Talk about an animal known for bravery, pluck and sheer guts, and the “bulldog” will crop up more than once. Also known as the British Bulldog, this breed is characterized by a short stature, wide shoulders and head with a pronounced lower jaw protrusion. With so many folds or ropes on their faces, bulldogs are easily recognized amidst other breeds. Originally bred for fighting Bulls and bull-baiting, Bulldogs have progressed to become a friendly and easy-going breed.
Bulldogs – Hefty with Wrinkled Face
Today’s Bulldogs have definitely come a long way from their aggressive ancestors since they get along with people, kids, and even other household pets. Their love for kids and families, coupled with an amiable temperament, makes the bulldog, a perfect choice for most people. In fact, Bulldogs are the perfect fit for those with a relaxed lifestyle, and it’s no surprise that old people prefer bulldogs. This is good news for the old people and retirees, who need lots of rest and a dog can offer a good company. A Bulldog is a known for its remarkable companionship and quiet personality too.
Bulldogs have a short lifespan of 5 – 10 years, and they are prone to lots of cardiac disorders, hip dysplasia, cancer, and skin dermatitis. Hence, they require lots of attention, mostly because they are prone to over-heating. For this reason, bulldogs are mainly indoor animals and must be in a cool environment at all times.
Origin of Bulldog
Bulldogs are the national animal of Britain, and they have been in existence for over 500 years. In fact, many manuscripts point to the existence of bulldogs, even as far back as the 11th century. Bulldogs were once used for bull baiting until the practice was abolished in the early 19th century. This game involves using bulldogs to maim or pin down bulls for sports. In this game, it was a common sight for most of these Bulldogs to become maimed or injured.
After the abolishment of these practices, bulldogs were gradually converted to household pets. Today, the new Bulldogs are more robust and less athletic than the previous breed. However, they’ve lost most of their old aggressive streak, although some trainers still classify the new breeds of bulldogs as stubborn. Although this new breed is among the least intelligent animals in the world, their warm temperament allows them to be trained easily.
For whom is this breed a good partner?
Bulldogs by nature are easy going and can interact with strangers. Although the adults are a bit phlegmatic and prefer to lie on the couch, bulldog puppies are frisky. These attributes make it a top choice for kids, and its low build ensures that little kids are not knocked over. Additionally, bulldogs are perfect companions for both old people, since they don’t require much exercise as compared to other breeds.
The bulldog is also a popular mascot for various sports organizations, companies, and about 39 universities in the US. Yes, the bulldog is the perfect companion for those who with tenacity and perseverance, against the unfavorable odds. If you think this description sounds interesting to you, the Bulldog is the dog for you.
Common Statistics for Bulldogs
Bulldogs have come a long way from their aggressive ancestors since they are now shorter and bulkier than their predecessors. Their description is unique and outstanding. Bulldogs have short coats with different colors; from fawn to red to piebald to brindle. Although they have slightly physical variations, all bulldogs are short and bulky. The male bulldog weights 23 – 25 kg, while the females weight 18 – 23kg. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the perfect breed of bulldogs should weight 18 – 25kg. Additionally, bulldogs age quite quickly, with most of them having a lifespan of 3 – 10 years. For this reason, they are susceptible to many symptoms of aging, as early as three years of age.
Today, the British Bulldog can be found in different countries of the world, with a high concentration of this breed in the US, South Africa, UK, and Australia. Since the bulldog is heat sensitive, it can only survive in cool and temperate environments.