Bulldog

The Bulldog — English or British Bulldog — is a British mastiff-type breed: stocky, muscular and low-slung, with a large head, heavy facial folds and an undershot jaw.

History

It descends from older bull-baiting dogs of Britain; when that cruelty was banned in the nineteenth century, the breed was re-bred into a calmer companion, and generations of selection for the distinctive look followed.

Temperament

The breed is known for being calm, friendly and dependable, with a stubborn streak and a low-key energy level. It is affectionate and good with families, content to spend much of the day resting.

Care and training

It needs only light exercise and patient, food-motivated training that works around the stubbornness. The short coat is easy, but the facial folds need regular cleaning and heat must be avoided.

Health

Breeding for the flat face and heavy build brings serious, well-documented breathing, joint and skin problems, and many cannot whelp naturally. These are known patterns for the breed and a matter for the individual dog and its vet; the measured facts are in the panel.