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Height: 35 cm to 43 cm
Size: Medium.
Weight: averages 22 kg (male); averages 18 kg (female).
Availability: Widely available.
History:
During the Middle Ages, butchers in England developed the "Olde English Bulldogge" to help them catch bulls for slaughter. The dog's short muzzle and strong jaws, allowed it to hold onto the target animal's nose, cheek, or throat long enough to force it to its knees-or even get it to stumble into the barn or slaughterhouse. By the 13th century, these valuable working dogs were also used in the sport of "baiting." Outlawed in England in 1835 because it was excessively cruel, baiting involved tying a large animal (like a bull, horse, or bear) to a tether and then setting dogs on it to see if they could overpower it.
With the 1835 British ban against baiting, the Bulldog nearly disappeared, except for a few specimens. Bulldog fanciers used those remaining individuals to resurrect the breed. (Indeed, the modern sport of dog showing is likely the only thing that saved the breed from extinction.) Bulldog breeders today believe that breeding Bulldogs to Pugs created the modern Bulldog's appearance-and that this change was motivated by a desire to erase the memory of the formerly fearsome fighting dog. The breed's temperament also changed: Today's Bulldog is a courageous, yet gentle creature.
Description:
The bulldog is a short, broad, compact, massive dog, with sturdy legs that appear bowed (although the bones of the legs are straight). Its head is large and features a large sour expression that is created by a pronounced undershot jaw (with no teeth showing), hanging jowls, and a flat, wrinkled face. The body is very broad and low with a deep, capacious chest and rounded ribcage. The abdomen is tucked up. The heavy shoulders are set far apart and slant outward for great stability. The circumference of the skull (measured in front of the ears) should be at least as great as the dog's height at the withers. The eyes are set low and wide apart. The ears are "rosed" and the large nose is wide and black. The upper lips completely cover the lower jaw. The tail either hangs down or can bend in kinks. The skin is soft and loose, covered with a smooth, short coat that comes in several colors including brindles, white, fawn, red or piebald. Bulldogs tend to run 2.3 kg to 4.5 kg heavier than the average weight listed in the AKC standard. The Bulldog has a characteristic-rolling gait.
Notes:
Prone to heat stroke, skin infections, eye and respiratory problems. Never leave this breed in a hot car or outside on a hot day for any length of time. Bulldogs drool and are messy eaters. Like many short-faced breeds, Bulldogs tend to snore. Tends to be very possessive of food. Learns best with rewards and love, and retains what he has learned. This breed needs regular walks, but not extensive hard exercise. Though the coat doesn't need much brushing, regular bathing of the Bulldog is a must, although care must be taken not to over dry the skin. Use a quality conditioning shampoo. Wrinkles, ears and eyes should be cleaned daily with a damp washcloth or baby wipe. Good with other family pets, but can be scrappy with strange dogs. The puppies are difficult to whelp because of their large heads and certain birth defects, often necessitating Cesarean deliveries. Bitches are often infertile. Only lives about 10 years. Novice owners should seek guidance from those with more experience.
Personality:
Despite his fearsome visage, the Bulldog is very sweet, devoted, and eager to please. Peaceful, placid, and quiet. Gentle and patient with small children, although he is sometimes not aware of his own strength and can knock a small child down or break the skin even with a playful bite. Will defend his family valiantly, if necessary. Needs human companionship. Has been called "beautiful in his ugliness." Definitely needs puppy classes for socialization; otherwise these dogs tend to be quite dog aggressive.
Behavior:
Children: Excellent with children.
Friendliness: Loves everyone.
Trainability: Somewhat difficult to train.
Independence: Moderately dependent on people.
Dominance: Moderate.
Other Pets: Generally good with other pets..
Combativeness: Tends to be fairly dog aggressive.
Noise: Not a barker.
Grooming and Physical Needs:
Grooming: Regular grooming needed.
Trimming & Stripping: No trimming or stripping needed.
Coat: Short coat.
Shedding: Constant shedder.
Exercise: Moderate exercise needed.
Jogging: A poor jogging companion.
Indoors: Very inactive indoors.
Apartments: Good for apartment living.
Outdoor Space: OK without a yard.
Climate: Does well in most climates.
Owner: Good for novice owners.
Longevity: Average (10 to 12 years).
Talents:
Obedience, agility.
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