A Bulldog is a medium-sized breed
of dog commonly referred to as the English Bulldog or British Bulldog. It is a
muscular, hefty dog with a wrinkled face and a distinctive pushed-in nose. The
American Kennel Club (AKC), The Kennel Club (UK), and the United Kennel Club
(UKC) oversee breeding records. The Bulldog Club of America (BCA) maintains the standard of excellence for
the guidance of breeders, owners and judges in the United States. Bulldogs were
the fourth most popular purebred in the US in 2016 according to the American
Kennel Club.
Bulldogs
have a longstanding association with British culture, as the BBC wrote:
"to many the Bulldog is a national icon, symbolising pluck and
determination." During World War II, Bulldogs were often likened to Prime
Minister Winston Churchill and his defiance of Nazi Germany. When the English
immigrated to America, their Bulldog came with them. A few dedicated bulldog
fanciers formed the Bulldog Club of America in 1890 and it was incorporated
under the laws of the State of New York on November 29, 1904.
Description
Appearance
Bulldogs
have characteristically wide heads and shoulders along with a pronounced
mandibular prognathism. There are generally thick folds of skin on the brow;
round, black, wide-set eyes; a short muzzle with characteristic folds called a
rope or nose roll above the nose; hanging skin under the neck; drooping lips
and pointed teeth, and an underbite with an upturned jaw. The coat is short,
flat, and sleek, with colours of red, fawn, white, brindle, and piebald.
In
the United Kingdom, the breed standards are 55 lb (25 kg) for a male and 50 lb
(23 kg) for a female. In the United States, a typical mature male weighs 50 lb
(23 kg), while mature females weigh about 40 lb (18 kg). The Bulldog Club of
America recommends the average weight of a bulldog to be 40–50 lb (18–23 kg).
Bulldogs
are one of the few breeds whose tail is naturally short and either straight or
screwed and thus is not cut or docked as with some other breeds. A straight
tail is a more desirable tail according to the breed standard set forth by the
BCA if it is facing downward, not upwards.
Temperament
According
to the American Kennel Club (AKC), a Bulldog's disposition should be
"equable and kind, resolute, and courageous (not vicious or aggressive),
and demeanor should be pacific and dignified. These attributes should be
countenanced by the expression and behavior".
Breeders
have worked to reduce/remove aggression from these dogs. Most have a friendly,
patient, but stubborn nature. Bulldogs are recognized as excellent family pets
because of their tendency to form strong bonds with children.
Generally,
Bulldogs are known for getting along well with children, other dogs, and other
pets.
Bulldogs
have been rated one of the least intelligent breeds; they were ranked 78th out
of 80 by obedience experts in Working/Obedience Intelligence.
Health
A
2004 UK survey of 180 Bulldog deaths puts the median age at death at 6 years 3
months. The leading cause of death of Bulldogs in the survey was cardiac
related (20%), cancer (18%), and old age (9%). Those that died of old age had
an average lifespan of 10 to 11 years. A 2013 UK vet clinic survey of 26
Bulldogs puts the median lifespan at 8.4 years with an interquartile range of
3.2–11.3 years. The UK Bulldog Breed Council website lists the average life
span of the breed as 8–10 years.
Statistics
from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals indicate that of the 467 Bulldogs
tested between 1979 and 2009 (30 years), 73.9% were affected by hip dysplasia,
the highest amongst all breeds. Similarly, the breed has the worst score in the
British Veterinary Association/Kennel Club Hip Dysplasia scoring scheme,
although only 22 Bulldogs were tested in the scheme. Patellar luxation affects
6.2% of Bulldogs.
Some
individuals of this breed are prone to interdigital cysts—cysts that form between
the toes. These cause the dog some discomfort, but are treatable either by vet
or an experienced owner. They may also suffer from respiratory problems. Other
problems can include cherry eye, a protrusion of the inner eyelid (which can be
corrected by a veterinarian), allergies, and hip issues in older Bulldogs.
Over
80% of Bulldog litters are delivered by Caesarean section because their
characteristically large heads can become lodged in the mother's birth canal.
The folds, or "rope", on a Bulldog's face should be cleaned daily to
avoid infections caused by moisture accumulation. Some Bulldogs' naturally
curling tails can be so tight to the body as to require regular cleaning and
ointment. Due to the high volume of skin folds on the Bulldog's body, they have
high prevalence of skin-fold dermatitis.
Like
all dogs, Bulldogs require daily exercise. If not properly exercised it is
possible for a Bulldog to become overweight, which could lead to heart and lung
problems, as well as stress on the joints.
Bulldogs
have very small nasal cavities and thus have great difficulty keeping their
bodies cool. Bulldogs are very sensitive to heat. Extra caution should be
practiced in warmer climates and during summer months. Bulldogs must be given
plenty of shade and water, and must be kept out of standing heat. Air
conditioning and good ventilation are required to keep them healthy and safe.
Bulldogs actually do most of their sweating through the pads on their feet and
accordingly enjoy cool floors. Like all brachycephalic, or "short
faced", breeds, Bulldogs can easily become overheated and even die from hyperthermia.
Bulldog owners can keep these issues under control by staying aware and
protecting their Bulldog(s) from these unsafe conditions. They can be heavy
breathers, and they tend to be loud snorers. In 2014 the Dutch Kennel Club
implemented some breeding rules to improve the health of the Bulldog. Among
these is a fitness test where the dog has to walk 1 km (0.62 miles) in 12
minutes. Its temperature and heart rate has to recover after 15 minutes.
In
January 2009, after the BBC documentary Pedigree Dogs Exposed, The Kennel Club
introduced revised breed standards for the British Bulldog, along with 209
other breeds, to address health concerns. Opposed by the British Bulldog Breed
Council, it was speculated by the press that the changes would lead to a
smaller head, fewer skin folds, a longer muzzle, and a taller thinner posture,
in order to combat problems with respiration and breeding due to head size and
width of shoulders.
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