1. The English Bulldog is the fifth most popular dog breed in America
Every year, the American Kennel Club releases a list of the most popular dogs in America. Currently, the English Bulldog is way up there.
In 2013 it was the fifth most popular breed in the country, behind only Labs, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers and Beagles.
The Bulldog tops the list of most popular breeds in New York and Los Angeles.
2. The English Bulldog is one of the most popular school mascots
English Bulldogs are one of the most frequently seen school mascots in America, and easily the most popular dog breed used as a mascot.
Nearly 40 universities around the country name their sports teams after the breed, and that’s not including the countless smaller colleges, high schools and middle schools also cheering, “Go, Bulldogs!”
3. English Bulldogs are talented skateboarders
Despite their bull-baiting origins, today’s English Bulldogs aren’t considered the most athletic or active breed. But they do seem to have a secret talent.
Several Bulldogs have gained notice for their skateboarding abilities. The big names in Bulldog skating are Tillman, Tyson, Bazooka, Chief and Vegas, but there are even more. Search for “skateboarding Bulldog” on YouTube and clear your afternoon schedule.
4. The English Bulldog serves as corporate mascot for Mack Trucks
The ubiquitous Mack Trucks truck-manufacturing company also boasts the English Bulldog as its mascot. The company adopted the dog as its corporate symbol in 1922. Ten years later, the company’s chief engineer designed the famous hood ornament that has adorned every Mack Truck manufactured since.
5. The breed changed drastically after bull baiting was banned
To bait bulls, Bulldogs had to be tall, athletic and ferocious. But England banned bull baiting in the 19th century, and since then the breed has changed.
No longer needed for their original purpose, Bulldogs became companion animals, and were bred to be much smaller and friendlier. The English Bulldogs we know today are much different than their forefathers.
6. English Bulldogs are commonly delivered via c-section
Dog breeds look very different, even though all dogs are technically the same exact species. Selective breeding causes these physical differences, which sometimes causes complications.
In the case of the English Bulldog, years of breeding have made their heads so large that they usually can’t be born naturally. Eighty percent of bulldogs have to be delivered by Caesarean section.
