10 things to know before getting a Victorian Bulldog

What is it about the Victorian Bulldog that has everyone so enamored? Among the many qualities that allure these puppies are their cute appearance and sturdy build. The Victorian Bulldog dog is a replica of an extinct breed called the Olde Victorian Bulldog. In 1985, breeder Kenn Mollet began an effort to bring back this species that had been lost to history. It was a dog popular in the Edwardian era that he brought back from the dead. He purposefully interbred the English Bulldog with Bull Mastiffs, Bull Terriers, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers to create a dog with improved health. Dog lovers can now enjoy the benefits of owning a larger, healthier, more athletic, and more muscular version of the classic English Bulldog with this breed. It's a terrific dog for families of all ages due to its friendly demeanor and energetic nature. But, the Victorian Bulldog is more complicated than that. Perhaps you should read this list of things to consider before bringing one home.

They are very rare and are sometimes called the “Resurrection Breeding.”

The Victorian Bulldog was developed to mimic the look of the original Bulldogs from the 1800s. This, alas, makes them resemble bulldogs of a century ago rather than modern ones.

Your Victorian dog may have slightly elevated rear limbs and lighter thighs than an English Bulldog. Still, the breed's carefully cultivated symmetry is preserved despite this body type.

There are, sadly, only a few surviving Victorian Bulldog lines. The result is that authentic Victorian Bulldogs are hard to come by despite their popularity.

It was only in the last ten years that they were able to return to the breeding scene.

The Victorian Bulldog is a lively and happy dog.

As an all-around good dog, the Victorian Bulldog is full of life, joy, and grace. It's equally happy exploring new places as it is relaxing at home with a good spot.

These canines indeed give off an air of stoicism and gloom. However, they have a soft spot for being loving and caring. They are great playmates because of their carefree attitudes, sturdy frames, and tolerance of kids.

This dog is an affectionate breed.

Also, Victorian Bulldogs are very affectionate and appreciate it when their owners show the same. This suggests they have high needs for love and attention and probably shouldn't be left alone for extended periods. If you haven't seen how much they adore belly rubs and hugs, you're missing out.

True to their name, these canines are considered "people's dogs." They are trustworthy, lovable sweethearts who require constant interaction with people. The best way for your dog to spend the day is cuddled up on the couch with you.

Victorian Bulldogs rarely barks.

The quiet nature of Victorian Bulldogs is another perk; they rarely bark unless provoked. When they start barking, it's tough to quiet them down. The only other sounds you may hear are snores and slobbery kisses.

Victorian Bulldogs are excellent family dogs.

These canines are perfect for your family because of how great they are with children. Although its mild temperament makes it best suited for families with older children, it can adjust to life with younger children.

Many households will thrive with the addition of a Victorian Bulldog. It is devoted and requires little in the way of exercise or stimulation other than love. The breed is friendly to children of all ages and makes a great companion.

This breed tends to be good with children, but you should always keep an eye on their interactions with your dog.

These dogs have a somewhat lazy temperament.

Just because you're an apartment dweller doesn't mean you have to give up on this pet. Because of their innate laziness, Victorian Bulldogs may get by with less outside space than other breeds.

Victorian Bulldogs have very protective instincts.

Another reason to get a Victorian Bulldog is that they are a very protective breed. Victorian Bulldogs are well known for their loyalty towards their owners, which, when combined with their awareness of their surroundings, makes them excellent watchdogs.

While Victorian Bulldogs can be a little friendly with strangers on their first meeting, they will be very protective of their home and family if someone is lurking around the property ready to cause harm.

They are intelligent enough to easily differentiate between a friendly stranger and someone willing to cause harm. Victorian Bulldogs are more than capable of defending themselves against intruders.

Many owners report that once the Victorian Bulldog becomes a devoted member of their household, they are one of the best watchdog breeds available.

These dogs are relatively gentle with children and other animals.

In addition to being inherently friendly and patient, this dog welcomes children to crawl all over it. But they do have a limit, so it's important to instill in them an appreciation for limits.

These animals do well with children and other pets, and they are full family dogs because of their tolerance of other canine companions. Especially if they were properly socialized or if they grew up together as puppies, you shouldn't notice any issues between them.

While most dogs are friendly, those with high prey drives need correct leadership training or they may be fearful of others.

When properly socialized, it also gets along well with household pets. The Victorian Bulldog lacks the common Bulldog trait of animal aggression, therefore it is possible to live in harmony with other pets.

The Victorian Bulldog snores and drools.

The Victorian Bulldog drools a little bit, snores, and is a bit of a slob. On the contrary, they are devoted friends who delight in spending time with you. Also, this breed drools, so be prepared to clean up after it.

Victorian Bulldog thrives with a raw diet.

Victorian Bulldogs, like other Bull breeds, require their owners to insist that they only eat raw food but bear in mind to avoid giving it a diet consisting solely of meat, as the bones, intestines, and stomach components are too similar to those found in primates.

It's also important to keep in mind that Bull breeds mustn't eat too much protein because it can lead to health issues. Your dog can benefit from a varied diet that includes raw eggs, yogurt, semi-cooked vegetables, and fruits.

Raw feeding your Bulldog, however, needs you to have some knowledge of nutrition. Therefore, a consultation with a veterinarian is recommended for the inexperienced pet owner.

Alternatively, you can feed your dog wholesome commercial dry food. Distribute 3/4 to 1 1/2 cups of dry dog food twice daily. By removing plaque, dry dog food is beneficial for your dog's oral health.

Victorian Bulldogs are moderately active.

The activity levels of non-working Victorian Bulldogs are typically low to moderate. When they're at home, they'd much rather relax on the couch. If you want them to be content, healthy, and thriving, you must provide them with daily exercise.

