British Bulldogs

British Bulldogs or English Bulldogs were developed in the 13th century in England by crossing ancient breeds the Alaunts and Pugnaces with the Mastiff and the Pug. The original purpose of the breed was to control and bait bulls. Every feature of the Bulldog was created by selective breeding to better perform such difficult tasks. Old time English Bulldogs were much stronger and more agile than the English Bulldogs of today. American Bulldogs that stemmed from the breed in the 19th century look much like the ancestors of all modern Bulldogs.

When bull baiting was banned, British Bulldogs were not suited for any task. The breed was preserved by devoted breeders for its unique exaggerated appearance and intelligence. It became popular as a family companion. Nowadays, Bulldogs are bred for temperament, health, and conformation. This breed is very popular and recognized by all major canine associations and breed clubs. The breed standard for Bulldogs is very strict. To participate in competitions for purebreds, Bulldogs have to fit the standard.

British Bulldogs are medium-sized dogs with the average weight for males around 50 pounds and for females around 40 pounds. Females don’t bear the typical characteristics of the breed to the same degree as do the males. The standard doesn’t specify the wither height of a perfect Bulldog, as it depends on the size of the dog’s head. The circumference of the Bulldog skull should be no less than the height of the dog at the withers.

The hallmarks of the British Bulldogs are their large head, wide chest, stocky square body, and well-boned, widespread legs. The muzzle of the British Bulldog is extremely short and turned upward. The nose is set back between the eyes. The eyes are round and set wide apart. The jaws of the Bulldog are square and massive. The bite should be undershot with the lower jaw turning up. The head, face, and neck should be covered with deep wrinkles. The coat of the British Bulldog is short and lying close to the body. The preferred coat colors are brindle, solid white, solid red, fallow, or fawn. Solid black and piebald patterns are undesirable, but accepted in British Bulldogs.