English Bulldogs are kind on the inside. English bulldog: description of the breed and character How long do English bulldogs live

Dogs of this type were known to people back in the Middle Ages, but what are they like today - English bulldogs? Everything about English bulldogs, as well as what this breed is famous for, and what kind of attitude these dogs require, is in our article.

Initially, these dogs were bred to participate in bull fights, in fact, this is where the name “bull dog” came from.

These English “bibs” also owe their origin to Molossian dogs. Proper breeding of English bulldogs did not take place in those days, because bullfights were the entertainment of the poor, and therefore careful care and selection of the breed was out of the question. The main quality that a dog had to have was the ability to hold a bull until it fell dead.

Naturally, in such fights the dog had to have an aggressive character, strong jaws and short stature in order to dodge the bull's horns in time. This is how the first English Bulldogs were - fearless, selfless, reckless, persistent... are they still the same today? Undoubtedly, some of those qualities flow in their veins to this day, but modern English bulldogs have no need to hold bulls, and therefore breeders have tried to make their disposition more docile and gentle. The change in character was also influenced by the “crisis” of the breed, one might even say oblivion. The fact is that in the 18th century, bullfights lost their popularity, dogs remained - not a destiny. The only thing that saved them was that they became the object of attention of the nobility.

About the appearance of the English bulldog... These dogs have a stocky constitution. They are not large in height - they grow only up to 40 centimeters. The weight of an adult bulldog is about 25 kilograms. Dogs have a large head and a wide muzzle. A characteristic feature of this breed (as, indeed, of all bulldogs) is the presence of jowls - folds near the mouth. Dogs have small ears. The neck is short and powerful. The eyes are slightly bulging. As for the English Bulldog's limbs, they are short. These dogs have a short tail.

English Bulldogs have short fur and no undercoat. According to the standard, which assumes the purebred of the breed, the hair color can be: single-color (fawn, white or red), muted (plain color and a dark mask on the face) and two-color (red with white accents and brindle).

About the character of the English bulldog... Now we know where fearlessness and perseverance come from in a bulldog: these qualities were inherited from his ancestors. Among other things, these dogs have balance and show restraint. Outwardly, the English bulldog (its modern representative) looks like a slightly phlegmatic creature, which, together with other character traits, gives the dog a little bit of an aristocratic appearance.

Bulldogs once captivated the English nobility with their charm, and to this day this dog is considered an integral part of traditional British culture. These dogs are the personification of the image of gentlemen.

If you are going to get an English Bulldog dog, then you should know that there are some features in keeping and caring for it. After reading these recommendations, you should decide whether this dog is suitable for the lifestyle you are accustomed to leading, as well as the living conditions in your home. So, who shouldn’t get an English bulldog?

• For those who are used to leading an active lifestyle. These dogs are not intended for fast running, hunting, or active games. The short legs of an English Bulldog will not allow him to run fast, and, trying to keep up with you, the dog may become short of breath.
• People living in countries with hot climates. The homeland of these dogs is England, and there, as you know, “not Africa.” Although the English Bulldog's coat is short, dogs of this type do not tolerate heat very well. There were even cases of fainting... and sometimes death.
• For people inexperienced in dog breeding. In particular, this applies to those who plan to breed their dog’s offspring. The fact is that childbirth in English bulldogs (their modern representatives) is most often carried out by cesarean section, due to the very narrow pelvis of bitches. Get ready to have your own “personal” veterinarian...
• People with an unstable nervous system. These dogs tend to snore when they sleep, so either get earplugs or consider choosing a different breed.

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The English Bulldog is a dog breed that seems to have been deliberately created for lazy people or busy people. Docile and calm, rather even phlegmatic, the English Bulldog is a balanced and self-possessed dog. Outwardly, the breed looks somewhat intimidating and it seems that at the slightest disrespect for itself or its owner, the dog will rush to attack to defend its wounded honor. However, this is far from the truth. Although a 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 count on protection from a dog that has not been specifically trained for this. But bulldogs can definitely become good watchdogs.

An English Bulldog requires virtually no care, and keeping a Bulldog is not expensive. You will save both money and time, because although this dog will not refuse a walk, he would rather lie on the sofa than make unnecessary movements. A parent can entrust the upbringing and training of a bulldog to a child whose age has reached 9-12 years.

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

Don’t be fooled by the rough appearance of the breed; in fact, the character of the English Bulldog is calm, forgiving and flexible. Bulldogs are ready to lie around 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 from a proud bulldog into a bun. It is unlikely that you will be able to persuade your pet to play actively (although young animals are very playful), but the English bulldog will appreciate walks in the fresh air not far from the owner. By the way, activity will allow you to better control your dog.

The English Bulldog dog will fit perfectly into a family of any composition. Whether you live alone, with your partner, or have a large family of small children, the Bulldog will feel good wherever he is loved and not disturbed by sleep. It is better to monitor the interaction between 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 your child if he has any difficulties while caring for the bulldog.

