The bulldog is a breed of dog that emerged from England. Its Latin name is Canis familiaris. It is also known by the alternative names of English bulldog or British bulldog. The bulldog is a small but heavyset breed with a condensed body and dwarfish, muscular limbs. It has a waddle-like movement because of its shape. English bulldogs are known to “frown”, owing to their short muzzles and the flabby skin on their faces, and this “frown” has become the identification of the breed.
The English Bulldog has an interesting lineage of history. It originated from the ancient Mastiffs that hailed from Asia, which were transported to Europe by nomads. Mastiffs were bred for their ruthlessness in fighting, holding, and knocking down hostile prey. In the early 13th century, the bulldog was bred for bullbaiting and bearbaiting. Bullbaiting was a favourite betting sport in the 17th century, in which disciplined bulldogs sprung at a bull chained to a post, closed up on its snout and tried to stifle it. After the tradition of bullbaiting was prohibited in England in 1835, the bulldogs were transported to America and Germany, where they aided in spawning the Boxer. The bulldogs in England were interbred with Pug Dogs to father the modern English bulldog. It was the American Kennel Club that first registered the English bulldog in 1934.
The bulldog is a meek, sociable, and faithful pet, with a playful portion of stubbornness. They are very lively as puppies, and age to be calm adults.
Well-known for their diligence, the bulldog is a representation of England, and a favourite mascot of universities, military institutions, and other organisations.
Some of the universities that have made the English bulldog their mascot include:
The Mississippi State University
The University of Georgia
South Carolina State University
Western Illinois University
Yale University
Truman State University
The English bulldog is also a mascot for sports teams such as:
The British Bulldogs WWF wrestling team
Central District Football Club
Western Bulldogs
Hamilton Bulldogs
Canterbury Bulldogs
The military and other organisations that have accepted the English bulldog as their mascot comprise:
U.S. Marine Corps
U.S. 3d Infantry Division
The Citadel
Victory Records
The English bulldog has been featured in a number of movies and theatrical cartoon series. The most famous example of this is Spike the bulldog, and his son Tyke, in the cartoon series, Tom and Jerry.
Contrary to popular belief, the English bulldog is not a nasty breed, and they cope well with people, including children and elderly and other pets. Though they look tough, they are not so. They are aware of their strength and are sure of themselves. Some people blame the bulldog to be lethargic, but its exaggerated features hinder their movements. Even when they appear to be asleep or resting, they take serious note of the happenings around them. Their marvellous talent for observation is commendable.
The male bulldog usually weighs around 50 pounds, and the female about 40 pounds. They grow up to a size of 12-14 inches. English bulldogs need regular exercise and are ill-famed for their snoring.
Owing to their facial features, bulldogs are inclined to have breathing problems. Hence they must be closely supervised in hot weather, as they are susceptible to suffering from heat stroke.
Other health issues affecting the bulldog are:
cherry eye
gastric torsion and bloat
eczema
allergic reactions
diarrhoea and vomiting
internal parasites
external parasites
A competent English bulldog breeder will answer buyers’ questions, keep puppies he cannot sell, and replace or take back a puppy that falls short of its expectations.
Obedience training clubs, veterinarians, groomers, boarding kennel operators, and pet supply outlets are invaluable roots of information about good English bulldog breeders.
A devoted English bulldog breeder will want to know about the home and family that his puppies are going to, and will bombard you with questions of his own. One must remember to ask the English bulldog breeder about the diseases that affect the breed, and names of previous puppy buyers.
The Internet is a great way to locate an English bulldog breeder. You can even read up on their credentials and testimonials to ensure that they are dependable.
Breeders Domain offers a direct connection to quality, responsible English Bulldog Breeders in the United States and Canada. We have an extensive directory of English Bulldog Puppies for Sale and English Bulldog Breeders. The majority of our English Bulldog Breeders offer health guarantees and nationwide shipping of their puppies to approved homes. Breeders Domain is also an excellent source of information about the English Bulldog breed, general health concerns and photos of English Bulldog puppies and adults
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