Origins

The English Bulldog is a breed of domesticated dog originating in England. It is a medium-sized breed with a muscular, heavy body, and a distinctive pushed-in nose. The English Bulldog was originally bred as a fighting dog, and was once known as the “Bullenbeisser” or “Bull-baiter”. Sometime between the 13th and 16th centuries, evidence shows a type of mastiff used to bait bulls. This early version of the Bulldog had longer legs and less of the distinctive pushed-in nose that we associate with modern Bulldogs. The dogs were also much more aggressive than their modern counterparts, being specifically bred for bloodsports. In 1835, bull-baiting was outlawed in England, leading to the decline of this activity. This led to a decrease in demand for these dogs, with many being abandoned or euthanized. However, some people recognized the potential these dogs had for becoming loyal companions and began selectively breeding them to be less aggressive and more docile. These selective breeding efforts resulted in the development of the modern English Bulldog we know today. Today’s English Bulldogs are still highly sought after due to their friendly personalities and loyalty towards their owners. They are considered one of the most popular breeds in both Europe and North America, ranking consistently amongst top 10 most popular breeds according to surveys conducted by various kennel clubs around the world.

Key Characteristics of English Bulldog

Other considerations:

• Owners who are obsessive about cleanliness may not appreciate how often the English Bulldog drools.
• English Bulldogs are famous for their impressive displays of flatulence.
• It’s important to monitor your English Bulldogs weight, as they are prone to overeating.