English Bulldog Dog Breed Profile

Origin: England

Breed Purpose: Fighting bulls. Companion dog.

Kennel Club Dog Group: Utility

Height: Both 30-36cm.

Weight: Bitch 22-23kg., Dog 22-25kg.

Lifespan: 8 years

Exercise Needs: Whilst the English Bulldog enjoys a daily walk as much as any other dog, some are more energetic than others. They shouldn’t be strenuously exercised in hot or cold weather due to their health issues.

Feeding Needs: Care must be taken not to over feed this dog so as to avoid putting extra strain on the heart. Many Bulldogs have skin problems and need a special diet. Seek veterinary advice on all feeding issues, no matter how small.

Common Ailments: The English Bulldog has many common health issues some of which are:

• Respiratory problems/difficulty breathing.
• Sensitive to heat and cold which amplifies the dog’s respiratory problems.
• Pulmonic Stenosis.
• Ventricula Septal Defect.
• Inherited Metabolic Liver defect.
• Deafness.
• Elbow and Patellar Dysplasia.
• Hip Dysplasia. (difficult to hip score due to the unique anatomy)
• Overly large head and shoulders and the narrow hips means that birth can only be achieved by caesarean section.
• Inability to mount in mating, litters are conceived by artificial insemination.
• Mange and other skin infections especially in the wrinkled folds of skin

Physical Description: The overall appearance of the Bulldog is one of a medium sized, thick set dog with a distinctive face and body shape. The head is large and square with a flat forehead and a short face and muzzle. The Bulldog has massive jaws with the lower jaw protruding in front of the upper causing the broad nose to be pushed back on the face. The skin on the head and face falls in folds and wrinkles. The ears are set high on the corners of the head and are small, thin and folded. The neck has double dewlaps and is short, going down to very wide shoulders and a compact body with a bowed shape. The legs are stocky and are set wide apart. The Bulldog has a unique gait that is like a sideways shuffle or a waddle. The coat is short and smooth and the colours are reds, red brindle, piebald, and beige and all can have a black mask on the face.


English Bulldog K9 Obedience Dog Breed Summary:

English Bulldogs were bred from the ancient Bullenbeisser breeds and in the 13th century the Bulldog was developed with a large, heavy head designed so that when the bull shook the dog around it did not break its spine.

They were bred for tenacity and to be impervious to pain. From the outlawing of this cruel sport breeders have successfully bred the aggressiveness out of the breed and today’s English Bulldog is affectionate, gentle and loyal.

Unfortunately the Bulldog has many common health issues despite breeding efforts to try and correct the problems. The Bulldog can be stubborn and difficult to train. They are sensitive to anger so any harsh words and the dog will turn away and ignore its owner.

They do like children but will only accept other pets if trained to do so. Many people mistakenly believe that the Bulldog is an excellent guard dog and although the dog’s appearance may deter intruders they are more of a watchdog than a guarding dog.

This is not a suitable breed for the novice owner, the elderly, or anybody that is of an indecisive or timid nature. The English Bulldog needs an owner that has extensive knowledge of the breed and the health issues surrounding it and is of calm and patient character.

With the right owner, the Bulldog can be a wonderful companion.