Bulldog

Bulldog
Other names
  • English Bulldog
  • British Bulldog
OriginEngland
Traits
Weight Males
25 kg (55 lb)
Females
23 kg (51 lb)
Colour brindle; solid white, red, fawn or yellow; piebald
Kennel club standards
The Kennel Club standard
Fédération Cynologique Internationale standard
Dog (domestic dog)

The Bulldog is a British breed of dog of mastiff type. It may also be known as the English Bulldog or British Bulldog. It is a stocky, muscular dog of medium size, with a large head, thick folds of skin around the face and shoulders and a relatively flat face with a protruding lower jaw. Selective breeding for appearance has led to increased susceptibility to health problems including brachycephaly, hip dysplasia, heat sensitivity and skin infections. The dogs may not be bred in Norway or the Netherlands, because of concerns about their quality of life.

The modern Bulldog was bred as a companion dog from the Old English Bulldog, a now-extinct breed used for bull-baiting until that was outlawed under the Cruelty to Animals Act of 1835. The Bulldog Club (in England) was formed in 1878, and the Bulldog Club of America was formed in 1890. While often used as a symbol of ferocity and courage, the modern Bulldog is generally a friendly, amiable dog. It is commonly kept as a pet; in 2013 it was the twelfth-most-frequently registered breed worldwide.