The Bulldog is a name usually associated with the British Bulldog but variations of the breed include the French, American and Old English Bulldog.

The British Bulldog is one of Britain’s oldest indigenous dogs associated with British determination and the literary figure John Bull.

It is a stout, short legged, powerful and muscular animal with a squashed face and muzzle due to its ‘brachycephalic’ skull. Due to the shape of their faces, these dogs are often heavy breathers and loud snorers. Colour variations include red brindle and other shades of brindle, solid white, solid red, fawn, fallow, piebald, pale yellow or washed-out red or white or a combination of these colours.

Originally bred for the cruel sport of bull and bear baiting, the breed was later crossed with the pug to achieve the look of today’s modern Bulldog. Despite it’s muscular looks and fighting history, Bulldogs can be the gentlest of animals.

Life expectancy is quite short and many dogs are showing signs of aging by the time they are five or six. Common health conditions include respiratory conditions, skin fold dermatitis, hip dysplasia and entropion known as ‘cherry eye’.

Most British Bulldogs cannot give birth to their young unaided, with a large percentage born by cesarean section. They have a short coat that can be groomed if desired and need only the occasional bath. They are however, prone to drooling and are messy eaters. As with all dogs, the Bulldog needs daily exercise to avoid health and behavioral problems.

This breed can happily live in a town or the country as it is quite an indoor type of animal that requires just daily lead exercise to keep him happy. The British Bulldog’s image is often used as a mascot and is often associated with Winston Churchill’s Britain.