View source for Bulldog

{{use British English|date=May 2025}}
{{Short description|British breed of dog}}
{{About|the English Bulldog}}
{{See also|French Bulldog|American Bulldog|Old English Bulldog}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}
{{Infobox dog breed
| name           =  Bulldog
| image          = Bulldog inglese.jpg
| image_alt      = 
| image_caption  = 
| altname        = {{ubl|English Bulldog|British Bulldog}}
| nickname       = 
| country        = [[England]]<ref>{{cite book| title = The Bulldog| isbn = 978-0-7368-0004-4| page = [https://archive.org/details/bulldog00wilc/page/5 5]| last = Wilcox| first = Charlotte| year = 1999| publisher = Capstone Press| url-access = registration| url = https://archive.org/details/bulldog00wilc/page/5}}</ref>
| weight         = 
| maleweight     = {{right|{{cvt|25|kg}}{{r|fci2|kc}}}}
| femaleweight   = {{right|{{cvt|23|kg}}{{r|fci2|kc}}}}
| height         = 
| maleheight     = 
| femaleheight   = 
| colour         = brindle; solid white, red, fawn or yellow; piebald
| litter_size    = 
| kc_name        = [[The Kennel Club]]
| kc_std         = https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/utility/bulldog/
| fcistd         = http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/149g02-en.pdf
| note           = 
}}

The '''Bulldog''' is a British [[list of dog breeds|breed]] of dog of [[mastiff]] type. It may also be known as the '''English Bulldog''' or '''British Bulldog'''. It is a stocky, muscular dog of medium size, with a large head, thick folds of skin around the face and shoulders and a relatively flat face with a protruding lower jaw. [[Selective breeding]] for appearance has led to increased susceptibility to various health problems including [[Brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome|brachycephaly]], [[Hip dysplasia (canine)|hip dysplasia]] and heat sensitivity. The dogs may not be bred in the Netherlands, because of concerns about their quality of life.

The modern Bulldog was bred as a [[companion dog]] from the [[Old English Bulldog]], a now-extinct breed used for [[bull-baiting]] until that was outlawed under the [[Cruelty to Animals Act 1835|Cruelty to Animals Act]] of 1835. The Bulldog Club (in England) was formed in 1878, and the Bulldog Club of America was formed in 1890. While often used as a symbol of ferocity and courage, the modern Bulldog is generally a friendly, amiable dog. It is commonly kept as a pet; in 2013 it was the twelfth-most-frequently registered breed worldwide.{{r|skk}}

== History ==
[[File:Philip Reinagle - Bulldog.jpg|thumb|Painting of a Bulldog from 1790 by English artist [[Philip Reinagle]]]]The first reference to the word "Bulldog" is dated 1631 or 1632 in a letter by a man named Preswick Eaton where he writes: "procuer mee two good Bulldogs, and let them be sent by ye first shipp".<ref>{{cite book |author=Jesse, George R. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7oo-AAAAcAAJ&pg=PA306 |title=Researches into the history of the British Dog, from ancient laws, charters, and historical records: With original anecdotes, and illustrations of the nature and attributes of the dog, from the poets and prose writers of ancient, mediaeval, and modern times. With engravings designed and etched by the author |publisher=Rob. Hardwicke |year=1866 |page=306 |access-date=17 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121213803/https://books.google.com/books?id=7oo-AAAAcAAJ&pg=PA306 |archive-date=21 January 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 1666, English scientist [[Christopher Merret]] applied: "Canis pugnax, ''a Butchers Bull or Bear Dog''", as an entry in his ''[[Christopher Merret#Bibliography|Pinax Rerum Naturalium Britannicarum]]''.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Merret |first1=Christopher |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7JC-IpBPhsoC&q=canis+pugnax&pg=PA169 |title=Pinax Rerum Naturalium Britannicarum, continens Vegetabilia, Animalia, et Fossilia |date=1666 |page=169 |access-date=9 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121213803/https://books.google.com/books?id=7JC-IpBPhsoC&q=canis+pugnax&pg=PA169 |archive-date=21 January 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref>
The designation "bull" was applied because of the dog's use in the sport of [[bull-baiting]]. This entailed the setting of dogs (after placing wagers on each dog) onto a tethered bull. The dog that grabbed the bull by the nose and pinned it to the ground would be the victor. It was common for a bull to maim or kill several dogs at such an event, either by goring, tossing, or trampling over them.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bulldog origin |url=https://www.nebkc.com/bulldog-origin-1 |access-date=2024-02-20 |website=NEBKC |language=en}}</ref> Over the centuries, dogs used for bull-baiting developed the stocky bodies and massive heads and jaws that typify the breed, as well as a ferocious and savage temperament.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bulldog origin |url=https://www.nebkc.com/bulldog-origin-1 |access-date=2024-02-20 |website=NEBKC |language=en}}</ref> Bull-baiting was made illegal in England by the [[Cruelty to Animals Act 1835]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Curnutt |first1=Jordan |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=p2p0MptGeBkC |title=Animals and the Law: A Sourcebook |date=2001 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |isbn=978-1-57607-147-2 |page=284 |access-date=13 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121213803/https://books.google.com/books?id=p2p0MptGeBkC |archive-date=21 January 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> Therefore, the [[Old English Bulldog]] had outlived its usefulness in England as a sporting animal and its "working" days were numbered. However, emigrants did have a use for such dogs in the New World. In mid-17th century New York, Bulldogs were used as a part of a citywide roundup effort led by Governor [[Richard Nicolls]]. Because cornering and leading wild bulls was dangerous, Bulldogs were trained to seize a bull by its nose long enough for a rope to be secured around its neck.<ref>Ellis, Edward Robb (2005). The Epic of New York City – A Narrative History. Basic Books, New York. {{ISBN|978-0-7867-1436-0}}</ref>
[[File:Illustrirtes Muster Hunde-Buch, page 23 (cropped).jpg|thumb|Bulldog on an 1890 illustration]]

