Thus, the Bulldog was among the first of the breeds to be granted official recognition when The Kennel Club (England) was organized in 1873. Although the breed may appear oddly made, bear in mind that every point of conformation (structure, coat, etc.) was selectively bred into the Bulldog to prevent him from injury as he went about the business of overcoming a bull.
The breed is low slung, heavy set, weighing up to 50 pounds. The brindle, white, red or piebald coat is straight, fine and flat. His demeanour suggests stability, vigour and dignity.
He can adjust to almost any environment, has a lovable personality, but is subject to drooling and 'snuffling.' He suffers from the heat, so needs special care during the summer.
Bulldogs are very, very sensitive. They will never, never forget it if they are ill-treated or hurt in any way. Bulldogs are extremely loving and gentle towards children. Children, however, are sometimes frightened of bulldogs' "ugly" faces, and will scream and frighten the dog. Encourage lots of contact between your bulldog and young children from an early age.
Bulldogs can be aggressive towards other dogs, as well as cats, if they are not socialised early. Make sure your bulldog gets out to meet other dogs in open places such as parks and playgrounds, streets and beaches, from an early age.
Bulldogs are very sensitive to heat. They do not have efficient thermostats. You must at all costs avoid taking them out in cars, on walks, to beaches or other hot places, or exercising them, during the summer. They get heatstroke and die more easily than any other breed. They also feel the cold easily.
When I travel with my bulldogs in summer, I take shade netting to keep the car cool in case I have a breakdown on a hot road in the middle of nowhere. Always travel with a lead, a water bowl and plenty of water for the same reason. When I travel with my bulldogs I take a 25 litre water container and a large plastic basin that they can sit in to cool off. I always leave a tub of cold water in a shady spot in summer, and make sure that they has access to the inside of the house so that they can get out of the sun and cool off if I'm not here. They will always go and lie under my bed on a wet towel that I leave there for them in summer, because that is the coolest spot, and there are usually breezes under the bed. Be very very careful always. FIRST AID: If your dog overheats, get him/her into the shade immediately, or better still get the dog into a pool of cold water. Otherwise, get to a tap fast. Wet the neck and stomach first, wrap a dripping cold towel round the neck, and keep him quiet until his breathing stabilizes and he is absolutely comfortable again. The very best precaution is always having a tub of cold water accessible to the dog in summer - they'll get in themselves, and cool off quickly.
Bulldogs are very courageous, sometimes stupidly so and will endanger themselves by jumping off high places and into pools that they can't get out of. It is up to you as the owner to know and understand your dog, and to anticipate their actions and reactions wherever possible.
Bulldogs and swimming pools are a lethal combination as a lot of bulldogs can't swim, NONE of them can get themselves out of a pool, and they ALL love water. A pool or pond with broad shallow steps where they can sit in summer is ideal. But supervision is essential at all times.
Bulldogs must never be given bones or small balls to chew or play with. Even hooves (the kind of chewy hooves you get from the vet) are dangerous. Because of their bite, they do not chew efficiently and can choke to death on balls and bones. KEEP TEETH CLEAN BY INCLUDING A SMALL QUANTITY OF HARD DRY FOOD (DOG BISCUITS AND CRUNCHY PELLETS) IN THE DIET DAILY. (see section on skin care and diet below). AN IDEAL DIET WOULD BE DRY FOOD AS A LIGHT SNACK ONCE A DAY (BREAKFAST OR BEFORE BEDTIME) AND THE MIXED DIET FOR THE MAIN MEAL OF THE DAY.
Too much exercise in the early days is dangerous as in all heavy breeds of dog. They must be excercised - walked - steadily but no jumping games until they are more than a year old. This gives the bones and ligaments time to strengthen. They need a good calcium-building diet (cottage cheese, bones cooked up into a jelly and added to their other food - REMEMBER TO REMOVE THE BONES AND USE JUST THE JELLY!) in the first year as well. Guard at all times against overweight, but don't keep them lean as this is not good for temperament. But please don't just leave your bully lying around at home - they adore going out, being walked, meeting people, playing games, and getting moderate excercise every day. It can extend their lifespan too.
