The history of the origin and development of the English Bulldog breed. English bulldog. Character, upbringing and care.

Family and relationships 24.05.2018
Family and relationships

The English Bulldog is a dog breed that seems to have been deliberately created for lazy or busy people. Compliant and calm, rather even phlegmatic, English bulldog dog balanced and seasoned. Outwardly, the breed looks somewhat intimidating and, it seems, as if for the slightest disrespect for itself or its owner, the dog will rush to the attack to defend the wounded honor. However, this is far from the truth. Although the bulldog will come to the rescue in a critical situation, the breed was not bred to protect the owner, and it is better not to rely on protection from a dog that was not specially trained for this. But bulldogs can definitely become good watchmen.

The English Bulldog requires almost no care, and keeping a bulldog is not expensive in terms of money. You will save both money and time, because this dog, although it will not refuse to walk, will rather lie on the couch than make unnecessary gestures. A parent can entrust the upbringing and training of a bulldog to a child whose age has reached 9-12 years.

Breed standard (briefly).

Male weight: about 24-25 kg.

Female weight: about 22-23 kg.

Male height: 31-40 cm.

Bitch height: 31-40 cm.

Care complexity: very low.

Hair care: little grooming.

How many times to bathe: about 2 times a year.

Preferred Living Conditions: in warmth.

Can they live in an apartment: Yes.

Lifespan: about 8-12 years old.

Country: UK.

Date of origin of the breed: XIX century (second half).

FCI Group: Group 2.

FCI Section: Section 2.

FCI Standard No.: 149.

English bulldog price.

"Hand": up to $150.

PET class: up to $250-300.

BRID class: from $500 to $800.

SHOW class: from $800 to $1100 and more.

Education and training:

The complexity of education: average.

Difficulty of training: above average.

You can deal with a child with: 9-11 years old.

purpose of the breed.

Initial purpose: dog-bodyguard, companion.

Where is it currently used: now the English bulldog serves as a friend to people, and is not suitable for the role of a bodyguard.

relationship with living beings.

Strangers: incredulous.

Children living in a family: very good.

Animals: good.

Activity level and walking:

Need for activity: low.

Playfulness: low.

Walk duration: about 1 hour per day.

Walk intensity: walks, some games.

Description and character of the English Bulldog. Who is the breed for?




Let the rough appearance of the breed not fool you, in fact, the character of the English Bulldog is calm, indulgent and accommodating. Bulldogs are ready to wallow on a spacious sofa for days on end, and when you come home from work, you will find the dog exactly in the place where you saw it when you left for work in the morning. Of course, even this couch potato needs physical activity, otherwise the dog will turn into a kolobok from a proud bulldog. It is unlikely that you will be able to persuade a pet to play actively (although young individuals are very playful), but an English bulldog will appreciate walking in the fresh air not far from the owner. By the way, activity will allow you to better control the dog.

The English Bulldog dog will fit perfectly into the family of any composition. Do you live alone, with your partner, or do you have big family consisting also of small children, the bulldog will feel good wherever he is loved and does not interfere with sleep. It is better to monitor the communication of a dog of any breed and a child. You can entrust the upbringing and training of a dog to a child whose age has reached 9 years. But be sure to help the child if he has difficulties while caring for the bulldog.

History of the breed (briefly).

The first bulldogs appeared in England. They were widely used as poisoning dogs, acting as gladiators in the then popular bloody game of bull-baiting. For certain, the time of the birth of the breed is unknown, except that by the 17th century, the British distinguished the bulldog from other "masts". In 1799, records were found that testify to the use of mastiffs and bulldogs for hunting wild boar.

There is nothing difficult in caring for an English Bulldog. You just need to wipe the coat with a special mitt from time to time (about once a week), wipe the wrinkles on the muzzle, clean the dirt under the tail, and also bathe the animal using shampoo. This should not be done often, 1-2 times a year is enough. If the coat is heavily soiled, it is better to simply wipe the animal with a damp terry towel. In addition to body care, you should take your pet to the veterinarian for vaccination. Actually, this ends the care of the English bulldog. Unless be sure to accustom the dog from the moment it appears in the house so that it calmly endures all manipulations on itself.

