Pampered Dog Blog

With its short, stout build, bandy legs, short muzzle and prominent under-bite, the Bulldog is one of the most recognizable dog breeds. There is much dispute about the breed’s origins, but what we do know is that they were quite widespread in England by the early 1600’s.

But the Bulldogs of those days were a world apart from the current breed. They were fierce, fighting dogs used mainly in the barbaric blood sports of dog fighting and bull baiting. After the government put an end to these ‘sports’, in 1835, Bulldog number fell steeply, and the breed would likely have died out, but for the formation of the Bulldog Club, in 1864.

Today, the Bulldog has left his violent past behind him, and is a gentle, good-natured and affectionate companion dog.

The Bulldog is a medium-sized, compact dog with short stumpy legs, a large head and folded, loose fitting skin. The coat is short and can be red, fawn, white, brindle or piebald. Bulldogs may look fierce and aggressive, but are known to be one of the most affectionate of all dog breeds. The are extremely loving, and are entirely devoted to their human family. But they can still step up to the plate when needed for protection. Anyone who messes with a Bulldog’s family is in for a very nasty surprise.

Bulldogs are famously stubborn, and you’ll need plenty of patience to train one. But training is a must, because these dogs can display dominant behaviors. One such behavior, that is fairly common, is guarding possessions, and even people, that they claim as their own.

Bulldogs are known to live for as long as 12 years, although the average lifespan for the breed is just 6.5 years.

Unfortunately, the Bulldog is a breed with a lot of health problems. They are prone to a catalog of health problems including hip dysplasia, heart failure, cancer, patellar luxation, cherry eye, and various skin disorders. They also suffer from respiratory problems, due to their shortened muzzles. This is particularly acute in warm weather. The short face also makes them the champion snorers of the canine world.

Bulldogs are not exactly athletic and are quite happy to spend most of their time sleeping. While this makes them well suited to apartment living, but it doesn’t mean you can skimp on exercise. A short walk will be required every day, but take care not to over exert the dog in warm weather.

The English Bulldog may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but the breed has plenty of fans, and many who have owned a Bully would not have any other dog breed.

The easiest way to find good names for your Bulldog is to visit an online dog names, resource, like puppy-names-hq.com. This site has tons of dog names, including 1000s of cool dog names to choose from.