Bulldog Dog Breed | English bulldog collection | artificial insemination
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Bulldog - Dog Breed
The Breed History
Many years ago in the British Isles, a tough dog was developed whose purpose was bull baiting and it is thought that from this stock the modern bulldog arose. The first breed standard was drawn up in 1964.
Breeding for Function
As bull baiters, the breed ancestors possessed the unusual courage and ferocity needed to pursue bulls, but once fighting sports were outlawed in the British Isles in 1835, fanciers sought to continue the breed. In modern days, the breed is widely kept as a companion dog, having had a gentle temperament successfully selected for.
Physical Characteristics
Height at Withers: 12-14" (30.5-35.5 cm)
Weight: 50 lb (22.5 kg), female 40 lb (18 kg)
Coat: The short, flat glossy coat is straight, the hairs are fine, and the skin is quite loose especially around the neck area. Colors include brindle, white, red, fawn, and piebald. A small white chest patch is accepted.
Longevity: 10-12 years
Points of Conformation: These dogs are medium-sized, massive both across the chest and throughout the body. The dark eyes are front facing, set low in the skull, are wide set and round, and moderate in size, the palpebral margins are dark and no nictitans or sclera should show. The ears are very high and wide set, small and thin in leather; termed a rose ear in shape and carriage, which means the folded portion is splayed so that the front is further from the head than the back. This feature helps distinguish the English Bulldog from the French Bulldog because the latter has erect bat ears, and is also smaller in stature.
The head is massive, being both broad and square with a pronounced stop forming a hollow between the eyes. The muzzle is very short, upturned, and the nose is broad and colored black. The flews are very well developed and overhang the lower jaws. A dewlap is well developed, and the head and face are heavily wrinkled. The lower jaw is considerably prognathic and prominent (referred to as chops). The neck is very short and thick, muscular and well arched. The back is somewhat roached (wheel-backed). The thorax is deep with rounded ribs. The abdomen is moderately tucked up. A low set tail is carried low, and the tail tapers and is straight or screwed, but a curly tail is a fault. Limbs are stout and short but fairly straight boned. The elbows stand away from the chest wall. The feet are moderate in size and compact, and are straight ahead but especially the metatarsals deviate outward. This is due to so-called cow hocked conformation. Toes are well knuckled and nails are stubby and strong. The loins sit higher than the shoulder. The rolling gait is loose-jointed and ambling.
Recognized Behavior Issues and Traits
Reported breed attributes include: Resolute in a confrontation but kind and gentle with family, children and other pets. Easy to groom, has a moderate shedding tendency, stable temperament, good for town and country; even apartments. Low to moderate exercise needs. Does not tolerate temperature extremes, so needs to be a housedog. Snoring is common and may also drool. The facial wrinkles need daily hygiene.
Normal Physiologic Variations
Bulldogs often have to deliver by cesarean section. 8% of all C-sections in a large study were bulldogs. In Great Britain, 86.1% of Bulldog litters are c-sections.
Drug Sensitivities
None reported
Inherited Diseases
Hip Dysplasia: Polygenically inherited trait causing degenerative joint disease and hip arthritis. OFA reports 73.2% affected.
Elbow Dysplasia: Polygenically inherited trait causing elbow arthritis. OFA reports a high incidence, but too few Bulldogs have been screened to determine an accurate frequency.