Bulldog

The English Bulldog, often called simply the Bulldog, is a medium-sized dog breed that originated in the United Kingdom.

Appearance

The 'perfect' Bulldog must be of medium size and smooth coat; with heavy, thick-set, low-swung body, massive short-faced head, wide shoulders and sturdy limbs. The size for mature dogs is about 50 pounds; for mature bitches about 40 pounds.

Temperament

Contrary to classic cartoon parodies and nicknames of the breed, such as 'Sour-Puss', that depicted the bulldog as ferocious and wearing a spiked dog collar, the bulldog is not a vicious dog breed (though it was during the days of bullbaiting, the aggressive tendencies were bred out of them by the time of the Second World War) and gets along well with both humans (including children) and sometimes other dog breeds. Bulldogs are very friendly, but stubborn and protective.

Health

Bulldogs tend to have breathing problems, as their flat face restricts air. They also have problems swimming and can drown if left unattended near a pool. Other common health problems include cherry eye, allergies, and (among older bulldogs) hip problems and cataracts. Because of the large heads in proportion to body size, baby bulldogs are usually delivered by c-section.

History

Bulldogs were originally used for bullbaiting, in which trained bulldogs attacked and killed tied-up bulls for sport during the 17th century. The practice of bullbaiting was banned in England in 1835.

After bullbaiting was banned, the breed started to dwindle. Fans of the breed turned to dog shows during that time. The first show to have a class for bulldogs was in Birmingham Birmingham. Just a few years later, in 1864, a club was organized to enhance the breed. Unfortunately, this group never picked a specific breed standard, and in 1891, the two top bulldogs were greatly different in appearance.

The top bulldogs were King Orry and Dockleaf. King Orry was of the older appearance, he was lighter boned and very athletic. Dockleaf, however, was smaller and heavier set (appearing more like modern bulldogs). Dockleaf was declared winner. Even after proving that the older version of the bulldog was more fit to perform, the modern version’s looks won over the hearts of fans of the breed.

Miscellaneous

Bulldogs in the Arts

* Hector the Bulldog, an animated cartoon character in the Warner Bros. Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies series of cartoons.
* Marc Antony, an animated cartoon character in the Warner Bros. Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies series of cartoons.
* Spike, Tom's nemesis in the theatrical cartoon series Tom and Jerry
* Spike the Bulldog, an animated cartoon character in the Warner Bros. Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies series of cartoons.
* Francis from Oliver and Company
* Bandit from Jonny Quest
* Carface from All Dogs Go to Heaven
* Angus from the 1997 Mr. Magoo movie

Quotes

"Do you know why the English Bulldog has a jutting chin and sloping face? It is so he can breathe without letting go." - Sir Winston Churchill, to a Nazi envoy, 1940

Mascots

Because of their tenacity, the bulldog the symbol of Great Britain and is popular as the mascot of universities, military institutions, and other organizations, including:

* University of Georgia
* Yale University
* The Citadel
* California State University, Fresno
* Georgetown University
* Texas Lutheran University
* Mack Trucks
* U.S. Marine Corps

Books about Bulldog Dogs