Brighten Your Home When You Welcome an English Bulldog Into Your Life
With its short, stocky build, wrinkly face and pronounced underbite, perhaps no other breed is as instantly recognizable as the English Bulldog. Despite its gruff appearance, this is a gentle, docile and extremely devoted breed known for its loyalty to its family and its wonderful way with children of all ages. Their unique, rolling gait and unmistakable snorting and grunting habit might put some people off but for folks who aren’t afraid to take a chance on this breed it’s no surprise that the English Bulldog quickly finds a spot in their hearts. How can you not be charmed by this gentle, laid back love bug?
History
Dating as far back as the 1500s, the English Bulldog was not originally intended to seem lovable. As their name suggests, they were bred for the cruel sport of “bull baiting” and their unique characteristics, including the flat face and wrinkled coat, helped them to acclimate to this ferocious practice. In 1835 bull baiting was outlawed in England and the Bulldog underwent a renovation of sorts, transforming from tough, fighting dog to the docile and gentle breed we see today. They gained in popularity when they were brought to the United States and they were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1890. Today they are among the top 15 most popular dog breeds in the U.S.
Temperament
Despite losing their original fighting spirit, the English Bulldog have retained their tough guy persona mainly due to their unique looks. They do have quite a bit of courage and an extreme loyal streak, which makes them very effective watchdogs. While they are generally easygoing and friendly they also possess a distinct stubborn streak which can make training a challenge. However, their gentle demeanor makes them a great companion dog that easily gets along with children and other pets.
Environment
With a low to moderate energy level, the English Bulldog doesn’t require a tremendous amount of exercise, making it an ideal choice for apartment living. An added bonus for apartment dwellers is that the English Bulldog doesn’t bark a lot, relying on its appearance for intimidation. They can also do well in a house with a yard but it’s important to remember that their flat noses make them very susceptible to heat and cold, so they shouldn’t be left outside for long periods of time.
Exercise
Preferring a laid back lifestyle, most English Bulldogs only require about 15 minutes of play at a time before they’re ready to settle down for a nap. A walk of about a mile or so during the cooler part of the day should be more than enough exercise in most cases.Though they can be stubborn, training is certainly possible with enough patience and consistency. Because of their breathing difficulties, they require a cool, air-conditioned environment and regular access to fresh water. It is also important to note that they can’t swim due to the weight of their heads, so you should practice extra caution if you have a pool or pond.
Grooming
Though they have short, fine coats with a smooth and glossy texture, they still require brushing once a week with a firm bristle brush to maintain good coat health. Their coat comes in a variety of colors, from red brindle to solid white or solid red and fawn as well as fallow and piebald mixes. Along with brushing, it is also recommended that you pay particular attention to the wrinkles and folds in the Bulldog’s coat to avoid health issues. Clean between the wrinkles and folds daily and be sure to thoroughly dry them when you are done. You should also regularly wash your Bulldog’s nose and apply petroleum jelly to prevent drying and flaking.
