The term “bulldog” was first used around 1568 and could have been applied to various ancestors of modern bulldog breeds. The ancestors of the Bulldog were the ancient breed called Bullenbeissers. These were mastiff-like dogs that were used to protect and attack wild animals in Greece, Egypt, and Rome. These dogs came in various sizes and were used by Teutonic and Celtic tribes. In England, originally large Bullenbeissers were bred smaller around the 13th century to begin a career as bullbaiters.

Over the years this breed was honed into the ideal bull bait, incredibly tenacious and impervious to pain. Also, the bulldog’s weight is mostly on its head, so when the bull hits the dog, it’s less likely to break its back. In 1875 The Bulldog Club was formed in England and members of the club met regularly at the Blue Post Pub on Oxford Street, London. They wrote the first standards of perfection in the breed. Fortunately, bullfighting and dogs were banned in England in 1935, so from then on breeders began selective breeding to remove some of the breed’s aggressive nature and produce dogs that would make more good-natured pets.

Bulldogs are still often determined, stubborn and difficult to train, but they are intelligent, devoted and fun to be around. A firm handler is required to train Bulldogs, but as they are very sensitive to voice, they will not react well to being yelled at and yelled at. In fact, he is more likely to go and curl up in a comfortable spot and ignore the owner completely.

The compact and stocky body of the bulldog results in a particularly unique and recognizable gait. They are also well known for their short snouts and loose skin on their faces that create the characteristic frown. They come in a variety of colors and have short, smooth fur; a typical weight for an adult male is around 25 kilos. The Bulldog has an unmatched temperament and is an excellent family dog ​​that will get along well with children and other pets. The breed is too friendly to be a good watchdog, but can defend a family member in need.

As with most purebred dogs, the Bulldog is prone to some health problems. Some have trouble breathing due to the shape of their lower jaw and short snout, which usually causes them to snore. They can get cysts between their toes, which cause discomfort and can be treated by a vet, and hip problems sometimes occur in older bulldogs. It is important to clean a Bulldog’s facial fold daily to prevent infection due to moisture build-up and regular brushing with a soft human toothbrush is recommended.

As with all dogs, bulldogs need regular exercise to keep their weight down and reduce the chances of health problems related to their lungs and heart. The breed is also very sensitive to heat and great care should be taken with them during hot spells, ensuring shade and water are always available.
Due to their famous strength and tenacity, Bulldogs have been adopted as mascots for many sports teams and colleges. They have also appeared in many TV shows, cartoons, and movies. Some examples of famous Bulldog characters are:

• Spike the Bulldog and Butch the Bulldog are cartoon characters from the Warner Bros. Looney Tunes Merry Melodies series and Disney cartoons. Spike is also the name of Tom’s nemesis in Tom and Jerry. In this series, Spike used to be accompanied by a puppy, his son Tyke.
• Butch is Droopy Dog’s nemesis in the Droopy Dog theatrical cartoons.
• Uga V was a mascot of the University of Georgia and the first living college mascot to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine (April 28, 1997) and was named Sports Illustrated magazine’s College Mascot of the Year. Uga V also landed a co-starring role in the film Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil directed by Clint Eastwood. Uga V also gained media notoriety when during a football game on November 16, 1996, he lunged at an Auburn University receiver in an apparent attempt to bite the opposing player and bring him down. Uga V, from March 6, 1990 to November 22, 1999, was buried in Sanford Stadium with the epitaph “Defender of his territory”.
• Handsome Dan, a bulldog, is Yale University’s athletics mascot.
• Winston, who Davey Boy Smith used to bring to the ring during part of his bachelor career in the World Wrestling Federation.
• Meatball and Matzohball, They Own Bulldogs by Adam Sandler
• “Mr. Beefy” from the movie ‘Little Nicky’
• The film Van Wilder features a well-endowed bulldog