The English Bulldog

Origins
It is said that the Bulldog name has its origins in the middle 16th century. Also named British Bulldog or English Bulldog, this breed was used in bearbaiting or bullbaiting events, where they were let lose on a bull or bear, in order to suffocate it. Later on, these sporting events became illegal and eventually stopped existing. The Bulldog breed is considered to be a cross between the pug and the mastiff. It is nowadays considered as the official mascot of England.

Appearance
The Bulldogs belongs to the medium dog breed category, weighting about 19-30 kg and a height of 34-38 cm at the withers. They display a short and smooth coat (with funny looking folds in the muzzle and neck areas), with colors varying from brindle, white, red, fawn, most of the time with white markings on the coat. The Bulldog has a branchycephalic skull (wide forehead) that ends in a muzzle with an underbite (mandibular prognathism), an upside down V-shaped mouth, a blunt nose (mostly black-colored). The eyes are round and wide set, with a dark brown or black color. The ears are small in size and low-set. The bone structure is powerful and compact, with a strong musculature and a sturdy neck. The tail is mostly small and curled, being cut soon after birth.

Grooming
The Bulldog grooming is an easy task to achieve, even when competing in dog shows. The coat should be brushed occasionally (this should be done more in the shedding season) and you should pay attention to the skin folds, to keep them clean (especially since this region is accumulating moisture), because this is an infection prone area.

Health Facts
The Bulldogs have a lifespan of about 7-10 years. Their special body constitution can be a health issue factor. The shortness and shape of the muzzle can lead to breathing problems (bulldogs are known to snore loudly). There are also some feet issues to talk about: cysts could appear in the interdigital feet area, that cause discomfort at walking.

The eyes are prone to various allergies and cherry eyes (the white regions inside the eye are red colored, because of the prolapse of the third eyelid gland). These dogs can also have hip problems, even if they are bowlegged. The Bulldogs suffer from extended heat and need daily exercise.

Temperament and Lifestyle
The Bulldog is an affectionate, gentle, funny looking, entertaining dog. He is friendly, loving, loyal, dependable, sometimes stubborn, but docile. He displays devotion and affection around children and other people, even with strangers. He likes to live a relaxed life (being lazy most of the time) and enjoys normal exercising and walks, especially in cooler weather. He is considered as one of the best pets for a relaxed family home.