The English bulldog - gentle giant

The bulldog is the common name for the breed of dog English Bulldog. There are other breeds of bulldogs, the American, French and the Olde English all distinct breeds.

It was in the Middle Ages that English butchers developed the first bulldog breed, the Olde English. It was developed to help the butchers catch bulls that they intended to slaughter. The breed is characterized by its small muzzle and powerful jaws. These characteristics enabled them to hold a bull's cheek, throat or nose and hold on until it is immobilized, so it could then be tethered and then transported to the slaughterhouse. Bulldogs were also used in bull baiting in the 13^th century, but this was stopped in the 18^th century because it was seen to be excessively cruel. When bull baiting was banned, the bulldog breed went into decline. However dog fanciers revived the breed, and the activity of exhibiting the breed at dog shows kept the breed extant despite the lack of demand for the dog in its working role.

I make Show Leads and Show leads for dogs at reasonable prices in the UK.

The aggressive nature of the breed has been removed over time by selective breeding, and the breed was crossed with the Chinese Pug, further removing the original aggressive nature. The modern breed is child safe & gregarious, and bonds well with its owners.

The Bulldog is a broad, short, massive and compact dog. It has strong legs that have a bowed appearance. It also has a massive head. One distinct feature of the Bulldog is its sour expression. This expression is created by the breed’s prominent undershot jaw, its wrinkled face and hanging jowls. The body is wide and it has a deep chest, and it has a rounded ribcage. Its skin is loose and soft with a short coat which can be white, red or fawn in colour.

Bulldogs can live up to 12 years, but the lifespan is often shorter. To keep them healthy, they need daily exercise, but not a great deal; this makes them a good pet for those unable to provide an extensive daily regimen of exercise.. Bulldog owners need to give their dogs plenty of water and shade as they are extremely sensitive to heat. A place with good ventilation is required for them to be kept healthy.

The bulldog is a popular mascot, used to represent amongst many others England, the US marine corps & Yale university.