Bulldogs as pets were continually promoted by dog dealer [[Bill George (dog dealer)|Bill George]].<ref>Oliff, D. B. (1988) ''The Mastiff and Bullmastiff Handbook'', The Boswell Press {{ISBN|0-85115-485-9}}.</ref>

In 1864, a group of Bulldog breeders under R. S. Rockstro founded the first Bulldog Club. Three years after its opening the Club ceased to exist, not having organised a single show. The main achievement of the Rockstro Bulldog Club was a detailed description of the Bulldog, known as the Philo-Kuan Standard. Samuel Wickens, treasurer of the club, published this description in 1865 under the pseudonym Philo-Kuan.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Origin of the English Bulldog Standard |url=http://www.bulldoginformation.com/standardorigin.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040312110236/http://bulldoginformation.com/standardorigin.html |archive-date=12 March 2004 |access-date=2021-02-02 |website=Bulldog Information |language=en }}</ref>{{bettersourceneeded|date=February 2024}}

On 4 April 1873, [[The Kennel Club]] was founded, the first dog breeding club dealing with the registration of purebred dogs and dog breeds.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of the Kennel Club |url=https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/about-us/about-the-kennel-club/history-of-the-kennel-club/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918110844/https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/about-us/about-the-kennel-club/history-of-the-kennel-club/ |archive-date=18 September 2020 |access-date=2021-02-02 |website=The Kennel Club}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=February 2024}} Bulldogs were included in the first volume of the Kennel Club Stud Book, which was presented at the Birmingham Show on 1 December 1874. The first English Bulldog entered into the register was a male dog named Adam, born in 1864.{{cn|date=February 2024}}

In March 1875, the third Bulldog Club was founded, which still exists today.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of the English Bulldog |url=http://www.bulldoginformation.com/english-bulldog-history.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051029080137/http://www.bulldoginformation.com/english-bulldog-history.html |archive-date=29 October 2005 |access-date=2021-02-02 |website=Bulldog Information }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Origins of the English Bulldog |url=http://www.bulldogclubdobrasil.com/english/bulldog.asp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020112205717/http://www.bulldogclubdobrasil.com/english/bulldog.asp |archive-date=12 January 2002 |access-date=2021-02-02 |website=Bulldog Club do Brasil }}</ref>{{bettersourceneeded|date=February 2024}} Members of this club met frequently at the Blue Post pub on [[Oxford Street]] in [[London]]. The founders of the club collected all available information about the breed and its best representatives and developed a new standard for the English Bulldog, which was published on 27 May 1875, the same year they held the first breed show. Since 1878, exhibitions of the club were held annually, except during the [[Second World War]]. On 17 May 1894, the Bulldog Club was granted the status of a corporation and since then has carried the official name "The Bulldog Club, Inc.". It is the oldest mono-breed dog kennel club in the world.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The first Bulldog breed Clubs and first Bulldog Champions |url=http://www.bulldoginformation.com/first-bulldog-breed-clubs.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060104144040/http://www.bulldoginformation.com/first-bulldog-breed-clubs.html |archive-date=4 January 2006 |access-date=2021-02-02 |website=Bulldog Information }}</ref>{{bettersourceneeded|date=February 2024}}

