ENGLISH BULLDOG – Traits and TRAINING

Today, we’re going to talk about a breed with an unmistakable appearance, the English Bulldog. The English Bulldog descended from dogs used for bull baiting in Britain. The dog that grabbed the bull by its nose and pinned it to the ground would be the victor. It was common for a bull to maim or kill several dogs at these events.

These customs led to dog fighting with bulls and other large animals, but fortunately, this cruel practice was banned in the 19th century. When bull baiting was banned, the Bulldog lost popularity among the English and started gradually disappearing. However, some English immigrants living in the United States maintained the breed with a few changes, giving rise to the American Bulldog.

In England, the original Bulldog was crossed with smaller and less aggressive dogs, changing their shape to what we know today. Their current size and morphology don’t allow them to perform many tasks, but their affectionate nature has made them one of the most beloved pets in the world.

The Bulldog is a medium-sized dog with a heavy build. Their faces are undoubtedly their most distinctive feature. They have a short, white, and blunt snout that slopes upwards with an odd protrusion of the jaw. In theory, this morphology helps the dog bite and hold their prey, but this is unlikely to work. In fact, it is not a common morphology in natural predators.

Their hair is short, flat, and smooth and can be red, white, fawn, brindle, or piebald. Although the English Bulldog is a morphologically symmetrical dog, their structure is considered too formed by many and often impairs their ease of movement. The breed standard does not indicate a predetermined size, but Bulldogs usually have a height of around 40 centimeters. Their weight, as indicated in the standard, is about 25 kilograms for males and 23 kilograms for females.

The Bulldog is a determined, strong, alert, brave, and loyal dog. According to the breed standard, they should also be active animals, but adult Bulldogs are usually rather quiet. This dog demands a lot of attention and is not an animal to be left alone for many hours a day. They form strong ties with their human family and tend to feel isolated when left alone for too long.

Their fierce appearance usually gives a false impression. These dogs usually have a warm, calm, and quiet demeanor, but they can be tenacious when they want something. They are usually very patient with children and generally make excellent pets. However, not all dogs of this breed will have these features. Their character will vary and depend heavily on the conditions in which the dog lives.

Hip dysplasia is a major health hazard for the English Bulldog. Their extremely flattened face has a negative effect on their airways, making breathing difficult. They should have moderate exercise to keep them fit, as intense exercise can be a risk factor. However, they do need daily walks for exercise and to socialize with people and other dogs.

It is normal for this breed to salivate excessively, so it is advisable to clean their face frequently and remove any dirt and debris buildup. They shed hair regularly, so brushing them two or three times a week with a rubber brush is necessary. Their wrinkles and folds should also be cleaned with a soft damp cloth or a soft moistened sponge, followed by drying with a dry soft cloth to avoid the appearance of fungi and other skin issues.

English Bulldogs learn very easily when positive reinforcement is used, such as using a clicker during puppyhood. It is essential to teach them some basic habits, such as urinating on the newspaper and later urinating in the street, teaching them to fight properly, and how to deal with time alone. Socialization is also essential, introducing the puppy to people, dogs, other animals, and environments of all kinds to prevent fear and aggression as adults.

Later, when they are young, basic training commands should be started, which are essential for their safety and yours. English Bulldogs are not often skilled in advanced canine education, but it is highly recommended to keep practicing exercises with them as adults to stimulate their minds.

Some of the most common behavioral problems in this breed are resource protection and aggression, usually due to poor socialization and intense and disorganized artificial selection. English Bulldogs often present many hereditary diseases and other health problems. Among the diseases that are common in English Bulldogs are hip and elbow dysplasia, keratoconjunctivitis, respiratory problems, entropion, ectropion, cataracts, elongated palate, heatstroke, inverted tail, skin problems, and bloating.

Of course, there may also be other dog diseases depending on the care given to each animal and their particular genotype. It is strongly recommended that this breed visits the vet every six months to maintain good health or to quickly detect any illness. It is also essential to follow the vaccination schedule and regularly deworm them internally and externally.

If we comply with all their necessary care and if the dog maintains good health, you canenjoy their company for eight to ten years.