Page 97 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

Bulldog

HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN Variety of colors
15–16in 51–55lb Under 10
(38–40cm) (23–25kg) years

Full of character, this dog has become the symbol THE ENGLISH BULLDOG
for courage, determination, and tenacity
The Bulldog has come to exemplify traditional
A traditional British breed, the Bulldog minimizing the aggression in their nature, Englishness. The 18th-century fictional character
John Bull, made famous by cartoonists such as
has descended from small Mastiffs. The so the modern breed is very different from
James Gillray, was shown with a Bulldog by his
name comes from the dog’s original use in its fierce predecessor.
side; both man and dog stood for the plain,
bullbaiting, during which the dog would The Bulldog is now known as a honest Englishman who was fond of his food
attack the bull from below and hang on to its good-natured and lovable companion. and not averse to a fight. The tenacious bulldog
nose or throat. The wide head and protruding It does have a stubborn streak as well as spirit became associated with World Wars I
and II (shown below in a WWI postcard), and is
lower jaw gave the Bulldog its legendary grip, a protective instinct, and these traits need
perhaps most closely linked with Prime Minister
while the position of the nose, tipped back to be handled with tact, although they
Winston Churchill and his speech in 1940
behind the mouth, allowed the dog to keep rarely develop into aggression. With a rousing the embattled nation to defend itself
breathing without relaxing its bite. squat and massively muscled body, against its enemies.
Bullbaiting was banned in Britain in wrinkled head, and upturned nose, this
1835, but from the mid-19th century the breed has character rather than beauty.
dogs began to be featured in the show ring. Despite its waddling gait, the Bulldog
Breeders started producing dogs with needs plenty of exercise to prevent it from
more exaggerated physical features while gaining too much weight.

Sloping, muscular
shoulders
Smooth White
coat and fawn Coat has fawn
Distinctive markings
upturned nose
High-set,
rose ears

Thick,
pendant
lips

Lower jaw longer
than upper jaw
(undershot)

Broad, round,
deep chest
Hind legs longer Thick, short forelegs
than forelegs
set wide apart

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