The bulldog descends from mastiff-type canines. He is originally from medieval England and has spread to the world since then, originating in many different breeds. They were used in a practice called bull-baiting, very common in medieval England.

Bull baiting

Bull baiting involves biting the nose of a bull and shaking it. At that time, people thought that this practice would make the meat more tender and succulent. It was a very popular belief, even so, that there was a law that required that practice before slaughtering the bulls. The dogs had to be very strong and fierce to participate in this act.

Since this practice was prohibited, in the 1800s, different breeds of bulldogs were created by enthusiasts. They focused on making the breeds less aggressive and more suited for companionship.

Recognized bulldog breeds

There are many bulldog breeds across the world. The most famous are:

  • American Bulldog: The American Bulldog is larger in size than the English. The bulldog went from England to America in the early 1800s. It was then that the American breed started.
  • Boxer: The boxer breed originated from the Bullenbeisser, an extinct breed of German Bulldogs, and the English Bulldog. It is taller and thinner than the classical bulldog.
  • French Bulldog: The French Bulldog first appeared in France in the 1800s. They originate from common English Bulldogs mixed with Toy Bulldogs, an extinct race. The Toy Bulldogs were a breed made to be smaller than the regular bulldogs. But a lot of fertility and health problems emerged from that breed, which is now extinct. The French Bulldog, its descendant, is a popular breed nowadays and doesn’t face extinction, like its ancestor. It looks very similar to a common English Bulldog but with smaller proportions.
  • Alano Español: Originated in Spain on the 1600s. The breed was created for guarding and hunting purposes. It looks similar to the American Bulldog, being taller than the English. It is a social breed, mostly good for guarding purposes.
  • English Bulldog: The most famous one, is also known simply as “Bulldog”. Originated in England, having special features accentuated by selective breeding. Some of those features: are the size of the head, underbite, and shoulder width.

Those may be the most common and famous breeds, but there are many others. The Alapaha blue blood bulldog, Aussie bulldog, banter Bulldogge, buldogue campeiro, Ca de Bou, Catahoula bulldog, Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldog, Olde English Bulldogge, Olde Boston Bulldogge, Victorian Bulldog, and Valley Bulldog also breeds.

What sets the English Bulldog apart

The English Bulldog, or just Bulldog, as it is more commonly known, is a very good dog for company. Despite its grumpy look, the Bulldog is very friendly and easy-going. It is one of the most friendly dog breeds there are.

It can be a little frisky when still a puppy, but when it grows up, the Bulldog is more quiet and lazy. It sleeps a lot and likes to lie down anywhere. It is important then to exercise with the dog, so it doesn’t get fat and stays healthy. Walks in cold weather are its favorites.

Children and other pets

Because of its very amicable personality, the English Bulldog is great around children of all ages. The Bulldog is good with children because it is calm and patient. It can put up with a lot from a child and if irritated, will just walk away instead of attacking. That makes it the perfect dog for people with small kids.

Also, it maintains a friendly peaceful relation with other animals, even cats. Although he doesn’t cause problems with those animals, it doesn’t mean he is very sociable with them. The Bulldog can be a little cold towards other pets, especially strange dogs.

Characteristics

First of all, they aren’t barkers. They are different from those kinds of dogs that bark for anything. A Bulldog will rarely bark, being a silent, timid dog. As said before, Bulldogs farewell with children and pets, but not only that. They are very good companions to the elderly too.

It is a little difficult to train a Bulldog. It may take more time and patience than with other dogs, but when it learns something, it won’t forget it.

The English Bulldog doesn’t like exercise all that much, but it will go for it. Also, a good walk every day is needed to keep it in shape, or else it can get fat. Its energy levels aren’t very high. For people who prefer a more relaxed dog, that doesn’t take up much of your energy, the Bulldog is very much recommended.

Health

It is always better to ensure you’re getting a Bulldog from a responsible breeder, that takes good care of the dogs and vaccines them. He needs as well to deworm them before letting someone take a puppy. Like any other breed, the Bulldog has a few conditions that are more common to appear on them.

The best way is to have a veterinarian accompanying your dog since it was born, looking out for anything unusual. Other than that, treating it with love and care will prevent the rest. Feed it well, clean its coat, and groom it when needed.

The English Bulldog is one of the most famous and loved dog breeds in the world. And it is not for nothing, it is an amazing animal and can be a friend for a lifetime.