The English Bulldog, which we see in the photo, has a pronounced personality and is the national breed of England with the embodiment of character traits true gentleman: aristocracy, conservatism, equanimity, solidity, a certain phlegm, which are combined with rough elegance and impressiveness.

Raising a bulldog requires considerable responsibility due to the fact that in the process of turning from a fighting breed into a decorative one, he lost some working qualities, becoming very vulnerable. The English Bulldog genetically needs human companionship. The video will introduce you to this animal.

From the history

It is hard to imagine that good-natured and phlegmatic puppies were originally bred as bloodthirsty animals that beat bulls for the amusement of the public. Translated from English bulldog - bull dog. This is a short-haired breed of the second group of the FCI, a subgroup of Mastiffs and Molossians (see photo).

Now it is enough to simply answer the question of where the breed came from. Of course, from the fights. Survivors in a fight with bulls left offspring with a characteristic exterior. The author of the first cynological work in history, Johann Caius, mentioned in 1576 exactly the ancestors of the modern bulldog. The monsters of that time bear little resemblance to our resigned contemporaries, and are presented as vicious, stubborn and energetic creatures, preoccupied with the only goal - to kill the bull in order to survive. A video of the spectacle can be seen below.

The modern bulldog is the result of yet another human repentance. For a long time Having fun baiting animals, having seen enough of the various types of fights between them, the humane British adopted a law on the protection of animals. Bulls have been protected, but what should an English bulldog do? It is not suitable for dog fights, as it will immediately kill - no spectacle. It is not suitable for hunting. So the original breed began to die out gradually. People woke up late. Only in 1817, the dogs Krib and Rosa, whose photos are posted below, were entered in the studbook. They are considered the progenitors of the modern English bulldog.


As you can see in the photo, the Old English Bulldog was squat, but powerful, with a heavy forehead, broad chest and tenacious jaws, but very disciplined, unconditionally obeying the commands of the owner.

The place of bull-baiting was taken by dog ​​fights. To participate in such fights, bulldogs needed other qualities, such as flexibility, lightning speed, and mobility. To do this, they began to cross with terriers, which greatly influenced the purity of the breed.

By the middle of the 20th century, it became fashionable to breed exhibition breeds, small in stature, squat and broad-chested. The result of the selection was an English bulldog devoid of malice and aggressiveness with a peaceful disposition, the description of which is placed in the modern standard.

Characteristics of the breed

The bulldog has a funny muzzle with folds, which can be seen in the photo. However, despite the good nature, this is a rather stern dog with a protruding jaw and open teeth. The folds on the skin helped the dog in battle, maintaining maneuverability and preventing blood from flooding his eyes. Broad shoulders, a huge head form a squat image, which is shown in the photo and video.


Representatives of this species are distinguished by a small pelvis and a massive head. This form does not allow the English Bulldog to give birth to puppies without the help of veterinarians. Puppies normally cannot pass through the birth canal, so dogs are most often given a caesarean section.

The English Bulldog is considered one of the most painful breeds. They are prone to multiple hereditary and congenital diseases, mainly - these are diseases of the heart and the musculoskeletal system.

The life span of an English Bulldog is approximately ten years. Despite such a short life expectancy, many owners prefer this variety.

The English Bulldog can be classified as a medium-sized breed. At the withers, the height is up to 40 centimeters, and the weight of the male is about 25 kilograms, the females are several kilograms less. You can see the difference in the video.

The Bulldog is a classic Englishman known for his intelligence. He freely memorizes many human words, understanding the intonation of the owner, which gives positive feedback from the owners. The dog is slow, so its training and education are not easy and slow. Slowness affects the character of the dog. Haste is not in his rules.


The character is quite stubborn. They always understand the essence of your team and everything that in question. But a stubborn disposition will not allow them to make concessions, as they feel like real bosses.

Remember that at the moment of danger from the degree and slowness of the English Bulldog there will be no trace. Then decisiveness and speed wake up in him. Representatives of this breed are endowed with a peculiar appearance that perfectly reflects the character.

Speaking about the main features in behavior, it can be noted that this dog is calm, calm and friendly, his character is beautiful. Owner reviews will not contain complaints about inappropriate barking or growling of their ward. English Bulldog puppies and adult dogs are always ready to communicate with their owner and support in difficult times.

