The Versatile Bulldog

This article was originally published in Showsight Magazine, June 2017 issue.

The Versatile Bulldog

The Bulldog is considered to be a classic symbol of courage and tenacity. They are a breed of dog universally recognized as one of gentle devotion and endless fascination.

This breed undeniably has a long and fascinating history, believed to have been a part of Britain’s canine population for well over 1500 years. Historians agree the Bulldog owes its name to the fact they were once used to guard, control, and bait bulls. The sport of bull baiting continued for centuries until declared illegal in 1835.

With no “job” left to do, the Bulldog nearly became extinct in the years following the ban. Fortunately, true fanciers focused on breeding the Bulldog for its worthwhile virtues and qualities, which we see and appreciate in the modern Bulldog of today. After a few starts and stops, an official Bulldog Club was formed in England in 1875, and an official Standard was finalized.

The Standard used in the United States and Canada today is the closest to the original Standard approved by the Bulldog Club Inc. (England). The Bulldog Club of America (BCA) is adamantly opposed to any changes.

Today, the Bulldog is frequently seen in movies, commercials, television shows, and on social media, often with their famous owners. Known for their congenial and people-pleasing personalities, Bulldogs have become one of the superstars of the dog world, and their popularity reflects this status.

Bulldogs are a breed that cannot be easily defined as fitting into one mold. They come in many sizes and a variety of colors and color patterns. They can be bold and outgoing or shy and reserved. The Bulldog can be as active as is required of a normal family pet or be made into a lazy couch potato.

One thing is certain: no matter where you go, the Bulldog always draws public attention with its wrinkled, clownish face.

The Bulldog is not a breed for someone who needs a long-distance jogging companion or a dog to go hunting or swimming. Even though the Bulldog may be notorious for shedding, chewing, and exhibiting excess flatulence, they are actually a dog of many talents and are surprisingly versatile.

The Bulldog may be a family friend and loyal companion or a clown who is an expert in a variety of activities, from skateboarding to snowboarding. Bulldogs are mascots for more than forty American colleges and universities, as well as the United States Marine Corps and many businesses.

Two Bulldogs have called the White House home. Presidents Calvin Coolidge and Warren Harding both owned Bulldogs during their presidencies.

Bulldogs serve as both service dogs and therapy dogs. Service dogs are defined as “any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.” Just ask Rebecca Burlage of Mineral, VA.

Confined to a wheelchair with a number of disabilities, Rebecca’s constant Bulldog companion, Diesel-Joker, confirms how amazing and trainable a Bulldog can be. Diesel-Joker opens doors, helps her dress, brings her tools, and helps her get in and out of her chair. Diesel-Joker is truly an amazing dog; he accompanies Rebecca on speaking engagements at schools and churches, where the topic is “Being Successful and Never Giving Up.”

Bulldogs have, in recent years, become valuable members of Paws and Stripes, an organization that provides veterans with service dogs. These Bulldogs live with family members and assist veterans dealing with PTSD and other mental and cognitive disabilities.

A number of organizations qualify dogs, including the Bulldog, as therapy dogs. These dogs are trained to give comfort and relieve loneliness and boredom. Bulldogs visit nursing homes, hospitals, psychiatric wards, shelters, and schools, providing a welcome change in routines and forming lasting friendships with patients.

At the performance level, Bulldogs are not just another pretty face in the conformation ring. Their inherent strength and vigor have led Bulldogs to successfully compete in rally, coursing, carting, and agility. This versatile breed can be a wonderful performance companion.

Bulldogs consistently earn titles in all manner of sports, from flyball to weight pulls, dock-diving, and freestyle dance. Bulldogs were among the first breeds to earn the new Coursing Ability title offered by the American Kennel Club. Bulldogs have earned invitations to prestigious national competitions in obedience, rally, and agility—and have represented their breed well.

As people recognize the versatility of the Bulldog, popularity has surged in recent years. According to AKC, they consistently rank in the top ten breeds.

Unfortunately, this popularity has created many problems for the breed, mainly in subpar-quality dogs being bred to fill the demand. There has been a culture of acceptance that has evolved over the years, implying that the Bulldog is inherently unhealthy due almost completely to its unique conformation and ultimately the official standard for excellence.

The casual breeder often regards health issues as “typical” for the breed and propagates these health issues by careless breeding practices. Accepting buyers have been told for decades that these health problems are somehow “normal” for the breed, and veterinarians see the result of these careless practices in droves.

There is a growing trend among breeders to produce “designer colors.” The Standard calls black undesirable, and the new dilute colors are equally undesirable. Producing undesirable colors for retail, without focusing on health and temperament, is creating dogs destined for problems.

The reality is that it should never be expected that a Bulldog will be unhealthy. We live in an age of progressive technology, with health testing techniques and genetic research more advanced than ever.

The Bulldog Club of America (BCA) actively promotes health testing for all breeding stock. The BCA is a CHIC member and requires tests for cardiac, patella, and trachea. Recommended but not required tests include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, autoimmune thyroiditis, CERF or OFA for eyes, BAER for deafness, and Hyperuricosuria.

The BCA has implemented the Ambassador for Health program, which rewards dogs for their participation in health testing. Many top performance and conformation winners have achieved platinum status—the highest award.

There is an active campaign among concerned fanciers to perpetuate the breed as it was originally intended and described by the Standard—a vigorous, sound, and healthy dog free of medical conditions that would diminish its quality of life. This requires no change to the official Standard.

When considering a Bulldog, puppy or adult, patience is key. Before adding a Bulldog to your home, do extensive research on the breed. The Bulldog Club of America offers the Breed Standard, breeder referral services, and other educational information at: www.bulldogclubofamerica.org.