English bulldog

Assessment of breed characteristics

Adaptability Definition of how easy a dog is. can adapt to changes in life.
Shedding Level Level and frequency of hair loss in animal.
Level of tenderness Level and amount of tenderness and affection that the dog gives back in return for attention to itself.
Need for Exercise Daily Activity Level dogs.
Social need Required number of dog contacts with other animals as well as people.
Housing ratio Factor that determines the level of noise and other inconvenience that the dog can deliver to the owners in the ratio the size of the apartment to the size of the dog.
Grooming Number of bathing, combing, as well as necessary number of professional grooming sessions required the dog.
Friendliness in an unfamiliar environment society with strangers or in an unfamiliar environment.
The tendency to bark The tendency to bark and its frequency and volume.
Health Issues Potential Health Status dogs.
Territorial tendency of the dog to protect his house, yard or even a car owner.
Cat friendliness A trend towards cat tolerance and reduced manifestation of hunting instincts.
Intelligence Dog’s ability to think and solve emerging difficulties (not to be confused with learning!).
Education and training Level of difficulty in training a dog perform certain actions.
Friendliness for children Factor determining how much the dog friendly to children, whether she likes to play with them and endure some children’s pranks.
Game activity The concept is determined by its very name, and, usually found in almost all dogs.
Observability Dog’s ability to detect presence a stranger in his territory.
Friendliness for other dogs Dog’s tendency to find common language with other relatives.

Brief description of the breed

English Bulldogs – dogs of a powerful structure, stocky, with well developed muscles. Great Britain is their homeland. Bulldogs are revered to a greater extent, calling “English gentlemen “for equanimity, cleanliness and a keen mind. True, the breed is widespread throughout the world, including in Russia, where the first English bulldogs began to appear at the end of the XIX centuries. Their exterior is somewhat misleading, it seems as if the English squat bulldogs are clumsy and slow. In fact, this is not so – if necessary, they can protect and yourself and the owner. English Bulldogs – Great Companion Dogs and bodyguards, characterized by a calm and balanced disposition, courage and a certain degree of obstinacy. But the appearance of the breed (large head, many folds and wrinkles on the face) and some features (excessive salivation, characteristic snoring) can repel, so the acquisition of an English bulldog – a matter of taste, someone likes these dogs, but someone does not. Height representatives of this English breed is about 30-40 cm, weight – 22-25 kg. Sexual dimorphism is clearly visible – bitches are less dimensions and not as massive as males. Overall impression produced by English bulldogs – a short dog, wide, very strong, with a high big head, short tight trunk, massive limbs of small length. Cranial the box of English bulldogs is powerful, tall, wide enough. The transition from the forehead to the muzzle is short, pronounced stop, loose skin forms clearly visible folds on the head. The muzzle is very wide, short, with a prominent square lower jaw. The cheeks are fleshy, protruding. Bryl hanging, thick, cover the lower jaw. Eyes wide apart, medium sized, oval, dark brown. Ears set high, set apart wide, thin and small in size, directed down and back, forward or may be semi-permanent (rose, bud, and “tulip”). The neck is medium length, very wide, powerful, with a suspension. The body is short, slightly sloping in the transition from neck to back, but towering to the lower back. Chest broad, deep, back short, broad at the shoulders. The tail is set low, of small length, in the bases are thick. Forelegs shorter than hind legs, wide apart, strong, straight, short and muscular, shoulders massive. The hind limbs are muscular, large. The legs are round, compact, with thick fingers. Wool english bulldogs short, medium hard, fits snugly to the body, thick. Colors – white, red, fawn, brindle, spotted.

Photo of english bulldog:

Photo of dog English Bulldog breed |

Origin history

The modern heroes of this article are the ancestors of Old English Bulldogs, widely known throughout Britain in the 17th-19th centuries in as pickling dogs. Old English Bulldogs (translated from English “bulldog” – “bull dog”) were descendants of mastiffs (which have spread around the world starting in Central Asia) and Alans (dogs from the foothills of the North Caucasus). In appearance Old English Bulldog was similar to the modern type of breed, although There are some differences. But perhaps the main distinguishing feature between English bulldogs and their forefathers – this is a character. Old English Bulldogs had an increased level of anger, which made them so popular fighting dogs. At first they entertained the crowd while bullies were bullied, and then settled down fights with bears, horses, lions. During bloody fights not only wild animals died, even bulldogs themselves often dying of hooves, horns and fangs. Bullfights were banned on Great Britain in the 19th century, in 1835. Then resourceful lovers of the bloody “sport” began to pit the old English Bulldogs with other dogs. True, dog fights also turned out to be banned shortly after fighting with the bulls, which played a cruel joke in relation to the bulldogs. It seemed that without participating in battles, these animals could no longer claim to exist – unprecedentedly powerful, ferocious, with a dead grip of strong jaws. Besides there were very few purebred bulldogs, because they mated with individuals of other breeds. Only in the years 1858-1859, when Old English Bulldogs became an almost extinct breed, breeding work has begun to conserve these animals and eradicating their excessive malice. With great difficulty were selected the most balanced dogs of the old english bulldogs so that already in 1860, at an exhibition in Birmingham, visitors could appreciate the “new” breed (which is also sometimes called decorative), in fact recreated by the work of breeders and geneticists. English the breed club was recognized and introduced into the breeding club books in 1873. And after about 7 years (in the 1880s), English bulldogs are increasingly gaining attention outside the homeland.

