A DAY FOR bulldogs | Fast facts

The American Kennel Club has recognized the bulldog breed since 1886. Information about the breed:

Origin: The British Isles, where it was used in bull-baiting, bear-baiting and dog fighting.

Name: The name “bull” is related to the dog’s former connection with bull-baiting.

Claim to fame: PresidentWarren G. Harding of Ohio owned a bulldog named “Oh Boy” and Calvin Coolidge had a bulldog, “Boston Beans.”

Profile: The bulldog is a medium-size dog about 55 pounds and stands 15 inches at the shoulder. The coat is short, smooth and glossy and colors are brindle, fawn, red and a piebald of one of the colors, or white.

Personality: The Bulldog Club of America Rescue Network, (www.rescuebulldogs.org) describes the bulldog “as perpetual children — they never grow up.” Bulldogs are described as intelligent, stubborn, loyal, strong, courageous and fairly reliable watchdogs.

Health: Bulldogs are prone to overheating and have some genetic defects. Breeding bulldogs is not for amateurs, as the majority of litters must by delivered by Caesarean section.

In film: The bulldog is featured in the Disney film “Lady and the Tramp.”

Organization: Bulldog Club of America has some 2,800 members. Visit the Web site at www.thebca.org.

Source: AKC and Bulldog Club of America