His nervous system makes it possible to avoid all sorts of conflicts. However, he will never allow himself to be offended. The fighting past is genetically embedded, even despite the sleeping instincts.

The nature of this breed was embodied by centuries of perplexity and reflection. The dog, created for fighting, gradually turned into a guard and now lives among sofa cushions.


You need to bathe the bulldog as needed and as shown in the video. Frequent bathing will dry out the skin and can also cause itching, irritation, and flaking of the skin. Allergy is possible.

A dirty dog ​​can be wiped with a damp cloth. Check your nails regularly, cut them on time. Teeth also need regular brushing.

Although this breed looks clumsy and squat, however, regular exercise is shown to it. Due to the tendency to quickly gain weight, regular ones are very important. Solid by nature, Bulldogs are not often active on their own, so they sometimes need to be forced or motivated to take action.


But physical exercises in very cold and hot weather are contraindicated. A short coat will not keep you warm in winter, and the heat can lead to heatstroke.

A huge problem with these mighty dogs is allergies. Allergies in bulldogs can be caused by flowers, herbs, pollen. Allergies can be the result of prolonged exposure to the sun. It is very important, when the first signs of allergic reactions occur, to contact a veterinarian and find out what caused the allergy.

Food

A balanced diet is a must proper growth and animal development. Given the tendency of dogs to become obese, proper nutrition they just need to.

It is up to you to feed your pet with natural food or super premium dry food. One nuance should be remembered - to adhere to the diet plan, not forgetting about vitamins, mineral supplements and, of course, to love your friend.

Price policy

Interested in buying an English Bulldog puppy? Of course, you can do this via the Internet or look for ads in newspapers. But first, you need to decide for yourself what goals you want to achieve when buying a puppy. The cost depends on who you need a pet or a future champion of exhibitions. Champion parent puppies will be expensive, but companion dogs will be cheaper. As a result, the price range varies.

The English Bulldog breed is very popular among all peoples of the world. The proof is that this particular animal is the mascot of many sports clubs and organizations. This is not surprising, because the English Bulldog is the most memorable representative of the fighting breed of animals.

The history of the English Bulldog breed goes back to the distant 16th century. Then the main purpose of breeding was dog fighting, so popular with the British. Breeding bulldogs was a difficult and time-consuming business, due to their rather complex behavior in "amorous affairs" and a short lifespan. Animals of this breed were used in dog fights, where they showed unprecedented cruelty, grip and stamina. Bulldogs were very successful in hunting and protection.

Description of the English Bulldog

Animals of the described breed must have certain standards of appearance, proving the purity of origin. These include the following characteristics:

  1. Weight no more than 23 kg.
  2. The coat is dense, close to the skin and without any curls.
  3. The color is monophonic, uniform and bright, without any inclusions.
  4. Elastic and strong skin.
  5. The presence of skin folds on the head and muzzle, characteristic dewlaps from the lower jaw to the chest.
  6. Very large skull diameter.
  7. Bulging cheeks and low-set round eyes.
  8. Short muzzle with thick lips and massive jaws.
  9. The physique is strong, muscular and stocky.

Character of the English Bulldog

Very good-natured, calm and balanced, bulldogs will make excellent pets for a country house or apartment. The phlegmatic nature ensures the safe coexistence of the English Bulldog and children, and also does not cause inconvenience to the owner. An English Bulldog and a cat is a very dangerous combination, given the dog's body weight and its fighting instincts, a feline can suffer physically.

Animals of this breed do not need intensive physical activity. They require some care in regular cleaning and trimming of nails, washing the folds under the tail and on the muzzle, cleaning the ears and teeth. If the participation of the bulldog in exhibitions is implied, it is worth taking care of more thorough care and grooming. The English Bulldog's diet should be balanced, high in calories and easily digestible.

Training an English Bulldog is a difficult and time-consuming task that requires patience and perseverance of the owner. The dog remembers commands for a long time, but firmly. Education of the English Bulldog is best left to professional trainers, as it requires enough high degree dedication and time commitment.

