Bulldog

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
This article is about the English Bulldog. For other uses, see Bulldog (disambiguation).
See also: French Bulldog, American Bulldog, and Old English Bulldog

Bulldog
Other namesEnglish Bulldog,
British Bulldog
OriginEngland[1]
NotesNational animal of United Kingdom
Dog (
domestic dog
)

The Bulldog is a British

brachycephaly, hip dysplasia
, heat sensitivity, and skin infections. Due to concerns about their quality of life, breeding Bulldogs is illegal in Norway and the Netherlands.

The modern Bulldog was bred as a companion dog from the Old English Bulldog, a now-extinct breed used for bull-baiting when the sport was outlawed in England under the Cruelty to Animals Act. 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, modern Bulldogs are generally friendly, amiable dogs. Bulldogs are now commonly kept as pets; in 2013 it was in twelfth place on a list of the breeds most frequently registered worldwide.[2]

History

Painting of a Bulldog from 1790 by English artist Philip Reinagle.

The first reference to the word "Bulldog" is dated 1631 or 1632 in a letter by a man named Preswick Eaton where he writes: "procuer mee two good Bulldogs, and let them be sent by ye first shipp".[3] In 1666, English scientist Christopher Merret applied: "Canis pugnax, a Butchers Bull or Bear Dog", as an entry in his Pinax Rerum Naturalium Britannicarum.[4]

The designation "bull" was applied because of the dog's use in the sport of bull-baiting. This entailed the setting of dogs (after placing wagers on each dog) onto a tethered bull. The dog that grabbed the bull by the nose and pinned it to the ground would be the victor. It was common for a bull to maim or kill several dogs at such an event, either by goring, tossing, or trampling over them.[5] Over the centuries, dogs used for bull-baiting developed the stocky bodies and massive heads and jaws that typify the breed, as well as a ferocious and savage temperament.[6] Bull-baiting was made illegal in England by the Cruelty to Animals Act 1835.[7] Therefore, the Old English Bulldog had outlived its usefulness in England as a sporting animal and its "working" days were numbered. However, emigrants did have a use for such dogs in the New World. In mid-17th century New York, Bulldogs were used as a part of a citywide roundup effort led by Governor Richard Nicolls. Because cornering and leading wild bulls was dangerous, Bulldogs were trained to seize a bull by its nose long enough for a rope to be secured around its neck.[8]

Bulldogs as pets were continually promoted by dog dealer Bill George.[9]

In 1864, a group of Bulldog breeders under R. S. Rockstro founded the first Bulldog Club. Three years after its opening the Club ceased to exist, not having organized a single show. The main achievement of the Rockstro Bulldog Club was a detailed description of the Bulldog, known as the Philo-Kuan Standard. Samuel Wickens, treasurer of the club, published this description in 1865 under the pseudonym Philo-Kuan.

better source needed
]

On 4 April 1873, The Kennel Club was founded, the first dog breeding club dealing with the registration of purebred dogs and dog breeds.[11][non-primary source needed] Bulldogs were included in the first volume of the Kennel Club Stud Book, which was presented at the Birmingham Show on 1 December 1874. The first English Bulldog entered into the register was a male dog named Adam, born in 1864.[citation needed]

Bulldog from 1915

In March 1875, the third Bulldog Club was founded, which still exists today.

better source needed
]

The Bulldog was officially recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1886.[15]

In 1894 the two top Bulldogs, King Orry and Dock Leaf, competed in a contest to see which dog could walk 20 miles (32 km). King Orry was reminiscent of the original Bulldogs, lighter-boned and very athletic. Dock Leaf was a smaller and heavier set, more like modern Bulldogs. King Orry was declared the winner that year, finishing the 20-mile (32 km) walk while Dock Leaf collapsed and expired.[16] Though today Bulldogs look tough, they cannot perform the job they were originally bred for, as they cannot withstand the rigours of running after and being thrown by a bull, and also cannot grip with such a short muzzle.[17]

Description

Appearance

A 4-year-old Bulldog of Champion bloodlines, side view. Note the "rope" over the nose, and pronounced underbite

Bulldogs have characteristically wide heads and shoulders along with a pronounced mandibular prognathism. There are generally thick folds of skin on the brow; round, black, wide-set eyes; a short muzzle with characteristic folds called a rope or nose roll above the nose; hanging skin under the neck; drooping lips and pointed teeth, and an underbite with an upturned jaw. The coat is short, flat, and sleek with colours of red, fawn, white, brindle, and piebald.[15] They have short tails that can either hang down straight or be tucked in a coiled "corkscrew" into a tail pocket.

