English Bulldog
FCI standard number: 149
Country of origin: Great Britain
Classification: FCI Group 2 – Pinschers and Schnauzers, Molossoids, Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs;
Height at withers bitch: no official specification in the FCI standard
Height at withers male: no official specification in the FCI standard
Weight bitch: 23 kg
Weight male: approx. 25 kg
Coat colour: solid colour or solid colour with black mask or black muzzle; permitted are brindle, red in various shades, fawn, fawn, white and pied. Black and black with tan are highly undesirable according to the standard.
Coat texture: Short, dense, smooth and finely textured; not wiry.
Neck circumference: In practice, it is often roughly around 40–55 cm in adult English Bulldogs, depending on gender, build and weight. For collar or harness, always measure individually.
The English Bulldog
History of the Scottish Terrier
According to the FCI, the Bulldog was first explicitly mentioned as such around 1630. It was originally used to herd bulls. After 1835, the current, lower-set type with a shorter foreface developed; from 1860, it was also shown at dog shows. Today it is considered one of the oldest native breeds in Great Britain.
Appearance
Body shape: The English Bulldog has a short coat, is rather low-set, broad-shouldered, powerful and compact. Typical features include a large head, a broad chest and a short, blunt muzzle. At the same time, the FCI and VDH expressly emphasise that no exaggeration should be allowed to go so far as to impair mobility, breathing or general function.
Coat: The coat is low-maintenance and lies close to the body. It usually only requires occasional brushing. More important than the amount of coat in this breed is the regular checking of the skin and skin folds.
Nature/character
The Bulldog is considered to be attentive, courageous, loyal, reliable and, despite its fierce expression, very affectionate. In everyday life, it is often described as friendly, calm and people-orientated. It is usually not a nervous endurance runner, but rather a cosy companion with a strong character.
Grooming
The short coat is uncomplicated. More important are wrinkle care, skin control, weight management and adaptation to weather and stress. You have to be very attentive, especially in hot weather, when excited or under heavy physical strain, because Bulldogs can react sensitively to respiratory stress.
Health
The English Bulldog is one of the more demanding breeds in terms of health. Free breathing, open nostrils, healthy eyes, unproblematic skin folds and a functional tail are particularly important. The British Kennel Club lists breathing problems, turned-in or turned-out eyelids, skin inflammation in folds, too narrow nostrils and problematic tails as particular warning points for the Bulldog. A larger VetCompass evaluation found increased risks in English Bulldogs for skin-fold dermatitis, cherry eye, BOAS and dry eye, among others.
Education
The Bulldog is capable of learning, but often a little stubborn. It needs calm, friendly and consistent training with clear rules and lots of positive reinforcement. Pressure and harshness do not suit them well. With patience, it usually becomes suitable for everyday use, but it is often not a dog for exaggerated obedience drills.
What are the special features of this breed?
Their most distinctive feature is the mixture of a striking, almost fierce appearance and a mostly very affectionate, gentle nature. At the same time, however, the breed carries an increased health risk due to its body shape. For this very reason, particular care should be taken to ensure that the English Bulldog is bred properly, breathes well, has a moderate build and is normally agile.
Suitable for first-time dog owners?
Yes, conditionally. In terms of temperament, the English Bulldog can be a good choice for beginners because it is often friendly, people-orientated and not over-excited. Less suitable for beginners, however, are the possible health problems and the necessary management of heat, weight, exercise and skin care. It can be suitable for beginners with realistic expectations and well-chosen breeding.
Family dog or not?
Yes, basically yes. The breed is now considered a companion dog and is generally considered to be affectionate and family orientated. In a suitable, calm family, it can be a loving companion. It is important that children learn respectful behaviour and that the family shows consideration for the dog's temperature, stress levels and health.
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