History

The English Bulldog is descended from ancient Mastiffs that originated in Asia and were brought to Europe by nomade.  Mastiffs had been bred for ferocity in fighting and were known for their ability to bite, hold and bring down aggressive prey.

In 16th century England, the bulldog was bred to be used for bullbaiting and also bearbaiting.  The term bulldog was first used around 1568.  Bullbaiting was a brutal gambling activity in which a bull was tied to a post and the specially trained bulldog would bite the bull's snout and attempt to suffocate it.  The short muzzle and wide lower jaw were needed for the dog to clamp itself to the bull's nose like a pair of vice grips.  The bulldog's nostrils needed to be turned upward so that the dog could still breathe while it was clinging to the bull.  Bull baiting was named in many historical documents, including Shakespeare's King Henry VI.

After these events were outlawed in 1835, the very aggressive and athletic bulldog was bred with the pug in order to improve its temperament.  Today, the bulldog still looks tough,  but...

 Temperament

Despite their history (as a bull baiter) and their powerful look and build, English Bulldogs are generally docile, friendly, gregarious, lazy and stubborn.  They have a reputation for getting along well with children and with other dogs.  They are gentle and protective.  Their original breeding seems to have made them courageous, confident and almost insensitive to pain.  The one thing that has not been bred out of the English Bulldog is its stubbornness.  English Bulldogs are not good students for obecience training enthusiasts!

Because of its tenacity, the English Bulldog is often chosen to be the mascot for various organizations that take pride in their strength. The English Bulldog is obviously the symbol of the United Kingdom and England in particular.  It is also the unofficial mascot of the United States Marines, and the official and proud mascot for several universities (Yale, Georgia) and numerous high schools, middle schools and even elementary schools.

Health

A number of fallacies surround the health of this breed.  Our experience is that most of the health problems associated with English Bulldogs are NOT a result of their genetics but are the result of improper diet.  Bulldogs are known to snore loudly.  They will if you feed them improperly.  Our experience is that when fed properly,  the snoring stops.  The same applies to allergies, hip problems and eye problems.

Bulldogs are very sensitive to heat (and cold).  Great care should be given to ensure that they are given plenty of shade and water during hot weather.  They (surprisingly) love to bask in the sun and seem to be able to withstand the heat,  but when they are exercised, they have difficulty releasing the internally generated heat.  Special care should be taken to "powder" the creases and folds on their face and around their tails in warm weather.

Whelping (Birth)

Another fallacy is that female English Bulldogs ALWAYS have to deliver their pups through Caesarean section.  While this may occasionally be necessary when birthing is difficult, HEALTHY English Bulldogs can certainly deliver their pups naturally and successfully.