British breed of dog
This article is about the English Bulldog.
For other uses, see Bulldog (disambiguation)Dog breed
The Bulldog is a British 8️⃣ breed of dog of mastiff type.
It may also be known as the English Bulldog or British Bulldog.
It is a medium-sized, 8️⃣ muscular dog of around 40–55 lb (18–25 kg).
They have large heads with thick folds of skin around the face and 8️⃣ shoulders, and a relatively flat face with a protruding lower jaw.
The breed has significant health issues as a consequence of 8️⃣ breeding for its distinctive appearance, including brachycephalia, hip dysplasia, heat sensitivity, and skin infections.
Due to concerns about their quality of 8️⃣ life, breeding Bulldogs is illegal in Norway and the Netherlands.
The modern Bulldog was bred as a companion dog from the 8️⃣ Old English Bulldog, a now-extinct breed used for bull-baiting, when the sport was outlawed in England under the Cruelty to 8️⃣ Animals Act.
The Bulldog Club (In England) was formed in 1878, and the Bulldog Club of America was formed in 1890.
While 8️⃣ often used as a symbol of ferocity and courage, modern Bulldogs are generally friendly, amiable dogs.
Bulldogs are now commonly kept 8️⃣ as pets; in 2013 it was in twelfth place on a list of the breeds most frequently registered worldwide.[4]History [ 8️⃣ edit ]
Painting of a Bulldog from 1790 by English artist Philip Reinagle.
The first reference to the word "Bulldog" is dated 8️⃣ 1631 or 1632 in a letter by a man named Preswick Eaton where he writes: "procuer mee two good Bulldogs, 8️⃣ and let them be sent by ye first shipp".
[5] In 1666, English scientist Christopher Merret applied: "Canis pugnax, a Butchers 8️⃣ Bull or Bear Dog", as an entry in his Pinax Rerum Naturalium Britannicarum.[6]
The designation "bull" was applied because of the 8️⃣ dog's use in the sport of bull-baiting.
This entailed the setting of dogs (after placing wagers on each dog) onto a 8️⃣ tethered bull.
The dog that grabbed the bull by the nose and pinned it to the ground would be the victor.
It 8️⃣ was common for a bull to maim or kill several dogs at such an event, either by goring, tossing, or 8️⃣ trampling over them.
Over the centuries, dogs used for bull-baiting developed the stocky bodies and massive heads and jaws that typify 8️⃣ the breed, as well as a ferocious and savage temperament.
Bull-baiting was made illegal in England by the Cruelty to Animals 8️⃣ Act 1835.
[7] Therefore, the Old English Bulldog had outlived its usefulness in England as a sporting animal and its "working" 8️⃣ days were numbered.
However, emigrants did have a use for such dogs in the New World.
In mid-17th century New York, Bulldogs 8️⃣ were used as a part of a citywide roundup effort led by Governor Richard Nicolls.
Because cornering and leading wild bulls 8️⃣ was dangerous, Bulldogs were trained to seize a bull by its nose long enough for a rope to be secured 8️⃣ around its neck.[8]
Bulldogs as pets were continually promoted by dog dealer Bill George.[9]
In 1864, a group of Bulldog breeders under 8️⃣ R.S.
Rockstro founded the first Bulldog Club.
Three years after its opening the Club ceased to exist, not having organized a single 8️⃣ show.
The main achievement of the Rockstro Bulldog Club was a detailed description of the Bulldog, known as the Philo-Kuan Standard.
Samuel 8️⃣ Wickens, treasurer of the club, published this description in 1865 under the pseudonym Philo-Kuan.[10]
On 4 April 1873, The Kennel Club 8️⃣ was founded, the first dog breeding club dealing with the registration of purebred dogs and dog breeds.
[11] Bulldogs were included 8️⃣ in the first volume of the Kennel Club Stud Book, which was presented at the Birmingham Show on 1 December 8️⃣ 1874.
The first English Bulldog entered into the register was a male dog named Adam (Adamo), born in 1864.
[12]Bulldog from 1915
In 8️⃣ March 1875, the third Bulldog Club was founded, which still exists today.
[13][14] Members of this club met frequently at the 8️⃣ Blue Post pub on Oxford Street in London.
The founders of the club collected all available information about the breed and 8️⃣ its best representatives and developed a new standard for the English Bulldog, which was published on 27 May 1875, the 8️⃣ same year they held the first breed show.
Since 1878, exhibitions of the club were held annually, except during the Second 8️⃣ World War.
On 17 May 1894, the Bulldog Club was granted the status of a corporation and since then has carried 8️⃣ the official name "The Bulldog Club, Inc.".
