well with pretty much everyone! They are not known to be highly intelligent dogs, but you can guarantee they will do their best to please you. Once they learn a command, they will retain it for life.

As they grow, English Bulldogs develop a calm dignity when appropriately trained but they maintain their playful and friendly natures throughout their lives. They often seek human attention and enjoy snuggling with their human companion whenever they can, snoring away to dreamland. These dogs can be left alone for a few hours but bear in mind that they thrive on human affection.

It’s worth noting that bulldogs can be wary of other dogs, due to their history as bullbaiters. However, with appropriate socialisation they can learn to get along with other dogs.

English Bulldogs only need a moderate amount of exercise daily. They flourish in temperate climates but bear in mind that they can easily overheat and have breathing difficulties in hot weather.

Trainability

English Bulldogs are kind, loyal, and laid back about life. However, like all dog breeds, early socialization and training are essential. In fact, many dog owners highly suggest puppy training classes. This will also allow new dog owners to acquire more information about this wonderful breed.

English Bulldogs love to chew so provide them with multiple safe chew toys. They also enjoy playing tug-of-war. Just make sure to teach your Bulldog puppy to release what's in their mouths on command.

These dogs usually learn best from fun training sessions which include repetition and positive reinforcement through treats and praise. Despite their size, they can be sensitive to harsh commands and may just point-blank refuse to cooperate. Make sure you also keep training sessions short. Up to 10 minutes for each session is more than enough.

Coat & Care

Keep your English Bulldog looking their best by brushing them with a soft (ish) bristle brush at least once a week. However, 2-3 times a week may be needed, especially during shedding seasons. You can also use a rubber brush to eradicate any loose fur before grooming. Luckily, Bulldogs tend to love being groomed as it gives them one on one time with their favourite human companions.

Regularly check and clean your English Bulldog’s face, especially the wrinkled parts, as food and moisture can get trapped and cause irritation. Make sure to check their ears regularly too and the area under their tail. The outer part of their ears can be wiped out with a soft cloth and a PH-balanced ear cleaner specifically designed for dogs.

English Bulldogs are frequently inactive indoors and they do not need a substantial amount of exercise compared to other dog breeds. However, you must still walk them every day for a least 20 minutes to keep them from gaining unnecessary weight.

English Bulldogs do not do well in extremely hot or cold weather because of their abnormally flattened faces (known as brachycephaly). They breathe heavily when they are hot and don't disperse heat well. So, they are also prone to heatstroke. Provide them with an air-conditioned environment and encourage them to drink fresh, clean water regularly. They should also not be left outside without access to shade and water

If an English Bulldog is overexcited, hyper, or breathing too fast, their tongue will hang out too far and have a bluish cast rather than the normal pink. If this happens, immediately soak them in cool water and give them ice to help them cool down.

In addition, you will also want to ensure you trim their nails regularly as bulldogs don’t tend to wear them down naturally. Furthermore, it’s a good idea to check over the whole body during grooming for any signs of a health condition such as redness, swelling, irritation, or abnormal discharge.

Health

English Bulldogs have a unique body and head structure that can make them prone to developing a number of health problems, especially respiratory and joint issues. They can also become overweight very quickly if they don't get adequate exercise, which can exacerbate existing conditions. Always purchase a Bulldog from a licensed and reputable breeder to ensure they have been appropriately cared for and weaned. A professional breeder will also perform DNA tests to check for any underlying conditions that may affect their health later in life.

Entropion – A condition that causes the eyelashes to turn inward and rub against the eye. This can lead to irritation and may require surgery to correct.
Cherry Eye – This is the non-medical term used to describe a prolapsed third eyelid, which appears as a swollen red lump in the corner of the eye. Surgery may be needed to rectify the situation.
Dry Eye – An eye condition where natural tear production is insufficient. Signs may include a blue haze or dry appearance to the eye. Your veterinarian can administer a test to find out if your English Bulldog has dry eye and prescribe medication to relieve the pain.
Idiopathic Head Tremor Syndrome – This causes involuntary shaking of the head which has no known cause. Tremors can last for several minutes and usually first occur when the dog is between 6 months and 3 years of age. Blood tests and CT scans may be offered by your veterinarian to check for any underlying issues. Especially if the dog cannot be distracted out of an episode.
Brachycephalic Syndrome – A disorder found in dog breeds with short heads, elongated soft palates, or narrowed nostrils. Their airways are congested to different degrees and can lead to anything from laboured or noisy breathing to total failure of the airway.
Hip Dysplasia – A genetic condition where the thighbone does not fit tightly into the hip joint. Many English Bulldogs suffer from this condition because of their naturally shallow hips.
Patellar Luxation – Also known as "slipped stifles,". Patellar luxation is a common problem in small dog breeds. It occurs when the three parts, the femur (thigh bone), patella (kneecap), and tibia (calf) are not correctly lined up.
Skin Conditions – Bulldogs have a lot of extra skin around their faces which can cause bacteria to build up in the folds. This can lead to skin fold pyoderma. To avoid this condition, make sure the skin folds on your bulldog are always dried thoroughly and cleaned often.

Children & Other Pets

English Bulldogs are loved for their goofy and friendly personalities, which makes them very family friendly. However, it is still recommended to supervise any interaction between your English Bulldog and a child to avoid any mishaps that may happen because of mishandling.

English Bulldogs also generally get along well with other pets, such as dogs and cats. However, because of their background, this dog breed may be less friendly to unfamiliar dogs. Always introduce new pets with care to avoid any aggressive or territorial behaviour.