Home   Bulldog Bend   English Bulldogs   Puppies   Photo Gallery   Ordering   Contact Us

A little about english bulldogs

Al,

Here are a few pics of Maxine. You were right when you said they grow real fast...we had no idea. I hope she doesn't still think she is a lapdog in 6 months. We've settled into a really good routine and she's almost completely potty trained. Good luck and we really appreciated talking with you and learning more about bulldogs so that we could make a better decision about our purchase!   Tessa, Michigan

Sharon,

Hokie is doing excellent. Sorry I don't have any pics I promise to get some to you as soon as I can. What an awesome puppy!   Benjamin, Michigan

Thanks for the great puppy. She is so adorable. It sounds like a freight train when she is sleeping. Also, she took right to the crate like you said she would. It's her own special place (along with the food dish) which she loves. You guys were wonderful and it was a pleasure getting to meet you. Your dogs are so impressive!   Janet, Ohio

Al & Sharon,

Hi guys! Thought we would take a few minutes and give you an update on Guinness. The vet checked him over and determined he is in fine health. He loves to cuddle beside us and already has us trained to rub his belly. We've had so many people comment on how cute and wrinkly he is. For the life of us we can't understand why we didn't get a puppy years ago!   Robert, Ohio

Hey Bulldoggers,

We made the trip home and Tank made himself comfortable right away. The cat seemed to give up trying to get any attention so long as he is around (but we sneak her some when he is napping). What a beautiful puppy and such a wonderful temperment...so loving.  He is a blessing for sure.   Alice, New Jersey

Al,

We wanted to let you know how much we appreciate everything that you did in helping us find Bella. Her sweet personality is so addicting. We can't get enough of her. She certainly is helping to replace the emptiness of losing our last bulldog. She is perfect in our eyes but we are biased after all.   Donna, Illinois

Sharon,

I must say you weren't lying about how cute the puppies were. The only problem I had was picking one out. I'm so happy with Rowdy(Casey) and look forward to enjoying him for many years to come. Thanks again!   Stanley, Indiana

Al & Sharon,

Thank you so much for introducing us to this wonderful breed. We have been instantly hooked after buying Gypsy. I can't begin to say enough about her. She is smart, loyal, and lazy. Thank you so much Al, Sharon, and Bulldog Bend.   Tina, Missouri

Al,

The trip from Kentucky was definately worth it! We couldn't be any happier than what we are with Violet. She is such a precious little girl. Not one accident in the house either.   Fred & June, Kentucky

Just wanted to let you know how great Winston is doing. He loves the kiddie pool and the big back yard to explore. He goes everywhere with us and knows immediately when we are at the bank cause the girls give him a treat. He has to be the most handsome  dog.    Jennifer, Maine

Al,

Summer is the best little girl in the world. My mom loves her so much. She has always wanted a bulldog puppy and now she finally has one. Thank you so much for helping us with her new puppy.   Ann, Georgia

An english bulldog may not be the right choice for every family. Living with an english bulldog can be very rewarding, but you must be committed to meeting the bulldog's particular needs.

Please consider the following:

History: Here's a little more info on english bulldogs!

With roots deeply planted in British soil, the english bulldog is a stubborn yet relatively docile breed that has been quite popular since the late 1800s. Initially bred for ferocity and courage, the bulldog is now a devoted and sweet member of the non-sporting group of dogs.

The english bulldog has long been a symbol of tenacity and stubborn determination. Centuries ago, the breed was called the “bandogge” since the dog spent much of its time bonded to or tied up with other dogs. The earliest reference to “bulldog” was found in literature in 1609.

The bulldog was originally kept as a butcher’s dog to control unruly oxen. It was also used as a guard dog, hunting dog and most commonly for the sport of baiting. Although the sport has been outlawed for over a hundred years it was quite cruel and inhumane.  The sport involves tethering the “bait,” a bull, bear, horse, ape or lion, and the dogs were sent in to attack the animal and try to overpower it. One of the more common baits was the bull. The bulldog was commonly used to fight the bull, thus resulting in their name. The bulldog would grasp the fleshy nose of the bull and pin it to the ground. Bull baiting continued for centuries until outlawed in 1835.

