Bulldog

The bulldog, known as the British Bulldog or English Bulldog, is a medium-size breed of dog from England.

Bulldog

Male English Bulldog
Other names	English Bulldog, British Bulldog
Country of origin	England
Traits Weight Male 50–55 lb (23–25 kg) Female 40–50 lb (18–23 kg) Height 1–2 ft (30–61 cm) Litter size 3-7-12 Life span 3–12 years
Classification & standards FCI Group Section {{{fcisection}}} #{{{fcinum}}} standard
Notes
National animal of United Kingdom

People originally bred bulldogs to fight bulls during the 1600s. The dog's mouth was designed to bite a bull's nose and not let go.

The bulldog is recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Size

Bulldogs are medium in size. They are wide and compact with large, thick heads. Their muzzle (nose and mouth) is short, like a pug's.

They generally weigh 53–55 pounds (24–25 kg). They are usually 12–16 inches (30–41 cm) tall at the shoulders.

They have stocky legs at each corner of their muscular body, so when they walk, they take short steps and swing their body from side to side.

Fur

Their fur comes in many colors, including light brown, white, black or mixed (brindle). Black is not a desired color at dog shows, but black bulldogs can compete.

Temperament

Bulldogs are good family pets. They are also brave and are good guard dogs.

Bulldogs need a lot of human attention to be happy. They do not need much exercise or grooming except for the face, which should be wiped daily in the face folds with a damp cloth.

Bulldog Media

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  Painting of a Bulldog from 1790 by English artist Philip Reinagle

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  Bulldog on an 1890 illustration

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  A 4-year-old Bulldog of Champion bloodlines, side view. Note the "rope" over the nose, and pronounced underbite.

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  Six-month-old Bulldog puppy from AKC Champion bloodlines

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  Evolution of brachycephalia in Bulldogs. Left to right, the skulls are from approximately the 1910s, 1960s, and 1980s.

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  Bulldogs are a national symbol of British culture; this is a bulldog on a British flag.