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Bulldog
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A Bulldog, also known as British Bulldog or English Bulldog, is a
breed of dog which traces its ancestry to England. It should not be
confused with other varieties such as the American Bulldog or the
French Bulldog, which have a similar appearance.
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Description
Appearance
The bulldog is a breed with characteristically thick shoulders and a
matching head. There are generally thick folds of blubber on a
bulldog's brow, followed by round, black, eyes that are far apart, a
short muzzle, drooping lips, and the pointy teeth.
In the US, the size of a typical mature male is about 50 pounds and
that for mature females is about 40 pounds. In the United Kingdom,
the breed standard is 55 pounds for a male and 50 pounds for a
female, though it is not uncommon for males to be 60 pounds.
While some canine breeds require their tails to be cut or "cropped"
soon after birth, bulldogs are one of very few breeds whose tail is
naturally short and curled. A longer or "gay" tail is a serious fault in
a show bulldog.
Temperament
Despite their famous "sourmug" expression, bulldogs are generally
docile although can prove to be very fast movers over a short
distance. They are friendly and gregarious but occasionally willful.
The phrase "stubborn as a bulldog" is loosely rooted in fact.
Breeders have worked to breed aggression out of the breed, and
as such the dog is known to be of generally good temperament.
Bulldogs can be so attached to home and family that they will not
venture out of the yard without a human companion. Due to their
friendly nature bulldogs are known for getting along well with
children, other dogs and pets.
A bulldog is suitable for houses as well as apartments due to their
size. Most bulldogs are content to walk at most half a mile and thus
may suit a less-active person. They are not excitable, seldom bark,
and are easily trainable as compared with many other breeds.
Health
Some individuals of this breed are prone to interdigital cysts, which
are cysts that form between the toes. These cause the dog some
discomfort, but are treatable either by vet or an experienced owner.
Other problems can include cherry eye, a protrusion of the inner
eyelid (which can be corrected by a veterinarian), certain allergies,
and hip issues in older bulldogs. However, bulldogs are bred to be
bowlegged in the hind-legs and thus do not usually develop hip
dysplasia.
Puppies are frequently delivered by Caesarean section because
their characteristically large heads can become lodged in the
mother's birth canal during natural birth. However, it is not entirely
uncommon for a bulldog to whelp naturally and successfully.
The folds or "rope" on a Bulldog's face should be cleaned daily to
avoid unwanted infections caused by moisture accumulation. Also,
some bulldogs' naturally curling tails can be so tight to the body as
to require regular cleaning and a bit of ointment.
Like all dogs, bulldogs require daily exercise. If not properly
exercised it is possible for a bulldog to become overweight, which
could lead to heart and lung problems, as well as joint issues.
Bulldogs are extremely sensitive to heat. Extra caution should be
practiced in warmer climates and during summer months. Bulldogs
must be given plenty of shade and water, and must be kept out of
standing heat.
In January 2009, after the BBC documentary Pedigree Dogs
Exposed, the The Kennel Club introduced revised breed standards
for the British Bulldog, along with 209 other breeds, to address
health concerns. Opposed by the British Bulldog Breed Council, it
was speculated by the press that the changes would lead to a
smaller head, less skin folds, a longer muzzle, and a taller thinner
posture, in order to combat perceived problems with respiration
and with breeding due to head size and posture.
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Bulldog
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Country of origin
England
Weight
40-65 lb
Height
11-16 in
Coat
Smooth and short
Color
Range, tri-color most
common
Life span
9-11 years
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Purebred six month-old Bulldog puppy
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