Skin care is important As some bulldogs are prone to skin ailments, try to feed a very well mixed diet, not just dry food which is often over-proteinised. If skin problems do arise, give him/her a cupful of raw, dirty tripe mixed with the other food two or three times a week. Vegetables, pasta, wholewheat brown bread, brown (unrefined) rice, cooked meat and raw grated carrot are all good items in a bulldog - any dog - diet.
Eye care is important As some bulldogs are also prone to entropian (inward-rolling eyelids) keep a look out for excessive blinking and discharge. The lashes can scrape and damage the cornea and cause extreme discomfort and blindness. This needs veterinary attention, surgery and careful aftercare. Also be sure to clean the folds under the eyes and chin regularly. These can be washed with warm water, dried, and then patted with milk of magnesia to keep them dry. Noses can be lubricated with vaseline. Tail crevices and folds should be cleaned out with a cotton tip dipped in surgical spirits.
Other than these basic health and comfort tips, all I can say is that bulldogs are the dearest and most adorable dogs in the world. Like all dogs they enjoy ritual and routine - play time and meals are highlights of their day. They need a soft, warm place to sleep, being heavy animals. Their feet don't toughen up as other dogs' do, so they prefer soft smooth surfaces to stony ground. They have endless memories, and will remember toys and games years later. They love affection and attention, and are generous in giving theirs. They love cuddling and will snuggle up beside you all day if allowed to. They will reward you with infinite adoration for all their lives.
The Bulldog is small in stature, but wide and compact, with a thick, massive head. Its head should be broad with cheeks that extend to the sides of the eyes. The skin on the skull and forehead should fall in dense folds. Its muzzle is short and pug, its nose, broad and black with large nostrils. Its upper lip is pendent and its lower jaw should be very undershot. Eyes are very round, far apart and very dark. The ears should be small and thin, folded back in the form of a rose. The tail is short and carries low. The coat comes in red, fawn, brindle, pale yellow or washed-out red, or white, and can combine any of these colors. Black is not acceptable. The Muzzle is sometimes dark. With its stocky legs set squarely at each corner of its compact, muscular body, the Bulldog's deliberate gait has become a waddle.
Temperament
Bulldogs are absolutely reliable, and although its appearance can be somewhat intimidating, it is among the gentlest of dogs. Just the same it will see off any intruder, and few would risk a close encounter with a dog brave enough to bait a bull. It is described as a very affectionate and dependable animal, gentle with children, but known for its courage and its excellent guarding abilities. Bulldogs are very much a peoples dog seeking out human attention and loving every bit it can get!! Human attention is required for the breed's happiness. They are nice to all people. Some can be dog aggressive. This breed is good with family pets, but they can be scrappy with strange dogs. When Bulldogs are young, they are full of energy, but slow down as they get older.
Height, Weight
There is no prescribed height; around 16 inches (40cm). Dogs 53-70 pounds, Bitches 49-60 pounds
Health Problems
Breathing problems; some have small windpipes as well. Also poor eyesight, very susceptible to heat stroke in warm weather or hot rooms and cars. Very cold sensitive. Puppies often delivered by caesarian section because of their broad heads. Its digestive system is very active and may be offensive to people with sensitive noses. Snores very loudly, and has some drool and slobber tendencies. Susceptible to skin infections.
Living Conditions
The Bulldog is good for apartment life. They are very inactive indoors and will do okay without a yard. This breed is an indoor dog. Bulldogs do best in temperate climates as the breed can chill easily in cold weather and have trouble cooling off in very hot weather.
Exercise
Adult Bulldogs would just as soon not take any exercise, but they will stay fitter if given some regular, but not overly strenuous exercise, such as walking. Fit English Bulldogs are capable of moving very quickly for short periods of time.
Life Expectancy
An average of 8-10 years.
Grooming
The smooth, fine, short-haired coat is easy to groom. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when necessary. Wipe the face with a damp cloth every day to clean inside the wrinkles. This breed is an average shedder.
Origin
Today's bulldog has a very different temperament from those of his ancestors. The breed is descended from the ancient Asiatic mastiff, but its development took place completely in Great Britain. The name bulldog, which is medieval in origin, refers not only to the robust look of a little bull, which this aggressive dog has, but also to the power with which this dog attacked bulls in arena combat before that practice was prohibited by law in the nineteenth century.
Group
AKC, CKC: Non-Sporting
