Here's why breeders have favoured short tails in Bulldogs:
* Aesthetics: The short, curled tail is part of the breed standard for the Bulldog. It's considered to be a part of their "unique" and "cute" appearance.
* Functional (Historically): Some argue that the shorter tail could have helped with maneuverability in tight spaces during bull-baiting (a historical practice where dogs were used to bait bulls), although this is speculation.
* Health Concerns: The short tail in Bulldogs isn't directly linked to any health problems, but their overall conformation (body structure) can lead to various health issues due to the extensive breeding for specific traits.
It's important to remember that selective breeding for specific traits can have unintended consequences for the health and well-being of animals. This is true for Bulldogs, who are prone to a variety of health issues due to their unique features.