A true gentleman in the body of a dog - such is the English Bulldog, an ancient breed that has lost its fighting qualities, but retained a strong character and deep devotion to the owner.
It is believed that the roots of English Bulldogs are common with Great Danes of the Caucasus, ancient Roman Mastiffs, Molossian Great Danes from Greece and Celtic guard dogs. How exactly the genes of all these dogs were mixed - history is silent, but it is known that the ancestors of modern English bulldogs appeared in England in the 16th century. The name of the breed comes from the English "bull" - a bull: the breed was bred specifically for baiting bulls with dogs - a common pastime for the population of England. In 1835, baiting was banned, and the breed was on the verge of extinction. The remaining purebred animals became the founders of the English Bulldog breed. In the 18th century, dogs of this breed were used for hunting wild boars and bears, as well as for dog fights.
The first exhibitions with the participation of English Bulldogs began to be held in the 19th century. At the same time, the first club was created and the breed standards were approved. Later, in the 16th century, dogs of this breed came to America, where they became the unofficial symbol of the US Marine Corps. In the Soviet Union, English Bulldogs were tacitly banned.
The English Bulldog is a strong, stocky dog with a powerful body on short legs, belongs to the group of brachycephals.
The head is huge relative to the body, the pelvis is narrow. The skull is flat and wide, the eyes are small, spaced, slightly protruding. The lower jaw protrudes forward and exposes the teeth. The muzzle is strongly shortened, the nose is upturned. Pronounced nasolabial and frontal folds of the skin, developed fleas. The folds on the muzzle were necessary so that the blood would not fill the eyes during the battle. The ears are small, hanging, pressed to the head. The neck is powerful, wide, skin folds and body kit are developed. The skin in folds helped the dogs in battle - even if the enemy grabbed, maneuverability was still preserved. The chest is very broad, the chest is barrel-shaped. The back is straight, strong, the croup is raised. The abdominal wall is pulled up. The tail is short from birth.
The coat is straight, short, hard, close fitting. There is no undercoat. Color white-red, white-fawn, white-brindle. A single color solid color can be fawn, red, golden chestnut, always with a black mask.
The English Bulldog is a homebody with a calm temperament and balanced character. Dogs of this breed are quick-witted, easily trained, mobile, but at the same time they are often lazy and love to sleep. English Bulldogs are fearless and unshakable, they are difficult to scare, they have self-esteem and typical English restraint. They are distinguished by perseverance, sometimes bordering on stubbornness. Bulldogs are favorites of the whole family, including children. They are incredibly devoted to their master and greatly yearn in separation from him. Dogs of this breed require reasonable training and a supply of chew toys: they love to gnaw on various objects.
English Bulldogs are adapted to life in an apartment and in a private house. They require daily, but not very long walks, socialization and information loads. These dogs are contraindicated for prolonged active exercise, as well as exposure to the sun and in a stuffy room.
In cool weather, English Bulldogs are encouraged to wear overalls.
Hair care is not difficult. Washing as it gets dirty, wiping the wool with wet wipes and combing with a brush. Eyes and ears must be kept clean. Regularly wipe the skin folds on the head.
English Bulldogs may be genetically predisposed to elbow and hip dysplasia. They often have inflammatory eye diseases, chronic conjunctivitis, torsion of the eyelids, dry eye syndrome. Skin pathologies can be noted - allergic dermatitis, otitis media, inflammation of the skin folds. Bulldogs are prone to problems from the cardiovascular system: the so-called "respiratory distress syndrome", insufficiency of the right chambers of the heart, cardiomyopathy with rhythm disturbance can develop.
Puppies may have aortic stenosis, a ventricular septal defect. Avoid overheating and thermal shock.
All these diseases will not necessarily occur in your English bulldog, the main thing to remember is that you must visit your veterinarian at least once a year for medical examination and control of the health of the animal.
If you are determined to buy an English Bulldog, we recommend that you contact professional kennels that specialize in this particular breed. In them you can find out how much a puppy costs and what its price depends on, as well as get acquainted with the history of the breed and its advantages.
