Bulldog

ATTRIBUTES: Friendly, Courageous, Calm

GROUP: Non-Sporting Group

ACIVITY LEVEL: Regular Exercise

BARKING LEVEL: When Necessary

COAT TYPE: Smooth

COAT LENGTH: Short

SHADDING: Regularly

SIZE: Medium

TRAINABILITY: Agreeable

CHARACTERISTIC: Best Dogs For Apartment Dwellers, Best Family Dogs, Medium Dog Breeds

Breed Overview

Ancestry Icon
Ancestry

Asiatic Mastiff

Origin Icon
Origin

England

Registration Icon
Registration

1886

Ancestry Icon
Size

14 - 15 Inches

Origin Icon
Weight

50 Pounds (Male)

40 Pounds (Female)

Registration Icon
Expected Life

10 - 18 Years

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY +
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
LOVE WITH CHILDREN +
Unwise
Good With Children
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS +
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
+
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
+
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
+
COAT TYPE
+
COAT LENGTH
+
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
+
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
+
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
+
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
+
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
+
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
+
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
+
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Loaf
Needs an Activity
+
COLORS
+
PATTERNS
+
CARING WITH FAMILY
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
The degree of affection a breed is likely to demonstrate towards family members or other individuals they know extensively can vary considerably. Some breeds may exhibit aloofness towards everyone except their owner whereas others tend to treat all those they are acquainted with as their closest confidante.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN
Unwise
Good With Children
The level of tolerance and patience a breed exhibits towards children's behavior in addition to their family-friendly characteristics should be taken into account. Keep in mind that it is important to supervise dogs whenever they are around young children or individuals who have limited familiarity with dogs.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
The inherent friendliness of a breed towards other dogs is an essential factor to consider. While it is crucial to supervise and carefully introduce dogs to each other certain breeds naturally exhibit a greater inclination to get along with other dogs whether it be in the comfort of their homes or out in public.
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
The quantity of fur and hair left behind by a breed is a significant factor to consider. Breeds with high shedding tend to require more frequent brushing are more likely to cause certain allergies and may entail more consistent vacuuming and reliance on lint-rollers.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
It is important to consider the grooming needs of a breed, including bathing, brushing, trimming, and other coat maintenance requirements. Take into account the time, patience, and budget you have available for such care when assessing the grooming efforts needed. Additionally, all breeds require regular nail trimming.
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
The propensity for drooling in a breed should be taken into account. If you have a preference for cleanliness and dislike when dogs leave trails of slobber on your arm or create large wet patches on your clothes breeds with a high tendency to drool may not be suitable for your preferences.
COAT STYLES GUIDE
Smooth
COAT SPECTRUM
Short
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
The level of friendliness a particular breed tends to display towards unfamiliar individuals can vary. Certain breeds may exhibit reserved or cautious behavior towards strangers regardless of the setting while other breeds may eagerly welcome the chance to meet new people whenever they are present.
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
Different breedThe degree of enthusiasm a breed exhibits towards play can vary, even beyond puppyhood. Certain breeds tend to maintain a strong desire to engage in interactive play activities like tug-of-war or fetch throughout their adult years. They will eagerly participate in these games and enjoy the physical interaction. On the other hand, some breeds are content with spending most of their time relaxing on the couch seeking a more low-key and relaxed form of companionship. s display different levels of alertness when it comes to sensing the presence of strangers. These breeds are more prone to reacting to potential threats be it the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. Moreover, they are likely to become more accepting of strangers who enter their household and are embraced by their family.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
Different breeds display different levels of alertness when it comes to sensing the presence of strangers. These breeds are more prone to reacting to potential threats be it the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. Moreover, they are likely to become more accepting of strangers who enter their household and are embraced by their family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
Different breeds have different levels of adaptability when it comes to handling change. Some breeds may readily adjust to various changes in living conditions, noise levels, weather conditions and daily schedules. They tend to be more resilient and flexible, tolerating disruptions and new experiences with relative ease. On the contrary, other breeds may find it more challenging to adapt to changes and may require a gradual and deliberate approach when introducing them to new environments or routines. It is important to consider a breed's adaptability when deciding their living arrangements and lifestyle.
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
The ease of training and the willingness to learn new things can vary among different dog breeds. Some breeds are known for their high trainability and eagerness to please their owners. They are often quick to grasp new commands and take pride in making their owners proud. These breeds tend to be responsive and motivated by positive reinforcement during training sessions.
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
The ease of training and the willingness of a dog to learn new things can vary across different breeds. Certain breeds are known for their high trainability and eagerness to please their owners. They are often quick to learn and follow commands demonstrating a strong desire to make their owners proud. On the other hand, there are breeds that may display more independent tendencies and a preference for doing things on their own terms. Training such breeds may require additional patience and consistent positive reinforcement methods to motivate them. Understanding a breed's temperament and natural inclinations can greatly influence the training approach and overall success in teaching new skills and behaviors.
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
When Necessary
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Happy to Lounge
Needs a Job or Activity
The amount of mental stimulation required to keep a breed happy and healthy can vary. Purpose-bred dogs, designed for specific jobs or tasks often have a higher need for mental stimulation. These breeds thrive when provided with opportunities for decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and engaging activities that challenge their intellect.
COLORS

