ENGLISH BULLDOG

Description:
Gentle, friendly, and adoring, with a mischievous dose of stubbornness, the English Bulldog is incessantly loyal to its family.


Bulldog resting
It usually gets along well with other animals, is particularly fond of children, and does best indoors. Highly spirited as a puppy, the English Bulldog grows up to be a calm adult. The breed prefers not to exercise, can easily overheat, and is prone to drooling and snoring.

History/Origin:
The English Bulldog descended from ancient Mastiffs that originated in Asia and were brought to Europe by nomads. Mastiffs were bred for ferocity in fighting, holding, or bringing down aggressive prey.


The Bulldog was bred in the early 13th Century for bull baiting. The short muzzle and wide lower jaw were needed for the dog to clamp itself to the bull's nose like a vise, and the nose had to be upturned so that the dog could still breathe while clinging to the bull. It is mentioned in many historical works, most notably, in Shakespeare's King Henry VI. When animal baiting contests were outlawed in England in 1835, these Bulldogs were increasingly exported to America and also to Germany, where they helped create the Boxer. The last of the working Bulldogs in England were crossed with Pug Dogs to create a stocky, docile, family pet-known today as the English Bulldog. The breed was first registered by the American Kennel Club in 1934 in the non-sporting group and today is a popular show dog throughout the world.

Height: 12 - 14 inches

Weight: 50 - 55 lbs.

Colors:
Uniform color, red brindle, reds; sometimes with a black muzzle
Coat:
Short and smooth

Temperament:
Affectionate, but sometimes stubborn; great with kids

Care and Exercise:
Regular brushing with a rough cloth and minimal exercise. Care should be taken not to over feed as he would prefer not to take any exercise. Special care to powder his fold and wrinkles and under his tail during hot weather. Should not be over exerted in hot weather. He does not make a good dog for the obedience enthusiast.

Health Issues:
Never leave this dog in a hot car or hot, unventilated area -- they easily overheat. The English Bulldog does drool and snore.

Category: Non-sporting

Registries: UCA, AKC, CKC, FCI (Group 2), KC (GB)

Living Environment: Indoor