Bulldog

A Bulldog, often referred to as the English or British Bulldog, is a medium-sized dog breed known for its distinctive physical features and friendly, laid-back temperament.

Bulldogs are easily recognized by their unique appearance. They typically stand between 12 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder, with males weighing up to 50 pounds and females around 40 pounds. 

Their bodies are muscular and compact, with a wide stance that adds to their sturdy look. One of the most notable features of a Bulldog is its large head, short muzzle, and prominent lower jaw, often resulting in an underbite. 

They have loose, wrinkled skin, particularly around their face and shoulders, adding to their characteristic expression. 

Their short, fine coats come in a variety of colors, including tan, white, reddish-brown, brindle, and piebald.

Bulldogs are renowned for their gentle and friendly disposition. They are typically calm and kind, with a steady and courageous demeanor. These dogs are well-suited for families, as they tend to be great with children and other pets. 

Despite their somewhat tough appearance, Bulldogs are generally low-energy dogs, content with moderate exercise and a slower pace. While they are often relaxed, even lazy, they can also be playful and entertaining when engaged.

The Bulldog was possibly descended from the Molossus, a Mastiff which the Phoenicians brought to Britain in the sixth century BC. 

Selective breeding in the 1800s produced a dog with the physical characteristics required for fighting and baiting bulls. It did the latter by clenching its jaws on the bull's muzzle and hanging on. 

The wrinkles on a bulldog's face were bred to keep blood out of their eyes while they were bull baiting.

The bulldog lost its original purpose when animal-baiting was made illegal in 1835, but enthusiasts bred out its more ferocious characteristics to preserve it as a domestic animal.

The concept of the plucky "British bulldog breed" features in the work of Charles Kingsley in the mid-19C and was increasingly applied to British men rather than their dogs. In the Second World War, Winston Churchill’s appearance and determination virtually personified the bulldog.

Emily Bronte had a bulldog called Keeper who was so beloved that Emily rose from her sickbed to feed him the night she died. At her funeral Keeper followed her coffin and it remained  miserable for the rest of its life.

The Bulldog was officially recognized as a breed by the British Kennel Club in 1873.

General Custer owned a white bulldog called Turk.

In 1889 Handsome Dan, a bulldog, became Yale University's mascot, the first animal to hold such a position in American sports.

The original Handsome Dan

Thanks to their stubby frame and bulbous head, French bulldogs can’t swim.

After years of inbreeding by kennel clubs, modern bulldogs' noses are so squashed they can barely breathe, and their average life expectancy is six years.

Bulldogs can’t easily keep cool and many have hip, eye or skin problems. But because they have a high tolerance to pain, owners often don’t realise their pets are suffering.

Only once has a bulldog won Crufts’ Best In Show – in 1952. Its name was Norways Chuckles.

Source Mail On Sunday