The Bulldog was officially recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1886.<ref name="Get to Know the Bulldog" />

In 1894, the two top Bulldogs, King Orry and Dock Leaf, competed in a contest to see which dog could walk {{convert|20|mi|km}}. King Orry was reminiscent of the original Bulldogs, lighter-boned and very athletic. Dock Leaf was a smaller and heavier set, more like modern Bulldogs. King Orry was declared the winner that year, finishing the {{convert|20|mi|km|adj=on}} walk while Dock Leaf collapsed and expired.<ref>The sun., 11 September 1894, [http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83030272/1894-09-11/ed-1/seq-4/;words=orry+Dock+Orry+Leaf Page 4, Image 4] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120904091923/http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83030272/1894-09-11/ed-1/seq-4/;words=orry+Dock+Orry+Leaf|date=4 September 2012}}</ref> Though today Bulldogs look tough, they cannot perform the job they were originally bred for, as they cannot withstand the rigours of running after and being thrown by a bull, and also cannot grip with such a short muzzle.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Thomson |first1=K.S. |date=1996 |title=The Fall and Rise of the English Bulldog |url=https://omnilogos.com/fall-and-rise-of-english-bulldog/ |url-status=live |journal=American Scientist |volume=84 |issue=3 |page=220 |bibcode=1996AmSci..84..220T |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121213819/https://essentials.ebsco.com/search/eds/details/the-fall-and-rise-of-the-english-bulldog?query=%22The%20fall%20and%20rise%20of%20the%20English%20bulldog%22&requestCount=2&db=asx&an=8949157 |archive-date=21 January 2023 |access-date=May 30, 2022}}</ref>

== Description ==

=== Appearance ===
[[File:Female English Bulldog.jpg|thumb|A 4-year-old Bulldog of Champion bloodlines, side view. Note the "rope" over the nose, and pronounced underbite.]]

Bulldogs have characteristically wide heads and shoulders along with a pronounced mandibular [[prognathism]]. There are generally thick folds of skin on the brow; round, black, wide-set eyes; a short muzzle with characteristic folds called a rope or nose roll above the nose; hanging skin under the neck; drooping lips and pointed teeth, and an underbite with an upturned jaw. The coat is short, flat, and sleek with colours of red, fawn, white, [[brindle]], and [[piebald]].<ref name="Get to Know the Bulldog">[http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/bulldog/#standard "Get to Know the Bulldog"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222002618/http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/bulldog/#standard |date=22 December 2015}}, 'The American Kennel Club'. Retrieved 29 May 2014</ref> Bulldogs have short tails that can either hang down straight or be tucked in a coiled "corkscrew" into a tail pocket.<ref>
{{cite book
 |author1              = Dog Fancy Magazine
 |year                 = 2010
 |title                = Bulldog
 |url                  = https://books.google.com/books?id=gpY_EQAAQBAJ
 |series               = Kennel Club Books: Interactive Series
 |publisher            = CompanionHouse Books
 |page                 =  https://books.google.com/books?id=gpY_EQAAQBAJ&pg=PT217
 |isbn                 = 978-1-59378-825-4
 |access-date          = 27 July 2025
 |quote                = [...] the tail pocket [...]. This deep fold of skin, which sits above the tail, is highly susceptible to problems.
}}
</ref>

Dogs weigh approximately {{cvt|25|kg|round=5}}, bitches about {{cvt|23|kg|round=5}}.{{r|fci2}}<ref name=kc>{{cite web  |title=Bulldog breed standard |url =http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/breed/standard.aspx?id=4084 |access-date =29 October 2016 |publisher =The Kennel Club |archive-date =23 August 2020 |archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20200823105128/https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/breed/standard.aspx?id=4084 |url-status =live }}</ref> Standard weights in the United States are lower, approximately {{cvt|50|lb|kg|0}} for dogs and {{cvt|40|lb|kg|0}} for bitches.<ref>{{Cite web |title =Home of the Official AKC Bulldog Breed Club |url =https://bulldogclubofamerica.org/ |access-date =2021-09-25 |website =The Bulldog Club of America |language =en-US |archive-date =25 September 2021 |archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20210925093841/https://bulldogclubofamerica.org/ |url-status =live }}</ref>

