Bulldogs are good pets and function well in apartments and homes without a yard. They are popular, non-sporting dogs with little endurance and a wrinkly face. If you are looking for a very laid-back, fun dog that keeps their mellow personality through adulthood, a Bulldog may be the right breed for you!
Characteristics of Bulldogs
The Bulldog is a muscular, heavy dog. They are well known for their wrinkled face and pushed-in nose. Additionally, they have a large head, high-set ears, a short, broad muzzle, and deep-set eyes along with a crab-like waddle and a straight or screwed tail hung low and short.
Bulldogs can be civil with other pets in the house but very aggressive with dogs they are unfamiliar with. They are strong powerhouses with short, stocky, and muscular legs. Their coat is fine-textured and short, with various color patterns, including red, fallow, brindle, and piebald.
The sizes of male and female Bulldogs are pretty similar. Males tend to get to a height of 17 inches at the shoulders and weigh an average of 54 pounds. Females will grow to about 16 inches at the shoulders and weigh an average of 50 pounds. The lifespan of Bulldogs is about 6.5 to 11 years.
A Bulldog's personality is gentle and sweet. They are predictable, dependable, and a great pet and protector. They seek moderate human attention and are social pets. Their demeanors are courageous but not vicious, and they stand with dignity.
Bulldogs only need a small amount of exercise. They do best in mild climates. They often can overheat and can have breathing difficulties in hot weather. They get cold easily in chilly temperatures. They are loud breathers and can wheeze and snore. The U.S. Marines, England, University of Georgia, Yale University, and many other schools chose the Bulldog to be their mascot due to their proud and mighty appearance.
Caring for Bulldogs
Bulldog care is relatively easy. Because the Bulldog is a short-haired dog, brushing them with a soft brush two or three times a week will keep the Bulldog neat. The wrinkles in the Bulldog's face need to be checked and cleaned often. Food or moisture can build up in that area and cause abrasions and infection. The skin should be clean and dry. A cotton ball with peroxide can be used to clean the wrinkles, and cornstarch can be used to dry it up afterward. Be sure to not get the peroxide in their eyes.
Some Bulldogs have a tight corkscrew-type tail that has a deep pocket of skin fold where dirt and debris can accumulate, causing tail-fold dermatitis. To avoid this, keep the areas under and around your Bulldog's tail clean. Be sure to also keep their ears clean and their nails trimmed every three to four weeks at most.
Keep in mind that this breed has a tendency to drool, which can leave rings of slobber on your legs and clothing. If your dog has light-colored fur, you may also notice reddish stains. These are caused by saliva and tears that contain iron-rich substances called porphyrins.
A Bulldog does very well with high-quality food. If you want to prepare a home-cooked meal for your pet, speak to your veterinarian first. Their diet should be tailored to the Bulldog's age. Bulldogs tend to be overweight, so their weight and calorie consumption should be monitored. This is especially true when giving treats because you want to avoid obesity. Fresh, clean water should always be within their reach.
Since Bulldogs are very mellow, they do not mind relaxing at their owner’s feet. But they do enjoy occasional walks and romps through the neighborhood. A moderate amount of exercise will help the Bulldog to remain fit.
Hot weather days are hard for a Bulldog, and heatstroke can lead to a medical emergency. They have a short muzzle, so breathing is difficult in heat and humidity. Therefore, they should spend hot days in the air conditioning. Because of their short legs, Bulldogs should stay away from stairs and pools. They can wade in shallow water but never in water deeper than their elbows.
Health Problems to Watch for With Bulldogs
Almost 75% of bulldogs are affected by hip dysplasia, a condition in which a dog's thigh bone doesn't fit in the socket. A luxating patella, or out-of-place kneecap, is another orthopedic condition found in Bulldogs.
Bulldogs can snore profusely and pant heavily. Many also have allergies, mainly caused by dust mites, pollen, grasses, or certain foods. Bulldogs can also be inflicted with skin disorders, such as mange (caused by mites). Bulldogs often experience “cherry eye,” a prolapsed third inner eyelid caused by a weak tear gland. Some Bulldogs are likely to get cysts between their toes called interdigital cysts. This can cause discomfort but is easily treatable.