  • Height at the withers: males - 38-40 cm, females - 35.7-37 cm
  • Weight: males - 25-25.5 kg, females - 21.7-22.5 kg
  • Color: solid - white, red, fawn, brindle, two-tone
  • Lifespan: 8-9 years old.
  • Other names: English bulldog, bulldog

Description of the breed

At the sight of a small, clumsy English Bulldog puppy, many come to tenderness and delight. Indeed, a cute face, clumsy movements, wrinkles on the face, an innocent look evoke extremely positive emotions. Thanks to their imposing appearance, stable, balanced psyche, emotional character, calm disposition, proud, one might even say royal habits, English bulldogs have become one of the most popular breeds in many countries of the world. The appearance of the breed expresses courage, determination, aristocracy, energy and poise.


A stocky, sturdy man with an extraordinary appearance, a gentle, loving heart bears little resemblance to the confident, courageous fighter that we used to perceive close relative"Englishman" - American Bulldog. Since the breed was no longer used for its intended purpose, namely, in bull-baiting competitions, representatives of the English bulldog breed have long lost their fighting qualities, they have moved into the rank of aristocratic gentlemen, selflessly devoted pets.


Today, the English Bulldog is a faithful companion, a family member, a devoted friend to adults and children. Bulldogs are very devoted to their owners, they require increased attention to their person and they do not tolerate long separation from their owners very well. Despite their intimidating appearance, stocky, strong muscular body, the British are not suitable as guard dogs, since the breed was originally bred not for protection, but if the slightest danger threatens the owner, true friend without hesitation will come to the rescue in a critical situation. At the same time, bulldogs, with proper training, may well become good watchmen, and this is not to mention the fact that under the threat and danger from their four-legged counterparts, bulldogs confidently rebuff their offenders.


Dogs of this breed have a calm, balanced psyche, complaisant, condescending character, phlegmatic, calm disposition. The peaceful nature of the English Bulldog makes it possible to keep the dog in families with small children and other pets, provided that the bulldog feels like a universal favorite. If the bulldog feels your love and care, a devoted friend will reciprocate you a hundredfold. However, do not think that English Bulldogs are a sedentary, inactive dog breed that prefers to sleep or lie down on the couch all day. Often, bulldogs are quite noisy, playful, impatient, due to natural excitement, at times when vital energy is in full swing.


The English Bulldog is a very smart, quick-witted dog breed that lends itself well to training, of course, with the right approach to training. Many people mistakenly believe that when commands are not followed, the British are simply lazy or disobedient. This is absolutely not true. English Bulldogs are highly intelligent dogs with a fine organization of the psyche. Those who are familiar with the characteristics of this breed are well aware that bulldogs must think carefully, analyze the task before executing the command. The English are sometimes stubborn. It is difficult to get them to do what they do not like or cannot do, so it is very important to show patience, confidence and tact in raising a dog.

English bulldog breed standard

The English Bulldog breed is a short-haired, stocky, compact dog of medium size, with a prominent, well-developed musculature, strong bones. The coat is soft, dense, close to the body. The body is short, tightly articulated with muscular limbs. The hind limbs of the dog are well developed, quite strong, somewhat longer and lighter than the front ones, but this does not create a disproportion of the breed at all. The hind legs should not be too high and the hocks straight. That is why the English have a heavy, slightly shuffling gait. Looking at the bulldog, it seems that the dog moves in short dashes, moving on the tips of his fingers in a waddle, from shoulder to shoulder, a little sideways, but at the same time very energetically.


In relation to the body, the head of the English is massive, rather large. Its circumference should correspond to growth, plus or minus 7-8 cm. The muzzle is short, upturned, wide, with a curved lower jaw, low wings of the wings. English Bulldogs have a haughty or sad expression on their faces. The neck is wide, strong, rather thick. The withers are located below the line of the back. covered with thick elastic skin. Rib cage well developed, massive, wide. The back is short, wide.


The forehead is wide, flat, with folds that should not hang over the muzzle or protrude too much. The eyes are set low on the skull, at a sufficient distance from the ears, set wide apart, large, round, but not protruding, rich, dark brown in color. Individuals with light (blue) or light amber eyes indicate the marriage of the breed. Despite the pretentious appearance due to pedigree features, the appearance of dogs of this breed combines confidence, elegance, tireless energy, determination. The nose is large, with wide open nostrils. The nose must be black (brown, amber, pink color of the nose is a disqualification). The jaws are powerful, wide, square. The lower jaw is parallel to the upper. Canine teeth should not be visible according to the breed standard.