=== Temperament ===
[[File:Clyde The Bulldog.jpg|thumb|Six-month-old Bulldog puppy from [[American Kennel Club|AKC]] Champion bloodlines]]
According to the [[American Kennel Club]], a Bulldog's disposition should be "equable and kind, resolute, and courageous (not vicious or aggressive), and demeanour should be pacifist and dignified. These attributes should be countenanced by the expression and behaviour".<ref name="AKC Bulldog Page">[http://www.akc.org/breeds/bulldog/ American Kennel Club – Bulldog] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120813002750/http://www.akc.org/breeds/bulldog/ |date=13 August 2012 }}. Akc.org. Retrieved 9 June 2012.</ref>

Bulldogs are known for getting along well with children, other dogs, and other pets.<ref>{{cite book |last=Ewing |first=Susan |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iuwzTHW-n3cC&q=Bulldogs+are+known+for+getting+along+well+with+children,+other+dogs,+and+pets&pg=PA1 |title=Bulldogs for dummies |publisher=Wiley Publishing |year=2006 |isbn=978-0-7645-9979-8 |location=Indiana |access-date=9 November 2020 |archive-date=21 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121213807/https://books.google.com/books?id=iuwzTHW-n3cC&q=Bulldogs+are+known+for+getting+along+well+with+children,+other+dogs,+and+pets&pg=PA1 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2021-05-12 |title=Bulldog - Did You Know? |url=https://www.animalonplanet.com/bulldog-information-did-you-know/ |access-date=2023-01-28 |website=Animal On Planet |language=en |archive-date=1 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201163643/http://animalonplanet.com/bulldog-information-did-you-know/ }}</ref>

==Health==

=== Lifespan ===
A 2022 study in the UK of veterinary data found a life expectancy of 7.39 years, the second lowest of all breeds in the study.<ref>{{cite journal | last1=Teng | first1=Kendy Tzu-yun | last2=Brodbelt | first2=Dave C. | last3=Pegram | first3=Camilla | last4=Church | first4=David B. | last5=O'Neill | first5=Dan G. | title=Life tables of annual life expectancy and mortality for companion dogs in the United Kingdom | journal=Scientific Reports | publisher=Springer Science and Business Media LLC | volume=12 | issue=1 | date=2022-04-28 | issn=2045-2322 | doi=10.1038/s41598-022-10341-6 | page=6415| pmid=35484374 | pmc=9050668 | bibcode=2022NatSR..12.6415T }}</ref> A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 9.8 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for [[Mongrel|crossbreeds]].<ref>{{cite journal | last1=McMillan | first1=Kirsten M. | last2=Bielby | first2=Jon | last3=Williams | first3=Carys L. | last4=Upjohn | first4=Melissa M. | last5=Casey | first5=Rachel A. | last6=Christley | first6=Robert M. | title=Longevity of companion dog breeds: those at risk from early death | journal=Scientific Reports | publisher=Springer Science and Business Media LLC | volume=14 | issue=1 | date=2024-02-01 | issn=2045-2322 | doi=10.1038/s41598-023-50458-w | page=531| pmid=38302530 | pmc=10834484 }}</ref>

A 2004 UK survey found the leading cause of death of Bulldogs to be cardiac-related (20%), cancer (18%), and old age (9%).<ref name="kcsurvey">{{cite journal | last1=Adams | first1=V. J. | last2=Evans | first2=K. M. | last3=Sampson | first3=J. | last4=Wood | first4=J. L. N. | title=Methods and mortality results of a health survey of purebred dogs in the UK | journal=Journal of Small Animal Practice | volume=51 | issue=10 | date=2010-10-01 | doi=10.1111/j.1748-5827.2010.00974.x | pages=512–524| pmid=21029096 }}</ref>

