Bulldog
Dogs
Bulldog
Bulldog |
Bulldog
|
Alternative names |
British Bulldog
English Bulldog |
Country of origin |
England |
Common nicknames |
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Classification and breed standards |
FCI: |
Group 2 Section 2 #149 |
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AKC: |
Non-sporting |
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ANKC: |
Group 7 (Non-Sporting) |
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CKC: |
Group 6 - Non-Sporting Dogs |
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KC (UK): |
Utility |
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NZKC: |
Non-sporting |
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UKC: |
Companion Breeds |
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Not recognized by any major kennel club |
This breed of dog is
extinct |
Notes |
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- For information about many breeds of the bulldog type, see
Bulldog breeds.
The Bulldog, often called the English Bulldog, is a
medium-sized
dog breed that originated in
England.
Appearance
The ideal
show Bulldog must be of medium size and smooth coat; with heavy, thick-set,
low-slung body, massive short-faced head, wide shoulders and sturdy limbs. The
size for mature dogs is about 50 pounds (23 kg); for mature bitches about 40
pounds (18 kg).
Temperament
Contrary to classic
cartoon
parodies and nicknames of the breed, such as 'Sour-Puss', that depicted the
bulldog as ferocious and wearing a spiked dog collar, the bulldog is not a
vicious dog breed (though it was during the days of
bullbaiting, the aggressive tendencies were bred out of them by the time of
the
Second World War) and gets along well with both
humans (including
children) and sometimes other
dog breeds.
Bulldogs are very friendly and playful, whilst also being stubborn and
protective, characteristics which have helped make the breed one of the
unofficial symbols of the United Kingdom.
Health
Bulldogs tend to have breathing problems as their flat face restricts air;
because of this they should be closely monitored in hot weather as they can
suffer
heat stroke easier than breeds with long noses. They also have problems
swimming and can drown if left unattended near a pool. Other common health
problems include
cherry eye,
allergies,
and (among older bulldogs)
hip problems and
cataracts.
Because of the large heads in proportion to body size, baby bulldogs are usually
delivered by
c-section as most pups get stuck in the birth canal during natural birth.
History
Bulldogs were originally used for
bullbaiting, a wagering sport popular in the 17th century in which trained
bulldogs leapt at a
bull lashed to a post, latched onto its snout and attempted to suffocate it.
It is adaptation to these rough origins that resulted in the bulldog's unusual
look. Its short and slightly upward facing snout enables it to breathe while
keeping hold of the bull, its wrinkles allowed blood to flow away from the dog's
eyes and nose, and its thickly-muscled neck and light hind end helped to prevent
the thrashing of the bull's head from breaking the dog's spine. The practice of
bullbaiting was banned in
England in
1835.
After bullbaiting was banned, the breed began to die out (known as the
Old English Bulldog) until fans turned to
dog shows.
The first show to have a class for bulldogs was in
Birmingham.
Just a few years later, in
1864, a club was
organized to enhance the breed. Unfortunately, this group never picked a
specific breed standard, and in
1891 the two top
bulldogs, King Orry and Dockleaf, were greatly different in appearance. King
Orry was reminiscent of the original bulldogs -- lighter boned and very
athletic. Dockleaf was smaller and heavier set -- more like modern bulldogs.
Dockleaf was declared the winner that year. Although some argued that the older
version of the bulldog (known as the
Old English Bulldog) was more fit to perform, the modern version’s looks won
over the fans of the breed.
Recently, many people have tried to recreate the a breed more akin to the
original bullbaiter. Examples of the trend are the
Olde Englishe Bulldogge, Renaissance bulldog, Victorian, Continental and
Dorset Old Thyme bulldog. The American bulldog is also thought by some to have
similarities to the original bullbaiters.
Miscellaneous
Bulldogs in the Arts
-
Hector the Bulldog, and Spike the Bulldog are animated cartoon
characters in the Warner Bros. Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies
series of cartoons.
-
Marc Antony, an animated cartoon character in the Warner Bros. Looney
Tunes and Merrie Melodies series of cartoons.
- Spike, Tom's nemesis in the theatrical cartoon series
Tom and Jerry
- Francis from
Oliver and Company
- Bandit from
Jonny
Quest
- Carface from
All Dogs Go to Heaven
- Angus from the 1997
Mr. Magoo
movie
- Ripper and many others belonging to
Marjorie Dursley in
Harry Potter.
- Frog from the TV series "MacGyver"
Quotes
"Do you know why the English Bulldog has a jutting chin and sloping face? It
is so he can breathe without letting go." - Sir
Winston Churchill, to a
Nazi envoy, 1940
"I ask the enemy, who wants a piece of this Bulldog?" Commander Jim Pate,
Franco-Prussian War, 1871
Mascots
Because of their tenacity, the bulldog is the symbol of
Great Britain and is popular as the
mascot of
universities,
military institutions, and other organizations, including:
-
Bancroft School
-
Butler University
-
California State University, Fresno
-
The Citadel
-
Georgetown University (though called a
Hoya)
-
University of Georgia
-
Louisiana Tech
- Mack Trucks
-
Mississippi State University
-
University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez
-
University of Redlands
-
Texas Lutheran University
-
Truman State University
-
Western Bulldogs
-
Yale University
-
U.S. Marine Corps
- An English Bulldog was the mascot of
WWF Tag Team
The British Bulldogs
- See
[1] for bulldog logos of various entities.
See also
External links
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