The commencement of the dog-show era in 1859 enabled classes to be provided for Bulldogs, and a fresh incentive to breed them was offered to the dog fancier. In certain districts of the country, notably in London, Birmingham, Sheffield, Manchester, and Dudley, a number of fanciers resided, and it is to their efforts that we are indebted for the varied specimens of the breed that are to be seen at the present time. In forming a judgment of a Bulldog the general appearance is of most importance, as the various points of the dog should be symmetrical and well balanced, no one point being in excess of the others so as to destroy the impression of determination, strength, and activity which is conveyed by the typical specimen.

The bulldog was accepted into the American Kennel Club in 1886.

Bulldog Appearance & Temperment:  So you want to know what a true "bully" should look like and act like?

General Characteristics

The english bulldog was originally bred for bull baiting and their facial shape reflects this. The short muzzle and undershot jaw were necessary to enable a viselike grip. The nose is placed far back on the face to allow the dog to breathe while holding a bull by the fleshy nose. Even though they are no longer bred for bull baiting, their facial features still reflect their past profession.

The english bulldog is a medium-sized dog with a stocky built and broad chest. The legs are short and bowlegged and the tail is often curled. Their face and head usually is very wrinkled with many facial folds. The hair coat is short and can be liver, tan, black, white or a combination.

Size

The english bulldog stands 12 to 16 inches at the shoulder and weighs 50 to 60 pounds.

Personality

The bulldog is a stubborn dog but is devoted and quite docile. They can do well in apartments with the occasional stroll in the park. Bulldogs are not fond of excessive exercise and do not have boundless energy. They prefer to spend their days lounging around the house.  

Home & Family Relations

The bulldog loves to be in company of family and is generally good with children. The breed will alert their family to the presence of strangers by barking and growling but tend not to attack. Their imposing figure is generally enough to ward off evildoers.

Training

The bulldog doesn’t do very well in obedience training. They are quite stubborn and tend not to follow instructions quickly. Some feel this trait indicates that the bulldog is dimwitted but most bulldog owners feel this simply reflects the bulldogs need to think about things before they act. However, an owner who is consistent in training and rewards the bulldog when a task is successfully completed can achieve good obedience training results with their bulldog.

Lifespan

The average lifespan for the english bulldog is 8 to 10 years

Health:  Some important facts that anyone thinking about purchasing a bulldog should understand about unique issued regarding bulldog health.

As with other short nosed breeds, it is necessary to keep a watchful eye on your bulldog in hot weather or in any stressful situation, making sure he has shade and clean water. Exercise is important for a bulldog to build stamina and prevent obesity, but don't overdo it, particularly when it is hot or humid.

We can not emphasize enough the dangers that heat and high humidity present to bulldogs. english bulldogs are extremely intolerant of heat. They must be kept in an air-conditioned area with limited trips outside when high temperatures and sticky conditions present themselves. Close supervision is required during outside activity, especially in spring and summer to prevent over-exertion leading to over-heating.  Fortunately in Northern Michigan we have only a few weeks of the year when such conditions exist.

Bulldog health problems that may be encountered are: elongated soft palate, small trachea, ectropian and entropian (eyelid anomalies), stenotic nares, and hip dysplasia problems. The average bulldog life span is for 8 - 12 years.

A bulldog must have no cosmetic surgery - he faces life as he is born. His ears remain uncropped, tail undocked and dew claws intact. His toenails will require frequent trimming, his ears and wrinkles require frequent cleaning and he will need an occasional bath.

As with any dog, always provide your bulldog with clean water and a correct and nutritious diet.

We recommend that your bulldog receive plenty of exercise to help to ensure proper health. However, we strongly recommend that you don't "overdo it"!  Bulldogs are not capable of prolonged physical activity whether the temperature is very warm or cold. Therefore a bulldog is not for someone who enjoys taking a dog for long walks through the countryside, the park, or around the block.

Bulldog Bend 

1831 S. 43 1/2 Rd

Cadillac, MI     49601

(231) 878-3257