Since the 1800s, the English Bulldog has been extremely popular as, despite its stubborn nature, it is actually a very docile breed. At one time, the breed was encouraged to display its fierce and fearless traits, but now they are members of the non-sporting group and make an excellent dedicated family pet. The first reference to an English Bulldog is found in literature from 1609.
As of the year 2007, the English Bulldog entered the list of the ten best dog breeds. The English Bulldog was originally bred for the purpose of helping butchers control unruly oxen, as a watchdog, and as a hunting companion. The breed’s name actually comes from when they were used to fight bulls in a sport called baiting that was banned in 1835. In the year 1976, the English Bulldog was finally accepted as a member of the American Kennel Club. There is a lot to consider when it comes to this complex breed of dog.
The English Bulldog will do well in apartments, as long as you take him outside for the occasional walk or to the park. The breed is not very interested in exercise due to their low energy, so they do not require a lot of exercise. The English Bulldog’s favorite activity is lounging around the house most of the time. The English Bulldog enjoys the company of the family, making it an excellent pet for anyone with a child in the home.
The English Bulldog will bark and grow to alert you that strangers are nearby. They often do not attack as their imposing figure is enough to fend off most threats. They typically average between fifty and sixty pounds in weight as adults and can measure twelve to sixteen inches at the shoulder. It is a medium-sized dog with a stocky build and a broad chest. Their tail is often curled and they always have a bowlegged appearance. Coat colors can range from liver, tan, black, white, and a mix of colors.
The English Bulldog does not do so well when it comes to obedience training. They do not follow directions easily and are quite a stubborn breed. This lack of response when training does not mean that they are not smart, but rather that they simply prefer to think things through before acting, which actually makes them highly intelligent.
However, the popularity of the breed has unfortunately led to some disreputable breeds that do not focus on the temperament of the dog. As a result, the breed has seen an increase in aggression. That’s why it’s important that you buy your English Bulldog only from a trusted breeder and properly socialize him as a puppy. Your English Bulldog can live for eight to ten years with proper care and training. One health concern to be aware of with the English Bulldog is heat illness which occurs if they are exposed to excessive ambient temperatures and do not have a way to quickly dissipate the heat.
