What Makes a Champion English Bulldog?

Dogs that meet the standards for their breed and are properly trained to be shown competitively have a good chance of bringing recognition to their owners. What makes a championship English bulldog is a combination of breeding, training and the level of commitment that a dog owner is willing to make.

  1. History

    • The English bulldog is believed to have originated in the British Isles and was originally used for bullfighting. There is some debate in the breeding community as to whether the bulldog is a cross-breed of a mastiff and a pug or if the bulldog and mastiff are both descended from another breed, the Alaunt. When bullbaiting was made illegal in England in 1835, bulldog fanciers began breeding bulldogs with the goal of eliminating their fierce qualities. Today's bulldogs owe their survival, in part, to these early breeders.

    Physical Standards

    • Championship English bulldogs must conform to specific physical standards for the breed. In general, English bulldog standards call for a short, strong, stocky body, large head, smooth coat and wide shoulders. Particular attention is paid to the head, which must be large in proportion to the body and be as short as possible. In judging, an English bulldog's head is measured from cheekbone to nose and other traits, including a flat forehead and small eyes, are also taken into consideration.

    Temperament Standards

    • Though originally bred to be tough and vicious, modern English bulldogs are good-tempered and calm. A championship English bulldog will be alert, affectionate, obedient and dignified. All dogs that are shown professionally are expected to be well-mannered and well-trained in dog show etiquette and practices.

    Training

    • Anyone who is serious about showing an English bulldog should enroll the dog in classes designed to teach dogs and dog owners proper walking, leading and handling behavior and technique from the time it is 6 months old. Dog owners should also purchase a show-quality lead and practice walking their bulldogs on the left side of their bodies at a brisk pace (called a trotting gate), since this is how English bulldogs are led into the show ring. They will need to practice "stacking," where the dog must stop and stand in a way that best shows its features. For an English bulldog, this means that it needs to stand "square," with its front legs set wider than its rear legs.

    Showing

    • In the United States, dog shows are held by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and English bulldogs must be at least 6 months old before they can be shown for championship points. Keep in mind that spayed females and males with obvious testicular abnormalities are not eligible to be shown for championship points. International shows provide the opportunity for truly exceptional dogs to earn the titles of World Champion and International Champion after they have successfully placed in local and national competitions.

    Considerations

    • Dog shows are known to be very competitive and breed standards very exacting. Not every bulldog that enters will go on to become a champion but the excitement of competing in dog shows and winning recognition for hard work is often reward enough in itself.