The origins of this unique breed are highly contested, some people claiming that they are descendants of a crossing between the English Mastiff and a Pug dog. Others claim that it was, in fact, the English Bulldog that was responsible for siring the first Mastiffs that came into being. Regardless of whether one parented the other, or even if they simply shared similar founding bloodlines, the English Bulldog was developed for one purpose and one purpose alone - bull baiting.

A sport dating clear back into the 13th century, bull baiting was a barbaric practice that pitted either single or numerous dogs against a single bull. For a time, it was considered vital that a bull be baited, prior to being sent to the butcher’s. This was incorrectly believed to make the meat more tender and much more healthy and nutritious to eat. Needless to say, this was a brutal sport and any dog that participated in it had to be ferocious and stubborn, determined to complete the task and nearly impervious to pain.

The English Bulldog was created specifically for the sake of bull baiting. His wide-set shoulders allowed him to crouch low to the ground, avoiding the dangerous goring horns of the enraged bull, while the dog’s massive head possessed jaws that would lock when he bit down, making it nearly impossible to shake free once the Bulldog had hold of his rival’s nose or throat. Everything about the dog was made for fighting, from his short back, shortened muzzle, and even the heavy wrinkles that have made this dog so famous.

When bull baiting was made illegal, the English Bulldog almost disappeared, his usefulness gone. Fortunately a few select breeders chose to preserve this breed and, over time, carefully bred out the ferocious traits in the English Bulldog personality. The end result was to create the friendly family-oriented clown that we know and love today.

The English Bulldog is certainly a sight to see - weighing in around 40-50 pounds, despite his short stature, everything about this dog screams strength and power. His body is heavy and thick-set, carried low to the ground on four sturdy, short legs. The Bulldog head is massive and intimidating, with a wide and powerful jaw. While his hindquarters are weak in comparison to the rest of the dog, he possesses massive shoulders and is often characterized as being a muscled bully-boy in cartoons. Even with the changes in personality that have been promoted through select breeding, this little dog is the comical epitome of a “tough-guy.”

The English Bulldog comes in several colors, though the red brindle color is considered ideal according to breed standards. Other acceptable colors include solid fallow, fawn, and reds, pure white Bulldogs, other shades of brindle, and the spotted Bulldog which is known as a piebald. While black and white piebald dogs are acceptable in the English Bulldog breed, pure black is considered very undesirable and first-time buyers should be wary of scams that try to promote and sell rare black Bulldogs, or any other color that is not listed here.

While he was once bred for his ferocious temperament, the breed has since been bred into a docile and fun-loving clown. Mind you, there are exceptions to every rule so, prior to buying, always ask to visit not only with the puppies, but to meet the parents of the English Bulldog puppies that you’re considering. While a puppy may seem very sweet, an abusive home or bad genetics can play a role in making an animal that may snap and bite. In addition to this, you will still need to supervise an English Bulldog (or any other animal) with small children - even a dog as friendly and affectionate as an English Bulldog can still accidentally hurt a small child or can be hurt by the child himself.

Bulldogs enjoy their laze-about-the-couch time, but as younger dogs, they can be as active as any other puppy out there (and just as destructive). They are very friendly and enjoy one-on-one people time, so be sure to set aside some play time with your English Bulldog. Certainly not as needy or demanding as some of the other breeds of dog, the English Bulldog is well suited for someone who lives in an apartment and doesn’t like to take too long of walks. Remember that those short, stubby legs have to cover a lot of ground, just to keep up with us bipedal humans.

Grooming the English Bulldog is fairly simple and not very time consuming. For most, this will simply involve brushing him a couple of times a week, using just a soft-bristled brush. The English Bulldog will probably require a couple of baths a month, due to the fact that those wrinkles can make him fairly grubby and the breed is prone to rolling in all kinds of wonderful smelly things that they can find in the yard.

Also, with some Bulldogs, they will possess a little pocket in under their tail. If your dog has one of these pockets, monitor it in order to ensure that it doesn’t stay damp or develop an odor. Gently cleaning it with cotton balls and adding a light dusting of baby powder will help to keep your dog more comfortable.

Training of an English Bulldog should ideally start as a puppy, though you can always teach an old dog new tricks, regardless of the old sayings. Be forewarned, however, that the Bulldog is notoriously stubborn and hard-headed. When you bring a new puppy or adult Bulldog home, be sure to sign up for at least a basic obedience class - Even if your dog has already had obedience training, this will teach the two of you to work together. Consider it bonding time and have fun with it - your English Bulldog is sure to have a blast.

Like many purebred dogs, the English Bulldog is susceptible to various health issues, some of which are passed down through genetics and others which the dog may simply be susceptible to. These are not limited to, but may include the following:

• Acne and/or fold dermatitis
• Furunculosis
• Muzzle pyoderma
• Cataract of the eye
• Cherry eye
• Cleft lip or palate
• Elongated soft palate
• Hip dysplasia
• Spina bifida
• Brachycephalic upper-airway syndrome

The English Bulldog is a wonderful dog, if you’re looking for an animal that is fairly low-maintenance and low-energy. Good with children and other animals, this wonderful breed simply seems to roll with the punches and takes everything in stride. Whether you’re in the country or enjoy the fast-paced life of the city, the Bulldog is highly adaptable to his surroundings and is sure to find a way to fit in. Don’t be fooled by the homely looks and the wrinkled face - if you’ve ever thought the English Bulldog a grump or a meanie, you have simply to look at this dog’s comical face and discover that he’s not laughing at you, he’s laughing with you.

Additional Reading About English Bulldogs