The term English bulldog might turn people off from buying this animal but in actual fact these
dogs are not as bad as their name would suggest. 
This dog breed first originated from the ancient Asiatic mastiff, but the development of the dog took place entirely in Great Britain. The English Bulldogs of today are really quite different in temperament then their ancestors. This dog was named bulldog because of its robust look and also because people said that at time these dogs resembled small bulls. In addition to looking like a bull at times these animals were once used to attack bulls in arena combat until the nineteenth century when this practice was outlawed.
People often wonder if English bulldog would make good house pets and if they are suitable to for children to be around. There has been much discussion about this among dog researchers. In the past it was recommended that bulldogs not be considered household dogs and due to the fierce nature they should not be around children. However, the dogs of this breed that we see today have a quite different temperament than those of the past. It has even been found that today these dogs can be quite affectionate and loving towards adults and children alike. While their appearance is intimidating, they have been called one of the gentlest dogs you can find. They have a natural dominating nature that makes them good guard dogs. They can become fierce when provoked, but this all depends on the environment in which they live.
If you are interested in getting an English bulldog then you should be aware that these dogs do suffer from some
health problems when they get older. The most common health problem is with their breathing. Some bulldogs have breathing problems due to the fact they have small nostrils and windpipes as well. This breed of dog is susceptible to heat stroke and should not be left outside in the sun for extended periods of time nor should they be left in a hot room for too long. They have what is called a very active digestive system and not suitable for people with sensitive noses. 
Due to the fact they are short dogs and they are fairly robust, it has been found that these animals are likely to suffer from knee and hip problems that make it harder for them to get around as they get older. English bulldogs are susceptible to skin problems and constant cleaning of their
skin is required.
These animals do not grow to be very big in height but they can be quite heavy for their size. They can grow to be about thirty centimeters in height, and they can reach a weight of fifty pounds. The weight and height of these dogs differs between male and female dogs, the males reaching higher weight. These animals do not like exercise but they should have a regular form of exercise. The English bulldog can be quite fast for short periods of time but they have a tendency to tire easily.