The top causes of death in Bulldogs are cardiac-related diseases, cancers, and old age — with those dying of old age living to about 11 years.
Over 80% of Bulldog litters must be delivered by Caesarean section. This is due to their large head's tendency to become trapped in the birth canal. Their large heads eventually grow into large bodies that can become obese if not properly exercised. This can lead to heart and lung problems and joint stress.
Being obese can also lead to overheating, and they could die from hyperthermia. If Bulldogs get overexcited or breathe too hard, the tongue can hang out unusually far and have a bluish color instead of pink. To cool the dog down, immediately soak your pet in cool water and give them some ice. Prevent hypothermia by monitoring your dog's temperature with a rectal thermometer. You can also spray the paw pads with rubbing alcohol. If your pet is experiencing heatstroke, it should be taken to a vet hospital or ER immediately.
Following a BBC documentary in January 2009, The Kennel Club revised breeding standards to deal with health concerns. The press speculated that the proposed standards would lead to fewer skin folds, a smaller head, thinner posture, and a longer muzzle. Though this would deal with problems associated with having puppies and breathing issues, the British Bulldog Breed Council rejected the changes.
Bulldogs need mental stimulation as a breed to stay healthy and happy. As a result, they can handle jobs that use decision-making, concentration, or other qualities.
Special Considerations for Bulldogs
A likable character and size make Bulldogs great companions for kids. They will put up with a lot from a child and will simply walk away if it has had too much.
Teach your kids how to touch dogs correctly. Parents should watch both kids and dogs closely to prevent ear and tail pulling from the kids or biting from the dog. A kid should also be taught never to bother a Bulldog while it is sleeping or to try to take its food away. Bulldogs generally get along with other pets but can be combative with unfamiliar dogs.
Bulldogs are devoted and want to please their owner, but as with all breeds, early socialization is important. Training classes are important for puppies and owners as well. This is so they can bond, and the owner can learn how to stop bad behaviors early on. For example, Bulldogs like to play games such as tug-of-war. However, they should be taught to let go on command.
There are several different types of Bulldogs. These are 5 popular types, listed in alphabetical order:
- American Bulldogs
- Dogue De Bordeaux
- English Bulldogs
- French Bulldogs
- Olde English Bulldogs
While all Bulldogs are descendants of common ancestry, each breed of Bulldog is different and has its own unique set of physical and personality traits. For example, Bulldogs with faces that are less squished do not suffer from breathing problems and are considered healthier than shorter-nosed Bulldogs. Some of the healthiest breeds of Bulldog are the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog and the Victorian Bulldog.
History of Bulldogs
Bulldogs were named for their involvement in the sport of bull baiting. They seem to have originated somewhere in the British Isles before the 13th century. An early reference to sports goes back to 1209 and mentions a butcher’s dog chasing another dog through Stamford in England. The sight pleased the earl of the town, and he made bull baiting an official sport in the area.
Historically, Bulldogs were created during the reign of King John for bull baiting. Bull baiting was when a restrained bull fought a pack of dogs while watched by spectators. The Bulldogs used their huge jaws, brave personality, and ability to be almost resistant to pain.
Eventually, England banned blood sports in 1835, and the practice moved to the underground. This led to cellar fighting with pit dogs. The quicker, more active dog required for this sport eventually gave way to the Bulldogs of the early 19th century. Gamblers bred these prized fighters by crossbreeding Bulldogs with different terriers. This eventually led to dogs such as the Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and various other dogs that are still popular today.
Since bull baiting had been permanently stopped, the Bulldog was almost extinct at one point. Fans of the dog then began breeding them to be more of a companion than a fighter. They also bred for changes that made the dog more attractive. They trained the dog to leave behind its ferociousness and become a more mellow pet that loved kids.
By 1886, the breed was recognized on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean by the American Kennel Club. Since then, the Bulldog has become a very popular family dog. The Bulldog has been a national symbol for England and several sports teams.
