Bulldog 101: Their Story & All You Need to Know

A dog that is courageous and kind, fearless and friendly is a Bulldog. The Bulldog is a spectacular breed. This breed may have a ‘sour mug’ face but as they say, you should not judge a book by its cover! The Bulldog is an affectionate dog who makes loyal companions. The appearance of the Bulldog is such that you cannot mistake them for any other breed. With the loose skin on their head, a pushed in nose and a furrowed brow, this breed is distinct in every way. Their small ears and undershot jaw also cannot be missed! With a short and smooth coat, the bulldog will become your best friend and won’t stop trying to curl up in your lap!

The Story

The Bulldog is a breed that is descended from ancient mastiff-type dogs. Bulldogs as a breed were developed entirely in England. Their first ever mention dates to the 1500s. However, the Bulldogs of earlier times were much heavier and taller as compared to the Bulldogs of today. They were bred to adapt to the cruel game of bull baiting. It was later in the year 1835, that the game of bull baiting was outlawed in England. Many people thought that the Bulldog would disappear after this.

Bulldogs have always been appreciated for their courage, stamina, and fearlessness. People at this point in time decided to breed the bulldog to have a sweet, docile, and friendly temperament instead of the aggression needed in the baiting area. This was when the Bulldog was re-engineered.

The first ever Bulldog to be shown at a dog show was in the year 1860, in Birmingham, England. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the Bulldog as a breed in 1890. The 1940s and 50s saw the extreme popularity of the breed. Even today, Bulldogs rank 12th among the 155 breeds registered under the AKC. This is because of their gentle, affectionate nature and their ability to become solid companions.

What’s a Bulldog Breed Like?

Temperament

Bulldogs are sweet and sociable when it comes to their temperament. They are courageous, which makes them excellent watchdogs. All in all, this breed is easygoing and gets along with everyone. Here is some trivia: although the Bulldogs can be slow learners once they learn certain behaviors, they know them well. Bulldogs are not in the habit of barking too much. Their frowning faces are enough to scare people off. Like every other breed, Bulldogs need to be socialized at an early age. This helps in ensuring that your dog is well-rounded when they grow up.

Features

The Bulldog is an affectionate, loving dog who can also be stubborn and lazy at times. They are known for their courage. It is due to this quality that they make exceptional watchdogs. Medium in size, Bulldogs are short-haired with smooth, silky coats. Their famous frowning face gives them a unique look. Generally, Bulldogs are not great at going for long walks. They need moderate exercise; however, you need to ensure that they do get their share of physical exercise daily. Walking your Bulldog twice a day should suffice.

Since Bulldogs have pinched nostrils, they tend to get respiratory ailments. It is advised that you keep in touch with your vet when you see your Bulldog experiencing trouble breathing. This breed is typically a greedy overeater. It is crucial that you keep an eye on the amount of food they consume in a day and don’t gain extra weight.

Colours

Fawn, red, white, fallow, fawn and brindle.

Grooming

Grooming your bulldog is an easy process. Since they have short, smooth coats, they require weekly brushing. This helps in controlling loose hair. Bulldogs are average shedders. What you do need to do regularly is wipe their faces with a dry towel and also dry the inside of their wrinkles so that they do not get any skin infections. Cleaning of ears and trimming of nails should be a weekly ritual as it helps maintain good health. Professional pet grooming once a month is recommended.

Overall health

Just like all of us, our dogs too are prone to certain illnesses that we need to look out for. Bulldogs are prone to several health conditions. Although it is not necessary that all Bulldogs get those illnesses, it is important to stay aware so that you can help your furry in case you see them exhibiting any symptoms.

• Dry eye: Sometimes, the natural tear production is inadequate due to which there comes a blue haze on the eye. Dry eyes can be painful and must be checked by the vet.
• Bracheaphylic syndrome: This syndrome is common in dogs who have short heads and narrowed nostrils. Because of this, their airway gets blocked, and your Bulldog can have trouble breathing. Dogs with this health condition tend to snort and snuffle a lot. Early diagnosis helps start treatment on time.
• Hip dysplasia: This is an inherited condition. In this condition, the tailbone does not fit snugly in the hip joint causing pain.
• Skin Problems: Dermatological issues are common in bulldogs, especially within the folds of their neck. Regular preventative dermatological checkups can help keep these issues in check.

When to Visit the Vet?

We cannot emphasize enough the importance of getting your Bulldog’s ‘core’ vaccinations done on time. If you notice your Bulldog exhibiting any unusual symptoms, take them to the vet immediately. You must also take them for regular preventative health checkups to get them screened for any underlying diseases.