What Is the Purpose of the English Bulldog Breed?
Originally bred and used for violence, today English Bulldogs make great family pets. The intensely loyal breed is mild mannered, easily trained and great with children. English Bulldogs--sometimes referred to as British Bulldogs--are a good choice for pet owners looking for a gentle and not-so-active dog.
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About English Bulldogs
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Despite their intimidating look, English Bulldogs are a gentle breed. English Bulldogs are known for their stocky shape and droopy faces. They are medium sized and have short legs. Once known for their violent capabilities, today's English Bulldogs are a good choice for families because of their loyalty, gentleness and affectionate qualities. Like all dogs, English Bulldogs should have regular exercise, although this breed tends to be less active than other dogs.
Appearance & Temperament
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The brindle color is most desired by English Bulldogs shown competitively. Sturdy-looking dogs, English Bulldogs have wide shoulders and narrow hips. Their necks are short and thick. The English Bulldog's tail is either straight or screwed and carried low. English Bulldogs generally grow to be about 12 to 14 inches tall, and adults weigh about 40 to 50 lbs. The breed has several standard coat colors, including red brindle (a patterned coat streaked with gray or brown), solid white, solid red, fawn, or a combination of these. Their fur is short and straight.
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Origins of the English Bulldog
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English Bulldogs originated from other breeds that were brought to Europe from Asia. As their name implies, English Bulldogs originated in the British Isles. They are descendants of the larger-sized English Mastiff, which was brought to Europe from Asia by nomadic tribes. Bulldogs earned their name because of their use for bull baiting starting in the 13th century.
Bull Baiting
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English Bulldogs were originally very aggressive and ferocious. The tradition of bull baiting, the practice of antagonizing bulls before butchering, was common in the UK during the Middle Ages. Because of this, English Bulldogs were bred to be ferocious fighting dogs. The breed's short muzzle and strong, wide jaw allowed the dog to clamp onto the bull's nose. At the same time, the English Bulldog could still breathe thanks to its upturned nose. Wide-set shoulders helped the dogs to crouch low to avoid the hazards of the bulls' horns. Breeding for bull baiting also brought about the English Bulldog's original ferocious temperament, which would later be bred out. The English Bulldog has retained some of its temperament characteristics, including stubbornness and high pain tolerance.
New Purpose for an Old Breed
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Although retaining their aggressive physical appearance, English Bulldogs have lost that part of their personalities. By the 19th century, bull baiting was outlawed in England. The breed lost its original purpose and was seen as an inappropriate pet because of its temperament. The English Bulldog almost disappeared. Some fans of the breed, however, worked to revive the breed but without its aggressive traits. Its physical characteristics were kept unchanged. By 1934, the English Bulldog was common and popular enough to be into the American Kennel Club's registry. Today, the English Bulldog makes a fine family canine companion.
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References
- Photo Credit cute puppy image by Craig Stevens from Fotolia.com Bulldog image by Benjamin Huseman from Fotolia.com chien de race : bulldog francais image by margouillat photo from Fotolia.com Bulldog anglais image by Olivier from Fotolia.com Bulldog de profil image by Olivier from Fotolia.com
