The Continental Bulldog was designed by David Leavitt, who tried to re-create an English Bulldog. These two breeds are very similar, Continental Bulldogs presenting, however, longer legs and a longer nose.
Origins
This breed has evolved from the English Bulldog, and was developed in order for these new dogs to have the ability of giving birth without requiring a C-section, like their "cousins" do.
Main physical features
Continental Bulldogs are characterized by a medium size, a large head and a mandibular prognathism. Their colors can vary from white to black, often in waves or irregular stripes. Their coat is flat, sleek, and short. Next to their mouths, they usually present thick folds of skin. The typical weight of a mature male reaches 45-55 pounds, while an adult female weighs 45 pounds.
Temperament Considerations You Should Know About
Despite their ferocious appearance, caused especially by their teeth, which sometimes can be seen even when the mouth is shut, these dogs are quite friendly and docile. They are also popular for not requiring a lot of exercise, but just like any other dog breed, they still have to be walked daily. Because of this, they are well-suited for living in apartments and urban environments. The regular personality of this dog breed is equally kind and courageous, not aggressive. A Continental Bulldog gets along very well with other animals and children - plus it will never get out of their owners yard without having a human companion by its side.
Training
It is very difficult to train such dog to chase a ball around the yard, because it prefers to sleep on someone's lap than running or exercising. So this should be the main focus of a trainer: to make a dog like this love exercises, because they will help it maintain its health at a high level.
Health Issues
Speaking of exercises, if a dog like this does not exercise every day (this means that it should be at least walked, if not trained to chase balls), it is very likely to suffer from cardiac-related problems. In fact, the leading cause of death in this breed is represented by all sorts of heart conditions. The next most encountered causes of death of Continental Bulldogs are cancer and old age.
Life Expectancy - A Never-Ending Debate
Regarding the life expectancy of this dog breed, there are various opinions; bulldog breed clubs say that the average lifespan of this breed is around 12 years, although UK surveys speak about 6.5 years. Meanwhile, other reports show that Bulldogs that have died of natural causes, or better said, of old age, had the lifespan of 11 years. So the truth must be probably somewhere in the middle.
Conclusion
Those who desire not just a dog, but a symbol of how a pet should be, meaning loyal, friendly and very protective with its family, should choose a Continental Bulldog, because this dog breed gathers all these qualities, and much more.