The ears are set high, at a considerable distance from each other and the eyes are hanging, while the front edge of the auricles should touch the outer line of the skull in the upper corner. The shape of the auricles of the bulldog appearance resembles a rose. The tail is low-set, thick at the base, short, no more than 7.5-8 cm. It descends to the bottom or may have a twisted shape.


Representatives of this breed have a well-defined sexual type. Males are larger than females, have more prominent muscles, strong, strong bones. Height at the withers - 38-40 cm. The type of constitution is strong, with elements of dampness. The average body weight for females is 21.7-22.5 kg, for males 25-25.5 kg.


The color of English Bulldogs can be any: solid, usually fawn, red with a dark mask on the muzzle, or any two-color variations, for example, white with brown or reddish spots, brindle with a dark mask. The fault of the breed is the presence of large white spots in dogs with a single-color coat.

Character and features

The main feature of the English Bulldog breed is boundless devotion not only to its owner, but to all family members. Therefore, for dogs of this breed, a long separation from their beloved household members is a real stress, not to mention a family change. The English need affection, care, increased attention from the owner, so this breed is unlikely to suit busy people who are often absent from home. When leaving on a long business trip, think in advance with whom to leave the dog from your close circle so that separation for the pet is less traumatic. Bulldogs are very attached, patient with children and will happily play with them for hours. By the way, English Bulldogs are very fond of traveling, especially by car, so if possible, be sure to take your pet on trips.


The British are real households, they appreciate comfort, homeliness, they can sleep for hours on their bedding or sunbed. It is worth noting that bulldogs very quickly adapt to new conditions and become attached to their family members. Bulldogs are not one of those breeds of dogs that do not need long walks, but this does not mean at all that they do not need physical activity. You may have to make an effort to motivate your dog to an active lifestyle. Bulldogs will gladly take part in active outdoor games, will frolic with other dogs in the clearing.


Despite the stubbornness, willfulness and laziness inherent in the breed, bulldogs are very amusing, cheerful and energetic dogs. Bulldogs are very smart and quick-witted, therefore they lend themselves very well to training, and they will be happy to perform the tasks assigned to them, the main thing is the correct upbringing of the English Bulldog. The main thing is to gain confidence and properly organize the learning process.


Dogs of this breed are prone to flatulence due to excessive swallowing of air, so you need to pay special attention to the pet's diet. Perhaps the only drawback of this breed is that due to anatomical structure nasopharynx, English bulldogs in a dream make specific sounds similar to snoring. But how can such a trifle affect and change your decision to have this touching, sweet and wonderful creature?

Unfortunately, English Bulldogs are classified as breeds. who are prone to various types diseases, especially endocrine, cardiovascular pathologies, diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The average life expectancy of English Bulldogs is 8-9 years, so it is very important to create optimal conditions for the comfortable maintenance of representatives of this breed.

Care and maintenance

Acquisition of a dog is a very responsible and important process, which involves systematic, regular care of a pet. A puppy of any breed, in addition to joy and positive emotions, brings trouble and inconvenience. And even despite the fact that the content of the English Bulldog is not particularly difficult, given the fact that in the process of its development the breed has turned from a fighting into a decorative breed, owners should know what care should be for the English Bulldog.

Caring for bulldogs consists in timely vaccination, periodic cleaning of the coat and skin folds from contamination, the preparation of a correct, balanced diet, education and training.
Having decided to get an English Bulldog breed dog, take care of a convenient place for the pet in advance. It is best to purchase a special mattress or bed for medium breed dogs. Bulldogs simply adore comfort and coziness and very often ask for a sofa or bed with their owner. Do not indulge this bad habit of a pet. The dog should have its own, separate comfortable place. Bulldogs are not suitable for captive keeping, as the short coat does not warm the dog enough during the cold season. AT winter period year for walks you need to buy clothes for the English bulldog. Owners should also keep in mind that Bulldogs do not tolerate extreme heat very well, so walking in the sun is contraindicated and can lead to heat stroke. During active walks, you need to monitor the condition of the dog and prevent severe overwork. Grooming an English Bulldog is quite simple. It is enough after a walk to wipe the skin between the skin folds on the muzzle with a damp cotton pad. Such a simple procedure will help to avoid the development of infection. It is necessary to comb the coat two to three times a week, using a medium-hard brush with small, frequent teeth or a special massage mitt. During the molting period, do not be lazy to regularly clean the pet's coat. If the dog gets dirty during the walk, you can rinse the pet in the shower or wash off the dirt with a damp cloth. You can bathe English Bulldogs only with special shampoos and no more than two or three times a year.