History of the breed (briefly).

The first bulldogs appeared in England. They were widely used as baiting dogs, acting as gladiators in the then popular bloody sport of bull baiting. The exact time of the birth of the breed is unknown, except that by the 17th century the British distinguished the bulldog among other “mastives”. In 1799, records were found that indicate the use of mastiffs and bulldogs for hunting wild boar.

There is nothing difficult about caring for an English Bulldog. You just need to wipe the fur with a special mitten from time to time (about once a week), wipe the folds on the face, remove 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 fur 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 vaccinations. Actually, this is where caring for an English bulldog ends. Just be sure to teach the dog from the moment it appears in the house to calmly tolerate all manipulations over itself.

English Bulldog Photo | Dreamstime.com

basic information

Estimation of breed characteristics

Brief description of the breed

Their exterior is somewhat deceptive; it gives the impression that squat English bulldogs are clumsy and slow. In fact, this is not so - if necessary, they can protect both themselves and the owner. English bulldogs are excellent companion dogs and bodyguards; they are distinguished by a calm and balanced disposition, courage and a certain degree of stubbornness. But the appearance of the breed (large head, many folds and wrinkles on the muzzle) and some features (excessive salivation, characteristic snoring) can be repulsive, so purchasing an English bulldog is a matter of taste; some people like these dogs, others don’t .

The height of representatives of this English breed is about 30-40 cm, weight – 22-25 kg. Sexual dimorphism is clearly visible - females are smaller in size and not as massive as males. The general impression made by English bulldogs is that of a short, wide, very strong dog, with a high, large head, a short, dense body, and massive, short-length limbs. The skull of English Bulldogs is powerful, tall, and quite wide. The transition from the forehead to the muzzle is short, the stop is pronounced, the loose skin on the head forms clearly visible folds. The muzzle is very wide, short, with a noticeably protruding square lower jaw. The cheeks are fleshy and prominent. The jowls are hanging, thick, and cover the lower jaw. The eyes are widely spaced, medium-sized, oval-shaped, dark brown. The ears are set high, set wide apart, thin and small in size, directed downwards and backwards, forwards or can be semi-erect (rose, bud and tulip shapes). The neck is of medium length, very wide, powerful, with dewlap. The body is short, somewhat sloping in the area of ​​transition from the neck to the back, but rising towards the loin. The chest is wide and deep, the back is short, broad at the shoulders. The tail is set low, short in length, thick at the base. The forelimbs are shorter than the hind limbs, widely spaced, strong, straight, short and muscular, the shoulders are massive. The hind limbs are muscular and large. The paws are round, compact, with thick toes. The coat of English Bulldogs is short, medium-coarse, lies close to the body, and is thick. Colors – white, red, fawn, brindle, spotted.

Photo of English Bulldog:

Photos of dogs of the English Bulldog breed | Dreamstime.com

Origin story

The modern heroes of this article are the ancestors of the Old English Bulldogs, widely known in Great Britain in the 17th-19th centuries as baiting dogs. Old English bulldogs (translated from English as “bulldog” - “bull dog”) were descendants of mastiffs (which spread throughout the world, starting in Central Asia) and Alans (dogs from the foothills of the North Caucasus). The Old English Bulldog was similar in appearance to the modern breed type, although there are some differences. But perhaps the main distinguishing feature between English bulldogs and their forefathers is their character. Old English Bulldogs had a high level of viciousness, which made them such popular fighting dogs. At first they entertained the crowd during bull baiting, and then they had fights with bears, horses, and lions. During the bloody battles, not only wild animals died; even the bulldogs themselves often died from hooves, horns and fangs. Bullfighting was banned in Great Britain in the 19th century, in 1835. Then resourceful fans of the bloody “sport” began pitting Old English bulldogs against other dogs. True, dog fighting was also banned shortly after bullfights, which played a cruel joke on bulldogs. It seemed that without participating in battles, these animals could no longer claim to exist - unprecedentedly powerful, ferocious, with a death grip of strong jaws. In addition, there were very few purebred bulldogs left, because they mated with individuals of other breeds. Only in 1858-1859, when the Old English Bulldogs became an almost extinct breed, did selection work begin to preserve these animals and eradicate their excessive anger. With great difficulty, the most balanced dogs from the Old English Bulldogs were selected so that already in 1860, at an exhibition in Birmingham, visitors could appreciate the “new” breed (which is also sometimes called decorative), actually recreated by the works of breeders and geneticists. The breed was recognized by the English Kennel Club and entered into the stud books in 1873. And after about 7 years (in the 1880s), English bulldogs began to increasingly gain attention outside their homeland.

