In the XVII-XIX centuries, old English bulldogs, descended from Central Asian mastiffs and North Caucasian Alans, were common in the UK. They were in demand as baiting dogs on the hunt. The name fully corresponded to the purpose: the word "bulldog" is translated from English as "bull dog". It is the old English bulldogs that are the ancestors of the heroes of our article - modern English bulldogs.
There are significant similarities in appearance between the old English and the modern English Bulldog. But the main difference is still the character. The ancestors of the current bulldogs were very vicious. They were used to entertain the crowd, set off against bulls, horses, and even bears and lions. Such bloody fights led to the death of not only wild animals, but also the bulldogs themselves, who became victims of fangs, horns and hooves. The end of such, if I may say so, entertainment came in 1835, when the British government completely banned bullfighting. Only this did not stop fans of the bloody "sport": if it became impossible to pit Old English bulldogs against bulls, then instead of the latter they began to use other dogs.
After a short time, dog fighting was also banned. But such humanity played a cruel joke with the old English bulldogs. Having lost the opportunity to participate in battles - whether with wild animals or with other dogs - the breed began to degrade, as its unusually powerful, strong jaws with a death grip could not find a use for themselves. Another blow for the breed was its actual extinction, as bulldogs were knitted with representatives of other breeds, and purebred dogs eventually remained very few.
In 1858-1859, work began on the preservation of English bulldogs. However, breeders have set themselves another task – to eradicate excessive anger in them. Not without difficulty, the most balanced individuals were selected throughout Britain. A year later, an exhibition was held in Birmingham, where samples of the "new" breed were presented. By nature and inner world, they were already far from the bulldogs that were known earlier. Visitors of the exhibition were able to evaluate the work of geneticists and breeders in full: the reviews were the most positive!
In 1873, the breed was officially recognized by the English Kennel Club, as evidenced by the entry in the stud books of that time. In the early 1880s, English bulldogs began to attract more and more attention outside of their historical homeland. And today no one will say for what exactly they were loved: for their funny appearance or balanced character - most likely, for both.
Representatives of other breeds, for example, the American akita or the Alaskan malamute, are literally torn to freedom. They like to walk, frolic. But this can not be said about the English bulldog. This dog is a real homebody. His favorite place in the house is the master's sofa, around which he constantly turns and can sleep at least all day. Long walks, especially long distances, are also not to his taste. Our "gentleman" is most comfortable not far from home.
Another feature of the breed is enviable stubbornness. If the English bulldog doesn't want to do something, then you will literally run out of breath until you force him. At some point, it begins to seem that the nerves simply will not stand, but it does not work to really get angry at your pet, which is distinguished by a very funny behavior. On the contrary, he will make you smile involuntarily even when you least want it.
The English bulldog will become a true friend to the younger family members. The connection with his children is strong and he behaves just fine in relation to them. Of the disadvantages, I would like to highlight the fact that dogs of this breed are very fond of gnawing various things, including the owner's slippers. If you do not give him a lot of toys to chew, the pet will cause considerable damage to your property, spoiling the legs of sofas, armchairs, tables with his teeth.
Another characteristic feature of the breed is that the natives of the British Isles do not tolerate heat well. For this reason, for those living in a hot area, an English bulldog will not be the best choice. But it is perfect for living in the city, because it does not need constant physical exercise. However, many potential owners are confused by the salivation and smell inherent in the dog. This can really become a problem in urban apartments, so before buying an English bulldog puppy, carefully weigh for yourself whether you can get along with him, given such features of the animal.
Interesting fact: English bulldogs loveto skate and they do it well! Foexample, in 2015, Otto the bulldog from Peru drove at high speed through 30 people who stood on the road and spread their legs.
English bulldogs are owners of a massive head and a small pelvis. Due to such structural features that do not allow puppies to pass through the birth canal normally, representatives of this breed often give birth with the help of a veterinarian who performs a caesarean section for them. In addition, the English bulldog belongs to brachycephalic dogs, whose distinctive feature is a depressed nose and head.
These funny "Englishmen" are also distinguished by ungentlemanly behavior. Since they breathe with their mouth open, they swallow a lot of air at the same time, which, in fact, causes flatulence. The owners need to either just get used to it, or keep an air freshener with them at all times.
The English bulldog refers to medium-sized dogs. He is smooth-haired, solidly built and squat. The head is distinctly large, massive, its girth is equal to the height of the dog at the withers. A characteristic feature of bulldogs is a short and wide muzzle with the same wide and large nose.
Height at the withers depends on gender. In males, it is 36-41 cm, in females - 30-36 cm. Males also have more weight, it is 20-25 kg. Bitches weigh 16-20 kg.