Feeding and nutrition of the English bulldog

Special attention you need to pay attention to the diet of your pet, since, given the natural laziness, bulldogs can quickly gain extra pounds, which is not the most in the best way affect the functioning of the cardiovascular system. digestive and endocrine systems. Do not overfeed bulldogs or give them forbidden treats. The diet should be nutritious, of high quality and consist of either natural food, which is more preferable, or high-quality dry food of the Premium or Elite class. It is mandatory to check with breeders or a veterinarian which vitamins for English Bulldogs should be given as a nutritional supplement.


In addition, the British are prone to allergic reactions and dermatoses, so you should not feed your dog food from your table. The diet should include quality meat, dairy products(cottage cheese, yogurt, kefir, sour cream), fresh herbs, boiled, stewed raw vegetables, eggs (not more than once a week), cereals, vegetable fats, offal in a small amount, sea ​​fish. do not feed the bulldog only raw meat, as dogs of this breed are prone to developing urolithiasis. The nutrition of the English Bulldog should be varied, fresh, the diet is fully balanced in terms of proteins, fats, carbohydrates. In the bowl should always be fresh, best filtered clean water.


English bulldog puppies

Dog owners mistakenly believe that by purchasing a puppy with a pedigree, they are purchasing a show dog. A pedigree is a document that confirms the pedigree origin of a dog, so if the exhibition career of a pet is important to you, purchase puppies only from breed breeders or specialized kennels located in major cities of the country.


When choosing an English Bulldog puppy, be sure to look at the conditions in which the kids and their mother are kept, watch the puppies for a while. It is advisable to look at the document for mating and for the male, since by the external parameters of the puppy's parents you can understand how your pet will grow up. It is better to take puppies from the mother-dog at 1.2-2 months. English Bulldog puppies should be active, cheerful, have a shiny coat and a healthy appearance.

Training and education

Representatives of the English Bulldog breed are smart, quick-witted, easy to train, but unfortunately, rather wayward and lazy. The training of an English Bulldog is a rather specific process, so you will have to be patient, as the educational process is part of the mandatory care. The British are dogs with a fine organization of the psyche, and before completing the task, they must think it over well.

The success of training is the complete trust on the part of the dog to its owner. You will never achieve a positive result by shouting, raising your voice, and even more so, by physical violence. Build the learning process in such a way that the dog wants, and it was interesting for her to follow the commands. Breed owners should take into account that each dog is individual. In addition, the English Bulldog does not belong to service dog breeds, so it is important to find the right approach when raising and training your pet. You can start learning a new skill only after the bulldog has mastered the previous command. Combine training with play and always reward your pet with a gentle tone and a piece of your favorite treat. To avoid problems in the future, from the first days teach the dog to the correct manners, pay attention to raising an English bulldog.

History of the breed

It is hard to imagine that the affectionate and docile English Bulldogs were originally bred for baiting bulls, bears, and fierce dog fights. The ancestors of modern bulldogs were distinguished by good health, endurance, anger and aggressiveness. Could have a different size and structure of the jaws. The dogs were so aggressive and dangerous that they were banned from the streets ancient rome. And only at the beginning of the 19th century, the Society for the Protection of Animals in 1835 banned dog fighting and bull-baiting. At that time, the breed ceased to be in demand and hung on the verge of extinction.


But fortunately, one of the breeders, Englishman Bill George, remained devoted to this unique breed, continuing its breeding. The English Bulldog gradually moved from the rank of fighting dogs, becoming a faithful and devoted companion, and every year interest in the representatives of the breed gradually increased. A noticeable increase in the representatives of this breed was noticed in the 90s, and, thanks to the efforts of breeders, today the English Bulldog has high breed qualities and characteristics.

