The English Bulldog, often called simply the Bulldog, is a medium-sized dog breed, originally used for bullbaiting, in which trained bulldogs attacked and killed tied-up bulls for sport during the 17th century. The practice of bullbaiting was banned in England in 1835.

Appearance

The bulldog has a very smooth coat, wrinkly cheeks, powerful front legs and smaller hind legs.

Characteristics

Contrary to classic cartoon parodies that depicted the bulldog as ferocious and wearing a spiked dog collar, the bulldog is not a vicious dog breed (though it was during the days of bullbaiting, the aggressive tendencies were bred out of them by the time of the Second World War) and gets along well with both humans (including children) and other dog breeds. Bulldogs are very friendly, but stubborn and protective.

Health

Bulldogs tend to have breathing problems, as their flat face restricts air. They also have problems swimming and can drown if left unattended near a pool. Other common health problems include cherry eye, allergies, and (among older bulldogs) hip problems and cataracts. Because of the large heads in proportion to body size, baby bulldogs must always be delivered by c-section.

Bulldogs in the Arts

• Hector the Bulldog, an animated cartoon character in the Warner Bros. Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies series of cartoons.
• Marc Antony, an animated cartoon character in the Warner Bros. Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies series of cartoons.
• Spike, Tom's nemesis in the theatrical cartoon series Tom and Jerry
• Spike the Bulldog, an animated cartoon character in the Warner Bros. Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies series of cartoons.

Quotes

"Do you know why the English Bulldog has a jutting chin and sloping face? It is so he can breathe without letting go." - Sir Winston Churchill, to a Nazi envoy, 1940

External links

• The Bulldog Club of America (http://www.thebca.org/)
• Bulldog Pictures (http://www.doggroups.com/community/album_cat.php?cat_id=21)