About the Breed
Is a Bulldog right for you?
An English Bulldog may not be the right choice for every family. Living with an English Bulldog can be very rewarding, but you must be committed to meeting the Bulldog's particular needs.
Consider:
- English Bulldogs are perpetual children: they never grow up. An English Bulldog does best in a loving environment, free from fear and neglect. They are happiest when they are with their people and require lots of attention.
- When left alone, English Bulldogs can be very destructive. They may chew throughout their lifetimes. Plenty of things for them to chew should be available to them unless you want your furniture destroyed. Anything that you don't want chewed should be made unavailable to them. They may need to be crated when they are not being supervised.
- A Bulldog should never be left unattended in your backyard. Not only is it dangerous to your English Bulldog's wellbeing, but English Bulldogs are often targeted for theft.
History of the Bulldog
Authorities differ so completely about the origin of the Bulldog that the name itself is in dispute. While some feel the breed may derive its name from the bull-like shape of the head, others maintain it came from the ancient English custom of using Bulldogs in the sport of bull baiting. There appears to be little doubt, however, than an early canine species resembling the Bulldog came into existence in the 1500's.
With roots deeply planted in British soil, the English bulldog is a stubborn yet relatively docile breed that has been quite popular since the late 1800s. Initially bred for ferocity and courage, the bulldog is now a devoted and sweet member of the non-sporting group of dogs.
Because of their courage and apparent capacity to endure pain, Bulldogs were shamelessly exploited for many years in the sports of bull baiting, bear baiting and dog fighting. Bull baiting was made illegal in England in 1835 and eventually dog fighting of all kinds was prohibited, resulting in a steady decline in the breed.
Happily enough, the beginning of the dog-show era in 1859 saved this fine old breed. Because of the interest and untiring efforts of a small group of sincere experienced fanciers, this small number of bulldogs served as a nucleus for the dogs of today. Fortunately, this group of fanciers was determined to preserve the fine characteristics and just as determined to eliminate all fighting and viciousness.
The first written Bulldog standard was drafted in 1864. A Standard of Perfection was formulated and published in England in 1875.
Bulldog Characteristics
The Bulldog's general appearance should "...suggest stability, vigor and strength. The disposition should be equable and kind, resolute and courageous (not vicious or aggressive)..." (From the Bulldog Standard).
The Bulldog loves people and the attention people give them. A Bulldog does best in a loving environment, free from fear and neglect. They are happiest when there are people around.
Left alone, a Bulldog (like any other breed) can be destructive. A dog crate is a good investment. Not cruel, a crate provides security for your Bulldog both when you are at and not at home -- as long as it is not used for a long period of time. A crate serves well for house training too. A Bulldog should never be chained. Not only is it dangerous for your Bulldog's wellbeing but makes them a target for "dog-nappers".
The Bulldog is a docile even-tempered animal when they are taught proper behavior. They aren't born knowing manners. However, today Bulldogs are successfully competing in Obedience competition as well as Agility and Tracking. They are intelligent competent animals with their own minds. Sometimes they will do exactly what you ask, and other times, they won't. Simply because they may just not want to.
Appearance
The bulldog was bred for bull baiting and their facial shape reflects this. The short muzzle and undershot jaw were necessary to enable a vice-like grip. The nose is placed far back on the face to allow the dog to breathe while holding a bull by the fleshy nose. Even though they are no longer bred for bull baiting, their facial features still reflect their past profession.
The bulldog is a medium-sized dog with a stocky built and broad chest. The legs are short and bowlegged and the tail is either short and straight or curled. Their face and head is usually very wrinkled with many facial folds. The hair coat is short and can be red, fawn, brindle, white or a combination.
Size
The bulldog stands 12 to 16 inches at the shoulder. The breed standard allows for males to weigh 50 to 60 lbs., and females to weigh 40 to 50 lbs.
Personality
The bulldog is a stubborn dog but is devoted and quite docile. They can do well in apartments with the occasional stroll in the park, a single home with a fenced yard, or an estate with lots of acreages. A day in the life of a Bulldog may consists of many short or long naps, multiple play times or "zoomie" episodes. Exact Classic Bulldogs are known for riding skateboards, romping with giant push balls, and also enjoying a dip in the ocean, pound, or creak. With swimming, please introduce your puppy to water early on so they learn how to swim properly. All dogs have swimming instincts, and they will unlock those instincts and become water dogs if they are allowed to. For peace of mind, you may purchase a life jacket for your Bulldog. Please use a lifejacket in allowing to swim in the ocean.
Home & Family Relations
The bulldog loves to be in company of family and is generally good with children. The breed will alert their family to the presence of strangers by barking and growling but tend not to attack. Their imposing figure is generally enough to ward off evildoers.
Lifespan
The average lifespan for the English bulldog is 10 to 14 years. With a proper diet of raw, lots of exercise, love, and without removing the reproductive glands, your bulldog from us should have no reason but to live a very long, happy, and HEALTHY life!
Bulldog Health
As with any dog, always provide your Bulldog with clean water and a correct and nutritious diet. In order to obtain an Exact Classic puppy or retired female from us, you are required to keep them on a raw diet and to NOT spay or neuter them until AT LEAST two years of age. Keeping your dog intact only increases the quality of their life. They are born with these parts and are meant to keep them. If you absolutely need to have your dog desexed, then find a veterinarian that is capable of doing a "hormone-sparing" spay or neuter that will save the ovaries and testicles as so the hormones that are needing to keep your dog operating properly will still be able to be produced.
Danger of Overheating
Because there are doubts about an English Bulldog's ability to deal with certain situations, we put restrictions on the type of home in which one will be placed. We also provide guidelines for the new owners to ensure that they are aware of any special treatment an English Bulldog may require. With the application of a little common sense in following the guidelines, new owners will find the transition into owning an English Bulldog to be relatively simple.
