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Bulldog history
From AKC.org: One of the most distinctive-looking dog breeds, the Bulldog is also famous for its stubborn mannerisms and wrinkly appearance. But representatives of this historic breed are more than just good-looking dogs. The ups and downs of their unique history attest to their enduring popularity.
The Bulldog reportedly received its bullish moniker from the breed’s use in the medieval sport of bullbaiting. A bull (or bear, lending the custom the name “bearbaiting”) would be tied or chained to a stake and would have to fight a dog: presumably a Bulldog.
In the 1938 Blue Book of Bulldogs, William Lawlor wrote that the Bulldog can be traced to 1210, the year of the first official bullbaiting in England. He added that the Bulldog “is generally believed to have come down from the same common stock” developed for that sport. That meant these dogs had to be tough enough to face down a mighty bovine.
However, as the centuries progressed, the sport came under fire. Bullbaiting was banned in 1835. Annette Nobles, president of Division VIII of the Bulldog Club of America says, “The end of the blood sport of bullbaiting left the Bulldog breed with no job or purpose.”
Nobles notes that at that time, the breed was “considered to be savage.” Its owners also came from the lower classes. However, she adds, “The introduction of formal dog shows in 1859 saved the breed from extinction.” The breed as we know it today evolved from the last survivors prior to that time. Visit this page to read more.
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