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English Bulldogs like other breeds have very distinguishing features, many think English Bulldogs are ugly but they are loved by many including brands, celebrities and everyday families due to their loving nature and loud personalities but they also come with a high price point so heres some tips to find out whether your current English Bulldog is pure bread or things to look out for if you are looking to add one to your family.
History of the English Bulldog
English Bulldogs originated in Britain and where originally bred to help butchers control livestock with a history that could potentially reach back to the 5th century. By the 16th Century in addition to catching horses, cattle, and boars in farming use, bulldogs were also used in a sport called bull-baiting which was a popular entertainment for all classes. Bull baiting originally began with mastiff type dogs but these were replacement with the ancestors of the english bulldog due to their thick set bodies, strong heads and powerful jaws.
The barbaric sport of Bull Baiting was made illegal in 1835 which is great for the bulls however the bulldog was left without a purpose which in turn left the future of the bread threatened. Although the original bulldogs were bred to be aggressive and take down bulls which were over a tonne in weight a few people did keep the dogs as companions and herding dogs long after bull baiting was banned which then gave us the nucleus for the regeneration of the breed when dog showing became fashionable.
The Kennel Club recognised the bulldog in 1873 and he remains the iconic British breed, thought to symbolise the spirit of the country. Since the beginning of the 21st Century breeders have worked hard to improve the health of the breed by reducing the exaggerated physical features.
How to tell an English Bulldog is purebred
Head Shape
The skull is relatively large in circumference but not so large that it impedes on the dogs powerful nature of looks out of proportion to the rest of its body. They typically have a round head with a squarer forehead. They may have an underbite and a most often a short muzzle.
Ears
The ears should be set high and be small and thin in a 'Rose Ear' shape which is effect means the ears are partly folder over but these can stand up if the dog senses a threat.
Neck
A bulldogs neck should be medium in length, thick, and strong. Their neck should be well arched with some loose skin which forms a dewlap on each side of the bulldogs profile.
Tail
A healthy English Bulldogs tail should be short in length and be quite thick, starting at the root the tail should be thick and taper to a thin point. A lack of tail, inverted or corkscrewed tails are now seen as undesirable and are one of the factors quality breeders are trying to eliminate from the breed.
Jaws
An English bulldogs jaw should be broad and square and as mentioned many bulldogs do have an underbite which has aided to the iconic look of the bulldog with the bottom canines showing.
Body
A bulldogs chest should be wide and prominent and the back should be short, strong and broad at the shoulders which gives them the comedic appearance that they are always ready to fight.
Face
A bulldogs face is usually wrinkly and they should have a nose rope of some sort but due to health reasons this should not be too large as to impede on the dogs breathing or eyes. Their eyes are usually big and round and their noses are black and short.
Coat
An English Bulldogs skin is loose and wrinkly and their coat is short, smooth, fine in texture and close. Their coat is not wiry but smooth and soft.
Size
A male English Bulldog typically are around 25kgs whilst the bitches are around 23kgs.
Conclusion
Whilst most people are not looking to parade their pup around in a show some are so it is important to follow The Kennel Clubs information on the breed to ensure you are purchasing the right pup for you. If you are just looking for a family pet or companion then having a pure bred bulldog is not a necessity.
The truth is whether the dog is pure bred or not doesn't make much of a difference and they have the same health issues and life span the only difference is the price tag that comes along with a pure bred dog. So if your furry friend isn't show quality or pure bred don't worry they are just as loveable and will still have the famous traits and characteristic that we all know and love.