What is the origin of the name 'Bulldog'?

The 'bull' in Bulldog refers to the bull, and 'baiting' refers to biting. Bulldogs were originally developed as fighting dogs for attacking bulls, which is how they got their name.

What are the color variations of the Bulldog?

Colors include white, red, fawn (a golden shade of brown), fallow (a pale yellow), brindle (a marbled pattern resembling frost), and pied (a white base with one or two colors of patches).

What group does the Bulldog belong to?

According to the classification rules of the Japan Kennel Club (JKC) and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), Bulldogs belong to Group 2.

This group includes dogs that serve as guard dogs, police dogs, or work closely with humans in various capacities.

Typically, breeds in Group 2 are large, strong, and robust, often tasked with guarding duties.

They generally have a strong protective instinct and can exhibit a strong personality, but they also show deep affection and loyalty to their family and owners. Therefore, it is important for the owner to establish themselves as the leader; a strong bond of trust can make these dogs reliable and valuable partners.

What does the Bulldog look like?

The Bulldog's most distinctive features are its flat nose and folded ears, its face and body skin are loose and wrinkled, giving it a charming appearance. Although its body shows some skin looseness, it's not as much as on the face.

With its round and chunky body shape, and because of this looseness, it might look 'chubby' at first glance, but it's surprisingly muscular and solid when touched. However, Bulldogs have short legs, so obesity can strain their hips and legs. It might be hard to notice due to the loose skin, but it's crucial to manage their weight carefully.

Why does the Bulldog's face droop?

As mentioned in the basic information, Bulldogs were originally bred as fighting dogs. Breeding modifications were often made to fighting dogs to give them an advantage in battles. Bulldogs are no exception.

When biting a bull, dogs with long snouts like Borzois, called dolichocephalic breeds, would have their noses crushed making it hard to breathe and hold on. In contrast, brachycephalic breeds with short snouts, like Bulldogs, do not have their noses crushed, allowing them to bite for longer periods.

Thus, Bulldogs were bred to be able to latch onto a bull for extended periods, which led to the shortening of the nose and the increase of facial skin looseness.

Why is the sauce named 'Bulldog'?

When you hear 'Bulldog', some might think of Bulldog sauce. The reason the Bulldog was chosen for the sauce label in its country of origin, England, where the Bulldog was a popular household dog, was because the food wholesaler Sanzawaya, later Bulldog Sauce Co., wanted the sauce to be loved and familiar to many people, just like the Bulldog.

Is it true that Bulldogs have difficulty with natural birth?

Yes, it is true. When Bulldog mothers give birth, they often do so via cesarean section because over 90% of births are performed this way, requiring the cooperation of veterinarians and specialists. The reasons Bulldogs have difficulty with natural births are primarily due to their small pelvis and the narrow birth canal, making it very hard for the puppies to come out, and the puppies' heads are often too big for the birth canal, putting too much strain on the mother.

While it is extremely rare, some Bulldogs can give birth naturally. However, this can be very painful and taxing for the mother, potentially endangering both the mother and the puppies.

How much does it cost to buy a Bulldog?

A Bulldog can cost between 200,000 to 300,000 yen in pet shops, and buying from a breeder can cost around 500,000 yen. In some cases, Bulldogs can be priced between 1,000,000 to 2,000,000 yen. If considering a purchase, it is advisable to visit and see the puppy first.

Furthermore, about 5% of breeders in Japan are considered 'Serious Breeders', who have higher qualifications and charge more than general breeders.

What are the character and features of the Bulldog?

Despite their somewhat intimidating face, Bulldogs have a gentle temperament. They are kind to children and show a cuddly side to their owners. With their rich facial expressions, Bulldogs are considered emotionally expressive dogs.

While Bulldogs are loyal and affectionate towards their owners, they can sometimes be stubborn. They may refuse to eat food they don't like or become too tired to continue walking during walks. In such cases, while it might be necessary to indulge their preferences occasionally, consistent discipline during training is crucial to prevent future behavioral issues.

Training should start early in the puppy stage during the 'socialization period', which lasts from about three weeks to twelve weeks of age. This early training is essential for a harmonious future with your pet.