Mary Allen
The English bulldog is an ancient dog breed from Great Britain and is considered the epitome of courage, endurance, and composure in its home country. In the profile, you get information about the history, character, and attitude of the dog breed.
History of the English Bulldog
The English Bulldog is a British breed of dog that was first bred in the 17th century. However, the origin of stocky dogs can be found much earlier. According to one theory, the British crossed their mastiff-like dogs with Phoenician Molossians as early as the 6th century BC. These dogs are first mentioned in the 13th century under the name “Bandog”. It owes its name “Bulldog” to its original use in bullfights. For this reason, breeders attached great importance to a short snout as well as courage and aggressiveness. This allowed the dogs to bite the bulls’ noses and continue to breathe freely.
When the British government outlawed fighting in 1835, bulldog numbers fell sharply. As a result, breeders placed a higher value on peaceful dogs. The dogs developed into good companions for British gentlemen and are still very popular there today. In the United States, the breed has ranked among the top 10 most popular dog breeds for years. The FCI assigns English dogs to Group 2 “Pinscher and Schnauzer – Molossoid – Swiss Mountain Dogs” in Section 2.1 “Great Dane Dogs”.
Essence and Character
Due to its origin as a fighting dog, the English bulldog has retained a courageous and confident personality. However, it is by no means aggressive but is now considered a loving and friendly breed with a frugal nature. The Bullys are not disturbed by anything and have an extremely high stimulus threshold. If they deem it necessary, the dogs can react at lightning speed and protect their family or defend their territory. They are never aggressive and calm down quickly. Bulldogs are affectionate and loyal family dogs that get along well with children. However, some members of the breed can be stubborn and stubborn. The dogs do not tolerate rejection and want to be full members of the family. They also like to contribute to the amusement of their humans in order to gain praise and attention.
The Appearance of the English Bulldog
The English bulldog is a stocky, stocky dog that is relatively heavy for its size. He has a broad chest and a comparatively narrow rear. The head is large in relation to the body and massive with a short snout. The breed is characterized by loose, wrinkled skin on the head. The so-called “rose ears” are set high and stand wide apart. The tail sits low and is slightly curved towards the end. The short, smooth coat is fine and soft to the touch. The most common colors are fawn, fawn, white, and all shades of red, as well as brindle and piebald.
Education of the Puppy
When raising an English bulldog puppy, trust and consistency play a major role. The Bulldog is not a submissive dog that sometimes wants to obstinately get its way. It is particularly important to take the occasional stubbornness with humor and not to give up. Set clear rules for the dog at a young age. Basically, the Bully tries to please his people but prefers to follow commands that make sense to him. If he doesn’t want to, it’s difficult to convince him. With a positive and consistent upbringing, however, you will get a loyal companion and friend for life.
Activities with the English Bulldog
The English bulldog is a rather easygoing dog that loves to lie on the sofa. Still, he needs daily walks to stay fit and healthy. He has no pronounced hunting instinct and is a frugal and uncomplicated companion in everyday life. A well-behaved Bully can easily come with you on vacation, to go shopping, or to a restaurant. The dogs are not suitable for ambitious people who want to do dog sports successfully. Their stocky physique and flat nose make it difficult for them to exercise. But they can be enthusiastic about little games and tricks.
Health and Care
The English bulldog is a low-maintenance dog that you only need to comb every now and then. Unfortunately, however, there are many breeders who breed their dogs with no regard for their health. Although the British Kennel Club changed the breed standard in 2009, many animals suffer from health problems. The deep, overlapping facial lines can cause inflammation and the short snout makes breathing difficult. Due to their stocky physique and relaxed nature, dogs also tend to become overweight quickly. Most Bulldogs gobble their bowl down in seconds. Then they beg with a sad look for you to refill the bowl. So make sure not to overfeed the dog and give it enough exercise.
Is the English Bulldog Right for Me?
English bulldog husbandry is not as demanding as other breeds. The undemanding dog feels comfortable in an apartment as long as he can go for daily walks. A cozy dog bed or a place to cuddle on the sofa is just as important for the Bully as exercise. A well-behaved Bulldog can easily be left alone for a few hours without doing anything. However, keep in mind that like any other dog, he also needs a lot of time and attention. Due to their easy-going character, the dogs also bring calm to the stressful everyday life and are like balm for the stressed soul. So if you want an affectionate and loving dog with a will of its own, you can’t go wrong with a Bulldog.