Bulldogs snort, snuffle, wheeze, grunt, and snore like crazy but you can’t help but love them! Besides all that, what do you not know about these beautiful doggies?
Like where does their name come from? And how popular are they really? Read on for the answers to these questions and more!
1. Most Bulldogs Can’t Swim
Though it might be tempting to take your bulldog to the pool or lake during the hot summer months, this is something you should almost certainly avoid. Most types of bulldogs are unable to swim due to their short builds and heavy heads. This includes the English and French bulldog varieties.
Some American Bulldogs are able to swim, but should still always watch them while they are in the water. You’ll also want to make sure that your pup always wears a dog life jacket while they’re in or near any body of water.
2. Their Name Has Barbaric Origins
The dogs we know today as Bulldogs can be traced back to a 5th-century English breed known as the Alaunt. For hundreds of years, they mainly served in the legitimate but dangerous role of helping to corral wayward horses and cattle on farmland.
By the 15th century, they had also come to be used in a barbaric sport known as bull-baiting, in which they would attempt to bring a tethered bull to its knees by pulling on the bull’s nose. The practice was banned in 1835 but the name stuck.
3. Celebs Love Them Too!
Bulldogs are one of the most popular dog breeds in America year after year, so it’s no surprise that celebrities love them as well! Here’s just a small listing of known celebrity bulldog owners: Hugh Jackman, Leonardo DiCaprio, Martha Stewart, Zac Efron, Ashley Olsen, and David Beckham.
And they’re even popular on television. The characters Jay and Gloria on the hit ABC show Modern Family have an adorable French Bulldog by the name of Stella.
This cute four-legged character was originally played by a dog named Brigitte, who was then replaced by her understudy Beatrice in July 2012. She most recently appeared in episode 5 of season 7. Take a look at a scene from the show in this video from ABC below!
4. They’re Stubborn (If You Let Them Be)
Bulldogs of all types are perfectly happy to laze around the house, but then they want to run the show on walks if you let them. Stubbornness is a common trait with this breed, so be sure to let them know you’re in charge or taking them for walks will have you pulled every which way!
5. Natural Birth Just Doesn’t Work
French and English Bulldogs have such big, broad heads that delivery by natural birth is extremely difficult. Their large heads can cause the puppies to become stuck in the birth canal meaning near certain death for them.
Because of this, about 80% of Bulldogs are delivered by caesarean section because traditional birth is obviously much too dangerous. The process generally takes just a couple of hours when completed by a qualified animal professional, but can cost a staggering $2000 or more on average.
6. Sports Teams Love ‘Em!
They’re so beloved by people, it’s no shock that Bulldogs would find themselves as one of the most popular mascots among American sports teams. You’ll find Bulldogs throughout the ranks of athletics at all levels, from elementary all the way up to college.
In fact, “Bulldogs” are the most popular mascot in the entire NCAA Division 1, the premiere collegiate sports organization in the United States. 15 schools use the mascot, with high profile teams like the University of Georgia, Gonzaga, Mississippi State, and Yale among them.
Rounding out the list of schools using the name is Alabama A&M, Bryant, Butler, Fresno State, The Citadel, Drake, Gardner-Webb, Louisiana Tech, UNC-Asheville, Samford, and South Carolina State.
Well, I hope you learned some new things about this wonderful breed! Keep on enjoying your large-headed adorable buddy!