Character of the English Bulldog

Looking at the gloomy little face of the English Bulldog, few people realize that the breed was originally bred to catch bulls. Oddly enough, these small dogs were once real helpers in catching a bull for slaughter. Thanks to its shortened muzzle and powerful jaws, the English bulldog would sink its teeth into the bull's neck and literally knock the animal to the ground.

However, today the bulldog has a reputation as a gentle and affectionate pet that loves to rub against your legs. Adult animals have a calm, balanced character, although they are stubborn. They are very playful and loyal pets. In addition, these dogs simply have angelic patience, especially towards children. Even if the child hugs and grabs the animal strongly, the dog will endure it all. Adult English bulldogs love to sleep or just lie around, which cannot be said about puppies, who are particularly active.

The character of an English Bulldog depends on proper upbringing. Provided that the Englishman gets a responsible owner with a persistent character, we can say with confidence that a dog of this breed will become a good friend and protector for all family members. Incorrect upbringing can lead to the most unexpected and sad results - the animal can become aggressive and uncontrollable. However, if we take into account dogs that have undergone socialization in puppyhood, and then training courses (OKD), we can highlight the following basic qualities:

• Leadership – English bulldogs (especially males) by nature have a dominant character. Therefore, they need to be accustomed to other animals in the house (dogs and cats) in childhood, so that there are no clashes later. This also applies to relationships with the owner - even out of love, you should not allow the dog to do unacceptable things (aggression, biting, sleeping in the bed, begging). Easily sensing weakness, the bulldog will begin to dominate its owner;
• Loyalty - these four-legged dogs love and respect their owner, and are good with children. But for this, the dog must be respected, and unfair and cruel punishments must not be allowed. In addition, for an English bulldog to become a real tailed friend, he needs to be given attention every day - play, have an interesting time on a walk, talk, teach;
• Willfulness - these animals often try to act contrary to the owner, showing character. They themselves decide what is important for them at a given moment - to carry out the owner’s command or ignore it. But stubbornness can be completely overcome by building the right relationship with your pet;
• Fearlessness - if necessary, English bulldogs can come into conflict even with individuals larger than themselves. Once angry, they will stand until the end, without fear of pain. Therefore, it is better not to set such dogs on other animals even for the sake of a joke - trouble cannot be avoided. The owner should also not provoke the animal into a fight with people, especially if the situation can be resolved peacefully;
• Peaceful - well-mannered bulldogs are quite adequate, they do not rush at animals and people. They are unlikely to allow themselves to be bullied by cats and dogs, and will not tolerate overly active games on the part of the owner’s children. But they would rather move aside than bite or attack;
• Average level of activity - in puppyhood, English babies, of course, love to try everything and play pranks. But already in adulthood, these dogs are quite calm. So you don’t have to be afraid of walking with them on a leash, since an English bulldog running headlong is a very rare occurrence. In addition, their respiratory system does not allow long running, so they thrive in a city apartment, going for walks twice a day.

The place of residence of English bulldogs is an apartment or a private house. Outdoor living is generally not suitable for this breed due to poor tolerance to temperature changes. In hot weather, bulldogs are walked as early as possible in the morning and evening, not in the midday heat. These dogs are suitable for two walks a day (40 minutes - 1 hour). In extreme heat and cold, the walking time can be reduced to half an hour. In the summer, it is wise to take a bottle of water to wet your dog's belly and paws before going outside. In winter, you can choose insulated clothing so as not to overcool the animal. Before going out onto a snowy or icy street, the dog’s paws can be lubricated with some vegetable oil or fatty cream so that salt and reagents do not corrode the toe pads. After a walk, your paws should be washed.

The dog's bed should be placed in a cozy, warm corner without a draft. It’s better to make it yourself or buy a bed with a removable fabric surface that can be washed if necessary. It is recommended to provide the dog's place with toys that do not have small parts that can be easily chewed off by the dog. There should always be a bowl of clean water in the pet’s corner (the water is changed 2 times a day). Other bowls should be washed after each meal, not allowing uneaten leftovers to sit around. For an English baby, at first you can place the tray near the bed (or in the toilet, for example). But after all the vaccinations have been done, you should take the animal outside, preferably at the same time - this way the dog will learn to relieve itself outside the walls of the house.

Caring for the coat of bulldogs is not difficult - you just need to comb out the dead hair with a brush or rubberized glove several times a week. Only during molting (autumn and spring) are they combed daily. In cold weather, it is better either not to bathe the dog, or to prevent hypothermia - close all the windows, dry it thoroughly after a bath, and do not take it out for a walk until the fur is completely dry. To avoid irritation, you should use only products for short-haired dogs, avoiding shampoos for people. These dogs are washed no more than once every 2 months (less often), but they carefully monitor the cleanliness around the anus (wipe with a damp cotton swab). The folds on the face are wiped after every walk and meal. The bulldog's ears are cleaned once a week, removing wax with a cotton pad, moistened with an antiseptic solution or ear cleaner. Claws are trimmed using a nail clipper 2 times a month. The eyes are wiped daily or as needed with a damp cotton pad, which can be soaked in boiled water. Dogs’ teeth are also brushed daily – a “human” brush with medium-hard bristles is also suitable for this, but it is better to purchase a special brush and toothpaste for dogs.

