The English Bulldog
The English Bulldog
Macec Cristi Gr. 02
The English Bulldog is a wide, medium-sized, compact dog with
short legs. The body and head are massive with extra skin on both
the skull and forehead falling in folds. The cheeks extend to the
sides of the eyes. The muzzle is wide, short and pug with a broad,
deep stop.The black nose is broad with large nostrils.The dark eyes
are deep set. The rose ears are small, thin and set high on the
head. The jaws are massive, very broad, and square with hanging
upper lips. The teeth should have an under bite. The tail is either
straight or screwed and carried low. The short, flat coat is
straight, smooth and glossy. Coat colors include red brindle and
other shades of brindle, solid white, solid red, fawn, fallow,
piebald, pale yellow or washed-out red or white or a combination of
these colors.
History
The name "bull" was applied because of the dog's use in the
sport ofbull baiting. This entailed the setting of dogs (after
placing wagers on each dog) onto a tethered bull. The dog that
grabbed the bull by the nose and pinned it to the ground would be
the victor. It was common for a bull to maim or kill several dogs
at such an event, either by goring, tossing, or trampling. Over the
centuries, dogs used for bull-baiting developed the stocky bodies
and massive heads and jaws that typify the breed as well as a
ferocious and savage temperament.
Temperament
Breeders have worked to reduce/remove aggression from these
dogs. Eventually, the Bulldog is known to be of good temperament.
Most have a friendly, patient nature. Generally, Bulldogs are known
for getting along well with children, other dogs, and pets.They can
become so attached to home and family, that they will not venture
out of the yard without a human companion. They are also more
likely to sleep on someone's lap than chase a ball around the
yard.
Health
A UK survey puts Bulldog life expectancy at 6.5 years,although
the UK Bulldog Breed Council puts the average life span at 810
years.The leading cause of death of Bulldogs in the survey was
cardiac related (20%), cancer (18%), and old age (9%). Those that
died of old age had an average lifespan of 10 to 11
years.Statistics from theOrthopedic Foundation for Animalsindicate
that of the 467 Bulldogs tested between 1979 and 2009 (30 years),
73.9% were affected byhip dysplasia, the highest amongst all
breeds.Similarly, the breed has the worst score in the British
Veterinary Association/Kennel Club Hip Dysplasia scoring scheme,
althoughonly 22 Bulldogswere tested in the scheme.Patellar
luxationis another condition; it affects 6.2% of Bulldogs.
Popular mascotThe English Bulldog breed is the official mascot
of the United States Marine Corps, and many bases have their own
mascot on base. Thirty-nine American universities use a Bulldog as
their mascot including Bryant University,
"Venus", the bulldog mascot of WWII
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