For most dog lovers, the English bulldog is the personification of wealth, respectability and family happiness. This breed is considered a symbol of British culture, it is unique in its own way. Good-natured and calm bulldogs can be excellent guards for owners, but they, more than other dogs, need attention and care.
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Description and characteristics of the breed
Bulldogs are very stubborn and self-confident animals. According to some, these dogs look a little ridiculous - they have a large head, short legs and a powerful, heavy body. However, in ancient times their ancestors were so fierce that they were forbidden to appear on the streets of Rome.
Although among other dogs, bulldogs are not outstanding athletes, it is these dogs that are used as mascots for sports teams. They are depicted on the logos of some sports clubs in America.
Many are touched not by beauty and imposingness, but by the defenselessness of these dogs. Short paws do not allow them to scratch wherever they want, they can’t even lick themselves or reach with their nose to the base of the tail.
The history of the origin of the English Bulldog
The bulldog’s progenitor is considered to be the huge fighting dog Moloss, who once lived on the Apennine Peninsula. It is believed that in Britain, she got together with the Roman legionnaires.
The name of the breed comes from the English word bull, which means “bull” in translation.
Bulldogs were used to harass bulls on a leash.This terrible entertainment was prohibited by law in the year 35 of the 19th century, after which the breed lost its former ferocious reputation.
Bulldog lovers' clubs began to open in the UK at the beginning of the 19th century. One of them exists today. Its participants have developed modern breed standards.
Bulldogs appeared in Russia around the 19th century; they were kept mainly by aristocrats as pets and for bullying bears. A great lover of the breed was considered L.N. Tolstoy. The writer was so attached to his dog that he dedicated a whole series of short stories to him.
Life span
The maximum life expectancy of representatives of this breed is 10 years.
Bulldogs have short airways, therefore, are prone to various health troubles - overheating, colds, bronchitis. They have a weak heart and a tendency to allergies.
Dogs are not recommended for large physical exertion and long training. But they need high-quality, balanced nutrition.
The purpose and nature of the dog
Bulldogs do not need long walks and daily sports training. But they need constant communication and contact - remaining alone for a long time, they become depressed. English bulldogs need to be given a lot of time from the very first days of life.
Bulldogs are excellent companions, they enjoy traveling and new experiences, they like to communicate with other representatives of their breed.
Each dog is distinguished by individual character traits, you need to find an approach to it. This is not difficult to do, because the main thing for any bulldog is that the owner is always there.
Breed standard and puppy selection
The requirements of the standard for the breed in different countries may have slight differences, but do not contradict each other. The general impression is a stocky short-haired dog with short legs and a powerful body.
Description of the breed, accepted standard:
- large head with a short and wide muzzle;
- black nose;
- square jaws, lower protruding forward, teeth in a closed mouth not visible;
- eyes are dark, round, wide apart;
- ears are small, hanging, turned to the back;
- chest wide, belly tightened;
- the tail is located below the back, slightly bent;
- strong, thick legs, short, curved in appearance, with a wide set;
- color - mottled, plain or troubles;
- weight 23 - 25 kg;
- height 50 - 55 cm.
With the advent of the English bulldog in the family, life will change once and for all, so you need to buy it from a breeder who is serious about his professional business.
English bulldog puppies at the age of 2 months are very cute, they have folded skin on their heads and bodies, are interested in toys, are playful, not shy, they want to communicate with people. You need to choose a pet according to all the rules.
Here's what breeders advise to pay attention to:
- clean, shiny coat, on the skin should not be dandruff, scratches, bumps;
- clear eyes;
- clean nose;
- fatness;
- mobility and lively behavior.
Before buying, it is advisable to look at the puppy's parents, their psyche, health, see the conditions in which it grows. The price of a bulldog is considerable, but you need to understand that this is only the tip of the iceberg, because its upbringing will require significant material costs.
Maintenance, care and feeding
The bulldog must be kept clean, ensuring that all folds are clean. Inspect and wipe them every day, as well as lubricate with special lotions and products.
For swimming you need zoo shampoos. Only in this case can you be sure that the dog’s skin is healthy. Always inspect your ears. For regular inspection of the dog, it is advisable to find a specialist pedigree.
Dog English Bulldog is a breed that requires feed with a low protein and fat content. For each animal you need to choose your own version. It all depends on the age and health of the pet.
- Puppies need a high protein diet.
- Adult dogs are given easily digestible, high-calorie food, full in composition, not leading to obesity.
Food from the table can cause an allergy in the bulldog. Feed the dog only with professional feed and be sure to give a sufficient amount of clean water.
Walk the dog for at least 1 hour a day.
Training and education of the English Bulldog
For the English bulldog, the owner is the main person in the world, the dog is devoted to him with all his heart. This is a calm and phlegmatic dog, which does not cause trouble to the owner with its behavior. With a pet, it’s enough to learn the basic commands. He is trained slowly, but remembers everything well.
It is especially important to take a training course if the owner plans to exhibit the dog and win with her at the shows.
The working qualities of bulldogs are not tested, but they should not be afraid of noise, a large number of strangers and dogs, calmly walk alongside on a leash, obey.
Advantages and disadvantages of the breed
This dog is distinguished by amazing energy and attractive power. It is impossible not to notice it on a walk, it is pleasant to stroke and squeeze. A bulldog cannot exist without a person; he needs care, attention, affection, love. Winston Churchill said of the bulldogs that this is beauty, brought to the point of absurdity. These dogs actually leave no one indifferent.
The disadvantages of the breed include its vulnerability. The dog has a special physiological structure and will require increased attention from the owner. In the summer, the bulldog is threatened by overheating, in the winter - the common cold, it can snore at night. Bitches can rarely give birth on their own, without a cesarean section. Dogs need careful grooming and massage. The content of this breed is compared with the upbringing of a child who is completely dependent on his parents for his needs.
