Crazy bulldog

maintaining eye contact is related to "dominance"

she might be trying to tell you that she is the alpha dog, or depending on the type of bark, may be telling you that you are the "boss"

gino is right. holding eye contact is challenging the dog. it is now, that you or the the dog submits. this should not be looked at as (funny) the dog is trying to find out who's the leader of the pack, watch her ears, if they lay back on her head then she is submitting to you, if they stand up she has not submitted, it has not been determined who's the boss, or she thinks she is.

I have no idea why, and i have two English bulldogs, we love them!!!

She isn't crazy, she is a dominant dog.  This is not a bad thing, it only means you will have to work hard to train her, and keep up on training forever.  She will always want to be top dog, but you must show her that you are the alpha dog.  If she tries to take over, distract her and give her a signal (I use a low growl with my Rottie) that this is not acceptable.  Keep her busy, and make sure she gets enough exercise.  She may never roll over and let you scratch her belly, like a submissive dog would, but she will be a lot of fun and a great companion with lots of love and training, training, training.