It is the oldest mono-breed dog kennel club in the world.[15]
The Bulldog was officially 8️⃣ recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1886.[16]
In 1894 the two top Bulldogs, King Orry and Dock Leaf, competed in 8️⃣ a contest to see which dog could walk 20 miles (32 km).
King Orry was reminiscent of the original Bulldogs, lighter 8️⃣ boned and very athletic.
Dock Leaf was smaller and heavier set, more like modern Bulldogs.
King Orry was declared the winner that 8️⃣ year, finishing the 20-mile (32 km) walk while Dock Leaf collapsed and expired.
[17] Though today Bulldogs look tough, they cannot 8️⃣ perform the job they were originally bred for, as they cannot withstand the rigors of running after and being thrown 8️⃣ by a bull, and also cannot grip with such a short muzzle.
Although not as physically capable as their ancestors, modern 8️⃣ Bulldogs are much calmer and less aggressive.[18]
Description [ edit ]Appearance [ edit ]
A 4-year-old Bulldog of Champion bloodlines, side view.
Note 8️⃣ the "rope" over the nose, and pronounced underbite
Bulldogs have characteristically wide heads and shoulders along with a pronounced mandibular prognathism.
There 8️⃣ are generally thick folds of skin on the brow; round, black, wide-set eyes; a short muzzle with characteristic folds called 8️⃣ a rope or nose roll above the nose; hanging skin under the neck; drooping lips and pointed teeth, and an 8️⃣ underbite with an upturned jaw.
The coat is short, flat, and sleek with colours of red, fawn, white, brindle, and piebald.
[16] 8️⃣ They have short tails that can either hang down straight or be tucked in a coiled "corkscrew" into a tail 8️⃣ pocket.
In the United Kingdom, the breed standards are 55 lb (25 kg) for a male and 50 lb (23 kg) 8️⃣ for a female.
[19] In the United States, the standard calls for a smaller dog - a typical mature male weighs 8️⃣ 50 lb (23 kg), while mature females weigh about 40 lb (18 kg).[20]
Temperament [ edit ]
Six-month-old Bulldog puppy from AKC 8️⃣ Champion bloodlines
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), a Bulldog's disposition should be "equable and kind, resolute, and courageous (not 8️⃣ vicious or aggressive), and demeanor should be pacifist and dignified.
These attributes should be countenanced by the expression and behavior".[21]
Breeders have 8️⃣ worked to remove aggression from the breed.
[16] Most have a friendly, patient, but stubborn nature.
Bulldogs are recognized as excellent family 8️⃣ pets because of their tendency to form strong bonds with children.
[16] Generally, Bulldogs are known for getting along well with 8️⃣ children, other dogs, and other pets.
[22][23]Health [ edit ]Lifespan [ edit ]
Despite slow maturation so that growing up is rarely 8️⃣ achieved by two and a half years, Bulldogs' lives are relatively short.
At five to six years old, they start to 8️⃣ show signs of aging.
[citation needed] A 2004 UK survey of 180 Bulldog deaths puts the median age at death at 8️⃣ 6 years 3 months.
The leading cause of death of Bulldogs in the survey was cardiac related (20%), cancer (18%), and 8️⃣ old age (9%).
Those that died of old age had an average lifespan of 10 to 11 years.
[2] A 2013 UK 8️⃣ vet clinic survey of 26 Bulldogs puts the median lifespan at 8.
4 years with an interquartile range of 3.2–11.3 years.
[3] 8️⃣ The UK Bulldog Breed Council website lists the average life span of the breed as 8–10 years.[24]
Breed-linked disorders [ edit 8️⃣ ]
Evolution of brachycephalia in Bulldogs.
Left to right, the skulls are from approximately the 1910s, 1960s, and 1980s.
A study by the 8️⃣ Royal Veterinary College found that Bulldogs are a much less healthy breed than average, with over twice the odds of 8️⃣ being diagnosed with at least one of the common dog disorders investigated in the study.[25]
The English Bulldog is among the 8️⃣ breeds that are most severely affected by brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome, due to extreme brachycephalia (shortened snout), a large tongue 8️⃣ and palate, and other morphological issues.
[26][27] Like all brachycephalic dogs, bully breeds often suffer from brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome (BAOS).
A 8️⃣ degree of BOAS has been normalized in the breed, as an inevitable consequence of their distinctive face.
[26] The condition manifests 8️⃣ in a variety of ways, often in the form of intolerance to heat and physical exertion.
