Bulldog

Breed Type: Non-sporting

Weight: 50 lbs for Males, 40 lbs for Females

Height: 12 to 15 inches

Bulldog, also known as the British bulldog, or English bulldog, is one of the strong, reliable, loving, loyal and brave breeds of dog. Tracing its roots back to England, the breed is often confused with the American and French versions, as all of them have a similar appearance. One of the most favorable characteristics of Bulldog is its adaptable nature that makes it extremely friendly and affable. Though they might look dangerous, bulldogs make loving and caring companions. To know more about the history, appearance and personality of Bulldogs, read through the following lines.

History
There is no definite information about the origin of Bulldogs as a breed of dogs. According to a theory, Bulldogs were bred in England as a cross between the mastiff and the pug, around 1568. In 1600s, the canines were used by the wagers for bullbaiting as well as bearbaiting, a gambling sport wherein trained bulldogs leapt at a bull lashed to a post, latched onto its snout and attempted to suffocate it. Apart from being used in the field of sports, Bulldog was also used as part of a city-wide roundup effort led by governor Richard Nicolls. Since wild bulls proved to be risky and unsafe, bulldogs were trained to grab hold of a bull.

The English bulldog was bred with the pug, thereby giving birth to a shorter and wider version of dog that had a brachycephalic skull. This is the sole reason why even though the bulldog looks tough; it cannot perform the tasks for which it was created initially. The Bulldog Club was one of the oldest single breed specialty clubs that was formed in 1878. Thirteen years later, in 1891, a competition was held between the two top bulldogs, Orry and Dockleaf, in order to know which of them could walk the farthest. While the former was more like the initial bulldogs with a lighter boned and athletic build, the latter was smaller and heavier just like the ones found today. Dockleaf emerged triumphant in the competition, thereby proving to be as fit and athletic as Orry.

Appearance
Characterized by a stout and sturdy body, Bulldogs mostly have a small but wide and compact stature, with a thick, massive head. While the head should be extremely broad, the cheeks should be one that falls to the sides of the eyes. Bulldogs have a short muzzle, with a broad black nose that has large nostrils. Its ears are small and thin, folded back in the form of a rose. The skin of the canine is one that falls in dense folds with a short smooth and tight fitting coat that is varies in red, fawn, brindle, pale yellow, washed-out red or white or even a combination of any the above. It has stocky legs that are set squarely at each corner of its compact, muscular body. Bulldogs usually have a docked tail that is usually carried high.

Personality
People usually get baffled by the look of the dog. However, you might be surprised to know that Bulldogs are the gentlest amongst all dogs. Vivacious, energetic and spirited, their energies slow down as they get older. Extremely affectionate and dependable, the animal is gentle when it comes to being with children. Nonetheless, Bulldog is courageous, bullheaded, determined and has excellent guarding abilities. It is not one among those who give up easily. An attention seeker, the canine loves getting noticed and adores all the love and affection. There are some English Bulldogs, who are obstinate and stubborn and require a strong owner. They gel well with family members as well as other pets.