.

PATTERNS

.

About The Breed

The Bulldog is known for its unique appearance and distinctive characteristics. It is a kind-hearted and courageous breed, portraying both friendliness and dignity. With its muscular build and low-set stature, this breed is instantly recognizable as a symbol of tenacity and bravery. The Bulldog's iconic features include loose skin on the head, a furrowed brow a pushed-in nose, small ears, an undershot jaw with hanging chops, and a distinctive rolling gait.

Their short, smooth and glossy coat comes in various colors and patterns. Despite weighing up to 50 pounds, Bulldogs are more than happy to curl up on your lap or make an attempt to do so. However, their laid-back nature should not be mistaken for laziness as they benefit from regular moderate exercise such as brisk walks. Maintaining a healthy weight requires a well-balanced diet for Bulldogs.

Due to their shorter snouts, Bulldogs are prone to breathing difficulties, particularly in hot and humid weather. It is recommended to keep them in air-conditioned environments during such conditions. Whether residing in urban or rural settings Bulldogs adapt well and make loyal companions.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A BULLDOG 

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Bulldog: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

Health

+

Bulldog owners must maintain vigilance to prevent their dogs from overheating. It is crucial to ensure that Bulldogs are not exposed to the hot sun for prolonged periods without supervision, shade or access to water. Leaving any dog including Bulldogs in a closed car even in mildly warm weather is highly discouraged. When a Bulldog becomes overly excited or experiences heavy breathing their tongue may protrude farther than usual and have a bluish hue rather than the normal pink color. In such cases immediate measures should be taken to cool the dog down. This can involve soaking the Bulldog with cool water and offering ice to help lower their body temperature. For further guidance on Bulldog health and care, the Bulldog Club of America provides valuable and detailed advice to owners. It is essential to prioritize the well-being of Bulldogs and take the necessary precautions to prevent overheating and ensure their comfort, particularly in hot weather conditions. 

Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association:

  • Patella Evaluation

  • Tracheal Hypoplasia Radiographic Evaluation

  • Cardiac Exam

Health

Grooming

+
To maintain the Bulldog's optimal appearance, it is recommended to gently brush its entire body for about 10 minutes, two or three times a week. During periods of excessive shedding using a rubber curry brush prior to the soft brush can be beneficial. It is important to regularly inspect the wrinkles on the Bulldog's face, ensuring that the skin remains clean and dry. To prevent any potential irritation or infection caused by trapped food or moisture it is advised to cleanse the wrinkles using a cotton ball soaked in peroxide. However, it is essential to avoid contact with the eyes. Applying cornstarch afterwards aids in the drying process. Additionally, it is crucial to keep the ears and the area under the tail clean, and the dog's nails should be trimmed approximately every two weeks. By following these guidelines diligently, you can ensure that your Bulldog looks and feels its best. Please repeat this routine 10 times for maximum effectiveness.
Health