Training and education

Bulldogs are stubborn, and therefore training them is not an easy task. To achieve success in training you will need persistence, self-confidence, and of course your favorite treats.

Feeding

Another nutrition option is natural feeding. However, creating the right menu to suit your dog's needs can be difficult. Therefore, sometimes owners, out of the kindness of their hearts, feed their pets sausage, soups, pasta and other food that they prepare for themselves. This diet can lead to major problems with the dog’s health in the gastrointestinal tract. Main products from which dishes are prepared:

• Lean boiled meat - beef, chicken, turkey, etc. (it is given every day);
• Sea, low-fat fish - cod, flounder, hake (once a week);
• Vegetables - carrots, zucchini, broccoli, tomatoes, beets, pumpkin, cucumbers, etc. - they can be given raw, boiled or baked every day, starting with small quantities, making sure that the dog does not have allergies;
• Porridge - rice, buckwheat, sometimes semolina and oatmeal (they can be given daily once a day, mixed with meat);
• Fermented milk products - kefir, fermented baked milk, natural yogurt (can be given to the dog every day). It is advisable to give milk only to puppies, and exclude it from the diet of an adult bulldog;
• Eggs (boiled yolk) – give to the dog 3 times a week;
• Vegetable oil - it is added in small quantities to dishes (meat, vegetables, porridge).

Health and illness

English bulldogs live about 8-10 years. Modern bulldogs have a longer (2-4 years) lifespan, unlike their Old English ancestors. These dogs can avoid many health problems with proper care - high-quality balanced feeding, monitoring the food they eat, preventing the dog from freezing, and timely visiting the veterinary clinic for preventive examinations. Although there are nuances that can only be resolved with the help of experienced owners and doctors - this is the mating and birth of puppies. Often the process of crossing dogs occurs with the participation of people, and during childbirth the bitch requires a cesarean section. When you visit your veterinarian, you can ask about medications for your home medicine cabinet. Medicines are selected individually for each animal, so it is better to trust a specialist.

The main diseases of English bulldogs: diseases of the musculoskeletal system (hip dysplasia, hip dislocation), obesity, allergies, heart disease (mitral valve and pulmonary artery stenosis), eye diseases (cataracts, entro- and ectopion, keratitis, eyelid adenoma) , tumors (mastocytoma).

English Bulldogs often suffer from hip deformities and other musculoskeletal problems. Diseases associated with skin infections are also common. This is all due to folds in the skin of dogs. True, dermatological problems arise only with improper care. The main ophthalmological pathologies include cataracts, dry eye and ectropion.

A common problem for all bulldogs is brachiocephalic syndrome. This pathology in the process of its development leads to a narrowing of the upper respiratory tract, which makes it difficult for dogs with flattened faces to breathe. This physiological feature of the respiratory system obliges owners to protect the animal from exposure to cold and heat.

In addition, quite often dogs of this breed develop various allergies. Most often, a reaction to an allergen manifests itself on the skin. English bulldogs are often diagnosed with bladder stones and cancer. Most of these problems are quite difficult to detect in the early stages using standard screening tests. Veterinarians are inclined to believe that most diseases are genetic.

Some interesting facts

• The image of the English bulldog has long been successfully used in animation and cinematography. For example, in the famous animated series “Paw Patrol” (Strong), “Tom and Jerry” (Spike). You can also see these dogs in the films: “Hotel for Dogs”, “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson”, “Mr. Magoo” and others.
• An English bulldog puppy without documents can be bought for 5,000-10,000 rubles (sometimes cheaper). A baby from a nursery will cost at least 40,000-50,000 rubles.
• In Latvia (city of Daugavpils) a monument was erected to the local mayor of the late 19th century P. Dubrovin and his English bulldog dog.
• The legendary British Prime Minister Winston Churchill was often compared to dogs of this breed due to his tenacity and high personal qualities (according to some unkind cartoonists, also because of the external resemblance). Even after the death of this famous man, English bulldogs were called in their homeland “Churchill in the flesh” or “living Winston.” By the way, Sir W. Churchill loved dogs, and his favorite breed was.
• Bulldogs are stubborn and lazy. An adult pet does not really like long walks, although they are required, otherwise the dog will begin to rapidly gain weight.
• Bulldogs cannot tolerate heat or high humidity. When outside, keep an eye on your pet. There is a high risk of overheating. At the slightest suspicion of overheating, immediately return the dog to the house. Some bulldog owners use a children's pool and leave their pet in it. Don’t forget that they don’t tolerate not only heat, but also high humidity, so don’t overdo it!
• Bulldogs are very sensitive to cold.
• Bulldogs are prone to wheezing and snorting when breathing, as well as snoring while sleeping.
• Bulldogs are prone to excessive flatulence, but if your stomach behavior seems abnormal, it's best to see your veterinarian.
• The shape of the head and the structure of the respiratory system of bulldogs causes respiratory diseases.
• Bulldogs often have very narrow nostrils, which prevent sufficient air passage. In this case, you should immediately contact a specialist.
• All bulldogs love to eat. In case of uncontrolled feeding, your pet will gain excess weight, which will ultimately lead to obesity.
• Due to their body structure, bulldogs are prone to problems with childbearing. Very often the female needs a caesarean section.
• Never buy puppies from random breeders. Young animals should only be purchased from trusted, reliable dog breeders.