In the United Kingdom, the breed standards are 55 lb (25 kg) for a male and 50 lb (23 kg) for a female.[18] In the United States, the standard calls for a smaller dog — a typical mature male weighs 50 lb (23 kg), while mature females weigh about 40 lb (18 kg).[19]

Temperament

Six-month-old Bulldog puppy from AKC Champion bloodlines

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), a Bulldog's disposition should be "equable and kind, resolute, and courageous (not vicious or aggressive), and demeanour should be pacifist and dignified. These attributes should be countenanced by the expression and behaviour".[20]

Bulldogs are known for getting along well with children, other dogs, and other pets.[21][22]

Health

Lifespan

A 2022 study in the UK of veterinary data found a life expectancy of 7.39 years, the second lowest of all breeds in the study.[23] A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 9.8 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for crossbreeds.[24]

A 2004 UK survey found the leading cause of death of Bulldogs to be cardiac-related (20%), cancer (18%), and old age (9%).[25]

Brachycephaly

Three bulldog skulls. From left to right, the face becomes flatter, with a shorter snout and pronounced underbite and protruding jaw.
Evolution of brachycephalia in Bulldogs. Left to right, the skulls are from approximately the 1910s, 1960s, and 1980s.

The shortened snout and pushed in face of the Bulldog is known as

brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome, exophthalmos, pharyngeal gag reflex, cyanosis, and laryngeal collapse.[29][30][31][32][33][34][35] Other issues arising from brachycephaly are risk of complications whilst under anaesthesia,[36] and hyperthermia — with the latter caused due to an inability to effectively reduce body temperature via panting.[37] Many airlines ban the breed from flying in the cargo hold due to a high rate of deaths from air pressure interacting poorly with their breathing problems.[38]

Other conditions

Statistics from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals indicate that of the 467 Bulldogs tested between 1979 and 2009 (30 years), 73.9% were affected by hip dysplasia, the highest amongst all breeds.[39] Similarly, the breed has the worst score in the British Veterinary Association/Kennel Club Hip Dysplasia scoring scheme, although only 22 Bulldogs were tested in the scheme.[40]

A study in England found the Bulldog to have a nearly three times greater risk of

patellar luxation, with 2.9% of all Bulldogs having the condition.[41]

17% of Bulldogs surveyed had skin fold dermatitis in a 1963 UK study.[42]

A study by the Royal Veterinary College found that Bulldogs are a much less healthy breed than average, with over twice the odds of being diagnosed with at least one of the common dog disorders investigated in the study.[43]

Over 80% of Bulldog litters are delivered by Caesarean section because their characteristically large heads can become lodged in the mother's birth canal and to avoid potential breathing problems for the mother during labour.[44][45]

A British study found demodicosis to be more prevalent in the Bulldog than other breeds. The overall prevalence was 1.5% in the breed compared to the 0.17% rate for all dogs. For dogs aged under 2 years the prevalence was 3.6% compared to 0.48%.[46]

The breed is predisposed to atopic dermatitis.[47]

Controversies and legal status

In January 2009, after the BBC documentary Pedigree Dogs Exposed, The Kennel Club introduced revised breed standards for the British Bulldog, along with 209 other breeds, to address health concerns. Opposed by the British Bulldog Breed Council, it was speculated by the press that the changes would lead to a smaller head, fewer skin folds, a longer muzzle, and a taller thinner posture, to combat problems with respiration and breeding due to head size and width of shoulders.[48] In 2019 the Dutch Kennel Club implemented some breeding rules to improve the health of the Bulldog. Among these is a fitness test where the dog has to walk 1 km (0.62 miles) in 12 minutes. Its temperature and heart rate have to recover after 15 minutes.[49]