Imposing English bulldog does not seem agile at all, but more like a burly, stocky farmer than a fighter. But, in fact, he is able to surprise anyone with his agility.

Tendency to train
Mind
Moult
Guard qualities
Security qualities
Popularity
The size
Agility
Attitude towards children

Story

In the 13th century in England, the breed acquired its current name from English word"bull" - a bull. Bulldogs took them down. English Bulldogs are terribly powerful dogs. When they need something, they will sweep everyone out of their way. When bull-baiting by dogs was outlawed in 1835, the English Bulldog breed virtually disappeared. Luckily, a group of bulldog fans saved the day. After that, dogs began to be bred, the character of which became more suitable for a companion dog.

English aristocrats watched with admiration as mighty dogs driving huge bulls. They recalled that before the advent of bulldogs, smaller and less powerful dogs were released into the arena in a pack, from which, under the heavy hooves of a beast distraught with pain, almost all the dogs died, leaving rich owners no money lost in a bet, no reason for fun.

The Bulldog, often referred to as the English Bulldog, is a friendly, calm, good-natured dog. The English Bulldog is very confident. Where other dogs will look to the owner for support, the bulldog will say: "I can handle it myself anyway." The English bulldog has become the unofficial symbol of the US Marine Corps.

Today, the English Bulldog is a dog, 100% the creation of human hands. Today, such loving English Bulldogs were so cruel in ancient times that they were banned from the streets of Rome.

The English mastiff and its smaller copy, which served the British butchers, cattle dealers and gurtopravam, as a working dog, reminiscent of a Rottweiler and a Bullenbeiser, claimed the role of a "bull-biter".

Among the first "bulldogs", however, there were dogs of different sizes, colors and with different structures of the jaws. " Natural selection"produced by bulls, destroying animals unsuitable for combat, and a person watched the fights, and then consolidated and developed in dogs those qualities that contributed to the creation of a perfect four-legged fighter.

So, the mastiff usually grabbed the bull by the ear, scruff or neck and tried to knock down the enemy. But because of his big size mastiffs often fell on the bull's horns or under the hooves.

But the “butcher dogs”, due to long-term selection, better protected themselves from a formidable enemy and had another remarkable feature - the desire to grab the bull by the nose. And since this is the most sensitive place in the hoofed giant, it was the bulldog that clung to the nose of the bull that was able to completely paralyze his will and discourage him from resisting. The fight, by the way, was considered over if the bull fell or ran away from the arena.



Photo: Bulldog, English Bulldog

"Property Dog"
Bull-baiting was banned by law in 1835 - and the large number of bulldogs was "out of work." But not for long - the qualities of the dogs have already been appreciated.

Bulldogs quickly turned from "gladiators" into excellent bodyguards, defenders, watchmen and just worthy companions.

However, after appearing in the houses and royal chambers, the fearless bulldogs still had to sacrifice something - their difficult character. The British sent aggressive dogs to plantations in the New World, and they tried to re-educate those dogs that remained to protect the aristocrats - aggressive, embittered bulldogs in secular interiors were inappropriate.

Since a “classic” gentleman must have a “respectable” dog, breeders of that time gave preference to balanced, loyal to outsiders (to a certain extent) and reliable bulldogs. Unfortunately, fearlessness and perseverance in the process of "re-education" suffered.

Of course, the bulldog today, without hesitation, will stand up for his master. But we are unlikely to see that unbending warrior who went into the arena one on one with a mighty bull. However, so what? The main thing is that the enterprising and wise British gave the world a devoted and sensible friend.

Description of the breed: character, size, life expectancy

The bulldog has a funny muzzle with all the folds and cheeks. But do not be mistaken. The English Bulldog is a very tough dog. The jaw protrudes forward and exposes the teeth. The skin in folds helped the dogs in battle - even if the enemy grabbed, they still retained maneuverability in battle. The folds on the muzzle are necessary so that the blood does not fill the eyes during the battle. Broad shoulders, large head create a squat appearance.

