Meet Henry, an English Bulldog. I was incredibly excited to bump into Henry in Borough Market today, and I literally bumped into him when he suddenly appeared in my path, his solid bulky body and short muzzle impossible to ignore. The bulldog, an iconic English breed, is no longer a common sight on London streets, but when you see one, you don't forget it quickly! In fact, the proverbial Englishman, John Bull, the "honest plain-dealing fellow, choleric, bold, and of a very inconstant temper", is often depicted with a bulldog, signifying the British spirit.
Henry, who appropriately bears the name of several English kings, has a fabulous personality. Not only is he friendly and loves attention, but he shows that slightly stubborn determined streak, so essential in the bulldog's character. He ran around me a couple of times, his mischievous eyes shining, and refused to pose for photos, trying to stick his muzzle right into the camera lens, and running away playfully when his owner tried get him to stand still. As a result, the photo isn't the best quality but Henry's personality definitely shines through!
At only 11 months, he is a big boy, sturdy and solid, and moving him out of the way was nearly impossible, especially when he decided to dig his heels in and enjoy a raw potato found on the floor. Henry goes to his owner's office every day, spending the day in his basket under the desk, running around the office and, of course, visiting Borough Market. In fact, the visits and resulting hunting expeditions, with Henry nibbling on the odd veg found on the floor, are one of Henry's favourite things, along with sitting on the sofa and watching telly with his owner in the evening.
It was a real pleasure to meet Henry, and I was delighted to meet such a beautiful example of the breed. The bulldog, a very old English breed, was originally bred to fight bulls in the pits of medieval and Tudor England. Bull-baiting, a cruel pastime, was finally banned in 1832, but the breed remained. Sturdy and incredibly strong, with a prominent jaw and mournful looking eyes, the bulldog is a dog whose beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder. The breed has a very strong following, as bulldogs are docile, friendly and immensely loyal, and make great pets. They do have a willful and stubborn side to them so they need a consistent and patient owner.
To find out more about bulldogs visit Bulldog Breed Council
To see another bull-y sort of dog please visit a bulldog and mastiff cross called Biffer