The English Bulldog is the national treasure of Great Britain, a gentleman dog, a standard of respectability.

This is one of the most iconic and unusual dog breeds, enjoying stable popularity. It is the bulldog that can be seen in advertising, movies, paintings - wherever the appearance of a colorful dog is needed.

The history of the English bulldog is more complicated than a detective book. It is reliably known that the ancestors of the breed were used for baiting bulls and other large animals, as well as for fighting fights. Even in our time, these aristocrats of the animal world, although their disposition has long been transformed from aggressive to decorative.

The first mention of similar dogs dates back to 1609. Also, there is evidence of the relationship between bulldogs and mastiffs, but these blood ties look more complicated than the Santa Barbara series.

The breed began to move towards its modern appearance quite a long time ago: the first impetus was the ban on bull baiting in 1835. Then there were the years of formation of the standard to which it was necessary to reduce different types of dogs.

The breeders' efforts ended in 1875 with the approval of a single standard for all English Bulldogs.

This list of signs has stood the test of a century, but is still valid today.

Description of the breed

FCI standard No. 149 dated 10/13/2010 “Bulldog”.
Group 2 “Pinchers and Schnauzers, Molossians, Mountain and Swiss Cattle Dogs.”
Section 2 “Molossians”.
Male weight 25 kg, female - 23 kg.

The body is dense, somewhat loose: the dog gives the impression of being massive and strong. The chest is square, the paws are powerful. The back of the body is slightly higher than the front, which is why the back is not straight. The tail is small and set low.

The head is large and rounded: its diameter is equal to the height of the dog. The eyes are set wide apart, far from the ears. The lower jaw is pushed forward (overshot), covered with jowls. The nose is set deep and located close to the eyes. The description of the English Bulldog breed is complemented by a characteristic, upturned muzzle.

The English Bulldog is a massive, medium-sized dog. Her height is not indicated in the standard, but ranges from 35-45 cm.

The coat is short, without undercoat. The color can be either solid or variegated. The following colors are allowed:

• pure white or with spots of one of the permitted colors;
• red in different shades - from fawn to red, possible white chest, collar;
• brindle color - black stripes located on a red background;
• red shades with a black mask or muzzle;

Black, black and tan and flesh colors are prohibited.

Photos of an English bulldog clearly reflect the listed signs.

Characteristics, skills and abilities

The appearance of the English Bulldog is quite consistent with the dog's temperament:

1. This is one that sincerely and deeply loves the owner, as well as his entire family. They do not tolerate changes in ownership as adults very well. Domestic and not evil - this is the best characteristic of the English Bulldog breed.
2. Security abilities are average: he is not aggressive, although he can protect. The main purpose of the breed is as a friend and companion, a “pressor” of sofa cushions.
3. Excellent: does not require a lot of space in the apartment and active walking. Cannot be kept outside due to completely missing undercoat!
4. Very demanding on the microclimate: Humidity and heat are the enemies of the bulldog's respiratory and cardiac systems. Allergic, needs special skin care (especially on the face and tail area), and trimming of nails.
5. Due to breathing and stomach problems - prone to snoring and increased gas production.
6. Stubborn character, inclined to unobtrusively check “who is in charge.”

So is it worth adopting an English bulldog? Like any other breed, it has its own advantages and disadvantages. The pros and cons of the English Bulldog can be listed for quite a long time.

Pros:

• feels good in a home of any size;
• compact and does not take up much space;
• does not require long and intense walks;
• calm and phlegmatic;
• devoted to the owner and family members;
• gets along well even with small children, as well as with various animals;
• training proceeds slowly but surely;
• gentle, cheerful and affectionate;
• has the qualities of a defender.

Minuses:

• pain (allergies, gastrointestinal tract, third eyelid, etc.);
• demanding of the microclimate in housing (temperature and humidity), because can get heatstroke without much effort;
• a special diet is required;
• periodically checks the owner's authority;
• needs additional care for problem areas (face, claws, area under the tail);
• very noisy - snores, grunts, passes gas.