English Bulldog Character

Looking at the sullen little face of an English bulldog, few guesses that the breed was originally bred for catching bulls. how oddly enough, but these little doggies were real at the time assistants when catching a bull for slaughter. Thanks to its shortened face and powerful jaws, an English bulldog bite its teeth into the neck the bull literally tossed the animal to the ground. However, today the bulldog has a reputation of a gentle and affectionate pet, loving rub on your feet. Adult animals have a calm, balanced character, although they are stubborn. This is very playful and loyal pets. In addition, these dogs simply angelic patience, especially towards children. Even the child will hug and grab the animal, the dog will be all this endure. Adult english bulldogs like to sleep or just lying around, which can not be said about puppies that are special activity.The nature of the English bulldog depends on the correct education. Provided that the Englishman gets responsible persistent owner, it is safe to say that a dog of this breed will become a good friend and protector for all family members. Improper education can lead to unexpected and sad results – the animal can become aggressive and uncontrollable. However, if you take into account the dogs, socialized in puppyhood, and then courses training (OKD), then we can distinguish the following basic qualities:

• Leadership – English Bulldogs (especially males) by nature its possess a dominant character. Therefore to other individuals in at home (dogs and cats) they need to be taught in childhood, so that then there were no hassles. This also applies to relations with the owner – even out of love you shouldn’t let the dog do unacceptable things (aggression, bites, sleeping in bed, begging). Easy to feel slack, the bulldog will rule its master;
• Devotion – these four-legged ones love and respect their master, They are nice to the kids. But for this, the dog needs to be respected, Avoid unjust and cruel punishments. Also to english bulldog has become a real tailed friend, he needs pay attention daily – play, spend interesting time on walk, talk, train;
• Waywardness – these animals often try to act contrary to the owner, showing character. They decide exactly what it’s important for them at this moment to execute the host command or ignore her. But obstinacy may well be overcome by building with pet right relationship;
• Fearless – if necessary, English Bulldogs can to enter into conflict even with individuals larger than themselves. Angry they will stand to the end, not afraid of pain. Therefore, these dogs are better not set on other animals, even for fun – no harm can be avoided. The owner also should not provoke the animal to fight with by people, especially if the situation can be resolved peacefully;
• Peacefulness – raised bulldogs are quite adequate, do not rush on animals and people. They’re unlikely to let cats dogs will not tolerate overly active games from master’s children. But rather they will step aside rather than bite or pounce;
• The average level of activity is in puppyhood English kids, of course, like to try everything on the tooth, to play pranks. But already in adulthood, these dogs are quite calm. So that You can’t be afraid of walking with them on a leash, as headlong english bulldog – a very rare phenomenon. Also their the respiratory system does not allow a long run, so they perfectly exist in a city apartment, going out twice a day to walks.

Maintenance and care

The place of residence of the English Bulldogs is an apartment or a private house. Street content is generally not suitable for this breed due to poor tolerance of temperature extremes. In the hot time of the bulldogs walk as early as possible in the morning and evening, not in the afternoon heat. Two-time walks are suitable for these dogs (for 40 minutes – 1 hour). In intense heat and cold, walking time can be reduced to half an hour. In the summer, it’s wise to take a bottle of water before going out to moisten the belly and paws of the dog. In winter, you can pick up the insulated clothes so as not to overcool the animal. Before going to the snowy or icy street of the dog’s paws can be greased any vegetable oil or fat cream to salt and reagents did not eat the pillows of the fingers. After walking the paws should wash. Dog bed should be placed in a cozy warm corner without a draft. It is better to make it yourself or buy a couch with removable fabric surface that can be used if necessary to wash. The place of the dog is recommended to be equipped with toys having small parts that can be easily bitten off the dog. A bowl of clean water should always be in the corner of the pet. (water is changed 2 times a day). Other bowls should be washed after every meal, not letting the leftover undernourished wait of your time. For a baby Englishman, the first time you can put a tray near the bed (or in the toilet, for example). But after all vaccinations will be done, the animal should be taken outside, preferably at the same time – so the dog will learn to cope need outside the walls of the house. Caring for the hair of bulldogs is not complicated – it is enough only to comb out to them several times a week wool with a brush or rubberized glove. Only during molting (autumn and spring) comb them daily. In the cold it’s better not to bathe the dog, or to exclude hypothermia – close all windows, wipe thoroughly after bath, do not remove for a walk until the coat is completely dry. To avoid irritation only shorthair products should be used, avoiding shampoos for people. These dogs are washed no more than 1 time in 2 months (less often), but carefully monitor the cleanliness around anus (wiped with a damp cotton swab). Folds on the face are wiped after each walk and eating. Bulldog’s ears are cleaned once a week, removing sulfur with a cotton pad, moistened antiseptic solution or cleaning agent ears. Claws are trimmed with a clipper 2 times a month. Eyes wiped daily or as needed with a damp cotton pad, which can be moistened in boiled water. Also dogs daily brushing your teeth – a human brush with bristles is also suitable for this medium hard, but it is better to purchase a special brush and paste for dogs.

