English Bulldog Basics

The english bulldog has gained immense popularity in recent years.

Great looks, mellow temperment, and a loving personality is a perfect package for dog owners. The english bulldog is also steeped in history and tradition. Centuries ago, this breed was used in the sport of "bull-baiting" - a sport in which the english bulldog grabbed the nose of a tethered bull and attempted to bring it down and suffocate it.

Britain outlawed this sport in 1835.

After which, the english bulldog slowly evolved into the mild-mannered, loving pal we know today. The english bulldog continues to shed its work and sport ethic, but remains a stocky, tenacious player, regularly adopted as mascots of sports teams and the United States Marines.

Dedicated owners and fans of the english bulldog know that their physical appearance contradicts their loving personalities. Then english bulldog is a complex breed, and with a little knowledge of their history, strengths, and weaknesses, potential owners can make an informed decision if the english bulldog is the dog for them.

Now that you have a "reader's digest" version of the history of the english bulldog, let me briefly touch on an english bulldog overview... I will try to address each of these characteristics more in depth on later posts. For now, here are some english bulldog highlights -

The english bulldog life span is typically 10 years.

Colors range from solids like white, fawn, red, and fallow to brindles of all these colors.

Their coats are straight, smooth and short.

The english bulldog males typically weigh around 50 pounds, and stand 11 to 14 inches high. Female heights are similar, but they are usually lighter at around 40 pounds.

Common health related problems for the english bulldog are - hip dysplasia, allergies, cherry eye, and skin and tail infections.

The english bulldog is trainable and loyal, but they have an exceptional stubbornness about them. Be loving, but stern.

As you can imagine, the english bulldog is not a lean, mean athlete. This is one area that potential buyers of an english bulldog falter. Their pushed in faces and physical facial anatomy restrict their breathing. (A ten-dollar word for this is "brachycephalic.") The english bulldog is truly a spectator - for those of you who love sports. They are content to just watch the action, but like to mix it up once in a great while !

Another tip for soon to be english bulldog owners that goes along with their non-sporting abilities - they are severely temperature sensitive ! The english bulldog doesn't do heat ! Overheating is typical among any of the brachycephalic breeds. They are huge fans of air-conditioning, and their well being should be as closely watched as you would watch a small child.

Well...that's all the basics for now.

Stay tuned for more on the magnificent english bulldog...!