The Victorian Bulldog, also known as the Victorian English Bulldog, is a sweet and loving breed, unlike the aggressive and adverse temperament that the “bully breeds” are famous for. Its sturdy frame, delightful personality, and impressive legacy mean that it is no surprise that it reigns as one of the most popular terriers. If you are a dog owner (or owner-to-be) and are thinking about getting a bulldog, this information should be extremely helpful when making your choice of the perfect bulldog type for you. In today’s post, we’re discussing everything you need to know about this beautiful breed.
What is a Victorian Bulldog?
The Victorian Bulldog is a relatively new and unique breed that originally appeared in England during the reign of Queen Victoria. The breed was created by crossing the now extinct Old English Bulldog and the Old English Terrier to produce a new dog that was leaner, faster, and more agile. What they wanted to produce was a dog with the strong, muscular, beefy look of the classic bulldog — strong build, stocky and muscular — but with a friendlier, more even-tempered personality.
Unlike today’s English Bulldog, which tends to be a little stumpy, wrinkly and a little on the lazy side, the Victorian Bulldog was bred to be a little bit more active and athletic. The breed has a traditional bulldog appearance but is of lighter structure than the typical bulldog. With muscular jaws, a wide chest and that classic pushed-in face, it is a case of form and function.
Victorian Bulldog Temperament
On top of that is the Victorian Bulldog temperament. Victorian Bulldogs are unlike some other bulldog breeds that are usually more gruff and determined, they are friendly and loving and very social. It’s a perfect breed for families as it is gentle but protective. They have a docile personality and are wonderful pets for kids and adults.
Victorian Bulldogs are also intelligent and strive to please their owner. This makes them relatively simple to train when they are provided with positive reinforcement. While they can be a bit independent at times, their dedication to family is unshakable, making them great family dogs. Personality-wise they are not too in your face, nor too skittish and they usually get along well with other pets in the home.
The Victorians love human interaction Not just an eager to please breed, but their ET like face make them a friend to every stranger they meet. They can become very strongly bonded to their family members, and sometimes they can become too much so and start to demand their owner’s time and affection on the owner’s schedule. The friendly personality of this breed has led them to be dubbed as a “gentle giant” because although they are strong, they’re never too pushy.
Are Victorian Bulldogs Good Pets?
The short answer is: Yes! Victorian Bulldogs make nice family pets for a wide range of families. Whether you’re a novice pet parent or an old hand, this breed has lots to love. Here are three reasons why the Victorian Bulldog may be right for you:
Gentle Nature
As previously stated, the Victorian Bulldog is known for it’s very gentle disposition and being loving both to their owners and strangers. They do well with human interaction and love being one of the family. They’re so calm, and their demeanor make them wonderful for children, elderly or infirmed individuals, and other pets.
Low Exercise Requirements
Victorian Bulldogs are more active than some bulldog breeds, but just as with most dogs, they don’t need to be exercised to the point of exhaustion. They are happy with a daily walk or two and some yard play each day. This makes them suitable for slightly active people and apartment dwellers.
Affectionate and Loyal
Victoria Bulldogs are affectionate and loyal to a fault. They enjoy being with their owners and often like to be part of every aspect of family life. This fierce love for their family and friends might make them defensive, but they are not overly aggressive. Here to stick by you, no matter what.
Good with Other Pets
The Victorian Bulldog is generally good with other pets though some dog breeds are sometimes not good at cohabitating with other animals. And if they’re raised right from the beginning, it’s virtually certain. They tend to show less aggressive tendencies towards other dogs, cats, and prey.
Adaptability
The Victorian Bulldog does well in varied living conditions. Whether you have a house with a big backyard or an apartment, this breed can adapt to anything, as long as you feed and care for them regularly. Their personalities are flexible enough to accommodate all types of living situations.
Victorian Bulldog Lifespan
The normal lifespan of a Victorian Bulldog is between 10-15 years, so it is a decent lifespan for a large dog! With good care, a good diet and regular exercise, many Victorian Bulldogs can live well beyond their lifespan. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues, which can occasionally impact their life expectancy.
Common Health Issues
Hip Dysplasia: A genetic disorder of the hip joint that can cause arthritis or pain in joints as they age. It’s a worry for bulldogs, particularly as they get older.
Brachycephalic Syndrome: Bulldog’s short noses make them susceptible to brachycephalic obtrusive airway syndrome, which can lead to breathing issues (especially in hot weather).
Obesity: Because they are fond of food, Victorian easily gain weight that could lead to obesity when not provided enough of exercise and proper diet. Obesity can cause other issues like heart disease and pressure on joints.
Skin Infections: As many other bulldog types, Victorians Bulldogs can experience skin infections in their folds – an outcomes of the folds not being kept clean.
Feeding For the Brady Bulldog to have a long and healthy life, make sure to feed it a balanced diet, regular vet checkups, and regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Victorian Bulldog Vs English Bulldog
We are frequently asked, “what are the differences between a Victorian dogs and an English Bulldog.” Though they have the same roots, the two breeds are different in many things.
Physical Appearance
Victorian Bulldog: The markedly more athletic, tall and lean version of the breed. They have a longer face and tend to be more active than the English Bulldog. Their legs are longer, more narrow and they look a bit less cobby than their English relatives.
English Bulldog The English Bulldog is both shorter and stockier and compact than the American Bulldog. It has a wider face and deeper wrinkles. They are generally lazier, and not quite as energetic or agile as the Victorian Bulldog.
Temperament
Victorian Bulldog: Friendly, affectionate, eager to please. They are also livelier and more energetic than the English Bulldog.