Training and training

Bulldogs are stubborn, and therefore their training is not an easy task. For achieving success in training will require perseverance, self-confidence, and of course, your favorite treats.

Feeding

Bulldog babies up to 3 months fed 5-6 times a day, up to 5 months – 4-5 times, up to 7 months – 3 times, and in 10-12 months you can switch to “adult” 2 meals a day. It is advisable to feed dog morning and evening after a walk. Easiest option Feeding – ready-made dry or wet food of good quality. Before buying a feed is best to consult a veterinarian, as well as ask the breeder who sold the puppy what kind of food was usually used in nursery. As a rule, high-quality feeds belong to the class premium and extra premium. The choice of finished feed will save owner’s time, dry food can be poured into a bowl for future use if, to for example, the dog will be hungry, and the owner will not be around. Industrial nutrition is complete and balanced, the dog will not need additional fortification. Another variant nutrition – natural feeding. However, the correct menu meeting the needs of the dog is not easy. Therefore sometimes the owners kindly feed the pets sausage, soups, pasta and other meals that are prepared for themselves. This mode eating can lead to big dog health problems with side of the digestive tract. The main products from which the dishes are prepared:

• Low-fat boiled meat – beef, chicken, turkey, etc. (its give every day);
• Sea, low-fat fish – cod, flounder, hake (1 time per 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 dogs are not allergic;
• Porridge – rice, buckwheat, sometimes semolina and oatmeal (you can give daily 1 time per day, mixing with meat);
• Sour-milk products – kefir, fermented baked milk, natural yogurt (you can give the dog every day). It is advisable to give milk only puppies, and from the diet of an adult bulldog – exclude;
• Eggs (boiled yolk) – give the dog 3 times a week;
• Vegetable oil – it is added in small quantities to dishes (meat, vegetables, cereals).

Salt and pepper food for the dog should not be. From fried food too should be discarded. No need to treat the dog with sweets, pastries, pickles, any foods flavored with spices.

Health and Disease

English bulldogs live about 8-10 years. Modern bulldogs have a longer (2-4 years) life, unlike their Old English ancestors. Many dogs health problems these dogs can be avoided with proper care – quality balanced feeding, control of food eaten, prevention of freezing dogs, timely treatment in a veterinary clinic for preventive inspections. Although there are nuances that can only be resolved with 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 in Birthing time for a bitch requires a cesarean section. When making a visit to The veterinarian can find out about medicines for your first-aid kit. Medicines are selected for each animal individually, therefore, it is better to trust a specialist. Bulldogs: diseases of the musculoskeletal system (dysplasia hip joint, hip dislocation), obesity, allergy, disease heart (stenosis of the mitral valve and the mouth of the pulmonary artery), eye diseases (cataract, entro- and ectopion, keratitis, eyelid adenoma), tumors (mastocytomas). English bulldogs often suffer from deformation of the hips and from other problems of the musculoskeletal system. Diseases associated with skin infections are also common. The whole cause of wrinkling on the skin of dogs. True, dermatological problems arise only with improper care. To the main ophthalmic pathologies include cataract, dry eye and eversion of the century. A common problem for all bulldogs is brachiocephalic. syndrome. This pathology in the process of its development leads to narrowing of the upper respiratory tract, making it difficult for dogs with flattened faces, breathing. So physiological a characteristic of the respiratory system obliges owners to protect animal from exposure to cold and heat. In addition, quite often dogs of this breed have various allergies. Often reaction to the allergen appears on the skin. English Bulldogs often diagnosed with stones in the bladder, and oncological diseases. Most of these problems are enough difficult to detect in the early stages using standard screening tests. Veterinarians tend to believe that the bulk diseases are genetic.