English bulldogs are very unique.The English bulldog's unique physical features have made it a popular dog in the US and around the world.The English bulldog is known for their round bodies, large faces, and rolls of skin.To differentiate it from other bulldogs, you need to know a few key physical and social features.
Step 1: Examine the bulldogs.
Many of the bulldog breeds have the same heritage and share similar physical characteristics.Buying a breed guide at a local pet store can help you identify different types of bulldogs.The English bulldog is confused with other short, squat forms of bulldog such as the Victorian Bulldog, the Dorset Olde Tyme bulldog, and the Aussie bulldog.Look at the body shapes.Dogs have long noses and faces.These types of bulldogs, such as the American Bulldog and the Banter Bulldog, look more like pit bull type dogs than they do a short, round English Bulldog.French bulldogs are smaller and have pointed ears.
Step 2: Look at photographs.
There are pictures of different types of bulldogs at your local pet store.Seeing representations of different types of bulldogs can help you learn what to look for in an English bulldog.Take pictures of similar bulldogs side-by-side and look for differences.To give you an idea, look at body shape, facial features, ears, and tail.
Step 3: Differentiate between English dogs.
There are two types of English bulldogs that look the same, but they have different features.The Olde English Bulldog is larger, taller, and more muscular than its modern cousin.Olde English bulldogs are still actively bred and raised today.It is possible to find English and Olde English bulldogs at a rescue or a breeder.Olde English Dogs have been cross-bred with bull mastiffs, pit bulls, and American bulldogs to help keep them healthier and avoid some of the problems common amongst regular English dogs.
Step 4: Look at your head.
The English bulldog has many of their defining characteristics in their face.Take a look at the skull shape, forehead, nose, ears, and jawline.English bulldog skulls are large and round, with broad foreheads and a short, straight line running from the top of the head to the nose.Their faces are usually flat and their foreheads are not usually round.English bulldogs have short, pointed, floppy ears that fall to the side of their head.English bulldogs have turned up jaw despite their short muzzle.This can lead to an underbite.
Step 5: The body shape should be looked at.
An English bulldog should have a broad, round body with wide shoulders and a full chest that makes its front legs appear shorter than the back.The back should follow a curve with the head and hindquarters higher than the middle of the back, and the belly should be tucked up rather than rounded.English bulldogs are closer to the ground than other breeds.They should be muscular and stout, but not necessarily lean.
Step 6: It's good to feel the coat.
An English bulldog has a short, flat coat with little to no feathering or curling.English bulldogs generally have white and brown marks across their body, but can have many different colors.The loose skin around the head, neck, and shoulders is a good indicator of an English bulldog, as other bulldogs do not have such rolls.English bulldog coats are usually white with large brown spots or patches across the body.
Step 7: The tail has to be checked.
English bulldogs don't have long tails.They have tails that follow the curve of the spine down to their hindquarters.There is a chance that the tails may be straight or have an upturn at the end.English bulldog tails have a screw, but rarely do they curl.A curled tail is an indicator of cross-breeding.
Step 8: Watch the levels of energy.
English bulldogs tend to be enthusiastic as puppies, but as they mature they will slow down.English bulldogs have spurts of energy a couple times a day, but they don't stay as energetic throughout the day.English bulldogs have unique physical features that make exercise difficult.Snoring and panting are signs of exhaustion.
Step 9: Look for calm demeanors.
English bulldogs are often cited as being good with children and other dogs.If a bulldog is gentle, affectionate, and moderated like an English bulldog, watch it.The English bulldog is more attention focused than other bulldogs.They will seek attention from people instead of waiting for someone to come to them.
Step 10: Predict bravery.
English bulldogs retain their bravery for which they were originally bred.They will often seek out the role of watchdog and try to protect their family from new threats.English bulldogs can be protective of small children.They protect children from angry parents.
Step 11: A vet check is needed for medical problems.
The flat face and round body of English bulldogs make them more susceptible to medical conditions than any other breed.If you want to have a bulldog checked for medical issues such as arthritis, you need a vet to do it.Hypothyroidism, heart disease, allergies that lead to itchy skin, and eye problems are some of the common medical problems seen by English bulldogs.