What Physical Qualities Should I Look for When Buying an English Bulldog Puppy?

According to the American Kennel Club, English bulldogs are among the most popular dog breeds in America. Descended from ancient Asiatic mastiffs and originally used in bull baiting, the bulldog is now better known for its relaxed temperament and placid nature, making it an ideal family dog. This popular breed has its share of health problems, so careful considerations should be made before purchasing an English bulldog.

  1. General Characteristics

    • The average size of a mature bulldog is about 50 pounds for males and 40 pounds for females. The dog should have a short neck that is also thick, and strong. Its back should be slightly arched at the shoulders, and its body should have full sides and well-rounded ribs. It should have a chest that is deep and full, with a belly that is solid but not rotund. Its tail should be short and low hung, with a thick base and thin tip. According to the Bulldog Club of America's standards, the general appearance of an English bulldog should "suggest stability, vigor and strength. The disposition should be equable and kind, resolute and courageous."

    Head

    • The eyes should be situated low in the skull, as far from the ears as possible, and should be round and dark. The small, then ears should be set high in the head. The forehead should be flat and the face should be extremely short with cheeks that are well rounded and protruding. The bulldog̵7;s nose should be large, broad and dark, with wide, well defined nostrils. The dog̵7;s lips should be broad and overhang each side of the lower jaw. The lips should almost cover the teeth, making them hardly noticeable when the dog̵7;s mouth is closed. Six small teeth should be spread apart in an even row between the front canines in the dog's mouth. The teeth should also be extremely strong.

    Body

    • The shoulders should be muscular and powerful. The dog should have well developed calves on its forelegs. In general, its legs should be short, stout and set wide apart, giving the dog a bow-legged appearance. The dog's feet should have small toes with high knuckles and short, stubby nails. The dog should have strong hind legs that are strong and longer than the dog's forelegs. The loins should elevate above the shoulders. The dog's hind feet should face outward.

    Coat

    • The dog̵7;s skin should be soft and loose, most noticeably at the head, neck and shoulders. There should be heavy wrinkles (loose folds of skin) covering the dog's entire face. Between the dog's jaw and chest, there should be dewlaps formed by the loose folds in its skin. Although bulldogs are traditionally thought of as beige dogs, the color of the coat varies from dog to dog. Popular coat colors include brindle, white, fawn, fallow and piebald. The coat should be bright and smooth; it should be one color and even.

    Health Concerns

    • Due to the way they have been bred, bulldogs can suffer from a number of ailments including gastric torsion, hip dysplasion, cherry eye, patellar lunation and stenotic nares. These associated health risks should be taken into consideration before you buy an English bulldog.