===Brachycephaly===
[[File:Brachycephalie.png|alt=Three bulldog skulls. From left to right, the face becomes flatter, with a shorter snout and pronounced underbite and protruding jaw.|thumb|400x400px|Evolution of brachycephalia in Bulldogs. Left to right, the skulls are from approximately the 1910s, 1960s, and 1980s.]]
The shortened snout and pushed in face of the Bulldog is known as [[brachycephaly]].<ref>Knecht, C. D. (1979). Upper airway obstruction in brachycephalic dogs. Compend Contin Educ Pract Vet, 1, 25–31.</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Pedersen |first1=Niels C. |last2=Pooch |first2=Ashley S. |last3=Liu |first3=Hongwei |date=2016-07-29 |title=A genetic assessment of the English bulldog |journal=Canine Genetics and Epidemiology |volume=3 |issue=1 |page=6 |doi=10.1186/s40575-016-0036-y |issn=2052-6687 |pmc=4965900 |pmid=27478618 |doi-access=free }}</ref> Brachycephaly results in deformation of the upper airway tract and leads to obstruction of breathing.<ref>{{cite journal | last=Hendricks | first=Joan C. | title=Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome | journal=Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice | publisher=Elsevier BV | volume=22 | issue=5 | year=1992 | issn=0195-5616 | doi=10.1016/s0195-5616(92)50306-0 | pages=1145–1153| doi-access=free | pmid=1523786 }}</ref> Effects of brachycephaly are [[stridor]], stertorous breathing, [[emesis]], [[skin fold dermatitis]], [[brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome]], [[exophthalmos]], [[Pharyngeal reflex|pharyngeal gag reflex]], [[cyanosis]], and laryngeal collapse.<ref>{{cite journal | last1=TC | first1=Amis | last2=C | first2=Kurpershoek | title=Pattern of breathing in brachycephalic dogs | journal=American Journal of Veterinary Research | date=1986 | publisher=Am J Vet Res | volume=47 | issue=10 | pages=2200–2204 | issn=0002-9645 | pmid=3777646}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | last1=Hendricks | first1=J. C. | last2=Kline | first2=L. R. | last3=Kovalski | first3=R. J. | last4=O'Brien | first4=J. A. | last5=Morrison | first5=A. R. | last6=Pack | first6=A. I. | title=The English bulldog: a natural model of sleep-disordered breathing | journal=Journal of Applied Physiology | publisher=American Physiological Society | volume=63 | issue=4 | date=1987-10-01 | issn=8750-7587 | doi=10.1152/jappl.1987.63.4.1344 | pages=1344–1350| pmid=3693167 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | last=Hendricks | first=Joan C. | title=Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome | journal=Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice | publisher=Elsevier BV | volume=22 | issue=5 | year=1992 | issn=0195-5616 | doi=10.1016/s0195-5616(92)50306-0 | pages=1145–1153| doi-access=free | pmid=1523786 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | last=Meola | first=Stacy D. | title=Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome | journal=Topics in Companion Animal Medicine | publisher=Elsevier BV | volume=28 | issue=3 | year=2013 | issn=1938-9736 | doi=10.1053/j.tcam.2013.06.004 | pages=91–96| pmid=24182996 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=2335 |title=Reverse Sneezing (Pharyngeal Gag Reflex) |last=Lundgrun |first=Becky |date=26 June 2006 |work= VeterinaryPartner.com |access-date=26 December 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | last1=Sebbag | first1=Lionel | last2=Sanchez | first2=Rick F. | title=The pandemic of ocular surface disease in brachycephalic dogs: The brachycephalic ocular syndrome | journal=Veterinary Ophthalmology | volume=26 | issue=S1 | date=2023 | issn=1463-5216 | doi=10.1111/vop.13054 | pages=31–46| doi-access=free | pmid=36585820 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | last1=Hobi | first1=Stefan | last2=Barrs | first2=Vanessa R. | last3=Bęczkowski | first3=Paweł M. | title=Dermatological Problems of Brachycephalic Dogs | journal=Animals | publisher=MDPI AG | volume=13 | issue=12 | date=2023-06-16 | issn=2076-2615 | doi=10.3390/ani13122016 | doi-access=free | page=2016| pmid=37370526 | pmc=10294810 }}</ref> Other issues arising from brachycephaly are risk of complications while under anaesthesia,<ref>{{cite journal | last1=Gruenheid | first1=Michaela | last2=Aarnes | first2=Turi K. | last3=McLoughlin | first3=Mary A. | last4=Simpson | first4=Elaine M. | last5=Mathys | first5=Dimitria A. | last6=Mollenkopf | first6=Dixie F. | last7=Wittum | first7=Thomas E. | title=Risk of anesthesia-related complications in brachycephalic dogs | journal=Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association | publisher=American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) | volume=253 | issue=3 | date=2018-08-01 | issn=0003-1488 | doi=10.2460/javma.253.3.301 | pages=301–306| pmid=30020004 | s2cid=51676839 }}</ref> and [[hyperthermia]] — with the latter caused due to an inability to effectively reduce body temperature via panting.<ref>{{cite journal | last=Ewers Clark | first=Anna | title=Heatstroke and brachycephalic dogs – is there an increased risk? | journal=Veterinary Evidence | volume=7 | issue=4 | date=2022-12-22 | issn=2396-9776 | doi=10.18849/ve.v7i4.534 | page=| doi-access=free }}</ref> Many airlines ban the breed from flying in the cargo hold due to a high rate of deaths from air pressure interacting poorly with their breathing problems.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Haughney |first=Christine |date=2011-10-07 |title=Banned by Many Airlines, These Bulldogs Fly Private |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/07/nyregion/banned-by-many-airlines-these-bulldogs-fly-private.html |access-date=2023-01-19 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=7 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007124248/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/07/nyregion/banned-by-many-airlines-these-bulldogs-fly-private.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Other conditions===
Statistics from the [[Orthopedic Foundation for Animals]] indicate that of the 467 Bulldogs tested between 1979 and 2009 (30 years), 73.9% were affected by [[Hip dysplasia (canine)|hip dysplasia]], the highest among all breeds.<ref name="ofa">{{cite web|url=http://www.offa.org/stats_hip.html|title=Hip Dysplasia Statistics: Hip Dysplasia by Breed|publisher=Orthopedic Foundation for Animals|access-date=10 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101019034631/http://www.offa.org/stats_hip.html|archive-date=19 October 2010}}</ref> Similarly, the breed has the worst score in the British Veterinary Association/Kennel Club Hip Dysplasia scoring scheme, although only 22 Bulldogs were tested in the scheme.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bva.co.uk/public/documents/bms_hip_2010.pdf|title=British Veterinary Association/Kennel Club Hip Dysplasia Scheme – Breed Mean Scores at 01/11/2009|publisher=British Veterinary Association|access-date=27 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130727145831/http://www.bva.co.uk/public/documents/bms_hip_2010.pdf|archive-date=27 July 2013}}</ref>

