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The Bulldog is instantly recognisable the world over. Famed for its strength and tenacious spirit it is the original British dog. Its history goes back hundreds of years, having been bred for baiting bulls and even bears, their jaws fashioned to allow them to hang onto the nose of the bull, whilst the wrinkles channel the blood away from their eyes to allow them to see.
When Bull Baiting was officially banned in 1835 it threatened the future of this courageous and powerful dog. Fortunately a group of dedicated owners set about preserving the breed, and the breed standard was formed. The dogs were bred to breed out the terrier element, and make them into loyal dependable family companion dogs. Although they retain a powerful appearance that commands respect, they are in fact gentle and loving, and excellent with children.
They are not the easiest to train being as stubborn as the proverbial mule. They have big heads which they would have you believe are almost empty. They are ‘selectively deaf’ when they want to be, and are adverse to the word ‘no’
They are happiest in the house at their master’s feet, or even better snoring on the sofa, and boy can they snore!
They will chew, clear the room with one evil ‘puff’ and occasionally slobber when they think something tasty is coming their way. Like most dogs they seem to think with their stomachs, and care needs to be taken not to let them become too heavy.
Our Bulldogs all get on well with each other, but are fed separately as they can squabble over food. If kept in good health, they should live 8 to 10 years, but can live a little longer.
There are several health problems, which the potential owner should acquaint themselves with.
Dogs cannot sweat apart from on their feet, so they lose body heat by panting. Bulldogs are brachycephalic. (short faced) and since their airway is shorter it is less efficient at losing heat. This makes them prone to overheating, especially if lying in the sun, or in a hot car or conservatory. If left unchecked it can rapidly result in death.
For this reason walk them in the cooler mornings or evenings and avoid the midday heat.
Bulldogs can also suffer a range of breathing problems, eye conditions such as Entropian and cherry eye, heart murmurs and more. Bulldogs are not good with anesthetic, so a vet experienced with bulldogs should be sought.
Insurance is a wise precaution as vets fees can be very expensive.
Having said all of that, once you have had a Bulldog, life is not complete without one !
In 1875 the oldest bulldog club was formed 'the Bulldog Club Incorperated'and it is still the foremost club today,with approximately 20 more clubs throughout the country, serious breeders and exhibitors in the show world work for the love and protection of the breed, improving the health problems associated with the breed.
The character of bulldogs