Bulldog Dog Breed

About the Bulldog

The Bulldog, sometimes referred to as the English or British Bulldog, is a popular purebred whose origins date back to the 13th century. Equable in nature and extraordinary in appearance, the breed has been developed from its bull-baiting roots to become a universally kind and courageous companion today. Its unique physical characteristics, such as a wrinkled face, undershot jaw, and rolling gait, suggest its historic purpose as well as its surprising agility, and its determined demeanor makes it a dog that simply cannot be ignored. The Bulldog develops a deep connection with each member of the household, making it a great choice as a courageous, and comical, companion.

AKC Group

Non-Sporting

Height

14 – 15 inches

Weight

40 – 50 pounds

Lifespan

8 – 10 years

History of the Bulldog

The modern Bulldog is quite different from its ancestors, which were descended from ancient mastiff-type canines and developed entirely in England. The breed was first mentioned by name in 1500, illustrating a man with two Bulldogges, indicating the breed’s early existence. Back then, the dogs were actively involved in the violent sport of bull-baiting, where the dogs would aggressively grip the bull’s nose and vigorously shake it for sport.

Early Bulldogs were bigger and heavier than current breed, having been intentionally bred to excel at this rigorous pastime. They would crawl on their bellies to avoid the bull’s horns. Then, they’d use their powerful jaws to latch securely around the bull’s snout, refusing to let go. The dogs’ short, flat noses allowed them to breathe while maintaining their grasp, and their pain tolerance allowed them to withstand the grueling combat.

The road to recovery for the Bulldog was not without difficulties. The first Bulldog breed club was created in 1864, but it folded after only three years. The perseverance of Bulldog enthusiasts, however, triumphed, and in 1890, the Bulldog Club of America was created, setting a new standard for the breed. A Breed Standard was revised and adapted several times before finally becoming accepted in 1896.

The Bulldog’s popularity grew rapidly in the United States, eventually leading to the breed’s recognition by the American Kennel Club in 1890. Bulldogs have been popular as companion dogs ever since, achieving new heights in the 1940s and ’50s, and again in the 2010s and ’20s.

General Appearance

Height & Weight

Mature Bulldogs typically stand between 12 and 16 inches tall at the shoulder, although adult females are generally shorter than the males.

Adult males typically weigh around 50 pounds, while mature females average around 40 pounds in weight.

Proportion & Substance

The Bulldog is unforgettable, with a compact construction that differs from that of all other dog breeds. It has a deep and capacious body, well let-down between the shoulders and forelegs, giving a broad, low, and short-legged appearance overall. There is a fullness to the brisket and well-rounded ribs, and a comparatively narrow loin that contributes to the breed’s pear shape when seen from above. Despite the breed’s somewhat disparate parts and pieces, proportion and symmetry should never be compromised and no feature should be too prominent or obscure.

Coat Texture, Colors & Markings

Texture: The single coat of the Bulldog is straight, short, flat, and fine in texture, with a smooth and glossy appearance. It is close-fitting on skin that is soft and loose, especially on the head, neck, and shoulders.

A Note About Color: The Bulldog is a colorful breed, with a variety of colors and markings that make every individual a unique character. Whatever the dog’s coloration, colors are uniform, pure, and brilliant. Patterns and markings include brindle, piebald, ticking, black masks, and black tipping. All other colors and markings are unacceptable in the breed.

Head

• Skull: The skull of the Bulldog is very large and its circumference should measure at least the height of the dog at the shoulders, as measured in front of the ears. When viewed from the front, it should appear very high from the corner of the lower jaw to the peak of the skull, and it should appear quite broad and square, with well-rounded cheeks. When viewed from the side, the head has a well-defined stop and should appear very high and very short from the tip of the nose to the occiput.
• Expression: The expression is rather formidable in a way that belies the breed’s gentle and friendly disposition.
• Eyes: The eyes should be set low on a skull, as far from the ears as possible. They should be in front of the head and set wide apart. Their shape is round and their size is moderate, neither sunken nor bulging, with a very dark color. The eyelids should cover the whites of the eyes, and blue, green, or parti-colored eye(s) are unacceptable in the breed.
• Ears: Bulldog ears are relatively small-to-medium in size when compared to the overall size of the head. They are set high and folded inward at the back lower edge, with the upper front edge curving over, outward, and backward to reveal the inside of the ears. These “rose ears” are an essential characteristic of the breed, and prick, button, tulip-shaped, or fly-away ears are unacceptable.
• Muzzle: Bulldogs have a short and broad muzzle. This “brachycephalic” configuration presents a muzzle that has “lay-back” and is short in length as compared to its width. The skin on the muzzle forms wrinkles and folds, particularly around the nose and the sides of the head.
• Nose: A broad and flat nose is part of the breed’s brachycephalic facial structure. This contributes to the Bulldog’s characteristic look. The nose is large, broad, and tipped back deeply between the eyes. The nostrils should be large and wide, and the color of the nose should be black.
• Bite: The Bulldog has massive, broad, and square jaws with an undershot bite. This configuration is due to a lower jaw which projects considerably in front of the upper jaw in an upward sweep.

Tail

The Bulldog can have one of two different types of tail. Some have a tail that is straight, whereas others have a “screwed” tail. Straight tails are uniform in shape and taper towards the end. Screwed tails have well-defined bends and kinks, although these should never be elevated above the root of the tail. In either case, the tail is typically thick at the base, short, and hung low, with a decidedly downward carriage.

The Bulldog – What to Consider?