A study in England found the Bulldog to have a nearly three times greater risk of [[patellar luxation]], with 2.9% of all Bulldogs having the condition.<ref>{{cite journal | last1=O'Neill | first1=Dan G. | last2=Meeson | first2=Richard L. | last3=Sheridan | first3=Adam | last4=Church | first4=David B. | last5=Brodbelt | first5=Dave C. | title=The epidemiology of patellar luxation in dogs attending primary-care veterinary practices in England | journal=Canine Genetics and Epidemiology | publisher=Springer Science and Business Media LLC | volume=3 | issue=1 | date=2016-06-08 | issn=2052-6687 | doi=10.1186/s40575-016-0034-0 | doi-access=free | page=4| pmid=27280025 | pmc=4898461 }}</ref> It is the dog breed that has been found to most often suffer from [[swimmer puppy syndrome]], where the back legs are spread-eagled.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Nganvongpanit |first1=Korakot |last2=Yano |first2=Terdsak |title=Prevalence of Swimming Puppy Syndrome in 2,443 Puppies during the Years 2006–2012 in Thailand |journal=Veterinary Medicine International |date=2013 |volume=2013 |article-number=617803 |doi=10.1155/2013/617803 |pmid=23819102 |pmc=3681226 |doi-access=free }}</ref>

In a 1963 UK study, 17% of Bulldogs surveyed had [[skin fold dermatitis]].<ref>{{cite journal | last=Hodgman | first=S. | title=Abnormalities and Defects in Pedigree Dogs–I. An Investigation into the Existence of Abnormalities in Pedigree Dogs in the British Isles | journal=Journal of Small Animal Practice | date=1963 | volume=4 | issue=6 | pages=447–456 | doi=10.1111/J.1748-5827.1963.TB01301.X | s2cid=73404440 }}</ref> The breed is also predisposed to [[atopic dermatitis]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Rhodes |first1=Karen Helton |title=Blackwell's Five-Minute Veterinary Consult Clinical Companion |last2=Werner |first2=Alexander H. |date=2011-01-25 |publisher=Wiley-Blackwell |isbn=978-0-8138-1596-1 |location=Ames, Iowa |page=94}}</ref>

A study by the Royal Veterinary College found that Bulldogs are a much less healthy breed than average, with over twice the odds of being diagnosed with at least one of the common dog disorders investigated in the study.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=O'Neill |first1=Dan G. |last2=Skipper |first2=Alison |last3=Packer |first3=Rowena M. A. |last4=Lacey |first4=Caitriona |last5=Brodbelt |first5=Dave C. |last6=Church |first6=David B. |last7=Pegram |first7=Camilla |date=2022-06-15 |title=English Bulldogs in the UK: a VetCompass study of their disorder predispositions and protections |journal=Canine Medicine and Genetics |volume=9 |issue=1 |page=5 |doi=10.1186/s40575-022-00118-5 |issn=2662-9380 |pmc=9199211 |pmid=35701824 |doi-access=free }}</ref>

