English Bulldog. Information about the breed.

English Bulldog
Breed Description

with, at the same time, one of the funniest, most adorable and most photogenic faces among dog breeds.

The English bulldog is the dog breed of extremes par excellence: considered by some, the most ugly and, by others, the most beautiful dog, with one of the most ferocious history in dogdom (of bull baiting and dog-fighting), but

It is also one of the few breeds symbolic of a nation, choosen as an emblem by individuals and organizations all over the world.

So what makes the english bulldog so popular and ill-known at the same time?

For part this paradox is due to the mystery surrounding the Bulldog's history.

Etymologically, Bulldogs owe their name to the fact that they were once used to guard, control and bait bulls. Bull baiting was considered a "sport" and enjoyed great popularity in the middle ages among noblemen and royalty. It was also believed that if a bull were to be slaughtered, it should first be baited so that the meat would be more tender and nutritious.

English bulldogs never really grow up: they are perpetual puppies. While the average dog matures between twelve and eighteen months, most bulldogs only reaches maturity at the age of 36 months. Many English Bulldogs are persistent chewers. This chewing habit, which is normal in puppies, is much more pronounced in bulldogs than in other breeds, and lasts longer. (usually up to the age of 24 months). Bulldogs may keep some of this chewing behavior throughout their lifetimes, so it is important to train them to direct their chewing onto authorized, chewing-safe objects. If not, they may chew on just anything, from your hands or clothes, to electric wires, furniture, walls, etc. and can become very destructive when left alone. More about how to control your puppy's chewing behavior.

Prospective buyers should know that bulldogs are sensitive to temperature variations and may have breathing problems in the heat, that they are relatively short-lived and may present whelping difficulties due to the massive head as compared to the small pelvis. More about the bulldogs' health.

However, most english bulldogs are capable of unsuspected athletic performances. Their clumsiness is only apparent. Indeed, from their ancestry english bulldogs have kept the potential to defend their home and family. They are certainely not a vicious breed, but they do show great courage in protecting their owners and family. Their appearance alone can be a deterrent to any would-be intruders. Apart from the deterrent factor of their appearance, some bulldogs also show great courage and commitment to physically defend their home.

The bulldog's fighting dog ancestry is still noticeable in some aspects of their character and temperament. Their strong will and legendary courage make them rarely complain or whine; they only bark when there really is a reason and are never demanding. That explains why they require attentive owners, who can properly take care of their bulldogs and are always ready to check that their Bulldog has everything he needs for his well-being. Read more about the basic needs of the bulldog.

Their incredible tenacity has turned into loving patience. Like no other dog breed, the placid and thrustworthy bulldog will tolerate poling and prodding by the children of their human family without becoming annoyed. However, like with any dog, children should NEVER be left unsupervised with their pet, however loveable it may be, and children should be taught to respect their dog. Bulldogs, like any other dog breed, should never be considered a surrogate baby-sitter.

Indeed, the ancestry of the Bulldog has long been subject to controversy among cynologists and naturalists.

Of course, like in all breeds, individuals differ greatly, but not all English Bulldogs are those lazy couch potatoes, uncapable of any type of exercise, with congenital diseases, as

described by opponents of the breed. Bulldogs may have genetic defects, just like any other dog breed, and are also subject to illnesses that affect many other dog breeds.

One way to avoid these problems is to buy your puppy from a reputable and ethical breeder with a scrupulous breeding policy. If treated kindly and trained appropriately, chances are high that your puppy will then develop a delightful personality, demonstrate an unquestionable loyalty to and affection for his master and be capable of much more than you would have ever suspected.

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English Bulldog Standard
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The Bulldogs Edouard and Simone

Unknown photographer
c. 1905

Unknown photographer c. 1900

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Bulldogs
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More information:

"Les Bullstaffs" bulldogs
freewebs.com/bullstaffs

If necessary they are capable of an incredible (short) sprint to the front door or gate and have a patented way of using their body weight to physically destabilize unsuspecting intruders. The impact produced by their body weight when jumping up is absolutely incredible.

"Daphné" of Les Bullstaffs
freewebs.com/bullstaffs

As a result, a butcher who sold the flesh of a bull that had not been baited, was liable to a penalty and the meat was considered unproper for consumption.

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