THINGS TO THINK ABOUT WHEN DECIDING IF A BULLDOG IS RIGHT FOR YOU

• An English Bulldog does best in a loving environment, free from fear and neglect. They are happiest when they are with people and require lots of attention.
• When left alone, English Bulldogs can be very destructive. They may chew throughout their lifetimes. Plenty of things to chew should be available to them. Anything that you don't want chewed should be made unavailable to them. They may need to be crated when they are not being supervised. A Bulldog should never be left unattended in your backyard. Not only is it dangerous to your English Bulldog's wellbeing, but English Bulldogs are often targeted for theft.
• English Bulldogs are extremely intolerant of heat. They must be kept in an air-conditioned area with limited trips outside when the outside temperature is over 80 degrees or the humidity is high. Close supervision is required during outside activity, especially in spring and summer to prevent over-exertion leading to over-heating. They also are not usually capable of prolonged physical activity whether the temperature is very warm or cold: a Bulldog is not for someone who enjoys taking a dog for long walks through the countryside.
• Not all veterinarians are knowledgeable about the health problems Bulldogs may have.  You should consult experienced Bulldog owners to find a capable veterinarian in your area. Any veterinarian who will be doing surgery on your Bulldog should have previous experience with putting Bulldogs under anesthesia.
• The average life span of an English Bulldog is just 8-10 years.

A LITTLE BIT OF ENGLISH BULLDOG HISTORY

With roots deeply planted in British soil, the English bulldog is a stubborn yet relatively docile breed that has been quite popular since the late 1800s. Initially bred for ferocity and courage, the bulldog is now a devoted and sweet member of the non-sporting group of dogs.


The English bulldog is the symbol of tenacity and stubborn determination. Centuries ago, the breed was called the “bandogge” since the dog spent much of its time bonded to or tied up with other dogs. The earliest reference to “bulldog” was found in literature in 1609.

The bulldog was originally kept as a butcher’s dog to control unruly oxen. It was also used as a guard dog, hunting dog and most commonly for the sport of baiting. This blood sport is now considered cruel and inhumane but in the early 13th century, it was quite popular. The sport involves tethering the “bait,” a bull, bear, horse, ape or lion, and the dogs were sent in to attack the animal and try to overpower it. One of the more common baits was the bull. The bulldog was commonly used to fight the bull, thus resulting in their name. The bulldog would grasp the fleshy nose of the bull and pin it to the ground. Bull baiting continued for centuries until outlawed in 1835.

The bulldog was accepted into the American Kennel Club in 1886.