The last few years have seen many of us welcome a new four-legged friend into our homes, as the Kennel Club has seen dog ownership soar to record levels.
But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your perfect pup. Those with active lifestyles might want to consider a larger dog, while somebody with allergies will be looking for a hypoallergenic dog.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt. One dog that often appears at the top of people’s canine wishlists is the Bulldog – they were the UK’s fourth most popular pet in 2020 (only bested by the Labrador Retriever, French Bulldog and Cocker Spaniel) and have a range of positive attributes that make them a great family pet.
Here are 10 fun and interesting facts about the breed.
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5. Not fit for purpose
Today's Bulldogs would no longer be able to carry out the role for which they were bred. Modern bulldogs are incapable of running for a long period of time, have too short a muzzle to maintain a grip, and lack the aggression they once had. They do, however, have all the attributes required to make a great family pet. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. Famous fans
Celebrities who are Bulldog owners include Adam Sandler, Ozzy Osbourne, Olivia Wilde, Pink, Brad Pitt, Verne Troyer, Michael Phelps, David Beckham and Gloria Estefan. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. Record-breaker
A Bulldog called Otto entered the Guiness Book of World Records in the unlikely catoegory of 'longest human tunnel travelled through by a skateboarding dog'. He skateboarded under the legs of 30 people in Peru in 2015. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. Motoring pioneers
A Bulldog called Bud, complete with driving goggles, was a passenger on what is thought to be America's first ever road trip . He accompanied Dr Horatio Nelson and Sewall K. Crocker in 1903, when cars were rare, to explore the barely 150 miles of paved roads there were at the time. Photo: Canva/Getty Images