The
Bulldog is small in stature, but wide and
compact, with a thick, massive head. Its
head should be broad (the broader the more
prized) 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
gain has become a waddle.
Temperament
Although
the English Bulldogs 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.
Bullheaded and stubborn, this breed can
be very persistent. They do not give up
easily. Bulldogs are very much a peoples
dog seeking out human attention and loving
every bit it can get!! A lot of human
attention is required for the breed's happiness.
Some English Bulldogs can be a bit dominating
and need an owner who knows how to display
strong leadership and understands alpha
canine behavior.A Bulldog who understands
it's *place* in the human pack, is nice
to, and reliable with all people.
This breed is good with family pets, but
some can be scrappy with strange dogs.
When Bulldogs are young, they are full of
energy, but slow down as they get older.
They snore very loudly, and most have drool
and slobber tendencies.
Height,
Weight
Height:
about 12-16 inches (31-40 cm.) (there is
no prescribed height, but shorter Bulldogs
are more prized when being shown) Weight: Dogs 53-55 pounds (24-25kg.)
Bitches 49-51 pounds (22-23kg.)
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. Susceptible to skin
infections. Also hip and knee problems.
Living
Conditions
The
English 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
Some
adult Bulldogs would just as soon not take
any exercise, while others are full of energy.
In any case all Bulldogs need to be taken
on daily walks to fulfill their primal canine
instinct to walk. Fit English Bulldogs are
capable of moving very quickly for short
periods of time.
Life
Expectancy
An
average of 8 years. Some live longer while
others live shorter lives.
Litter
Size
4
- 5 puppies - As a result of this breed's
large head they are prone to needing a caesarian
section
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.
