Bulldog

The Bulldog we are familiar with is a smooth-coated, thickset dog, bow-legged and rather low in stature but powerful and compact in build. Despite its intimidating appearance, it is well behaved and good natured. It is known for its loyalty, courage and ability to guard.

Appearance: It is a muscular, hefty dog with a wrinkled face and a distinctive pushed-in nose. Bulldogs have characteristically wide heads and shoulders. There are generally thick folds of skin on the brow; round, black, wide-set eyes; a short muzzle with characteristic folds called a rope or nose roll above the nose; hanging skin under the neck; drooping lips and pointed teeth, and an underbite with an upturned jaw. The coat is short, flat, and sleek, with colours of red, fawn, white, brindle, and piebald. Bulldogs are one of the few breeds whose tail is naturally short and either straight or screwed and thus is not cut or docked as with some other breeds.

History: In the sport of bull baiting prevalent in England until the mid-19^th century, a ferocious breed of dog (believed to be of Asiatic origin) was set loose on a bull tied to a stake. Both the dog and the bull were often severely mauled. The dog would lock its teeth into the bull’s ears or nose and hold on tenaciously. It was not unusual for the dog to be disembowelled by the bull’s horns or be trampled under the bull’s hoofs. The main function of the dog is to hang on to the bull’s neck and hang on until it dies. Obviously, these bulldogs have developed great strength in their jaws.

The dogs were immensely loyal to their masters. Even if they were severely injured in the fight, they would attack the bull again and again at their master’s commands.

With the banning of this sport, the bulldogs lost their value and the breed soon became extinct. But before that happened, some dog fanciers had crossed the breed with a gentler breed and over the years developed the modern bulldog.

In America, although dog fighting was considered illegal, people carried out the dog fighting sport without any interference till 1970s, when this was banned. Dog fighting continued and went underground.  Instead of turning people away, the sport’s illegal nature only attracted more people, many who whom knew more about the game’s pay-offs but had very little knowledge about the Bulldogs.

Perception now: Nowadays, Bulldogs are recognized as fun loving dogs that would make wonderful additions to any family. While most people think that the Bulldog makes the supreme macho dog, a lot of them do not understand the instinctive nature of the breed and the training it requires.

Bulldogs are recognized as excellent family pets because of their tendency to form strong bonds with children. Generally, Bulldogs are known for getting along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Bulldogs have been rated one of the least intelligent breeds.

Like all dogs, Bulldogs require daily exercise. If not properly exercised it is possible for a Bulldog to become overweight, which could lead to heart and lung problems, as well as stress on the joints.