English Bulldog: Typically calm and easy-going (just a tad more stubborn). They are also loving but may not be as energetic as the Victorian Bulldog.
Health
Victorian Bulldog: While they suffer from a few problems, such as the presence of hip dysplasia and brachycephalic syndrome, they are slightly healthier and can enjoy a longer life than the English Bulldog.
English Bulldog: Because of their stout bodies, English Bulldogs are prone to breathing difficulties, joint disorders, and skin infections.
Victorian Bulldog Puppies
As far as Victorian Bulldog puppies, they are absolutely charming and lively. These little puppies take on the temperament of the breed and they are so playful and fun to be around! Here are a few factors to consider if you want to bring a Victorian Bulldog puppy into your home.
Training and Socialization
As with all puppies, Victorian dogs puppies should be properly socialized and obedience trained from an early age. They should be exposed to new environments, new people and other animals to help them become socialized adult dogs. They respond well to kindness and consistency so positive reinforcement will help you in training them.
Feeding and Nutrition
Your Victorian Bulldog puppy needs the right nutrition to grow and develop. Select a high-quality puppy food that fulfills all of your puppy’s nutritional requirements. It is also important to track their weight, and that of bulldog puppies can become overweight if not given the right food.
Exercise Needs
Victorian Bulldog Puppies The Vic also has an energetic and playful spirit, and yet they need less exercise than you’d expect. Brief walks, time spent playing, and chances to explore are often sufficient. Don’t exercise them too much, especially while their growth is progressing, as this can cause joint or bone issues down the line.
Health Checkups
Make sure your Victorian Bulldog puppy has regular vet checkups, vaccinations and parasite control. Health assessments at a young age can aid in early detection of any problems so you can correct them as soon as possible.
Victorian Bulldog FAQs
To further assist you in your journey of learning about the Victorian Bulldog, here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding this charming breed.
What is a Victorian Bulldog?
The Victorian bulldog is an attempt to recreate the “Old English Bulldog” of the 17th to 18th century. Such breed is with bigger musculature, longer body, and more lively, friendly temperaments in comparison to the modern English Bulldog.
What is the difference between Victorian Bulldog and English Bulldog?
There are some points of comparison between the Victorian Bulldog and the English Bulldog; the main aspects are:
- Size and Build: Subscribe to the Crazy About Bulldogs Newsletter!Victorian Bulldogs are taller and more athletic, while English Bulldogs are shorter and stockier with a more compact, rounded look.
- Temperament: Victorian Bulldogs have a higher level of activity, friendliness and desire to please than the average English Bulldog.
- Health: The Victorian Bulldog is healthier and has less problems with breathing and joints than the English Bulldog.
What is the personality of the Victorian Bulldog?
The Victorian Bulldog is a friendly, loving, loyal breed. They are said to be gentle giants and like to be part of family life and get on well with children and other pets. They are also relatively easy to train and react very well to positive reinforcement. Not an overly energetic breed, Esther’s Gold do require a little exercise – but much less than the English Bulldog.
Are Victorian Bulldogs good with families?
Yes, the Victorian Bulldog is a great family pet. Their relaxed and friendly temperament, combined with a tolerance to children and animals, make them perfect for families. They are loyal, growing on their families daily and demanding human attention.
What is the lifespan of a Victorian Bulldog?
The short lifespan of the Victorian Bulldog is between 10 to 15 years. As with all breeds, hip dysplasia (a genetic predisposition), brachycephalic syndrome, which includes increased difficulty breathing and obesity can be seen. With proper care, exercise and a good diet, they can enjoy a long, happy life.
What do you feed a Victoriam Bulldog?
Diet As Remarkably enough, given their size, an adult Victorian dogs will generally eat about 2 ½ to 3 cups of food a day. Choose high-protein and healthy fat dog food. Portion control is key, as this is an easy breed to overfeed. Don’t overfeed them on treats, and ensure they always have access to fresh water.
Are Victorian Bulldogs high energy?
Victorians are more active than your typical English Bulldog, but they still do not need too much exercise. A few short walks a day, some playtime and a little time in the yard are usually enough. Over-working them, especially when they’re puppies, can put too much strain on their joints and bones.
Are Victorian Bulldogs Good With Other Dogs And Pets?
Yes, Victorian dosgs are typically good with other pets. They are generally good with other dogs, cats, and even small pets if they have been socialized since puppyhood. They are friendly and sociable so they can easily be introduced with other animals in the home.
How to Train a Victorian Bulldog?
Victorian Bulldog Training Training a Victorian Bulldog is quite easy if you are careful and consistent. Like with any trick, consistency and a ton of praise is the key to seeing results. You can train them easily by rewarding them with treats and praise when they obey commands. It is crucial to begin socializing and training your Victorian Bulldog puppy from an early age to help it grow up well-behaved.
Conclusion
The Victorian Bulldog is a courageous and confident breed with a gentle and benevolent nature. Whether it’s their strong build, loyal character, or friendly demeanor that warms your heart, it’s pretty clear why these furry friends have so many fans. With their solid build and friendly disposition, they can be wonderful pets for families, singles and anyone who wants a loyal dog.
Though the Victorian Bulldog does have some health issues to be wary of, with good care, he can lead a long and happy life that will enrich his a owners for many years with love and devotion. For those of you who want a playful as well as regal looking a dog, the Victorian dogs is tailor made for your home.
Are you prepared to invite a Victorian Bulldog into your home? Whether you are just thinking of getting a puppy or adopting an adult, you won’t have anything to regret with this breed.
