Bulldog Breed History

The Bulldog, to the best of our knowledge, had its origin in the British Isles. The name "bull" was applied because of the dog's use in the sport of bull baiting, which was extremely cruel. The original Bulldog had to be very ferocious and so savage and courageous as to be almost insensitive to pain.

In 1835 dog fighting as a sport became illegal in England. Therefore, the English Bulldog had outlived his usefulness and his days were numbered. However, there were dog lovers who felt deep disappointment at the passing of the bred, and they set themselves the task of preserving it. They proceeded to eliminate the undesirable fierce characteristics and to preserve and accentuate the finer qualities. Within a few generations, the English Bulldog became one of the finest physical specimens, minus its original viciousness.

We may be justly proud of the Bulldog we know today, and we must express our gratitude to our British cousins, who realized the value of the English Bull sufficiently to preserve him for posterity.

Did You Know?

• The Bulldog originated in the British Isles.
  
  
• The name "bull" appears in "Bulldog" due to the breed's connection with bullbaiting.
  
  
• The first Bulldogs were bred for ferocity only and eventually began a line of fighters, developing keen savagery and courage so as to be rendered veritably insensitive to pain.
  
  
• In 1835, when dogfighting as a sport became illegal in England, the English Bulldog had seemingly outlived its usefulness; however, fanciers set themselves to preserving it and eventually set themselves on eliminating the undesirable savagery.
  
  
• The Bulldog is featured in the Disney film "Lady and the Tramp."
  
  
• Despite their small size, Bulldogs can weigh up to 50 lbs.
  
  
• Warren Harding owned a Bulldog named "Oh Boy."
  
  
• Calvin Coolidge owned a Bulldog named "Boston Beans."