Since the 1800's the English Bulldog has been extremely popular since, despite their stubborn nature, they are actually a very docile breed. At one time the breed was encouraged to display their ferocious and courageous traits, but now they are a member of the non-sporting group and make an excellent devoted family pet. The earliest reference to an English Bulldog was found in literature from 1609.

As of the year 2007 the English Bulldog made it on the list of the top ten dog breeds. The English Bulldog was originally bred for the purpose of helping butchers control unruly oxen, as a guard dog and as a hunting companion. The name of the breed actually comes from when they were used to fight the bull in a sport called baiting which was outlawed in 1835. In the year 1976, the English Bulldog was finally accepted as a member of the American Kennel Club. There is much to consider when it comes to this complex dog breed.

The English Bulldog will do fine in apartments as long as you take them outside for the occasional walk or trip to the park. The breed isn't too keen on exercise because of their low energy so they don't require a whole lot of exercise. The favorite activity of the English Bulldog is to lounge around the house the majority of the time. The English Bulldog enjoys the company of family so they are an excellent pet for anyone who has a child in the household.

You will be alerted to strangers nearby by the English Bulldog barking and growling. They often do not attack since their imposing figure is enough to scare off most threats. They typically have an average weight between fifty to sixty pounds when full-grown and can stand between twelve to sixteen inches at the shoulder. They are a medium sized dog with a stocky build and broad chest. Their tail is often curled and they always have a bowlegged appearance. The coat colors can range from liver, tan, black, white and a combination of colors.

The English Bulldog doesn't do so well when it comes to obedience training. They don't follow instructions easily and are a rather stubborn breed. This lack of response when training doesn't mean they aren't smart, rather it just means they prefer to think things all the way through before they act which actually makes them very smart.

However, the popularity of the breed has sadly led to some disreputable breeds that don't focus on the dog's temperament. As a result the breed has seen an increase in aggression. This is why it is important that you buy your English Bulldog from a reputable breeder only and properly socialize them as a puppy. Your English Bulldog can live to be about eight to ten years with proper care and training. A health concern that you need to be aware of with the English Bulldog is heat illness which occurs if they are exposed to excessive environment temperatures and don't have a way to quickly dissipate the heat.