Bulldog

The Bulldog is a medium size and smooth coat dog with heavy, thick-set, low-swung body, massive short-faced head, wide shoulders and sturdy limbs. The Bulldog is neither vicious nor aggressive but is kind, resolute and courageous.

Here are the characteristics of the Bulldog breed as determined by the American Kennel Club's published breed standard.

The Bulldog's Behavior

Recommended for: Family pets, showdogs

The Bulldog, originally bred to participate in the bloody bullbaiting ring, is today, according to the American Kennel Club's breed standard, "equable and kind...not vicious or aggressive." Still, the breed's ancient history means that anyone who opts for a purebred should make absolutely sure the breeder has considered the dog's forbears' temperament. With any breed, pet shops are not good places to get dogs because of notoriously bad breeding practices. Bulldogs usually get along well with other dogs and children, but care should be taken to make sure they are well trained.

Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog's actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.

The Bulldog's Physical Characteristics

* Size: males about 50 pounds; females about 40 pounds.
* Coat: straight, short, flat, close, fine-textured, smooth and glossy
* Color: "red brindle, all other brindles, solid white, solid red, fawn or fallow, piebald," according to the American Kennel Club's published breed standard.
* Eyes: round and dark brown
* Ears: small and thin, "rose ear"
* Skull: very large
* Muzzle: very short, broad, upturned
* Nose: large, broad and black
* Tail: straight or "screwed".

Bulldog's Origins and History

Below are some historical notes on the bulldog breed according to Wikipedia.

Country/Region of Origin: United Kingdom

Original purpose: bullbaiting, later, dog shows

Historical notes: The bulldog was originally bred for the bullbaiting ring. Generations of breeders tried to breed out the aggressive tendencies, and by the time of World War II they were largely successful. The appearance of the main English bulldog also changed, as the heavier-set bulldog of today became more popular after bullbaiting was banned in the nineteenth century. There are several varieties of the bulldog breed, some of which are recognized as distinct breed by some countries' breeding organizations. In particular, the American Bulldog is bigger and more athletic, arguably closer to the original fighting bulldogs.

Cultural notes: The bulldog is one of the unofficial symbols of the UK. Bulldogs are also popular images in the mass media, particularly in cartoons, and as US university sports team mascots.