What Is the Origin of the English Bulldog?

The English bulldog is a gentle, loyal companion. Bulldogs generally get along well with other pets and do well in households where there are children. This breed of dog does best as an indoor dog with limited exercise. Exercise for the bulldog is difficult because they overheat so easily. Although they are cuddly and enjoy loads of human interaction, bulldogs can make horrible roommates because they snore extremely loud and drool excessively while sleeping. Despite their frowning expression, bulldogs are docile and easily pleased.

  1. Bullfighting

    • The English bulldog was bred with the intention of bullfighting in the 13th century. The dog's bullfighting origin is how it got its name. The breed's characteristic wide lower jaws were used by the dog to grab on to the bull's nose, and the upturned nose of the bulldog allowed it to breathe while remaining clamped on to the bull.

    Preserving the Breed

    • In 1835, the sport of dog fighting became illegal in England. Some believe the bulldog had outlived its usefulness, but there were bulldog lovers who were committed to preserving breed. Because the bulldog was no longer used in bullfighting, ferocity was no longer a desired attribute. Breeders worked to retain the dog's other qualities and through selective breeding, they eliminated the undesirable aggressive characteristics and preserved the more refined qualities of the breed.

    British Isles

    • The first bulldogs were bred in the British Isles and used for bull baiting. The British Isles are a collection of islands just off the coast of continental Europe. It is believed the breed was originally a favorite of dog owners in Great Britain and Ireland.

    Temperament Modification

    • Because the bulldog was originally used for bull baiting and fighting, the breed needed to be aggressive and violent in order to survive. As time progressed and the necessity for aggressiveness decreased, the breed became more docile and friendly. Today, bulldogs are virtually nonviolent unless trained to be and make wonderful pets for families with children because they are loyal and patient.