Nutrition

What to feed an English Bulldog? The powerful constitution of the breed leads to certain nuances in their diet.

The diet should be nutritious and high in calories so that the bulldog does not look emaciated and does not lose muscle.

It should be taken into account that this breed has a clear tendency to obesity due to phlegmatism and a “cool” attitude towards physical activity.

In addition, it adds to the treasury of difficulties allergy and susceptibility to gastrointestinal problems. Choosing food for a bulldog is a difficult task.

Explicit Signs that your diet is not suitable:

• Allergy, dermatitis has occurred and is required;
• increased molting began;
• the eyes began to turn very sour;
• the animal has lost its appetite;
• , constipation, increased gas production;
• Frequent and heavy walking began, which indicates a problem with digesting food.

An adult pet is fed 1-2 times a day. Many people eat their morning portion poorly or ignore it altogether; for them, the transition to one meal is natural. Puppies are fed 3-4 times depending on age.

After eating, dogs must wipe their jaws. This is done in 2 stages: first with a wet cotton swab, then with a dry one. Without soap or other detergents! This procedure is done so that the bulldog does not develop skin inflammation due to pieces of food or excess moisture in the folds.

English bulldog

How long do English bulldogs live? The dog is not a long-liver and, on average, with proper care and maintenance, it will please the owner for only 8-10 years.

English Bulldog - specific a breed that attracts with its unusual appearance and has a cheerful disposition. But only those who are willing to pay enough attention and money should get such a pet.

Additionally, check out the video about the English Bulldog breed:

English bulldog (English bulldog, literally: “bull dog”) - a short-haired breed of dogs from the subgroup of mastiffs and molossers, which combines solidity, equanimity, conservatism, some phlegmaticity, on the one hand, and aristocracy, respectability combined with impressiveness and rough elegance, on the other.

History of the origin and development of the English Bulldog breed

Bulldogs originally appeared in England. They were used as baiting dogs - in various kinds of bloody sports (mainly bull-baiting - bull baiting), which is where the name came from.

The breed directly descends from the Old English Bulldogs, which are no longer preserved in their original form. The exact time of the appearance of the breed is not known. In the first ever canine work by Dr. John Caius on modern His dog breeds “Of English Dogs” (1576) describes many breeds, but there is nothing about bulldogs. Probably, by this time the breed had not yet been formed. At the same time, Cayus describes the breed, which he calls “mastiv” or “bandogge” (Mastive/Bandogge), and it should be noted that “mastives” for a long time were called all large dogs without exception, and “bandogs” were all chain dogs.

But it is known for sure that at the beginning of the 17th century the British distinguished “bull dogs” from other “mastives”. For example, in the play “Epicœne, or The silent woman” (1609) by the poet and playwright Ben Jonson, both “Bull-dogs” and “Bear-dogs” are mentioned. dogs). Also dating back to 1631 is a surviving letter from a certain Eton Prestwich, which he sent to his friend in London, asking him to send him “a good mastiva, a box of the best liquor and a couple of good bulldogs, and quickly.” Note that the famous French naturalist Buffon, on the contrary, believed that the bulldog was the progenitor of the mastiff, and not vice versa.

In 1799, a mention of the bulldog as a hunting dog appeared: Bulldogs and mastiffs are recommended for wild boar hunting. At the same time, the illustrator Sydenham Edwards in his “Cynographia Britannica” (1800) picturesquely describes the bulldog and reports that this dog came from crossing a large mastiff with a pug (Pug Dog). At the same time, the classic of literature about bulldogs, Bailey S. Haynes, clarifies that Edwards did not mean “the French pug, but what is known as the small or German mastiff, originally from Holland and Germany.” It is not entirely clear what kind of dogs Haynes means, since modern pugs were brought to Europe, most likely from China, and only at the end of the 16th century, so they can hardly lay claim to the title of ancestor of the bulldog.

In 1886, M. B. Wynn, in his book “The History of the Mastiff,” suggested that the common ancestor of the bulldog and mastiff was the so-called British fighting dog (lat. Pugnaces Britanniae), which the British bred and even sold to other countries back in the 1st century. n. e. and which was mentioned by the Greek historian Strabo.

Today, most experts are inclined to believe that bulldogs are related to mastiffs and have a common ancestor with them - the Alano, or Alan. Alanos were mastiff-like dogs and, in turn, descended from Molossians and broad-chested greyhounds. The Alans got their name from the Sarmatian tribe that inhabited the Caucasus Mountains, where these dogs were bred. Now the direct descendants of this breed are known - .

