 Bulldog
Bred originally for bull-baiting, the national dog of Great Britain, the Bulldog, is a magnificent animal, as courageous as he is affectionate. Bulldogs have been known as a distinct breed in the UK since the 1630s, although there is earlier reference to dogs called bandogs, a term used today for fighting dogs. Bull-baiting became illegal in 1835 and he began to wane in popularity as he did not have the speed to make a good dog-fighter. The breed at that time was a much fiercer looking animal, longer in the leg and pretty mean-looking.
However, with his withdrawal from the fighting pits, the Bulldog was taken up by fanciers who bred for temperament and looks and he made his first appearance in the showring in 1860. It is certainly not a breed now where temperament would cause any concern, though his massive jaws are still quite capable of wreaking havoc if he is left alone long enough to get bored.
A range of colours are permissible though Dudley (liver in all its shades), black and black and tan are highly undesirable. No height is specified and weight is given as 25kg for dogs. The coat is easy enough to keep but it is necessary to pay attention to the wrinkle on his face and keep it clean and dry.
They aren't a difficult breed but are very specialised and to do justice to your dog you need to be well-informed; there are a lot of litters bred for purely for gain, and with puppies being sold for £2,000 each it isn't surprising that some people are attracted to the breed for the wrong reasons. Contact your local breed club before buying a Bulldog and take their advice; a good breeder will be there to help you for the lifetime of your dog and will be scrupulous about breeding from healthy dogs. A poorly bred dog could bring you heartbreak and expense.
Click here to read the Bulldog Breed Standard.
Selected Books
The time to make sure that theBulldog is the right breed for you is before you bring him home. If you and your dog are going to be a good match speak to breeders, Breed Clubs, and generally find out as much as you can about the breed.
Understanding dog psychology, and what his motivations are will save a lot of confusion and misunderstandings for both you and him. Many mistakes can be avoided, and quick solutions reached if you have the basics of puppy training to guide you through all the early settling in difficulties. It helps, too, to have some idea of basic healthcare so you can make informed judgements about whether a visit to the vet is necessary or if there is a simple remedy. For example, many cases of upset tummies are best cured by 24 hour starvation. The books we have chosen will be able to guide you as to whether your dog can be treated at home, or a visit to the surgery is necessary.
- BRITISH BULLDOG CLUB
- BATH & WESTERN COUNTIES BULLDOG CLUB. Sec. Mrs A Godwin Tel No: 0117 9374033
- BIRMINGHAM & MIDLAND COUNTIES BULLDOG CLUB. Sec. Mr A M Darmanin. Tel No: 01630 638856
- BLACKPOOL & FYLDE BULLDOG CLUB. Sec. Mr P Reynolds. Tel No: 01782 510774
- BULLDOG CLUB (INCORPORATED)
- BULLDOG CLUB OF SCOTLAND. Sec. Mrs S Rowe. Tel No: 01228 576424
- BULLDOG CLUB OF WALES. Sec. Mr J Lane. Tel No: 01222 734631
- CALEDONIAN BULLDOG CLUB
- JUNIOR BULLDOG CLUB. Sec. Mr Presland. Tel No: 01684 273017
- LEODENSIAN BULLDOG CLUB. Sec. Mrs V Williams. Tel No: 01302 845670
- LONDON BULLDOG SOCIETY. Sec. Miss S A Jay. Tel No: 020 8777 0198
- MANCHESTER & COUNTIES BULLDOG CLUB. Sec. Mrs M Williams. Tel No: 01244 547226
- NORTHERN BULLDOG CLUB. Sec. Mr D Rodgers. Tel No: 01942 707170
- NORTHUMBERLAND & DURHAM BULLDOG CLUB. Sec. Mrs Grieves. Tel No: 01670 774418
- PLYMOUTH, DEVON & CORNWALL BULLDOG CLUB. Sec. Mr J Smith. Tel No: 01452 721389
- ROCHDALE & DISTRICT BULLDOG CLUB. Sec. Mrs A Prescott. Tel No: 0151 531 8850
- SHEFFIELD & DISTRICT BULLDOG CLUB. Sec. Mrs D Lees 01754 820958
- SOUTH OF ENGLAND BULLDOG SOCIETY. Sec. Mrs L Manns. Tel No: 01329 847005
- YORKSHIRE BULLDOG CLUB. Sec. Mrs Revis. Tel No: 01302 846958
Bulldog Rescue and Rehoming
Contact a Breed Club. They should all be able to give you information about Bulldogs requiring homes and procedures for re-homing; if you are in the unfortunate position of having to re-home your own pet, please go through breed rescue. They will not be judgmental and are best able to find the right permanent home for your dog.
Bulldog Breeders
If you are looking for a puppy contact the Breed Clubs and the Breeders listed and visit the puppyfinder website where there is a great deal of information on hereditary conditions. If you are a Breeder and wish to advertise your puppies puppyfinder is an excellent showcase.
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