The English bulldog combines not only the functions of a watchman, but also a bodyguard, a cheerful companion and a reliable friend. The character of the dog is quite affectionate, but thanks to its formidable appearance, it is able to replace a guard dog: the bulldog scares away unexpected guests who covet someone else's property.
The English bulldog perceives the family in which he lives as his "pack". The pet empathizes with everything that happens in the house, showing sensitivity and devotion to the owners.
A representative of this breed will be a good companion. He loves children very much, realizing that they are the object of universal love of adults, and tries to imitate the latter in this, showing similar feelings to small family members. By nature, our "Englishman" is somewhat simple, which makes him an indispensable participant in children's entertainment. Bulldogs are noisy, gambling, very energetic and at the same time impatient.
Important: the English bulldog should be weaned from the habit of jumping on people in the house since childhood. Otherwise, when he grows up and becomes heavy enough, he can suddenly jump on the owner or on one of the family members, and at the most unexpected moment. If an adult dog jumps on a child, he can cause injury to him.
Despite its simplicity, the dog of this breed is very smart. In addition, she does not tolerate loneliness well. With a lack of communication, she becomes sullen and obstinate. By the way, stubbornness is one of the characteristic traits of the bulldog's character, thanks to which he gained world fame. It is impossible to force an English bulldog to do anything with the help of rudeness or force, but it is quite possible to negotiate with him, as they say, in a good way. Dog breeders respect this quality of representatives of this breed so much that the bulldog has become the mascot of many sports clubs.
What else impresses the English bulldog is his deep devotion to man. He accepts his owner in any way - energetic or lazy, joyful or sad, successful or not, that is, the way he is, and is always ready to protect his owner if he is threatened by any danger.
The English bulldog has a formidable appearance, but at heart he is affectionate, friendly and calm. At the same time, he is distinguished by independence and independence, balance and self-confidence. In relation to other pets, the "Englishman" behaves peaceably.
Due to the fact that the English bulldog has a smooth short coat, it is much easier to take care of him than over representatives of a number of other breeds. You will need a brush with stiff bristles, with which it is recommended to comb the pet two or three times a week, which will give the bulldog a lot of pleasure.
Special attention should be paid to the folds on the muzzle. Their proper condition from the point of view of hygiene is the key to the dog's health. If dirt accumulates in the folds, it should be removed with a wet cotton pad. And to dry the fold, wipe it with dry cotton. No cosmetics are required for the care of the English bulldog, as their use can provoke allergies. Allergic reactions are also likely if the crease on the muzzle is left unsweetened.
Bathing an English bulldog too often should not be done - it is enough to do it in cases of urgent need. Frequent bath procedures can cause peeling of the skin, which will be accompanied by constant itching and will cause considerable discomfort to the dog. After walking, dust from the coat is best cleaned with a damp cloth.
It is also important to control the growth of claws, they should be regularly trimmed. The teeth of an English bulldog are recommended to be cleaned regularly, at least once a month. Otherwise, tartar will immediately begin to form.
In the fresh air, bulldogs are very active and during walks they are not averse to doing sports together with the owner. If physical exertion is neglected, the English bulldog will begin to gain excess weight, which will later turn into obesity. However, do not be too active with your pet on hot or cold days. Due to the fact that the dog has a short coat, in the cold it can freeze, and in the heat it can get heat stroke.
Note: if you purchased a 2-3-week-old puppy in the summer, be sure to put a container with ice cubes in the box with it. As soon as you notice the first symptoms of overheating, be sure to clear the throat of the bulldog from the accumulated secret, rinse it and immediately contact the veterinarian.
In general, the English Bulldog, in comparison with some other breeds, is not a very active dog. It does not need large spaces. Living in an apartment or in a country house, he sleeps most of the day, and this also leads to an increase in body weight.
As for nutrition, the owners of English bulldogs have 2 options: natural food or dry food. It is better to decide right away – a mixed diet for this breed is not recommended. Most dog breeders prefer industrial super-premium or holistic feeds. Such a food system will be convenient during travel, besides, you will not have to monitor the balance of the diet.
In the case of feeding a "straight woman", it is important to maintain a balance. Due to the tendency of bulldogs to obesity, their menu should consist mainly of protein foods with limited carbohydrates. At the same time, they cannot be completely excluded, otherwise the dog may develop urolithiasis. An example of an Englishman's grocery basket: veal, beef, rice, buckwheat, eggs, kefir, cottage cheese, fresh herbs, vegetables, some fruits and berries. A puppy needs to eat 59 grams of meat per 1 kg of weight, and an adult English bulldog should eat 250 grams of meat daily.