Despite the universal popularity of bull baiting, and the prevalence of Old English bulldogs, the attitude towards them as The breed has long been neglected. Surviving ancient documents claim that bulldogs are dumber than larger dogs; form slowly, rarely reaching sexual maturity by one and a half years; and having reached it, they reproduce sluggishly; and already at the age of five or six they begin to become decrepit. Of course, it is now impossible to say which of these judgments about Old English bulldogs are fair and which are not, but it is worth noting that when the first breed standard appeared, the bulldog was called “undeservedly slandered”!

By the end of the 18th century, the popularity of bull baiting began to decline, and in 1835, baiting of animals was completely prohibited in Great Britain, by the law on cruelty to animals, which, however, did not prohibit dog fighting, which required completely different qualities: speed, flexibility, mobility. Then bulldogs began to be bred with terriers, the resulting result was called “bull-and-terrier”, and individuals that combined the best fighting qualities of both breeds began to be highly valued. Absolutely no noticeable measures were taken to preserve the purity of the breed.

It is believed that the first standard representatives of the breed were the bulldogs Rose and Crib, owned by H. Whirlst. In 1817, these dogs were the first to be included in the stud book of the English Kennel Club.

Bulldogs did not take part in the first dog show in English history in 1859 (Newcastle). But in 1860, at the Birmingham Exhibition, they were given one class. First and
the only prize was taken by a bulldog owned by James Hinks. Over the next three years, at exhibitions in different cities of England, bulldogs were assigned one class. But at the London exhibition in Egrikalcherel Hall, and in Cremorne (Chelsea, 1863), bulldogs were already presented in two classes - “large” and “small”. the little ones were called Toy Bulldog (English “toy” - toy) It is very likely that these little “toy bulldogs” were the ancestors of the modern French Bulldog. At the exhibition in Clermont, the dog's mass was declared as the boundary between classes - 18 pounds (8.164 kg).
Later, the boundary between “light” and “heavy” weight was set at 20 pounds (9.072 kg). And at the Birmingham exhibitions of 1863 and 1864, classes were divided by sex of dogs, without dividing them by weight. At this time in Manchester all bulldogs continued to be shown in a single class. Because of all this confusion, by 1864, bulldog breeders and fanciers realized the need to create a bulldog club and develop a uniform breed standard.

The first bulldog club, with the motto “Stranglehold,” opened on November 3, 1864, founded by Mr. R. S. Rockstraw Club with 30 people, one way or another connected with the business of bullfighting. But, after existing for three years, the club was closed without organizing a single exhibition. At the same time, the Bulldog Club Rockstro achieved the achievement of creating a detailed description of the bulldog, known as the Philo-Quon Standard (publication of 1865), although it noticeably idealized the bulldog. Here is an excerpt from his introduction:

« The English Bulldog is a majestic, ancient animal, very rare,
mostly undeservedly slandered and, as a rule, very little known, brought up in kindness, constant communication and attention from the owner, the dog is calm and obedient; but if she is on a chain and without attention, then she becomes much less sociable and submissive, and when excited, she can become so furious that she becomes extremely dangerous to others. Dogs of this breed are excellent guards and excellent swimmers; very valuable for crossing with terriers, pointers, hounds, greyhounds, etc., to give them courage and endurance. This is the most courageous and determined animal.<…>A good bulldog does not care who he attacks - he is passionate, dashing and fearless, he will fight to the last drop of blood. This noble breed is degenerating outside the country - in fact it is a native British dog, which is ideally associated with Old England - a dog of which the British can be proud ... "

Subsequently, quite a large number of bulldog clubs appeared.
Currently, for bulldogs, as for many other breeds, there are several standards. In more than 80 countries of the world whose national cynological associations are members of the FCI (including Russia), the standard of the International Cynological Federation (FCI No. 149 of 04/16/2004) applies.

Features of the breed and character, applicability of the English Bulldog and care for it

Today the breed has practically lost its working qualities and has become decorative. That, however, does not prevent English bulldogs from being good guards and excellent companions.
The English Bulldog is quite suitable as a first dog for inexperienced owners. But it is important to consider that these dogs need increased attention and communication with people, so if you are often away from home, you should not get an English bulldog. The dog will be very bored and may even get sick.

The English Bulldog is a very loyal dog, usually very calm and obedient, quickly understands what is wanted from him, with
happily accepts and carries out the commands of its owner, despite the fact that this breed is characterized by a tendency to dominate. Of course, despite all these characteristic features, each dog is individual and needs training. Special training for an English Bulldog will be useful, but not required. For example, early socialization is important for bulldogs to prevent the dog from growing up to be overly aggressive. Under normal conditions
socialization dog breed English Bulldog gets along well with other animals, loves and communicates well with children of any age, and is patient with them and the elderly. At the same time, the English bulldog does not like a lot of outdoor games, and is unlikely to run and play with the child all day. These dogs become very attached to their family, and if they have to change it, it’s a hard blow for the dog.