Over 80% of Bulldog litters are delivered by [[Caesarean section]] because their characteristically large heads can become lodged in the mother's birth canal and to avoid potential breathing problems for the mother during labour.<ref>{{Cite web |title=English Bulldog - Dystocia |url=https://www.ufaw.org.uk/dogs/english-bulldog-dystocia |access-date=2023-01-30 |website=www.ufaw.org.uk |language=english}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Evans |first1=K. |last2=Adams |first2=V. |year=2010 |title=Proportion of litters of purebred dogs born by caesarean section |url=http://www.bakalo.com/C-Section-rates-purebreed-dogs.pdf |journal=The Journal of Small Animal Practice |volume=51 |issue=2 |pages=113–118 |doi=10.1111/j.1748-5827.2009.00902.x |pmid=20136998 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406144345/http://www.bakalo.com/C-Section-rates-purebreed-dogs.pdf |archive-date=6 April 2016 }}</ref>

A British study found [[demodicosis]] to be more prevalent in the Bulldog than other breeds. The overall prevalence was 1.5% in the breed compared to the 0.17% rate for all dogs. For dogs aged under 2 years, the prevalence was 3.6% compared to 0.48%.<ref>{{cite journal | last1=O'Neill | first1=D. G. | last2=Turgoose | first2=E. | last3=Church | first3=D. B. | last4=Brodbelt | first4=D. C. | last5=Hendricks | first5=A. | title=Juvenile-onset and adult-onset demodicosis in dogs in the UK: prevalence and breed associations | journal=Journal of Small Animal Practice | volume=61 | issue=1 | date=2020 | issn=0022-4510 | pmid=31584708 | pmc=7003809 | doi=10.1111/jsap.13067 | pages=32–41}}</ref>

The Bulldog is one of the two most commonly affected breeds for [[hiatal hernia]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Monnet | first1=Eric | first2=Ronald |last2=Bright| title=Small Animal Soft Tissue Surgery | publisher=John Wiley & Sons |location=Hoboken, NJ | date=2023-05-31 | isbn=978-1-119-69368-0 | pages=29–36 |chapter=Hiatal hernia}}</ref>

=== Controversies and legal status ===
[[File:Maud Earl — What we have we'll hold.jpg|alt=A painting of a bulldog standing on a British flag|thumb|Bulldogs are a [[National symbols of the United Kingdom|national symbol]] of [[British culture]]; this is a bulldog on a [[British flag]].]]
In January 2009, after the BBC documentary ''[[Pedigree Dogs Exposed]]'', [[The Kennel Club]] introduced revised breed standards for the British Bulldog, along with 209 other breeds, to address health concerns. Opposed by the British Bulldog Breed Council, it was speculated by the press that the changes would lead to a smaller head, fewer skin folds, a longer muzzle, and a taller thinner posture, to combat problems with respiration and breeding due to head size and width of shoulders.<ref name="Time14Jan09Bulldog">{{cite news |author=Elliott, Valerie |date=14 January 2009 |title=Healthier new Bulldog will lose its Churchillian jowl |work=The Times |location=London |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article5512620.ece |access-date=14 January 2009 |archive-date=16 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090116003604/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article5512620.ece }}</ref> In 2019 the [[Dutch Kennel Club]] implemented some breeding rules to improve the health of the Bulldog. Among these is a fitness test where the dog has to walk 1 km (0.62 miles) in 12 minutes. Its temperature and heart rate have to recover after 15 minutes.<ref>{{cite web|title=Convenant Bulldog, breeding rules|url=http://www.raadvanbeheer.nl/uploads/media/Convenant_Bulldog-breeding_rules.pdf|publisher=Raad van Beheer (Dutch Kennel Club)|access-date=30 June 2014|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924083847/http://www.raadvanbeheer.nl/uploads/media/Convenant_Bulldog-breeding_rules.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2014, the [[Dutch government]] forbade the breeding of dogs with a snout shorter than a third of the skull, including Bulldogs, a law that it began enforcing in 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vettimes.co.uk/news/dutch-to-crack-down-on-breeding-of-dogs-with-too-short-snouts/|title=Dutch to crack down on breeding of dogs with too short snouts {{!}} Vet Times|work=vettimes.co.uk|date=31 May 2019|access-date=29 April 2020|archive-date=27 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727064050/https://www.vettimes.co.uk/news/dutch-to-crack-down-on-breeding-of-dogs-with-too-short-snouts/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2022, the [[Oslo District Court]] made a ruling that banned the breeding of Bulldogs in Norway due to their propensity for developing health problems. In its verdict the court judged that no dog of this breed could be considered healthy, therefore using them for breeding would be a violation of Norway's Animal Welfare Act.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2022-02-02|title=Norway bans breeding of British Bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles spaniels|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/norway-british-bulldogs-cavalier-spaniels-b2006120.html|access-date=2022-02-11|website=The Independent|language=en|archive-date=10 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210180849/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/norway-british-bulldogs-cavalier-spaniels-b2006120.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-02-22 |title=Breeding ban for bulldogs and cavaliers in Norway |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220222-breeding-ban-for-bulldogs-and-cavaliers-in-norway |access-date=2022-03-28 |website=France 24 |language=en |archive-date=28 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328132411/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220222-breeding-ban-for-bulldogs-and-cavaliers-in-norway |url-status=live }}</ref> The ban on breeding Bulldogs was overturned by Norway's [[Borgarting Court of Appeal]], which ruled that it was legal to breed English bulldogs in Norway.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Disappointment as Norwegian Kennel Club partly loses court appeal {{!}} Norsk Kennel Klub |url=https://kommunikasjon.ntb.no/pressemelding/17947440/disappointment-as-norwegian-kennel-club-partly-loses-court-appeal?publisherId=17848316 |access-date=2025-06-15 |website=kommunikasjon.ntb.no |language=no}}</ref>

