The Bulldog is a medium-sized breed of dog, characteristically wide head and shoulders along with a pronounced projecting lower jaw. There are generally thick folds of skin on a Bulldog's brow with drooping lips and pointed teeth. The coat is short, flat, and sleek.
Bulldogs are one of the few breeds whose tail is naturally short, either straight or screwed.
An even-tempered and kind breed that is known not to be aggressive, and tend to form strong bonds with children.
These lap-doggies are good family pets, that love to play, but prefer to keep their activity levels low, so this is not the dog you would want to get if you are planning a new fitness routine companion.
Hypoallergenic (Prone to allergies) : No
Mass: 18 – 25 kg
Life span: 8 - 12 years
Origin: England
Temperament: Docile, Friendly, Wilful, Gregarious
Colours: red, fawn, white, brindle, and piebald.
Unfortunately a breed with possibly the longest list of serious health problems.
- Brachycephalic syndrome. Brachycephalic describes the shape of the face/nose: flat face/short nose. Bull dogs often battle to breath with ease due to narrowed nares (stenotic nares), collapsed nasal passages, excessive long soft palate, obstructed laryngeal openings and narrowed or collapsed tracheas (airpipe). In severe cases they will need surgery at an early age.
- Heat stroke. Dogs regulate body heat through panting. Due to above reasons Bull dogs are not very effective in doing so and easily can overheat with often death as a final outcome.
- Eye problems. Excess skin folds can rub on the eyes causing ulcers. To prevent this from happening surgical removal of excess nasal skin folds are often necessary. They are also prone to prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid (cherry eye).
- Skeletal problems. They are prone to developmental skeletal problem like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and the small corkscrew tail may be associated with underlying vertebral abnormality.
- Dystocia. Difficulty giving birth often results in the need for a c-section.
- Skin problems especially in the unpigmented white bull dog. They are also prone to ear infection and skin fold infection.
- Most Bull dogs can NOT swim.
Thank you to our online vet Dr Adel for sharing with us ailments which she is exposed to as a vet on a daily basis.
Other Top Dog Breeds in South Africa:
Yorkshire Terrier, English Bull Terrier, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Shetland Sheepdog, Miniature Schnauzer, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, Chihuahua