Due to its somewhat phlegmatic nature, before executing a command, the bulldog likes to think about it, which some people mistake for laziness. 🙂 English bulldogs are generally thinkers by nature, they love to travel and observe their surroundings - they will become excellent traveling companions, they love to ride in a car, and they tolerate even long routes well.

Since the breed has become decorative, these dogs are well suited for life in a city apartment, and if the dog is kept in a suburban area, you should not condemn it to live on the street or in a kennel, it is better to let it into the house. Like any dog, the English Bulldog needs regular walks to keep fit and healthy, but these may be shorter than for more active breeds. Since by nature the dog is not prone to independent frequent manifestations of activity, the dog must be motivated to exercise in order to avoid obesity and a number of diseases.

It is important to note that the short hair of the English Bulldog does not provide him with virtually any protection from natural phenomena. Therefore, it is better to avoid physical activity and long walks in hot and cold weather. In hot weather, a dog with such an anatomical structure of the skull can very easily suffer from heatstroke, and in winter, you can put a blanket or some kind of dog clothing on the dog.

Also, the English Bulldog's coat is very easy to care for - just brush it a couple of times a week with a stiff brush or rubber glove. Washing your dog is often not recommended, as this leads to irritation and dry skin, and other unpleasant dermatological reactions. If your dog often gets very dirty, you can wipe it with a damp cloth.
It is important to trim your dog's nails regularly: they should not be sharp or forked.
An English Bulldog's teeth need regular brushing.

It is important that the folds on the dog's face and ears are always clean. You can wipe them with a cotton pad soaked in water and then dry. Do not leave the fold wet, or use soap or other cleaning products, as this can cause allergic reactions, itching, peeling and irritation.

English Bulldog nutrition

Feeding a bulldog also differs in some ways. For example, it is recommended to feed the dog only after a walk, since it will be difficult for the dog to move on a full stomach, and physical exercise will not bear fruit. These dogs are prone to allergies, so be careful when choosing ready-made food or feeding the dog from your table. If your dog’s eyes are streaming, or there are noticeable reactions on the skin and ears, you should contact a veterinarian and review the dog’s menu. When purchasing an English bulldog puppy, you should ask the breeder how and what the mother and puppies ate.

In order for a dog to be strong and not overweight, the diet should be based on protein; it is better to stick to a high-calorie diet, which consists of easily digestible foods that do not lead to the formation of fatty deposits.

A bulldog comes to the doctor and complains: “Doctor, I probably have an allergy, it itches here, itches there…. -What do you eat? - Well, I love sausage, liver pate, chicken, various meats! - Excuse me, what kind of bulldog are you, English or French? - I? English of course! - A-a-a... Well then, my friend, you need to go on an ethnic diet! - What kind of ethnicity is this? - Oatmeal, sir!

If you decide to feed your dog dry food, your choice should be based on sufficient protein content. To begin with, it is better to first give the selected food to the dog as a treat and monitor whether an allergy has developed to it. We remind you that if you start feeding your dog dry food, you need to feed it until the end, without mixing it with regular food. Although many breeders insist that it is better not to feed this breed with dry food at all. In addition, the bulldog has a number of physiological characteristics due to which the dog has difficulty grasping food: it does not chew it, but swallows it. Some manufacturers produce special dry food for bulldogs that is easily digestible and rich in proteins.

Of course, natural products are better, but with all this, due to the predisposition of bulldogs to urolithiasis, you cannot feed them exclusively with meat, and due to their physique, you cannot feed them only with soup. Most of the diet should consist of cereals (except semolina and rolled oats, if the dog is already an adult) - preferably rice and buckwheat, vegetables (boiled) and fruits (raw), and meat should contain about 40%, better if it is beef . You can give kefir, fermented baked milk and yogurt without restrictions.
Eliminate fish from your diet (only sea fish, and no more than once every
week), cheeses and feed additives, as well as any baked goods, any sweets, sugar, potatoes, sausages and all kinds of sausages are contraindicated. You can give your dog liver and offal, excluding the spleen. Be careful with cabbage and legumes, large quantities of which can cause stomach upset. An adult dog can have no more than three eggs per week, and the only suitable dairy products are cheese (only natural, unsalted, and in small quantities), cottage cheese or kefir.

As treats, offer your dog smoked or raw pork or beef ears (less salt and no pepper!!!), toys made from tendons. It is good to add sunflower oil (with grated vegetables) and mineral supplements to the food for dogs.

The diet of an English bulldog puppy up to three months should be much richer in nutrients. The basis of the diet is buckwheat, rice, rolled oats and milk.

Watch how much your pet eats, because dogs of this breed have difficulty breathing while eating and digestion, and intestinal bloating often occurs due to the fact that the diaphragm is wound around the digestive organs. As we said above, the bulldog is not inclined to actively expend energy and is prone to excess weight, which often damages the joints.

Characteristic diseases of the English Bulldog

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