Exercise

+
Bulldogs have a naturally calm demeanor and find great joy in lounging by their owners' feet. However, they also delight in occasional playful frolics and going for walks. It is important to provide them with moderate exercise in order to keep them in shape. On exceptionally hot days it is advisable to keep Bulldogs in the coolness of an air-conditioned environment. They have short muzzles which can make breathing challenging in hot and humid conditions. Additionally, it is crucial to be cautious around stairs and pools as they pose significant safety risks for Bulldogs. While Bulldogs may enjoy splashing in shallow water it is imperative to closely supervise them and ensure the water level does not exceed the height of their elbows.
Health

Training

+
Bulldogs possess a gentle and affectionate nature, displaying loyalty and an eagerness to please their owners. Like any dog, it is essential to expose them to various social situations early on to ensure proper development. Enrolling them in puppy training classes is highly recommended as it not only aids in their training but also teaches owners how to address undesirable behaviors effectively. Bulldogs have a natural inclination to chew and it is important to provide them with suitable chew toys throughout their lives. Engaging them in a game of tug-of-war can also be enjoyable but it is crucial to teach them to release objects on command from an early age. Furthermore, it is beneficial to introduce Bulldogs to having people approach and handle their food while eating to prevent possessiveness issues from developing.
Health

Nutrition

+
To ensure the best nutrition for Bulldogs, it is advised to provide them with a high-quality dog food, either commercially produced or prepared at home with the supervision and approval of a veterinarian. The choice of diet should be appropriate for the dog's specific life stage whether they are puppies, adults or seniors. Bulldogs are prone to gaining weight easily, so it is crucial to monitor their calorie intake and maintain a healthy weight for them. While treats can be helpful for training overindulgence can lead to obesity, so it's important to be mindful of the quantity given. It is vital to educate oneself about which human foods are safe for dogs and which should be avoided. If there are any concerns regarding the dog's weight or diet consulting a veterinarian is recommended. Additionally, clean and fresh water should always be readily available for Bulldogs.

Historiography

According to historical evidence, Bulldogs were originally bred in 13th-century England during the reign of King John. They were specifically created for the gruesome 'sport' of bullbaiting, where a bull tethered to a stake would fight against a pack of dogs while spectators bet on the outcome. The early ancestors of Bulldogs were fierce and fearless, exhibiting massive jaws and seemingly impervious to pain.In 1835, a significant turning point occurred with the banning of animal blood sports in England. As bullbaiting went underground, giving way to underground pit-dog fighting a different type of dog was required. Gamblers began crossing Bulldogs with various terrier breeds to create quicker and more animated fighters. This led to the development of early prototypes for breeds like the Bull Terrier and Staffordshire bull terrier which are still popular today.

With the decline of bullbaiting, the Bulldog faced the threat of extinction. Bulldog enthusiasts started a lengthy process to transform the breed from a fighter to a companion. They refined the physical characteristics to enhance attractiveness and also worked to temper the Bulldog's ferociousness, reimagining the breed as a gentle and affectionate pet, particularly fond of children. Their efforts proved successful and in 1886, the Bulldog was officially recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club).

The Bulldog has since become a national symbol of England. During World War II, the similarities between the Bulldog's tenacity and the Prime Minister Winston Churchill's tenacity were often emphasized. In America, Bulldogs serve as mascots for various sports teams including Yale University, where the Bulldog mascot named Handsome Dan was believed to be the first animal mascot in all of sports. Another famous Bulldog football mascot is Uga who enjoys the University of Georgia Bulldogs' games from the comfort of an air-conditioned doghouse on the sidelines. The Bulldog is also recognized as the distinctive face of the Mack Truck Company and the U.S. Marine Corps.

Blog Spotlight