You can comfortably raise this dog in an urban setting. In addition to daily light exercise, your dog needs off-leash playtime in a dog park once or twice weekly.

Staying active is great, but don't overdo it. Because of their short muzzles, these breeds easily overheat. To know when to take a break, you should watch for symptoms of overheating or overexertion.

Victorian Bulldogs are intelligent breeds, but they can be stubborn sometimes.

The activity levels of non-working Victorian Bulldogs are typically low to moderate. When they're at home, they'd much rather relax on the couch. If you want them to be content, healthy, and thriving, you must provide them with daily exercise.

You can comfortably raise this dog in an urban setting. Because it is more active than the English Bulldog, it does best in a home with a yard big enough to let the dog run around in.

In addition to daily light exercise, your dog needs off-leash playtime in a dog park once or twice weekly.

Staying active is great, but don't overdo it. Because of their short muzzles, these breeds easily overheat. To know when to take a break, you should watch for symptoms of overheating or overexertion.

This breed is generally low in maintenance.

Due to its typical shedding, this breed requires just minimal effort on your part when it comes to grooming. The short, smooth coats of Victorian Bulldogs only need to be brushed once or twice weekly at the most.

The wrinkled skin on a bulldog's face needs to be kept clean to prevent itching and infections. This is why it's important to bathe your puppy at least twice a week.

Daily wiping with a moist cloth inside the folds will keep your dog comfortable and skin problems at bay.

In addition to grooming the dog's coat, regular upkeep includes clipping the dog's nails. If your dog isn't wearing down its nails as quickly, monthly nail trimmings should be plenty.

The Bulldog is more attractive because of its droopy ears. Ear infections are common in animals with such ears because of the accumulation of moisture, dirt, and debris in the ear canal.

In addition, daily brushing with enzyme toothpaste can help keep teeth and gums healthy and free of disease. This aids in avoiding gum disease and tooth decay due to tartar formation.

The Victorian Bulldog is a relatively healthy breed.

The Victorian Bulldog has been selectively developed to be less prone to health problems than dogs descended from the English Bulldog. The original breeders of this breed were adamant that none of the regular Bulldog health problems be passed on to the puppies.

However, there are a few health issues that you should anticipate or at least be cognizant of. When a Bulldog becomes older, he or she may have vision difficulties, such as the Cherry Eye, which manifests as a red bulging in the outer corner of the eye. It is brought on by a prolapsing gland in the third eyelid, which has become enlarged due to the condition.

Problems with Insect bites and other sources of skin irritation are common causes of eczema, dermatitis, edema, and hot spots in these canines. Using a medicated shampoo every time you wash your hair is the greatest method to avoid skin problems.

In addition, consult your regular vet about trying dietary supplements. Overfeeding and a lack of activity make these dogs susceptible to gaining weight, which is a serious health risk. These dogs share the English Bulldog's stocky shape, making them more susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia. The prevalence of obesity is also a factor in this disease.

The English Bulldog and its Victorian counterpart are both brachycephalic, making them susceptible to overheating. As a result, it has difficulty maintaining an appropriate core temperature during exercise due to inadequate panting.

For this reason, it is important to have an air conditioner at home, not push them to exercise excessively and stay indoors while the temperature outside is high.

The Victorian Bulldog can look intimidating and scary to other people.

It may seem like a stretch to bring a Victorian Bulldog into your home if your main intention is to frighten guests. They appear ponderous and menacing. However, appearance isn't everything with this breed.

Having one as a pet in your home can be the best decision you ever make. So, it's important to be aware of its temperaments, weaknesses, and strengths.

The Victorian Bulldog is a beloved family pet despite its frightening appearance. It is sociable, yet it also makes a reliable security dog. Although similar to the English Bulldog in appearance and temperament, the Victorian Bulldog also has its distinctive characteristics.

It is not a recognized breed by the American Kennel Club.

The American Kennel Club has not recognized it as a pure breed, nor has any other major Kennel Club. The American Canine Association and the Dog Registry of America are the only two groups to officially recognize the Victorian Bulldog.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the Bullmastiff, the Bull Terrier, and the English Bulldog were crossed to create the Victorian Bulldog, a sub-type of the English Bulldog.

It was only bred for the first time a few centuries ago, making it a rare and unique breed of dog. Due to the many different breeds that were crossed to create it, it is not considered a designer breed.

This breed is a bit wary of strangers.

Given that dogs of this breed tend to be apprehensive of strangers, it will be important to train them to respond to a command or sign that signals they may feel safe around visitors.

Some individuals may be put off by a Victorian Bulldog because they believe the breed is hostile because of its appearance. In reality, however, the present English Bulldog ancestry of a Victorian dog gives it a docile and sociable demeanor.

The Victorian dog, with proper socialization, gets along well with people and adores your company and that of your family.

Victorian Bulldogs are not hypoallergenic.

People who are allergic to dogs or cats should not get a Victorian Bulldog because the breed is not hypoallergenic. They don't shed a lot, but it's still important to play it safe. For those who suffer from pet allergies, the Victorian Bulldog is not the best choice.

In summary, Victorian Bulldogs are great with family pets. If you have young children in the house, the Victorian Bulldog would prove to be a right fit, too. Similarly, these dogs are lazy and would not require too much yard space so if you live in an apartment, owning a Victorian Bulldog wouldn’t be a problem. Additionally, they are great companions, super loving and affectionate, and would do anything to protect their owners.

If rightly trained and socialized at an early age, the Victorian Bulldogs can easily get along with other dogs so if you have more than one dog at home, it would not cause any hurdles for you—especially if both dogs grew alongside each other. So, you will surely enjoy having one home!