Since dogs regulate heat primarily 8️⃣ by panting, Bulldogs are very sensitive to heat; they may actually gain rather than lose heat due to their inefficient 8️⃣ breathing, leading to a vicious cycle.
Bulldogs must be given plenty of shade and water, and must be kept out of 8️⃣ standing heat.
[16][28] They can even die from hyperthermia.
[16] Bulldogs can be heavy breathers and tend to be loud snorers with 8️⃣ interrupted sleep; another indicator of brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome.
[29] Many airlines ban the breed from flying in the cargo hold 8️⃣ due to a high rate of deaths from air pressure interacting poorly with their breathing problems.[30]
Statistics from the Orthopedic Foundation 8️⃣ for Animals indicate that of the 467 Bulldogs tested between 1979 and 2009 (30 years), 73.
9% were affected by hip 8️⃣ dysplasia, the highest amongst all breeds.
[31] Similarly, the breed has the worst score in the British Veterinary Association/Kennel Club Hip 8️⃣ Dysplasia scoring scheme, although only 22 Bulldogs were tested in the scheme.
[32] Patellar luxation affects 2.9% of Bulldogs.[33]
Like all dogs, 8️⃣ Bulldogs require daily exercise, which is often made difficult due to their breathing problems, hip dysplasia, and other health issues.
If 8️⃣ not properly exercised it is possible for a Bulldog to become overweight, which could lead to heart and lung problems, 8️⃣ as well as stress on the joints.[34]
Some individuals of this breed are prone to interdigital cysts-cysts that form between the 8️⃣ toes.
These cause the dog some discomfort, but are treatable either by vet or an experienced owner.
Other problems can include cherry 8️⃣ eye, a protrusion of the inner eyelid (which can be corrected by a veterinarian), allergies, and hip issues in older 8️⃣ Bulldogs.
[citation needed] The folds, or "rope", on a Bulldog's face should be cleaned daily to avoid infections caused by moisture 8️⃣ accumulation.
[35] Some Bulldogs' naturally curling tails can be so tight to the body as to require regular cleaning and ointment.
Due 8️⃣ to the high volume of skin folds on the Bulldog's body, they have high prevalence of skin-fold dermatitis.[36]
Over 80% of 8️⃣ Bulldog litters are delivered by Caesarean section because their characteristically large heads can become lodged in the mother's birth canal 8️⃣ and to avoid potential breathing problems for the mother during labor.[37][38]
Controversies and legal status [ edit ]
In January 2009, after 8️⃣ the BBC documentary Pedigree Dogs Exposed, The Kennel Club introduced revised breed standards for the British Bulldog, along with 209 8️⃣ other breeds, to address health concerns.
Opposed by the British Bulldog Breed Council, it was speculated by the press that the 8️⃣ changes would lead to a smaller head, fewer skin folds, a longer muzzle, and a taller thinner posture, in order 8️⃣ to combat problems with respiration and breeding due to head size and width of shoulders.
[39] In 2019 the Dutch Kennel 8️⃣ Club implemented some breeding rules to improve the health of the Bulldog.
Among these is a fitness test where the dog 8️⃣ has to walk 1 km (0.
62 miles) in 12 minutes.
Its temperature and heart rate has to recover after 15 minutes.[40]
In 8️⃣ 2014, the Dutch government forbade breeding of dogs with a snout shorter than a third of the skull, including Bulldogs, 8️⃣ a law which it began enforcing in 2019.
[41] In 2022, the Oslo District Court made a ruling that banned the 8️⃣ breeding of Bulldogs in Norway due to their propensity for developing health problems.
In its verdict the court judged that no 8️⃣ dog of this breed could be considered healthy, therefore using them for breeding would be a violation of Norway's Animal 8️⃣ Welfare Act.[42][43]
Cultural significance [ edit ]
Chesty XIII, Marine Corps mascot
Bulldogs are often associated with determination, strength, and courage due to 8️⃣ their historical occupation, though the modern-day dog is bred for appearance and friendliness and not suited for significant physical exertion.
They 8️⃣ are often used as mascots by universities, sports team, and other organizations.
Some of the better known Bulldog mascots include Butler's 8️⃣ Blue IV, Yale's Handsome Dan, the University of Georgia's Uga, Mississippi State's Bully, and United States Marine Corps' Chesty.[34][44]
The Bulldog 8️⃣ originated in England and has a longstanding association with British culture; the BBC wrote: "to many the Bulldog is a 8️⃣ national icon, symbolising pluck and determination".
[45] During the Second World War, the Prime Minister Winston Churchill was likened to a 8️⃣ Bulldog for his defiance of Nazi Germany.
[46]See also [ edit ]
