English Bulldog Beautiful Proper Breed
The English bulldog has been popular in England for many years. The
first mention of the English bulldog dates back to 1209 in a description
of a battle between the dogs of English butchers and a bull. Such
performances were spread all over England and the organizers would
compete with each other in order to offer the “audience” the cruelest
battle between English bulldogs and various animals like bulls, bears,
lions etc
Meanwhile, training an English bulldog was mainly based on
the idea of obtaining qualities that could offer him leadership in the
fighting arenas (also obtaining a dog with an outstanding courage and
tenacity). Many believe that the English Bulldogs were trained to bite
the bull by certain parts of the body, especially the nose which is very
painful for the “fearful creature”.
During the 18th and the 19th
centuries, this way of entertainment was considered a “national sport”
that had admirers from all social classes. In 1778, the Duke of
Devonshire promoted a law against “bull-baiting”. The law alone was not
enough at that time to stop the battles, and since there were many
admirers of the “sport” the organizers moved the “arena” underground.
The English Bulldogs were seen as “public enemies” and their number
decreased drastically until 1835 when a decree of the English Parliament
had ended the cruel battles.
In Birmingham, the English
Bulldogs began to revive, holding on to their strength and courage from
the past and eliminating the unwanted aggressive habits. Later on, the
breed was approached by several skilled admirers that managed to
eliminate the aggressive behaviors, transforming the English bulldogs
into famous participants of beauty exhibitions. Even though they endured
a radical transformation – from “bull-baiting arena dogs” to companion
pets – the English bulldogs managed to win the hearts of many families
in England.
Being extremely popular, the English bulldog was
converted into a national symbol (for England), also becoming the mascot
of the World Cup held in England in 1966.
The English bulldog
is one of the most lively, spontaneous, courageous, intelligent, gentle
and sensitive companion pet today. Faithful and obedient to his owner,
tolerant and caring with children and friendly with other pets (dogs,
cats etc.), the English bulldog (as many claim) is “the perfect pet”.
Keeping his natural “protector” instincts unaltered, the English bulldog
makes a perfect watch dog for his house and territory and, although he
is not a dog that would normally bark excessively he will do so if he
senses any danger threatening his family. The English bulldog can be
very bold and brave if a situation demands him to be, but he is also
known to act in an intelligent manner, regardless of what he is faced
with. The well known tenacity and courage of the English bulldog along
with his appearance that sends out a powerful impression of strength and
dynamism will be enough to warn intruders not to approach.
The
English bulldogs are usually easy to train, and since they pay very much
attention to the behavior they are approached with, they will only
respond well to friendly and kind voice tones. Other than three short
walks a day, the English bulldog will need nothing more than affection
from his family to make him a happy and obedient companion pet.