The Bulldog is typically gentle, affectionate, and good with families, making the breed an excellent choice as a companion in a variety of homes. These dogs are known for their loyalty and protective nature.; however, they can be a bit lazy and enjoy lounging around the house. They’re also known for their unique appearance, and their unusual faces can lead to respiratory issues. Bulldogs are social creatures that require regular interaction with their people. They can be prone to separation anxiety, so it’s important to ensure they’re not left alone for extended periods.

Bulldog Health

The Bulldog can be prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, skin fold infections, eye problems, and respiratory difficulties due to the shape of the breed’s muzzle. Responsible breeding practices and regular veterinary check-ups are vital for maintaining the health of the breed and welfare of every Bulldog.

The average lifespan of the Bulldog is 8 to 10 years, but with good breeding practices, proper care, a balanced diet, and regular check-ups, many can thrive beyond these years.

Potential Health Risks

The health of the Bulldog, like that of any dog, is a top priority for responsible breeders and owners. Due to the breed’s unique physical characteristics, individuals can be prone to certain health issues, including:

• Cherry Eye: Cherry eye is a condition in which the gland under the third eyelid protrudes, causing a red, swollen appearance in the corner of the eye that resembles a cherry. While it is not usually unpleasant, it can cause discomfort and irritation. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be required to relocate the gland and resolve the problem.
• Dry Eye: Also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, dry eye occurs when a dog’s tear production is insufficient, resulting in dry and irritated eyes. This can cause pain, redness, and a blue haze over the cornea. A veterinary visit is required to precisely identify the illness and supply appropriate eye drops or ointments to adequately control the symptoms.
• Entropion: This is a disorder in which a dog’s eyelashes shift inward, rubbing on the surface of the eye and causing irritation, excessive tearing, and discomfort. Corneal injury can develop in severe cases. To realign the eyelids and avoid further issues, surgical correction is frequently advised.
• Inverted or Reverse Sneezing: While not a health issue, inverted or reverse sneezing is common in Bulldogs. It occurs when nasal fluids fall down the soft palate, causing a temporary airway closure. During these instances, owners can calm their dogs by gently massaging their throats or by providing a diversion.
• Brachycephalic Syndrome: Because of the breed’s short head and restricted nostrils, some Bulldogs can be susceptible to brachycephalic syndrome, which causes obstructed airways. This might result in noisy or laborious breathing, particularly during activity or in hot temperatures. Treatment options include everything from oxygen therapy to corrective surgery to help the dog breathe better.
• Head Shakes: These present as involuntary side-to-side or up-and-down movements that may be caused by stress or low blood sugar levels. If the shaking is not caused by excitement or stress, a quick veterinary visit is recommended to rule out any underlying health conditions that are causing discomfort.
• Demodectic Mange: This is caused by mites that live naturally in a dog’s skin and hair follicles. These mites can multiply excessively in some situations, particularly when a dog’s immune system is impaired, resulting in localized or generalized skin issues. To effectively manage the disease, it is critical to seek veterinarian care as soon as possible.
• Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a condition characterized by an incorrectly formed hip joint, resulting in a poor fit between the thigh bone and hip socket. Because of the breed’s inherently shallow hip joints, some Bulldogs can show symptoms of hip dysplasia on X-rays, yet they do not necessarily experience substantial disability or pain. Controlled exercise and proper weight management can help to ease symptoms and lower the chance of joint problems.
• Patellar Luxation: Patellar luxation is a not uncommon problem in which the kneecap does not properly align within the groove of the femur. Over time, this can lead to lameness, an irregular gait, and even arthritis. Depending on the severity, treatment options range from conservative therapy to surgical repair. Regular veterinary exams are required to monitor the dog’s joint health and to determine the appropriate care that’s needed.

Bulldog Personality

One of the most striking aspects of the Bulldog’s personality is its loyalty and devotion to its family. These dogs form a deep connection with their owners and their loyalty knows no bounds. Whether it’s a quiet evening at home or an adventurous family gathering, Bulldogs will enjoy it, offering everyone a heavy dose of love and companionship.

The Bulldog’s extraordinary appearance may extrude strength, but the breed’s true nature is remarkably gentle. These dogs are known for their enthusiasm and affection, and they can sense the emotions of their owners and provide comfort and solace when needed. Their gentle nature makes them excellent family companions, including families with young children.

The breed’s characteristic inner strength contributes to its usefulness as a family companion. Bulldogs have a natural instinct to watch over their loved ones, and this protective instinct, combined with their loyalty, reinforces the strong bond that’s shared between Bulldogs and their people.

Despite the Bulldog’s often laid-back demeanor, these dogs have a playful side. They enjoy games, toys, and playtime with their family members, and their lively nature can bring joy and laughter to the household. Bulldogs, it should be noted, typically make excellent playmates for children.

Another aspect of the Bulldog’s personality is its determination. This trait has strong historical roots, as the ancestors of today’s dogs were originally bred for bull-baiting and showed outstanding courage in the face of danger. While modern Bulldogs are not involved in such activities, their resilience remains. However, this can sometimes be translated as stubbornness which can make training an interesting, if occasionally frustrating, challenge.

Bulldog Feeding & Nutrition

Feeding and nutrition are foundational components of responsible Bulldog care. The Bulldog, with its unique appearance and characteristics, requires special dietary considerations to ensure its health and well-being. They are a brachycephalic breed, characterized by their snouts and facial structures. These physical traits affect their feeding habits and digestion so the diet should be formed according to that.

The Bulldog should do well on high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared under the supervision and consent of your