The term "bulldog" was first used around 1568. In the 1600's bulldogs were used for bullbaiting (as well as bearbaiting), a wagering sport. A head of great size provided the power required of the jaws to secure the iron grip on the bulls nose. The muzzle of the bulldog was shaped so that the bulldog could clamp on and still free to breathe in air. Wrinkles on the dogs muzzle channeled the bloodflow away from the dogs eyes and nose. An act of the English parliament outlawed bullbaiting in 1835 but it took a number of years after that for it to finally stop. Bulldog lovers started turning to dog shows for their pleasures.
Temperament and Characteristics
The bulldog is a stocky breed with a compact body and short sturdy legs. Bulldogs are renown for their short muzzles and the loose skin (wrinkles) on their faces. Bulldogs have a short coat and come in a number of different colours.
The temperament of the bulldog is docile. They are very affectionate and can be playful (in short doses!) if you want him to be! A brilliant breed to be around children and the elderly. Breeders have worked for years to get any aggression out of breed. Their special talent is life long companionship. A bulldog will not guard your house but will guard and defend their owner if they think he or she is being threatened. People who dont know the breed are often worried that the dogs temperament as it looks 'sour' this is about as far from the truth as you can get. Bulldogs dont generally bark much but you can certainally hear them coming by their snorts of pleasure and grunts and when they are sleeping....their snores!!
