English Bulldog

Country of origin

The English Bulldog was developed in England and was bred to be a bull-baiter. Bull-baiting was a harsh sport wherein dogs were asked to bite and hang on to a bull for as long as they can, usually latching themselves onto the nose of the bull. As years passed and bull-baiting became illegal, people started to breed these dogs to be shorter and stockier and were then used as companion dogs. These dogs are now very popular and are among the top choices of dog breeds that families want to buy or adopt.

Size

This short breed is usually 12 to 16 inches in height and 22 to 25 kilograms in weight. They have flat, upturned noses, loose skin, short legs, and strong, wide jaws with an underbite. With wide heads, drooping lips, and muscular builds, these dogs can look quite intimidating but are actually sweet and cuddly.

Coat

English Bulldogs have short coats and loose skin that come in colors such as white, brindle, cream, or red.

Character

These loyal dogs are great for families with children because they are affectionate, gentle, people-oriented, brave, and are patient as well as tolerant when it comes to kids’ sudden grabs, wrestling and petting. They can be stubborn and hard-headed, but can be trained with the right kind of motivation. Bulldogs make a lot of weird noises like snorting or snoring in their sleep, which actually make them pretty comedic. These dogs can be pretty lazy and can be slow learners, but training them is not impossible.

Temperament

English Bulldogs can be dominant over humans and other dogs, and must be well socialized as a puppy. These dogs could be excellent guard dog, but mostly because of their scary appearance, as they don’t really bark often. They get along well with strangers with socialization, as well as other dogs and animals, although must be supervised when interacting with a dominant dog that they might react negatively towards.

Care

The English Bulldog’s flat nose makes it prone to respiratory problems and to heat stroke. Their body structure also makes them prone to joint problems and must be properly supplemented. Their coats, having folds, must be properly cleaned in order to avoid skin problems, and their faces must be regularly wiped. They are perfect apartment dogs as they are very relaxed and prefer the indoors.

Training

It may be hard to train this breed, but it will still be beneficial for them to learn basic obedience. With the right kind of food or a favorite toy, the English Bulldog will certainly respond to your commands as long as you stay consistent and patient.

Activity

Although most Bulldogs are the epitome of a couch potatoes, they still require daily walks in order to keep him balanced. These dogs can easily gain weight, so exercise can aid in keeping them healthy. Daily walks can also keep these dogs calm for the rest of the day.