In 2014, the

Dutch government forbade the breeding of dogs with a snout shorter than a third of the skull, including Bulldogs, a law that it began enforcing in 2019.[50] In 2022, the Oslo District Court made a ruling that banned the breeding of Bulldogs in Norway due to their propensity for developing health problems. In its verdict the court judged that no dog of this breed could be considered healthy, therefore using them for breeding would be a violation of Norway's Animal Welfare Act.[51][52]

Cultural significance

A white bulldog in a khaki jacket with the Marine Corps logo shakes paws with a man in a similar khaki uniform.
Chesty XIII, Marine Corps mascot

Bulldogs are often associated with determination, strength, and courage due to their historical occupation, though the modern-day dog is bred for appearance and friendliness and not suited for significant physical exertion. They are often used as mascots by universities, sports teams, and other organizations. Some of the better-known Bulldog mascots include Georgetown's Jack, Butler's Blue IV, Yale's Handsome Dan, the University of Georgia's Uga, Mississippi State's Bully, and the United States Marine Corps' Chesty.[53][54]

The Bulldog originated in England and has a longstanding association with

Second World War, the Prime Minister Winston Churchill was likened to a Bulldog for his defiance of Nazi Germany.[56]

See also

References

  1. ISBN 978-0-7368-0004-4
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  2. ^ [Svenska Kennelklubben] (2013). Registration figures worldwide – from top thirty to endangered breeds Archived 23 March 2014 at the Wayback Machine. FCI Newsletter 15. Fédération Cynologique Internationale. Accessed March 2022.
  3. ^ Jesse, George R. (1866). Researches into the history of the British Dog, from ancient laws, charters, and historical records: With original anecdotes, and illustrations of the nature and attributes of the dog, from the poets and prose writers of ancient, mediaeval, and modern times. With engravings designed and etched by the author. Rob. Hardwicke. p. 306. Archived from the original on 21 January 2023. Retrieved 17 November 2015.
  4. ^ Merret, Christopher (1666). Pinax Rerum Naturalium Britannicarum, continens Vegetabilia, Animalia, et Fossilia. p. 169. Archived from the original on 21 January 2023. Retrieved 9 November 2020.
  5. ^ "Bulldog origin". NEBKC. Retrieved 20 February 2024.
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  12. ^ "History of the English Bulldog". Bulldog Information. Archived from the original on 29 October 2005. Retrieved 2 February 2021.
  13. ^ "Origins of the English Bulldog". Bulldog Club do Brasil. Archived from the original on 12 January 2002. Retrieved 2 February 2021.
  14. ^ "The first Bulldog breed Clubs and first Bulldog Champions". Bulldog Information. Archived from the original on 4 January 2006. Retrieved 2 February 2021.
  15. ^ a b "Get to Know the Bulldog" Archived 22 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine, 'The American Kennel Club'. Retrieved 29 May 2014
  16. ^ The sun., 11 September 1894, Page 4, Image 4 Archived 4 September 2012 at the Wayback Machine
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    from the original on 21 January 2023. Retrieved 30 May 2022.
  18. ^ "Bulldog breed standard". The Kennel Club. Archived from the original on 23 August 2020. Retrieved 29 October 2016.
  19. ^ "Home of the Official AKC Bulldog Breed Club". The Bulldog Club of America. Archived from the original on 25 September 2021. Retrieved 25 September 2021.
  20. ^ American Kennel Club – Bulldog Archived 13 August 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Akc.org. Retrieved 9 June 2012.
  21. ISBN 978-0-7645-9979-8. Archived
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  22. ^ "Bulldog - Did You Know?". Animal On Planet. 12 May 2021. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
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  26. ^ Knecht, C. D. (1979). Upper airway obstruction in brachycephalic dogs. Compend Contin Educ Pract Vet, 1, 25-31.
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  39. ^ "Hip Dysplasia Statistics: Hip Dysplasia by Breed". Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. Archived from the original on 19 October 2010. Retrieved 10 February 2010.
  40. ^ "British Veterinary Association/Kennel Club Hip Dysplasia Scheme – Breed Mean Scores at 01/11/2009" (PDF). British Veterinary Association. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 July 2013. Retrieved 27 February 2010.
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