60+ Brilliant British Bulldogs Facts: Everything You Need To Know
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Originally bred for illegal sports, these cute wrinkly pups have ended up as one of the most popular dog breeds for families.
These interesting facts about bulldogs will definitely make you want one of your own. With a rich history and an iconic look, you will fall in love with these adorable pups after learning all about them.
Learn all about English bulldogs with these English bulldog facts and they might just become your new favourite dog breed. But if we can't persuade you, and you like your dogs a little bit daintier, these facts about Pomeranians might tickle your fancy.
And did you know that pigs are actually smarter than dogs? These pig facts will give you all you need to know.
Types Of Bulldogs Facts
There are three extinct breeds of bulldog, called the Old English bulldog, the Toy bulldog and the Bullenbeisser which is the German bulldog. Learn more about the types of bulldogs with these facts!
1. There are ten bulldog breeds that still exist today. The most popular are the American bulldog, French bulldog and the English bulldog (also known as the British bulldog).
2. British or English bulldogs can be registered as part of the American Kennel Club.
3. The British bulldog is the classic bulldog breed.
British And English Bulldog History Facts
Bulldogs have been the center of attention in their time. Learn the grizzly history of the friendly pups.
4. The bulldog breed is thought to have been developed in the 16th century.
5. Now bulldogs are mostly used as guard dogs, companion dogs and catch dogs.
6. The bulldog was bred from larger dogs called mastiffs, because smaller dogs were better for blood sports.
7. The English bulldog was bred to antagonise bears, bulls and horses for sport, in something called bull baiting.
8. The bulldogs would try to bite the nose of bigger animals during fights, and people would watch and make bets.
9. The bulldog was also once used for dog fighting.
10. Bull baiting is now illegal in the United States and in England, since the year 1835, because lots of animals and people were hurt.
11. After bull baiting was made illegal, the strong bulldog breed was still used commercially in New York. They were used to lead bulls by their nose, because it was too dangerous for people to do this themselves.
Bulldog Appearance Facts
There is no doubt you can pick a bulldog out in a crowd, but in case you aren't familiar, here is a checklist of all the things that make up the original look of this stocky dog.
12. Because bulldogs were bred for bull baiting, they have very stocky bodies.
14. Their stocky bodies were good for keeping them close to the ground during bull baiting because the bull can't throw them around.
15. The English bulldog breed has a small snout, which meant it was easier for the dog to breathe when it held on to the snout of a bull or horse.
16. The loose skin that English bulldogs are known for would protect the vital organs of the dog breed during a fight.
17. The lower jaw of the dog breed is further out than the top jaw, which means their teeth are pushed up. This gives them better grip when they bite things.
18. Bulldog wrinkles are used by the dogs as channels to move liquid out of their eyes and down their faces.
19. Bulldogs have small back legs, which mean that if they are shaken like they used to be in bull fights, they are less likely to injure their spine.
20. British bulldogs have thick necks, short faces and heavy wrinkles on their faces.
21. Their coats are short.
22. The colour of a British bulldog is usually brindle (which is almost like tiger stripes), piebald (which is a random white pattern), solid red, white or fawn.
23. They are a medium sized dog breed.
24. The eyes of bulldogs are usually black in color and round in shape.
25. The fold of skin above the nose of a British bulldog is called a rope or nose roll.
26. The lips of a bulldog are usually droopy.
27. Their teeth are sharp and pointed.
28. The bulldog is one of the only dog breeds that has a short tail naturally.
29. The tail of the bulldog is either thin or screwed.
Bulldog Statistics
These bulldog health facts and statistics about the dogs will give you an idea of some of the worries owners have about the breed.
30. Female bulldogs are usually around 50 pounds, and males are usually 54 pounds.
31. The height of a male is usually around 17 inches, and a female is 16 inches.
32. Bulldogs usually live for between eight and ten years.
33. In 2004, there was a UK survey that suggested that on average bulldogs die at six years and three months old.
34. The study showed that most bulldogs had heart problems that caused them to die early.
35. A bulldog who lives to his or her full age might be lucky to live for around ten or 11 years.
36. Of 467 bulldogs tested over 30 years, nearly 75% of them had hip dysplasia, which is the highest level in all dog breeds.
37. Over 80% of bulldog puppies are delivered by a cesarean section because their large heads can be difficult to give birth to.
English Bulldog Demeanor Facts
Despite their fierce looks, bulldogs have a surprising demeanor. Get to know all about it with these fun facts.
38. Most people expect a bulldog to be aggressive and vicious because of their history as fighter dogs, but actually most are very kind and even tempered.
39. Bulldogs are usually quite laid back.
40. They have a high tendency to snore, so you might need to wear earplugs if you get one as a pet.
41. Full blooded English bulldogs are known for being sweet and gentle.
42. Bulldogs are often very dependable and predictable, which makes them very good pets.
43. Most bulldogs love children and being around people.They are known for being very sociable.
44. They often form very strong bonds with the children in their household.
45. Sometimes English bulldogs can be a bit aggressive when they meet other dogs, but most of the time they get on well with other pets they live with.
46. Because of their original use as bull baiting dogs, the English bulldog makes a good watchdog because they are very brave.
47. English bulldog owners need to be okay with dogs who love people, because these are dogs who like to be around humans as much as possible.
48. Bulldogs usually drool a lot, so they don't make good pets for anyone squeamish.
49. They don't usually bark a lot, and also don't dig very much.
50. The attention that the British bulldog needs is a medium amount, which makes it a good pet for families to take care of.
Facts About English Bulldog Care Needs
Looking after bulldogs can be quite easy, and we have some quick tips to show you how to care for them.
51. This dog breed is great for apartments, because they don't necessarily need a yard.
52. British bulldogs need around 20 to 40 minutes of exercise every day.
53. They live best in temperate climates. If it is too hot they can struggle to breathe, and when it is too cold they can get chills.
54. The wrinkles on the face of an English bulldog must be wiped often, to make sure that they don't get any skin infections.
Fun Facts About Bulldogs
Now you have learnt all about bulldogs, these fun facts are sure to round off your knowledge.
55. The bulldog is popular in the United States, but it is most well known for being associated with English culture.
56. To many people, the bulldog is a British national icon.
57. British prime minister Winston Churchill was often compared to the dog breed.
58. The dog breed is known as a symbol of determination and pluck.
59. The first ever bulldog reference was in the year 1631 in a letter from a man called Prestwick Eaton.
60. Bulldogs mature very slowly and only reach full growth at two and a half years. Despite that, they have quite short lives compared to other breeds of dog.
61. When Thomas Henry Huxley defended Charles Darwin in the 19th century, he was given the nickname 'Darwin's bulldog'.
62. The bulldog is the official mascot of the Marine Corps of the United States. Many bases have a bulldog of their own living there.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our facts about British bulldogs then why not take a look at these bat facts for kids, or some awesome fox facts for kids?
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An experienced Londoner, Emily loves to discover new and exciting places in the city, especially with her two younger brothers. She has a passion for fashion and design and is also involved in art charities that facilitate workshops for children with special needs and difficult home lives. Emily is a trained life coach and enjoys writing about general wellness, mindfulness, and healthy relationships.
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