The bulldog is a stocky dog with an extremely short snout and wrinkly face. The name bulldog can refer to either English, American or French bulldogs. The dog was originally bred to be used in bull baiting, though this sport became illegal in 1835. From that point on, the breed evolved from a fierce, insensitive animal to the loveable and slow sweethearts they are known as today.
While the bulldog certainly appears tough, they are typically docile and only quick for short distances. While incredibly friendly, especially with children, they can be very difficult to train. Although bulldogs are known for their kindness and loyalty, they are not especially smart – ranking 77th out of 79 for intelligence. They typically get along well with other dogs or pets and prefer to spend their life with one family.
The bulldog usually ranges between 40 and 60 pounds and have loose, thick skin and drooping lips. They are a short-coated dog and can range in color from red, fawn, white, brindle or any combination of these. Their tails are naturally short, although they appear to be docked, and their eyes are wide set and almost always black. By American Kennel Club (AKC) standards, the bulldog’s head should be the same circumference in front of the ears as he is from the shoulders down. The neck should be thick and arched at the back, with his back equally as arched.
As with most short snouted dogs, bulldogs only live for about 6 to 12 years. Excluding any health issues, the average lifespan is 10 years. Bulldogs are most commonly plagued with hip issues, more so than any other breed, and are also prone to heart issues, which is the leading cause of death for bulldogs. Purebred bulldogs are also expensive, partially due to the fact that puppies typically need to be delivered via cesarean section, as their heads are too large for the mother to safely deliver. These dogs are also prone to infections between the folds of their skin due to the natural accumulation of moisture, and should be cleaned regularly.
Bulldogs, due to their relatively lazy nature, are also prone to weight issues, which can further exasperate their hip and respiratory problems. They are also very sensitive to heat, most due to their short snout, and can have problems breathing if not provided with a cool, well-ventilated area to rest in. In order to keep a bulldog healthy, regular exercise, grooming and veterinary visits are necessary.
The breed, while commonly used as the unofficial mascot of the United Kingdom, is most well known as the mascot for the United States Marine Corps, with many bases having a live bulldog on site. There are also at least 39 American Universities that have the bulldog as their mascot, including Yale University, Georgetown University and the University of Georgia. It is also the mascot for Butler University, Louisiana University and several fraternities.
The bulldog, with proper care, can be an outstanding pet for both single people and families. Their loyalty to their owners and kindness to strangers make them one of the most popular pets in the world. While their life can be relatively short compared to other breeds, they can make a wonderful addition to almost any household.
The following links will provide even more information on the bulldog.