The English Bulldog is a dog with a massive head and a small pelvis. Because of their shape, the English Bulldog often cannot give birth to puppies without the help of a veterinarian. Puppies do not pass normally through the birth canal, and therefore most dogs are given a caesarean section. In addition, English Bulldogs are brachycephalic dogs, which means they have a depressed nose and head.

Due to the fact that they breathe through their mouths and swallow a lot of air, they often release gases. You need to either ignore it or stock up on air freshener. They may not be the most gentle dogs, but English bulldogs are amazing. They remain the national dog of England. During the 2nd World War, the bulldog was considered the dog of Churchill, because he personified the courage and strength of England. True, Churchill had a poodle, not a bulldog.

The English Bulldog is a real homebody. He likes to spin near the sofa and is ready to sleep all day. It does not apply to those dogs that like long walks. He prefers to spin near the house. The English Bulldog is very stubborn. If he does not want to do something, then you will have to spend a lot of effort to get him to do it. His funny behavior will surely make you smile often. The English Bulldog forms a very strong bond with children and is great with them. He loves to chew on different things and so that this trait of his character does not become destructive, provide him with many toys to chew on and hide your slippers.

In general, the English Bulldog does not tolerate heat well. If you live in a hot climate, the English Bulldog may not be the best choice. The English Bulldog is great for city life. They do not need constant exercise, they do not need to run for an hour. For most, it is enough to move well once or take a walk for 20 minutes 2 times a day. It all depends on the dog. The younger ones need more work than the older ones.

The English Bulldog is not suitable for those who hate drool and smell. But if this dog suits you, it's love at first sight. They love to be in the company of the family.

The size

The English Bulldog is a medium sized dog. Height at the withers is 35-40 centimeters. The weight of the English Bulldog: males about 25 kilograms, females - 23 kg.

Lifespan

The English Bulldog is considered one of the sickest dog breeds. He has a lot of congenital or hereditary diseases. They may have various problems with the heart, as well as with the musculoskeletal system.

English Bulldogs live about 8-10 years.

Education and training of the English bulldog



Unlike many other breeds that have a craving for freedom in their blood, bulldogs, appearing at your home, adapt within a few days or even hours, as if in a past life they slept on your rug or ate from a bowl you prepared. And although they learn quickly, as if by intuition, bulldogs, like other dogs, need education. Otherwise, one day you may realize that you have raised a minion, a stubborn person, or even a threat to others.

The first rule of the "bulldog charmer" is to be a friend to the dog. As soon as you put your pet on a chain or “enclose” it in a cramped enclosure, you will lose the trust of a dog that, in order to grow up as a worthy companion, needs to be close to people all the time.

Nevertheless, you need to immediately show the bulldog "who is the boss at home." Otherwise, you will not have time to come to your senses, how you will become the “subordinate” of your dog. Bulldogs love to luxuriate in an armchair, on a sofa, on a comfortable bedding. But do not let them do much - the day after tomorrow your pet will turn from a beloved "boy" into a mature "husband" of impressive size and with frightening jaws. This one will not even notice how it will move you off the couch, turning to the other side. Therefore, it is better to immediately equip a place for the dog where she will be comfortable and she will not bother anyone. By the way, bulldogs generally understand the language of rewards better than punishments. So if the puppy ate your favorite slipper, just squat next to him and firmly but calmly explain that he did wrong.

If you are persuasive enough and, of course, stop leaving slippers near your pet's eating area, the unpleasant "incident" will not happen again. For reliability, you can buy chewing toys for a bulldog - this will entertain him and save him from rash “manipulations” with furniture, shoes and clothes.

The bulldog is quite trainable if you agree with him. He can be stubborn because he wants to do things his own way and he has the muscle and strength to do so. The English Bulldog is not a dog with which nothing can be done, but also not one that is eager to please you. Bulldogs live by their own rules. They are very, very lazy.

They like to wallow everywhere, but sometimes they can run. They love to play, but by their own rules. The English Bulldog seems to live in his own world. You are here to feed and entertain him - there is no other reason. They want to be who they want. To train an English Bulldog, you have to understand his incentives. If it's food, praise, whatever, if you find it works for your dog, use it. Because if you want to play by your own rules, you won't get very far.

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