The English bulldog belongs to the AKC's non-sporting group.
A member of the non-sporting group of the American Kennel Club (AKC), English bulldogs were originally bred for bull baiting. That ferocious temperament has been nearly bred out, and the English bulldog is one of the most popular breeds. The main breed club in the United States is the Bulldog Club of America, Inc.
History
The English bulldog was developed in the British Isles. After the use of the dogs as bull baiters lessened, English bulldogs were used for dog fighting, which was allowed until 1835. The dogs then were adapted into family dogs by breeding out the more aggressive tendencies in order to keep the breed from dying out. After the breed was brought to the United States, the breed was recognized by the AKC in 1886.
Temperament
English bulldogs tend to bond with a family's children and are often protective. They do not need a lot of exercise. A well-bred English bulldog should not have any aggressive tendencies and should seem to have a dignified air. When showing, an English bulldog is penalized for not displaying the correct temperament. Temperament explains why the English bulldog has been used to breed many other breeds, such as the bullmastiff.
Size
Bulldogs should have a low-set, sturdy body. Males weigh approximately 50 lb., and females are smaller in stature, weighing around 40 lb. The breed is considered a medium-size dog. The face is very short, so these dogs are prone to overheating. The body in general is well proportioned. To meet breed standards, which are developed by each breed's AKC-recognized parent club, the measurement around the dog's skull should equal the length from the ground to the top of the dog's shoulders. The breed standard describes the "perfect" representative dog of the breed, and even dogs not quite meeting breed standard can be wonderful dogs.
Coat and Colors
The colors acceptable for English bulldogs are brindle, white, red, fawn, fallow and piebald (white body with colored patches). Red brindle is the most preferred color, followed by brindle, then the other solid colors. Piebald is the least favorable. The coat texture itself is short and fine with no curls or feathering (long hairs on the belly, tail and legs). Wrinkling of the skin is expected. The dogs should not have brown- or liver-colored noses.
Care
English bulldogs should not have the tails docked or the dewclaws removed. The Bulldog Club of America recommends that you separate, clean and dry your bulldog's wrinkles every day to keep them from developing skin problems from the wrinkles rubbing together. If your English bulldog has a screw tail, which is folded against the body, the club recommends you clean the tail regularly for the same reasons. The club also suggests you pick up your English bulldog by hooking one arm behind the front legs and one arm in front of the hind legs to prevent injury to your dog.
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