Description

It is hard to mistake the classic image of the English Bulldog. This square and stout looking dog is very wide and broad, giving the appearance of power and strength even though it is not very tall. The overall impression when looking at an English Bulldog is one of power and dignity, along with maturity and sensibility.

The face of the English Bulldog is just as distinctive as its body. The face is brachiocephalic, which means that the muzzle is very short and compressed. The lower jaw is noticeably undershot, and longer than the upper jaw and nose. The lips of the upper jaw hang down below the lower jaw, and are loose to the mouth. The cheeks are very noticeable, and are obvious when viewed from the front as well as the side. The eyes are round and set well off the center of the face. They are always dark in color, and lighter colored eyes are not characteristic of the breed. The ears are very small and thin, held close to the head. A rose type fold in the ears is most desirable. The skull is broad and wide, and should never appear narrow. The forehead and skull area should be covered with deep folds of skin, forming large "wrinkles" across the forehead area.

The neck of the English Bulldog will be thick and massive, matching the base of the broad skull. The short neck flows into heavyset front shoulders that are slightly sloped outwards. The front legs should be thick and well boned, while appearing proportional and muscular. The elbows should be loose from the body of the dog, and the feet may be slightly turned out when viewed from the front. The chest is deep and significant, moving in to a well-developed rib cage. The topline of the body is considered a "wheel-back" - often mistakenly called a "roach-back". This means that the center of the back is slightly higher than either the shoulders or the tail.

The hindquarters are very substantial and balanced-looking. The hind feet will turn out slightly and the hocks will turn in slightly. The hind legs are longer than the front legs, but are in proportion. The tail is either short and straight, or short and somewhat kinked or bent in appearance. The tail will be wide, and the base and will taper to a fine point that is always held lower than the broad base of the tail.

The coat is very fine and short, and is the same length across the entire body. There may be folds of skin on the neck and around the tail. The breed is also known for its distinctive dewlaps under the jaw.

Coat Description

The English Bulldog has a very short, fine and smooth coat that is of uniform length on the body. This breed has no furnishings on the legs, belly or chest area but folds in the skin on the head, around the tail and on the chest are desired.

History

The English Bulldog has a rather disturbing history, as it was originally bred from the Asiatic Mastiff for its aggressiveness in baiting bulls and bears in ancient times. It was in the year 1209 that bull baiting, or having a dog grab onto the bull by the nose and hold on until the bull was killed, was first introduced in England. The Bulldog was bred to be a ferocious dog, that would hold on to the bull\'s nose despite the pain that the bull would inflict on the dog. In 1835 the terrible "sport" was outlawed and owners of the Bulldogs tried to use the breed to fight in dogfights, but thankfully they did not fare well in this venue. Through the concentrated effort of dog lovers in the United Kingdom, the English Bulldog was bred to maintain their body shape and size, but remove the aggressiveness and replace it with the qualities of an excellent companion dog.

Temperament

The English Bulldog is a very serious, devoted and loyal breed of dog. They are a very attention-seeking dog and are not considered appropriate for homes where they would be left alone for extended periods of time. The English Bulldog has been bred as a companion dog, and really does desire and require constant attention from its owners. The breed is typically a very calm and well-behaved dog, although they are considered a dominant breed and must learn that the humans are in charge in the household. The English Bulldog will bond very strongly with its family, and often has difficulty in re-homing after that bond has been established.

The English Bulldog loves to please, and will quickly learn what the owners are requiring of it. Highly intelligent, they do best with some repetitive training but also lots of variation. They are an excellent companion dog for both other dogs as well as non-canine pets. Proper socialization is important with this breed, as they can be somewhat dog-aggressive, especially the intact males. Neutering and training, as well as constant interaction with other dogs, can prevent this from becoming problematic. Most English Bulldogs make wonderful pets for families with younger or older children, and the breed has a natural patience with children and the elderly. A slow moving breed, they are not ideal for kids that want a pet that is running with them all day, but they are very loyal, loving and protective of children.

The English Bulldog has a unique temperament. People can mistake their often slow response to commands as laziness, but those that know the Bulldog breed know that the dogs like to consider the command before simply jumping up and doing it. A problem solver, the Bulldog likes a mental challenge, and will approach new activities and events in a thoughtful and consistent manner. They are very good travelers, and typically love to go for a ride in the car.

The English Bulldog is a natural protector of the home and property. While not a problem barker, they will let you know when strangers approach. Their appearance is often enough to warn off intruders, but the Bulldog will use its strength to defend its property if required.

Potential owners of English Bulldogs should know that the breed is prone to digestive problems, resulting in some flatulence issues. Controlling the diet can eliminate this issue to a large extent. They are also a snoring breed, and are prone to drooling.

Thyroid Disease - Low Risk

The English Bulldog ranks #87 among all breeds for autoimmune thyroiditis prevalence. This is considered a low risk breed so your chances of obtaining a dog with the disease is small. It is still suggested that dogs meant for breeding still be tested to help bring the incidence of disease even lower (or even eliminate it). 

You can download the full report (on all breeds) by the Michigan State University Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health. Here

Other Health Problems

The English Bulldog does have several health concerns that owners should be aware of. As with most breeds, buying from a reputable breeder will eliminate most of the worries associated with any possible health conditions of the breed. The major health issues include hip and elbow dysplasia, stenotic nares, internalized tail and eye problems such as cherry eye, entropion and ectropion and KCS or dry eye. In addition, the breed may have respiratory problems and an elongated soft palate, which will result in obstruction of the airways and leading to breathing difficulties. The skin is prone to infections, but this can easily be managed with proper grooming and regular cleaning of the skin folds.

The English Bulldog will usually require assistance with whelping, and frequently puppies are delivered by cesarean section because of their broad heads. It is very important to closely monitor a Bulldog whenever anesthesia is being used, as they can easily have significant and serious respiratory complications.