== Cultural significance ==

Bulldogs are often associated with determination, strength, and courage due to their historical occupation, though the modern-day dog is bred for appearance and friendliness and not suited for significant physical exertion. They are [[list of bulldog mascots|often used as mascots]] by universities, sports teams, and other organisations. Some of the better-known Bulldog mascots include the University of Georgia's [[Uga (mascot)|Uga]], Mississippi State's [[Bully (mascot)|Bully]], Georgetown's [[Jack the Bulldog|Jack]], Butler's [[Butler Blue|Blue IV]], Yale's [[Handsome Dan]], and the United States Marine Corps' [[Chesty XV|Chesty]].<ref name=":0">Denizet-Lewis, Benoit (22 November 2011) [https://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/27/magazine/can-the-bulldog-be-saved.html Can the Bulldog be Saved?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210313195349/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/27/magazine/can-the-bulldog-be-saved.html |date=13 March 2021 }} ''[[The New York Times]]''.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |first=Anna |last=Burke |date=May 25, 2018 |title=The Legacy of Chesty: How a Bulldog Became the United States Marine Corps Mascot |url=https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/marine-corps-bulldog-chesty/ |access-date=2023-01-18 |website=American Kennel Club |language=en |archive-date=18 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230118230714/https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/marine-corps-bulldog-chesty/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Bulldog originated in England and has a longstanding association with [[Culture of the United Kingdom|British culture]]; the [[BBC]] wrote: "To many the Bulldog is a national icon, symbolising pluck and determination".<ref name="Icon">{{cite news |date=12 December 2016 |title=English Bulldog health problems prompt cross-breeding call |publisher=BBC |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-36916431 |access-date=21 June 2018 |archive-date=8 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108171111/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-36916431 |url-status=live }}</ref> During the [[Second World War]], the Prime Minister [[Winston Churchill]] was likened to a Bulldog for his defiance of [[Nazi Germany]].<ref name="National symbol">Baker, Steve (2001). Picturing the Beast. University of Illinois Press. p. 52. {{ISBN|0-252-07030-5}}.</ref>

== References ==
{{reflist|45em|refs=

<ref name=fci2>[http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/149g02-en.pdf FCI-Standard N° 149: Bulldog]. Fédération Cynologique Internationale. Accessed May 2022.</ref>

<ref name=skk>[Svenska Kennelklubben] (2013). [http://newsletter15.dogdotcom.be/en/skk.aspx Registration figures worldwide – from top thirty to endangered breeds] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140323092044/http://newsletter15.dogdotcom.be/en/skk.aspx |date=23 March 2014 }}. ''FCI Newsletter'' 15. Fédération Cynologique Internationale. Accessed March 2022.</ref>

}}

{{Commons and category|Bulldog|English Bulldog}}
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{{English dogs}}
{{Mastiffs}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:FCI breeds]]
[[Category:Bulldog breeds]]
[[Category:Dog breeds originating in England]]
[[Category:Companion dogs]]