English Bulldog: characteristics, upbringing, diseases and curiosities

English Bulldog: characteristics, upbringing, diseases and curiosities

Everything you need to know about the English Bulldog to learn more about this slightly funny looking brachycephalic. Although its massive build may give the idea of ​​an athletic breed, the English Bulldog turns out to be a perfect companion and sofa dog.



Il English Bulldog it is a very popular dog in the United States as well as in Great Britain and there is no rain on this so much so that the breed is native to this last country, as you can easily guess from the name that differentiates it from its French cousin.



Although born as a fighting dog, the English Bulldog has over time become the perfect family dog, having a mild temperament, but not only. Let's find out more about this very nice breed.

Index

Origin of the breed

Although some argue that the ancestor of the English Bulldog is the ancient European breed Alaunt, the first certain information about the English Bulldog dates back to the XNUMXth century when, in England, some breeders wanted to give life to a medium-sized dog, but that was at the at the same time mighty and could be used in bull baiting, fighting against bulls.

In this bloody show very popular in the Middle Ages and in the following centuries, the selected and well trained dogs had to dominate the bull, attacking it. Hence the name bulldog which means precisely "bull dog, bull dog", but which began to circulate around the seventeenth century.

When bull baiting was officially abolished in the nineteenth century, the breed risked extinction, becoming a dog less and less in demand in England, which did not happen, however, in Germany and the United States where the English Bulldog was used on farms to hunt wild boars and protect. the herds. In America, the first club dedicated to this breed was created in 1890.

Appearance

The English Bulldog is a medium-sized dog belonging to the group of molossers, as well as the Rottweiler, the Cane Corso or the Great Dane. At the withers, males and females reach approximately 35-40 cm. The respective weight is on average 25-30 kg and 20-25 kg. In fact, males are more muscular than females.


The English Bulldog's appearance is striking for sure as this breed is short, but sturdy and a bit clumsy too. The legs are in fact slightly curved and short, as well as the tail, while the structure is large and massive for a dog not who knows how high.


Being a brachycephalic, the head develops in width and is disproportionate to the rest of the body. On the dog's face, the characteristic wrinkles - to be cleaned carefully - that hang down at the end of the muzzle, a rather large flattened nose, small and distant eyes and short and rounded ears cannot be missing.

The English Bulldog's coat is short and soft and generally has colors ranging from cream to fawn.

Character

The English Bulldog is a dog with a great evolution behind it. From a bull fighter, this breed has become an envious companion animal, very sociable, docile and meek, but also stubborn.

This dog has indeed a very quiet and peaceful nature, and, although he tends to be dominant with his fellows, he is very affectionate with all. An English Bulldog is also self-confident, but they don't often intend to flaunt all this confidence, being quite lazy as well.

Each specimen differs from the other, but in general it can be said that the English Bulldog is an excellent fork and this trait of his personality does not go well with his laziness, which is why the animal needs moderate physical activity, but not on the hottest days where he might get heatstroke. On his own, he will tend to prefer the kennel or sofa by far.

How long does an English Bulldog sleep?

An English Bulldog is a loving sleeping companion, as long as they can fall asleep due to their persistent snoring and drool. He can do it sure, this is obvious, in fact it can be said without mincing words that an English Bulldog is a great sleeper.


An English Bulldog sleeps an average of 14 hours a day, preferring a long nighttime pull of around 8 hours and more naps over the course of the day. It may seem like a lot, but English Bulldogs are not sporty dogs with a real need to move. Let's not forget that we are talking about a brachycephalic and now comes the thorny issue.


How to educate an English bulldog?

The English Bulldog is a quiet dog, as we have seen, but be warned as upbringing may not be as easy as expected. In fact, difficulties could arise, being the animal anyway stubborn.

First of all, remember that to have a sociable and balanced dog, you need just as much consistency on the part of the owner. Moderate your tone of voice and be firm in your requests, without being corrupted by his sweet eyes. Adult or puppy, teach your English Bulldog the commands always gradually, without starting from too complex exercises that instead discourage the dog and cause him stress. Each command must be repeated constantly until your dog has learned it, you can then move on to the next.

Reward any positive attitude with a snack and a pat. Especially in the case of the Bulldog, it is better to prefer homemade biscuits as the animal tends to put on weight easily.

Most common diseases

The English Bulldog is a brachycephalic dog, that is a dog "affected" - if we can initially say so - from brachycephaly, a condition that is found in animals with abnormal proportions of the head which, developing widely, generates the famous flattened snout that we find in English and French Bulldogs, Pugs, Shih Tzus and many other brachycephalics.

This anomaly is the result of genetic modifications that have been decided and made by the human being to make the race as similar to his will. And from these come just all a number of complications and problems of greetings which the English Bulldog suffers from. Laboring breathing is just one example. These are the most common diseases, often related to each other:

  • breathing problems such as BAOS - Brachycephalic syndrome of the upper airways;
  • laryngeal and tracheal collapse;
  • gastroesophageal reflux;
  • heat stroke;
  • eye diseases such as ectropion, entropion e cheratocongiuntivite;
  • hip dysplasia;
  • elbow dysplasia;
  • skin diseases.

The average life span of this breed is 8-10 years.

Relationship with children

The English Bulldog is a dog that could support or even replace the trusted babysitter. In fact, this breed feels completely at ease with children, proving to be loving, sensitive and very tolerant. He loves being part of the family and therefore also of the games of the little ones, in which he participates with pleasure.

Not being very exuberant, unlike other breeds, even in the liveliest games it maintains its undisputed calm and kindness. It can be said that the English Bulldog is an ideal four-legged animal for the family.

Curiosities about the English Bulldog

The English Bulldog may have been valiant throughout its evolutionary history, but it has never learned to become too familiar with water. In fact, this breed cannot swim.

In the top 10 of America's most popular breeds of 2021, 6th place on the AKC list is occupied by the English Bulldog who is reconfirmed to be an unloved breed, moreover.

In Norway, the Oslo Court recently banned the breeding of English Bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles, considering it unethical to breed these brachycephalic breeds. On the issue, many bodies and associations of veterinarians have long been exposed to stop this business that only causes suffering in animals. (Also Read: From Pugs to French Bulldogs Why You Shouldn't Adopt a Brachycephalic Dog)

To learn more about other dog breeds, read also:

  • Volpino di Pomerania
  • Argentine Dogo
  • Bernese Mountain Dog
  • Weimaraner
  • Jack Russell
  • Hound
  • German Shepherd
  • Rottweiler
  • French Bulldog
  • Cane Corso
  • Pitbull
  • border collie
  • Beagle
  • Yorkshire
  • Carlino
  • Golden Retriever
  • Labrador
  • Shih Tzu
  • Boston Terrier
  • Pekingese
  • Newfoundland
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